Beep beep and also honk honk. That’s right, you know what time it is. The weather is starting to get warmer. Summertime will soon be upon us, and the great American freeway is calling your name. Will you travel up to our neighbors of the north and see some Wisconsin wilderness? Will you make your way south to visit some smaller cities of the Midwestern and Southeastern persuasion? Or will you go west and visit some of the grandest canyons your little eyes ever did lay upon? All really good questions. I unfortunately cannot help you make those decisions, but I can tell you where to get some tasty treats. In today’s blog, I will reveal to you three of my all time favorite roadside attractions/eateries in this nation.
Starting out rather close to home is a little gem just over the border to Wisconsin. It is the Mars Cheese Castle. This place is near and dear to my heart as I went to college very close to where this institution is located. It was for many years a frequent stop for me on my way to school or my drive home to pick up a 6-pack of Spotted Cow beer (which is only distributed in Wisconsin- apparently to control quality, but I think they are just being greedy) or to sample some fine cheeses.
Aside from my personal affinity for it, the store also has some historic significance. The institution was built in 1947 and has remained family-owned through renovations and rebuilds. Aside from the cheese, I love the local brands they carry uplifting the community around them in a very campy fashion. It's a must-see destination for cheese lovers of all kinds.
When I was growing up, every summer my family and I would head out east to visit family. Occasionally, we would make stops in Indiana or Ohio along the way to visit with other friends and family. One spot we never skipped was Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana. This little gem is about 90 minutes outside of Chicago (which if you are timing by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen movies like me and my sisters were doing, is equivalent to one run of the hit film Our Lips Our Sealed where the girls find themselves in the witness protection program - really exquisite cinema).
I know what you're thinking, “Matt, is this another dairy place?” and my answer to you is, yes it is. But it's some of the best ice cream to be had here. I still have dreams about getting the pumpkin pie milkshake. It's something they usually keep on deck year round but don’t quote me on that. Stop by for a scoop and wave to some humanely treated dairy cows while you are there!
My final spot is not in the Midwest and is actually quite far away. It is a taco place located about half an hour outside of Moab, Utah. Recently, my parents gifted me a nature photography class as a Christmas gift (an incredibly thoughtful and generous gift, I might add). One of my colleagues in the class told me I had to stop at Tacos La Pasadita in Green River on my way out of town. I took her up on her suggestion and was floored by the results.
This immigrant-owned food stand was cranking out some of the best tacos I have ever put in my mouth. Homemade tortillas and homemade salsas really rounded out the whole experience. Simply a must if you ever find yourself in that corner of the country.
And finally, if you’re itching for travel outside of the USA this year, look no further than our Ireland and Tuscany culinary tours. Rest assured you’ll have all the food guidance you need!
