Tag Archive | bicycling
Don’t Go Half-Way to Brodhead
9-30-13
Brodhead is a picturesque community in Green County with much to see. The Sugar River Trail is here also, the southern trailhead. It’s 22 miles long, going all the way to New Glarus. We began our explorations downtown, the town has a square with gazebo and picnic tables. Its called, “Tinker’s Garden.” Here is where many festivals take place,
Across the street in a building is a mural paying homage to the railroad and depot in Brodhead.
We could see the restored depot from here. Inside is the museum and an engine and caboose you could go in. Unfortunately, it was closed for the season. Maybe we can get back here in the spring when it re-opens. The Brodhead Historical Society does good work here.
adjacent to the depot is the Veterans Memorial Park, in the center is a tall Civil War Monument.
After exploring downtown for a while, we headed to points just outside. Stopped by Decatur Dairy for a grilled cheese sandwich and some cheese curds. We were too late for a tour but we will go back.
They even had a “cheese tree” totem pole outside, cool!
Speaking of tree, Brodhead also has a historic living tree called the Half-Way Tree. Indian runners used it as a marker because it was half-way between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan.
It’s harvest time, and that includes APPLES! Our next stop was nearby Ten Eyck Orchard for some locally grown apples and cider. The historic round barn with the apple barn quilt are this farm’s most distinctive features. We bought some Empire apples, delicious!
It was time to head back north towards Madison. On the way, we walked a bit on the Sugar River trail to see the famous Clarence covered bridge replica, completed in 1984.
Come all the way to Brodhead, it’s well worth the visit!
Related articles
- Smoked Mozzarella, Bacon, and Apple Grilled Cheese (mygasstove.wordpress.com)
- Cauliflower Jalapeno Grilled Cheese (Vegan) (cleaneatingveggiegirl.com)
Milling Around in Paoli
6-11-13, 8-9-14, 8-13-16 and many more visits.
It was to revisit this beautiful little hamlet of 3300 people on the Sugar River. Last time we came was Oct. 2009. Paoli was founded by Peter Mats in 1846. It soon had a lumber mill, later becoming a grist mill. Also a cheese factory and other businesses necessary to build a thriving community. Several buildings were made of local stone, still standing and in use today.
Let’s begin our walk down Paoli Road, the main street which is the center of commerce here.
On my right is the Abel Contemporary Gallery

Photo by Al Kutil
On the left is the Paoli Schoolhouse Shops and Cafe.
Soon we are on the bridge overlooking the Sugar River. It’s part of the huge Upper Sugar River Watershed in Dane County.
Upon crossing the river, on the left is the Paoli Clay Company. They produce clay for pottery making use.
Next up also on the left is the Paoli House Gallery, another artist enclave. Closed in 2014.
Lastly on this side is the new Landmark Creamery, replacing the Paoli Local Foods store. It opened in 2018.
Next door to that is the Paoli Pub and Grill.
Across the street on our right are many beautiful shops, some in historic buildings. On the right is the Paoli Secret Garden, which opened on June 1 of 2013. The owners JJ and Kellie were busy setting things up when we stopped by. They took the time to pose for a picture with us and show us the many delightful products they had to offer. They would love for you to stop by! If you can’t come to the store, you can buy their products from their Etsy store.
Here is a “living table”. Also a look inside their shop in the yellow building.
Next door is Paoli Road Mercantile, formerly a whey house. It is built of large multi-colored rocks that give it such a unique and beautiful appearance.
These businesses are part of the Mill Shops and Park.