November Menomonie Musts By Claire Kiger The size of our town is far from daunting, but not knowing the lay of the land or its inhabitants can be unsettling. Here are some of my personal recommendations to experience the authentic flavor and culture of our town. Need Coffee and Bakery? Wilderness Retreats 1. The Blind Munchies. Gourmet java from local roasters and huge portions of delicious treats baked daily. Also, its cheap. Check out their website, they have a map. (715) 235-9300, 621 Wilson Ave Menomonie, WI 54751 1. The Devil’s Punch Bowl. A great place to go for a little hike with the family or new found friends. As you enter the park, stairs to the right of you will lead you into the woods for additional trails. Here’s how to get there. 2. The Raw Deal. Sustainable, organic, and fair-trade. Great coffee, as they buy their beans before their roasted to assure freshness. Delicious muffins and cookies made with healthy ingredients. Give it a look over. (715)231-3255, 603 Broadway St. South 2. The Red Cedar Trail. Only a mile away from campus, this trail is seriously one of Menomonie’s main events. Gorgeous year-round, runs right by the Red Cedar River, and right across the way from the Swiss Miss factory (so, if you go at the right time, the air will smell like hot chocolate). You can park in the small lot at the trail head go for an easy hike. The trail loops around at the end. 3. Legacy Chocolates. My favorite place to head for cold-press coffee. Great specialty drinks. Fantastic truffles. Here’s what the shop looks like. (715)231-2580, 632 South Broadway Want to Grab A Bite? 1. The Acoustic Cafe. Hands down the best hot hoagies I’ve ever had. And I wouldn’t readily consider myself a hoagie person. A Menomonie must. Mostly everyone thinks so. (715) 235-1115, 102 Main St. West 2. Jeff and Jim’s Pizza. The daily pizza buffet is ideal for move-in days (from 3PM8PM). Try the smotherella’s. I dare you to not be addicted. Seriously excellent pizza. (715) 231-3131, 145 Main St. East 3.Stout Ale House. A welcoming sports bar and bowling alley. Father away from campus, but still no more than a five minute drive. Amazing burgers and sandwiches. (715) 233-3333, 1501 Broadway St. 3. The Landbank Trail. Literally a two minute walk from campus. This trail starts to the right of the Waterfront Bar and Grill, and leads down a few flights of stairs right to the lake and runs alongside Menomin for about a mile. 4. Hoffman Hills. If you have the time, take a drive (or bike) out to this state recreation area. There are two major trails, one that winds through the prairie portion of the park, and one that leads through the forest up to the observatory tower. This 60 ft tower overlooks the hills of Dunn county and some farms below. As a Menomonie resident, it is imperative that you experience all of these! This is your town now–get to know it and appreciate it for all its worth! Next time you have company, make sure you drag them to at least one of each category. Claire has a blog! About the author Hello, there! Claire E. Kiger at your service, diligent student, dedicated blogger, and faithful photographer. While Claire is sufficient, I also answer to Ms. Claire, Clarity, and, my personal favorite, Claradactyl. If you like the article above please check out Claire’s blog UW Stout and About. You can read more of her articles and see her fabulous pictures by clicking HERE. I hail originally from Milwaukee, WI and reside currently in the college town of Menomonie attending the University of Wisconsin– Stout. As an Apparel Design major with a double minor in photography and journalism, I am constantly on the lookout for inspiration and greatly appreciate the ever-prevalent creative vibes the spunky town of Menomonie has to offer. November Calendar of Events Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 1 Thursday Friday 2 Saturday 3 4 5 10 11 12 Jamestown Story 8pm | Sunken Lounge in Price Commons Harry Potter 7 pt 2 6pm & 9pm| 210 Applied Arts 17 18 19 25 26 Jenn Grinels 8pm | Sunken Lounge in Price Commons 6 13 7 14 8 15 9 16 Open Mic 8pm | Sunken Lounge in Price Commons Tig Nataro 8pm | Micheels Hall 184 20 21 22 23 No Classes Thanks Giving Break 27 28 29 24 No Classes No Classes 30 Inspiring Innovation For more information visit http://www.uwstout.edu/parents/index.cfm