The
Spirit IS A PUBLICATION OF
May/June events........ Page 4 GENERAL MANAGER
Sue Z. Lange
Summer in Antioch.... Page 5
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ed Nadolski
Visit Volo Bog.......... Page 10
EDITOR
Tracy Ouellette
At the Stage Stop..... Page 16
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Vicki Vanderwerff CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Advertiser’s Index...... Page 18
Heidi Schulz
SECTION DESIGNER
Jennifer DeGroot SALES
n
Pete Hansen Donna Sylvester Brooks Tamera Hamilton
Seen in the bog
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Tom Flatow
The Spirit of The Lakes is a complimentary publication, distributed throughout the Chain ’o Lakes and Kenosha County area. Keeping up with the same great tradition as the Spirit of Geneva Lakes.
The Volo Bog in Ingleside is the home of three pairs of Sandhill cranes, which make their home in the marsh. Jim Sayre took the photo on the cover of a mother crane with her new baby. The Sandhill cranes are known for their long spindly legs, long curvy neck similar to a swan’s and their long beak, which is used for fishing. Read more about the Volo Bog inside.
Send all correspondence to:
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3
IT’S COMIN’ UP MAY & JUNE EVENTS
MAY 18 Antioch Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 741 Main St., Antioch. Hundreds of membergrown perennials, groundcovers and natives. Milkweed seedling to attract Monarch butterflies. Local honey and homemade bakery. 17-19
ChocolateFest, downtown Long Grove. Admission: Adults are $5 at the door, kids 12 and under are free. Three-day passes are $10 if bought online. Info: 847-634-0888
19 Fox Lake Fishing Tournament, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Port of Blarney, 27843 W Grass Lake Road, Antioch. Cash prizes, raffle prizes, live entertainment and children’s fishing. 25
Antioch Aqua Center opens for the season. Info: 847-395-2160
JUNE
1 Summer Wine Walk in downtown
Antioch. Hosted by Parks and Recreation Department, call 224-7884413 for information and tickets.
1 Craft Beer Festival, 1 to 5 p.m., downtown Grayslake. Seventh annual festival with more than 60 different craft beers and specific food pairings from local restaurants. Tickets: $45 at the door. Info: 847-223-6888
2 Lambs Farm Champion Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lambs Farm main parking lot, 14245 W Rockland Roa, Libertyville. Music, raffles, beer and food tent. Info: www.lambsfarm.org 6, 13, 20, 27
Farmers Market, 2 to 6 p.m., downtown Antioch. Browse through fresh produce and more. Info: 224-788-4413
8 MainStreet Libertyville Annual Historic Home Tour, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cook Park. Tours can be purchased 4
online at mainstreetlibertyville.org for $15 per person or $20 on the event day. Homes to be announced at a later date.
8 Warrior Dash, Wilmot Mountain, 11931 Fox River Road, Wilmot, Wis., with 5K obstacle course race, festival, activities, music and beer.
8-9 Zurko Antique and Flea Market,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Admission: $7. Info: 715-526-9769
9 Taste of Waukegan Fest, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Belvidere Discount Mall, 2401 Belvidere. Food festival with Mexican and Latin American dishes, music, artists and more. Free admission.
13, 20, 27 It’s Thursday Concerts, 7:30 p.m., Antioch Bandshell. Free concerts with different musical performances each week. Info: 224-7884413 13-16
Libertyville Days Festival, 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, downtown Libertyville. Carnival rides, food, beer tent, arts, crafts, parade (June 15), live entertainment and more. Info: 847-918-8880
14-15 Zion’s 33rd Annual
Nostalgia Days, downtown Zion. Lake County’s largest and longest running car, truck and motorcycle show. Enjoy the antique and custom car show and cruise, food vendors, kids’ activities, DJs, radio stations and fun for everyone. After the car show, stick around for the Midwest’s largest Cruize! Info: 847-7464056
15 Miss Antioch Pageant. Applications for the pageants are available at Antioch’s Parks Department. Info: 224-788-4413 15 Wizards Weekend Day, downtown Antioch see Page 5 for more information. May • June 2019
15 Antioch’s Summer Arts & Crafts Faire, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Antioch by the band shell. Arts, crafts, free children’s activities, food and more. Info: AntiochChamber.org 21-23 Long Grove’s Strawberry
Festival, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, downtown. Strawberries galore, carnival, live music, Kid Zone, entertainment and games. Admission: $5. Kids 12 and younger, free.
