Adventures with Ashley
October 24, 2020
I spent the entire day exploring the Cedarburg and Port Washington areas in Wisconsin with Ashley before winter comes. Ashley is Jenna’s sorority sister and my Lemongrass Spa sister. It is so fun to have a mutual connection in our lives and Ashley most definitely fits right into the sisterhood of the Williamson family. We are so lucky to have her.
Ashley and I arrived in the mid morning and headed down Washington Ave in Cedarburg to Java House (https://www.javahousecedarburg.com/). Due to the pandemic the interior is closed but they have window ordering available. I ordered the Caramel Waffle Latte which I would highly recommend. Ashley ordered the Creme Brulee Latte. We sat outside catching up on the last few months and watching the morning traffic.
We headed across the street to Ashley’s Confectionery (https://chocolatesbyashley.com/) to peek inside. On our way to breakfast we stopped at several shops along the way that had opened up early taking a look at the lawn ornaments and popping inside a few of the shops. One of which was The Shinery (https://theshinerymoonshine.com/), where we enjoyed a quick shot of moonshine to warm our insides for a long day ahead in the cool fall air.
Cedar Creek Settlement (https://www.cedarcreeksettlement.com/index.html) has many shops, a restaurant and winery inside. The beauty of Cedarburg is all the old buildings. I admire that the community respects these historic buildings and continues to utilize them today. We ate our brunch at Cream & Crepe Cafe (https://www.creamandcrepecafe.com/). I ordered the double crepe, Combination Star and Country Crossroads. I enjoyed the two but favored the Combination Star. Ashley ordered the Fruit Basket and Dusty Miller.
After touring several shops throughout Cedar Creek Settlement (https://www.cedarcreeksettlement.com/index.html) we headed back outside into the local area. Oil Sprig (https://theolivesprig.com/) is a must spot when in the area. Ashley picked up two of my favorites, the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and 18 Year Aged Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. I highly recommend mixing these two together with some cracked pepper and dipping in some bread. It is truly amazing!
Cedarburg Popcorn Company (https://www.sagepopcorn.com/) is a hidden gem for any popcorn lover, it’s down a drive between two buildings. A small building with so many fun options inside. I selected the Cinnamon Roll and Puppy Chow popcorns.
Off we went exploring more of Washington Ave before my next stop shop, Amy’s Apples (https://www.amysgourmetapples.com/) where I scooped up my ultimate favorite, the Double Dunked; a green caramel apple with dark chocolate, milk chocolate and a white chocolate drizzle. I also then forced Ashley to take a photo at the memorable Cedarburg arch that is a must take photo stop every visit.
Interurban Bridge (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g59768-d3547924-Reviews-Ozaukee_Interurban_Trail-Cedarburg_Wisconsin.html) gives you a beautiful view of Cedar Creek. I encourage everyone in the area to take a step onto this bridge, snap some photos and enjoy the view.
After hours of walking Washington Ave popping in and out of shops, we worked up an appetite and stopped into Maxwell’s Bar & Grill (https://www.maxwellscedarburg.com/). Maxwell’s was a must stop during my college years for a late night beer and wings. Together we split some boneless BBQ and Parmesan Garlic chicken wings. We each picked out a good cold beer of choice.
We decided to head out of downtown Cedarburg for some other local fall activities. Our first stop was Witte’s Vegetable Farm LLC (https://www.wittesvegfarm.com/new-page) in local Cedarburg, WI. A small vegetable farm stand with outstanding prices, family history hanging on the walls and a farm site worth seeing during the summer season. I plan to head back next summer to see them in their prime. We picked up some small pumpkins and gourds for the end of the season fall decor before heading out.
Arriving at Creekside Valley Pumpkin Farm (http://www.creeksidevalleyfarmwi.com/) it was visibly a busy location this fall season as the pumpkin patch was well picked over. It was apparent who was a local as they came prepared with their mud boots to enjoy what was left of the pumpkin patch, tour the corn maze and play on the playground. We took it easy walking around the barns, seeing the unique pumpkins that were still for sale and I picked up the best apple cider I have had in a long time from Gierach Orchards (https://gierachorchards.com/) that they had for sale.
Barthel Fruit Farm (http://www.barthelfruitfarm.com/) was the final stop on our fall exploring adventure. It was a busy season for these local orchards and farms who had the pumpkin batch already plowed and all the apples had been picked clean from the trees. We headed out to the food truck to pick up the fall favorites of Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cinnamon Scone and Pumpkin Cookies. We bundled up in the car as we enjoyed our goodies.
We headed back to downtown Cedarburg to stop in for a flight at Cedar Creek Winery (https://cedarcreekwinery.com/) before closing time. Our tasting consisted of the Syrah, Christmas Blush, Gewurztraminer, Cranberry Blush and Port Rose. I was surprised to find that I truly enjoyed the Christmas Blush. We each purchased a few bottles before setting out for Port Washington, WI.
During my years in college I had so many friends tell me about walking out to the Port Washington Breakwater Lighthouse (https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=248). I was excited for Ashley and I to head out onto this adventure. It took us a while but we found the entrance of the walkway down by the marina and started our long walk out. After walking nearly to the end we were stopped by a construction gate cutting us short on our pursuit. I am hoping that this walkway is restored and one day we will be able to walk out to the lighthouse. Instead we soaked up the perfect lighting and views of golden hour before walking ourselves back to the car.
Our final destination was dinner, we ended up at The Pasta Shoppe (http://www.portpastashoppe.com/). We shared the calamari and each ended up with a ravioli dish. Ashley ordered the Braised Beef Ravioli and I selected the Shrimp & Roasted Garlic Ravioli.
We had one packed day making new memories in Ozaukee County. It is so fun to catch up with friends that we consider family. Can’t wait for many more adventures to come.
