4-29-16 / 8-8-15 and other visits

Lodi is a friendly city of 3,000 nestled in a valley about 1/2 hour north of Madison.  The name Lodi itself means “Peaceful Valley” so the name is apt.  Lodi is also a Tree City as of 2013. What an honor!  The Lodi Valley began to be settled as early as 1844, almost 100 years later incorporated as a city.  It was named after Lodi, Italy.  Susie the Duck is what really put Lodi on the map. Read the history of Susie here on this sign that used to be posted downtown by Spring Creek in 2006, for some reason it’s no longer there.

This is the famous masonry basket.  On an October 2010 visit saw a couple of Susie’s kin in the basket.

The rubber ducks you see floating down Spring Creek only happen on Susie the Duck Day, every 3rd Saturday in August. I have been to several of these festivals and had a really great time.  Spring Creek flows through the center of downtown, emptying out into the Wisconsin River.  Back in the early days of Lodi, Spring Creek once powered a flour mill, now beautiful Veterans Memorial Park.  The scene near the bridge has changed a little, this tree on the right is no longer there.

The duck drop is done from this bridge. This is Emmy Fink, host of the program Discover Wisconsin.   They came to Lodi to cover Susie the Duck Day in 2013 and other fun attractions in the Lodi area. See the episode here.

Lodi has many historic homes going back to the city’s early history. This is the Daniel and Nellie Burns home on Mill Street.

 This MAY be the former home of Dr. Chval, but still need to confirm.

 There is a stone fountain dedicated to him in Goeres Park.

Overlooking the park is the beautiful Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish.  I was near the church when the chimes sounded at noon. I managed to record the music.

A little further down the street is the Lodi Curling Club. Read about the club’s history here. Also the Fairgrounds, complete with a historic one-room school house..

 On Seminary Street is the John A. and Martha Robertson house. The smiley face in the window is cute!

 Spend the night at the Victorian Dreams Bed and Breakfast.

 The Frank T. and Polly Lewis House.

This beautiful house stands out, across from the Historic Hotel Lodi building on Main. See more historic Lodi and Columbia county here.

 Across the street are a variety of art businesses in a former garage. The one I am familiar with is Gary N-Ski Photography.  He was the photographer for my brother’s wedding in 2008, great work. He also has prints for sale of pictures taken in the Lodi area. They participate in the Lodi Art Walk, between May and October.

From here we turn back toward downtown on Main St. to see the many businesses there.  If you are here in August, you will find a self-serve Sweet Corn cart in the parking lot of Main Street Liquor, owned by the prominent Ness family. Their largest business is Ness Auto Sales and Service.  The sign inside the cart, you can get a large amount of corn too.

 On the right is the Kwik Trip and Fire Department. Also a gazebo with Lodi area information.

 We now approach the main part of downtown at the intersection of Main and Portage Street (Highway 60).

 Lodi Mini Mall at 105 Main on our left. The Lodi Enterprise newspaper is located here.

 4-29-16

Directly across from here on the other corner is M of N Vapors, e-cigarette shop.

On this same side is Dulvia Barber Shop.

 Just up from the Mini Mall on the left is Downtown Coffee Grounds (closed 12-13-19) and Dale’s Place, open in 2014.

 Next to Dale’s Place is the Spring Creek Business Center.

 Next door is the La Grotta Sull’acqua Wine and Spirits Lounge.

 Now we arrive at Spring Creek Park, relax by the water after a busy morning shopping 🙂  This is an archived photo from 2011, the corn dispensers are no longer there except for one, and it was empty. I brought my own dried corn to feed the ducks.

 Next is the Spring Creek Restaurant and Bar and Cottage House Primitives, a great shop for Colonial-style home decor. The City Hall is right next to it. On 4-29-16 we had dinner at the Spring Creek restaurant, great food and friendly staff! They also have a “duck cam” mounted to wall outside overlooking Spring Creek to watch for Susie on a big screen in the dining room. Great fun!

  Across from the Spring Creek Restaurant is Village Creek Quilting Fabrics & Home Decor, LLC.

 We come to these buildings as we stay right, Sunfall on Main, an antique store.

 We now come near the end of South Main.  The former Bushnell’s Jewelery, closed November 2013, three months after my 2013 visit.  Next is Hamre Gunderson Funeral Home.  Also the former Weber Bakery, both closings due to the owners passing away. very sad about both.

Across from the funeral home is Nancy’s Floral and Gifts. The Lodi Enterprise Newspaper used to be here.  They kept the beautiful stained glass window.

 We then come to Lloyds Lower Level bar and the Lodi American Legion-Post 216.

It looks like they have a brat fry going on across the street, let’s get some lunch! They also served hot dogs, chips, a soda too.  $5 for a meal, the chips and soda included.  They don’t do this every Saturday, I got lucky!

The brats are made at Lodi Sausage Company and Meat Market, and it was delicious!

 After lunch, I was given a tour of the American Legion building which was recently renovated.  Beautiful work both inside out.  The front hall is large and can be rented out to host YOUR event, including the use of the kitchen.  They are also now participating in the Lodi Art Walk event as well.  Find them on Facebook too to see their latest events. Thanks very much for the great tour, it was fun!

Be sure to see the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park.

 Near the end of South Main, next to the American Legion is the Jolivette Memorial Home, owned by the Lodi Valley Historical Society. They are open 10-1 on Saturdays May to November.  I finally was able to be here for a tour when the museum was open!

  On the grounds is the historic Palmer Tree, been here since around the time Lodi was settled. It’s a Bur Oak.  It was officially dedicated on Arbor Day in 1997.

On the grounds is also a school bell inside the little shelter above.

 We are now approaching the end of South Main, this is the view looking north. The remaining businesses at the top of the street…

Bushnell Ford – Vern’s Appliances – Prairie Valley Resale Store, a non-profit helping those in need. We have been there and had a fun treasure hunt!

 Schultz Insurance Services, the “house” at the top of the street.

 Other businesses just outside of downtown.

Three Bats in the Belfry, a great antique and gift shop.

 A major business is Lodi Canning.

 Lodi also offers camping at Smokey Hollow Campground.  They take a big part in the Susie the Duck Day parade and festivities.  Especially the parade! Here is their HUGE driving shopping cart, quite unique!

Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store

Koltes Do-It Center hardware store and lumber

Lodi is a  great place to visit. Great shopping and beauty all year around and most of all, friendly people who say “Hi” back when you do.  Nearby is the Merrimac Ferry or Gibraltar Rock to add more fun to your day trip.