22 Grayslake Arts Festival and Wine Tasting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown. More than 60 juried artists, wine tastings, food vendors, entertainment, children’s activities, high school art exhibit and more. 23 Antioch Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, 7 a.m. to noon, Downtown Antioch Fire Department Station. Pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee and fire trucks. Info: 847395-5511.
26 Cruisin’ Antioch, 6 p.m., downtown Antioch. Wide variety of classic and exotic cars. Info: 224-7884413
29 Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks, 3 p.m. to dusk, Central Park, 250 Library Lane, Grayslake. Fireworks, live music, local food vendors, beer and wine, kids rides and activities. The calendar of events is compiled from a variety of sources including the Lake County, Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau and contains events available as of press time. Because event times, dates and location can change, we suggest you visit www.visitlakecounty.org to confirm events prior to making travel plans.
Don’t mess with these wizards! They are ready to use their magic wands to place a spell maybe on you during Wizards Weekend Day in Antioch on June 15. SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes
SUMMER FUN IN
Antioch
Magic, music, merriment and more in the downtown area by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT
For one enchanted day this summer, downtown Antioch will be no more. With a swish of the magic wand, and the help of magical volunteers, the downtown area will once again be transformed into a community that is both magical and mystical, attracting wizards, witches and muggles from far and wide. Wizards Weekend Day returns to Antioch on Saturday, June 15, beginning at 9 a.m. The Wizard and Muggle Art Fair will
be on Skidmore Street near the Band Shell open to the public. At the same time the Antioch Library will be transformed into the Wizards School of Magic. Classes to enhance a wizard or witch’s magical skills will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Class placement will be decided by sorting the kids into their “houses” by age. Kids will enjoy a class that includes new information about herbology or learn about defense against the dark arts and a variety of other new magical skills. Each student is requested to dress as their favorite wizard or witch and bring their SmartWands (also known as cell phones) to take memorable magical photos. Only registered students are allowed in the classrooms of the Wizards School of Magic. A special keepsake gift will be given to SPIRIT of THE LAKES
Don’t forget to bring your SmartWand for Wizards Weekend Day photo ops.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes
5
each attendee and be prepared for a “chilling finale” to the school day. Registration for the Wizards School of Magic is available on line at www. antiochchamber.org/pages/ wizards-weekend. Registration is only open to those between 7 and 12 years of age with a registration fee of $25 per student. Registration is limited so it is best to register as soon as possible.
FOR THE GROWNUPS So what are the magical parents to do while their young wizards, witches, and muggles are safely ensconced in the Wizards School of Magic? The answer is simple. Head over to nearby Skidmore Street, near the band shell, and enjoy the Wizard and Muggles Faire. Bring your gold coins or green dollars, or even your magic plastic and pick up some wonderfully created items for your home and family. These items may be magical or mystical or may
SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes
Antioch Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Barbara Porch prepares for the annual Wizards Weekend Day. A variety of wizards items will be auctioned off at the Wizards After Party.
