Wisconsin

I just returned from a walking/shopping/eating/chatting vacation with my sister-in-law Pat.  We had a wonderful time in Wisconsin & Illinois.  The spark that ignited our trip was an article Pat saw in Midwest Living highlighting Cedarburg, Wisconsin.  We found Cedarburg to be a most charming town and the people there were so friendly.  The Mill on Cedar Creek was the starting point (for Cedarburg and for us).

 Cedar Creek

Cedar Creek Falls

Ducks...living on the edge

Pat & I loved the church steeples.

Pretty flowers were everywhere.

....and a blackberry tree!  Honest, a tree...not a bush.

Many unique shops...

Can you find the little chipmunk in this picture?

This was my nightly pad for two nights.  Simple luxury at The Washington House Inn Bed & Breakfast.  

Before our FULL day of shopping in Cedarburg, we treated ourselves to a relaxing day visit to Port Washington, a New England-like town right on Lake Michigan.

the ferry

Can you find Mr. Seagull?

Which way to go?                                                                             Which way to go?

some creepy decor

We finally found the lighthouse, but it took some searching.

the covered bridge near Cedarburg.

a walking bridge

big momma

The Cedarburg Art Museum is a beautifully architectured home.  Many of the shops were also beautifully restored homes.

On one of our lunch stops, we dined on this patio.  So peaceful and beautiful.  We were blessed with perfect weather and "no crowds."  Ahhhhhh.....

rustic beauty

We reluctantly moved on to Madison, Wisconsin.  However, we did enjoy their State Capitol and eating at The Graze Restaurant was the highlight of our dining experience.

They had beautiful flowers too!

Our next stop was Galena, Illinois.  We did some more shopping (I mean, Christmas is just around the corner)...and then we enjoyed the surroundings.
The church on the hill in Galena.

another beautiful steeple up in the awesome sky

a garage buddy

scooter fun

...and who could pass up this shot?

We had a DELIGHTFUL time :)