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just be beautiful items to make your home special. The Wizard and Muggle Faire will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. so there is plenty of time to return once the wizards, witches and muggles are released from the School of Magic. One of the first stops of the Wizards Weekend Day should be at the Magical Information Booth, which will make its home at the Wizard and Muggle Craft Faire. Here one will be given a magical Wizards Map, which will include a schedule of all the wizard fun available that day. Dressed in your wizard or witch characteristic clothing, or perhaps as your favorite magical character, be ready to be involved in exciting mystical fun all day. Many of these activities are free. Follow the map into the Wizard Village Shops, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here once again enjoy more magical fun and a chance to use those SmartWands for unique photo opportunities. The map will contain all the information needed to participate in the Wizard scavenger hunt. Complete your map and return to the Magical Information Booth by 3:30 p.m. to be eligible to win a prize. At 2 p.m. gather all wizards and witches and even magical beasts (dogs only) who are appropriately dress in magical costumes and participate in the costume contest. Once again there will be an opportunity to win prizes. Remember no one is allowed to place any spells Wizards and witches gather at the magical information booth for the costume judging during last year’s magical fun. No spells allowed to be placed on the judges. SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes
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on the judges. Spend the day continuing into the magical Wizard’s Weekend Day enjoying a variety of all the special magical activities. Don’t miss the magical Shrieking Booth where shrieking is encouraged. How loud can you shriek? After a busy day participating in the numerous magical and mystical events, end the day by participating in the Wizards After Party. Using your feet or your broom, make your way to the Wizards Grand Hall (formerly the VFW Hall on North Avenue). The magical Wizards After Party will be an exciting event that includes a Children’s Parade, D’s Army and living statues. Enjoy time with the magicians, fortunetellers or a visit to the game-keepers hut where one can enjoy some interesting and magical games, including a kiss that involves chocolate. Throughout the party wizardly music will permeate the air, perfect for magical dancing and fun. Food stations will be arranged throughout the Grand Hall with special snacks for munching while enjoying this magical party. The Wizards After Party is open to wizards, witches and muggles from 5 to 99 years of age. Tickets must be purchased online at antiochchamber.org in advance. The reservation will provide a limited number of tickets that can be exchanged for food or participation in some of the magical events. Additional tickets to use for food or activities can be purchased at the event for registered attendees who need just a bit more food or fun. Tickets for the event are $10 for wizards, witches and muggles between the age of 5 to 12 years, and $15 for said visitors from 13 to 99 years of age. Parents are asked to find other arrangements for their wizards, witches and muggles younger than 5 as the activities are not suited for young children or magical beasts. The party will conclude with the Wizard Auction of magical wizard items and other surprises. Wizards Weekend Event is hosted by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and not in any way associated with J.K. Rowling or Warner Brothers International. Contact the Antioch chamber for further information.
TAKE A TASTE OF SUMMER As June moves into July, Antioch comes alive with the Taste of Summer once again supersized and better than ever. From July 18 to 21, the area around the band shell will be transformed into a carnival experience with exciting music permeating the air. The carnival will have a new look this year as new spectacular carnival rides have been added for teens and adults. Once again there will be a special time set aside for children with special needs. On Friday, July 19, from 1 to 3 p.m., the carnival rides will not be opened to the
SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes
Students at the Wizards School of Magic learn the proper way to use their magic wands.
general public. During those hours, the carnival will be open only to children with special needs who may bring their family members to share the fun with them. Contact antiochchamber.org to register your special child to participate in this very special time of fun. The carnival will be open to the public from 4 to 11 p.m. Check the Antioch Chamber website for weekend hours and to purchase a special armband for $50, which will allow participation on all carnival activities for all four days. The four-day bands are only available online prior to the opening of the carnival. Daily wristbands will be available for sale at the venue. The Taste of Summer is also the site of many exhibition booths, face painting opportunities, balloon art and the ever popular beer tent staffed by volunteer community members including those from State Bank of the Lakes, The Rotary, the SPIRIT of THE LAKES
Lions, and Viking Football parents. This year a variety of food vendors, both old and new, will add a nice mix of tasty treats to be enjoyed by all. A variety of musical acts will perform, including Goo Roos and Modern Day Romeos (Thursday), Elder Kaos and Boy Band Night (Friday), Rosie and the Rivets, Hair Band Night, and Suburban Cowboys (Saturday) and 2ND Hand Soul and Hi Infidelity (Sunday). Musical rain date, if needed, is Monday, July 22. Summertime is an exciting time in Antioch. Take the time to visit and participate in their summer fun activities. The community events are the result of sponsorship from many local businesses. Raymond Chevrolet and Kia, (Diamond) State Bank of the Lakes (Platinum) are just two of the local businesses that assist the Antioch Chamber in hosting these many events. Heartland is the carnival sponsor.
9
SEE THE BEAUTY OF THE
BOG
Three pairs of Sandhill Cranes are known to make their homes on the bog property.
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March • April 2019
STACY IWANICKI Spirit of the Lakes
These boys spent the day studying the bog in all its different stages. Note the many trees in the far background that have grown in the rich soil surrounding the bog.
Get back to nature at the Volo Bog by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT
O
n a sunny but cool Saturday morning, a group of visitors to the Volo Bog waited in front of the Dairy Barn that serves as the museum center. The group, which ranged from a 2 year old to adults of various ages, was eager to hear the story of the Volo Bog, the last fresh water quacking bog in Illinois. It was not long until they were joined by volunteer docent Pam King. She began with the story of the quaking bog, taking the group back 6,000 years to the time when the bog was first beginning to be formed following the melting of the great
glacier which once covered the area. King has been giving tours to visitors for many years. “I believe I hold the record for presenting the coldest tour (-10 degrees) to the tour given on the hottest day somewhere around 100 degrees,� she said with a laugh. One of the first things visitors notice when walking the bog area is that the elevated boardwalk is not stationary. As one walks it moves. King said this is because the walkway is actually over the thick peat moss formed in the bog. The peat moss itself is wholly or partially floating and when weight is placed on the boardwalk by walkers it begins to quake.
How the bog formed The story of the bog begins when the Wisconsin Glacier covered most of the Midwest region, including most of Lake County. As it melted and receded from the area it left debris and chunks of ice, which had separated from the glacier. The extremely large ice chunks warmed and melted and formed many of the waterways for which Lake County is known. The area that is now known as Volo Bog was originally the site of a steepsided lake of about 50 acres. Poor SPIRIT of THE LAKES
STACY IWANICKI Spirit of the Lakes
Bog Buckthorn is one of the beautiful flowers that grows in the bog. Its white flowers with spidery overlays can be seen along the trail at Volo Bog.
11
F Fis riday all h Fr y Lo Day ng
ng i r e i H r th n fo aso Se
The sun
shines brightly on the bog as the sky is reflected in the shining clear blue water. Many water lilies grow in this section of the bog.
343438 STACY IWANICKI Spirit of the Lakes
SUMMER SOUNDS BETTER HERE.
ANNOUNCING THE 2019 SEASON Sun., June 23 | 4 p.m.
Sat., June 29 | 7:30 p.m.
DISNEY FANTASIA LIVE IN CONCERT LAKE GENEVA SYMPHONY
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Sat., July 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Sat., July 13 | 7:30 p.m.
DENNIS DEYOUNG AND THE MUSIC OF STYX
AN EVENING WITH JUDY COLLINS
Sun., July 28 | 4 p.m.
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ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN: THE MUSIC OF ABBA
A SPECIAL EVENING WITH RUSSELL WATSON AND THE CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC
Purchase tickets at MUSICBYTHELAKE.COM. Performances take place on the shores of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. 12
May • June 2019
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drainage of the area resulted in it developing a floating mat of sphagnum moss, which was the first step in creating a bog. The growth of the moss changed the condition of the water making it acidic, just right for the growth of acid loving plants. “Because of the acidity of the water,” King said. “It was also free of bacteria. Fish are also not found in this water because of the acidity and lack of oxygen, but acid loving plants grow quite well.” As the sphagnum moss thickens it provides a base for the growth of woody plants. Along the shore King pointed out the various plants and Tamarack trees. She also warned against touching the Poison Sumac found here. The complete development of the area from lake to bog occurs over many years, with the plants and trees changing, as the composition of the peat mat thickens over time. The center of the bog remains open water. “The peat is actually a precursor to coal. It burns dirtier and increases the carbon dioxide levels in the air,” Volo Bog Natural Resource Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki said.
Preserving the bog The property now known as the Volo Bog was first identified and studied by Northwestern University professor W.G. Waterman in 1921. The land where it is
located was a dairy farm owned by Chicago businessman and Pistakee Bay resident, George Sayer. Sayer owned several dairy farms in the area along with much of the lakefront property in Pistakee Bay where he built a large mansion, which he named The Rose Villa. It was named after his wife Rose and her favorite flower, the rose. Originally the bog was called Sayer Bog because of its location on the Sayer Farm. As the population grew in the area there was concern that the bog, with its important ecological environment, would be harmed with encroaching development. Cyrus Mark, first president of the Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, collected $40,000 in donations to purchase the 47.5acre bog in 1958. The land was deeded to the University of Illinois where it remained under its protection until 1970. In 1970 land developers again threatened the bog as they continued to build closer and closer. A campaign to save the bog was launched which included the bog being transferred to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in that year, where it was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve. “It was the 25th designated nature preserve,” Iwanicki said. “ Today there are over 200 designated Illinois nature preserves.” This was followed by the designation of the bog as a U.S. Natural Landmark in 1973. To further protect the area and keep development away, an additional 1,000 acres of land have been purchased and added to the preserve. The area now includes marshes, woodlands and additional bogs. The Sayer Barn, which was originally built in the 1900s, was opened as a Visitors Center for the Bog in 1980. Renovations began in 1996 and included bringing the structure up to code for safety. The building was made fully accessible, which included an elevator built into the silo to bring visitors to the second floor where exhibits, a hands-on discovery STACY IWANICKI Spirit of the Lakes As the bog matures, tamarack trees make their home along the area and the library are located. On the main floor there is a large boardwalk. The plank walkways cause the bog to quake as the visiprogram room, the Tamarack Shop, offices and restrooms. tors distribute their weight on the walkways.
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SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes
Six-year-old Evan Paxton enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Volo Bog while he also learns more. The Volo Bog is the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois. Here at the eye of the bog everything is floating even the trees because of the layers of peat soil.
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This beautiful historic barn was erected in the early 1900s as part of a local dairy farm. It was opened in 1980 as the Volo Bog’s Visitor Center. It was renovated in 1996 to bring it up to code and provide amenities for the increasing number of visitors. It is fully accessible and has a variety of displays to learn more about the area, the wildlife and bog. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes
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Visiting the bog Each weekend there is a variety of activities at the bog. The favorite among many visitors is the tour of the bog where one can experience the quaking of the bog as they make their way through all the stages of bog succession. Each Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, the walking tour of the bog is held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and does not require advance registration; just meet in front of the barn. The tour is a good introduction to the bog and may last from 20 minutes to more than an hour depending on the interests of the group. “While the scheduled tours are open to everyone, special tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more,” Iwanicki said. “Just call to arrange a date and time.” The bog tour is not the only activity available. The barn is open to view its displays, including stuffed animals and birds that are found in the area. In the program room scheduled talks are available, which draw a large number of people. Bird walks are scheduled one to two times a month. The area is known for the large number of both migratory birds and those who remain in the area throughout the year. World Migratory Bird SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of April. The bog is the home of three pairs of Sandhill The Paxton family spends a recent spring morning exploring the Volo Bog and learning more about nature. cranes, which make their home in the marsh. “Sometimes we see an additional two pairs across the street,” Iwanicki said. Families enjoy a day at the bog and often bring a picnic lunch which can be enjoyed in the picnic area adjacent to the large parking lot. Visitors may bring their own grill to cook their meal or may use one of the two grills located near the picnic shelter. Visitors should note that ground fires are strictly prohibited, as is the use of alcohol at Volo Bog State Natural Area.
Special events While there is much to see year round at the bog, summertime is a special time at the bog. During the month of July there is the Bog Art Show on display where any work of art in a variety of mediums that have been inspired by the bog are represented. Items include paintings, quilts, sculptures and any other media as long as their subjects were inspired by the bog. Be sure to stop in and enjoy the display. International Bog Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of July, which is July 27 this year. The community is encouraged to share in the celebration with special tours, displays and live music. It’s a great time to introduce friends and family members to the history of the bog, On Oct. 12, ghost stories will presented at the Volo Bog. The bog also offers a variety of programs for youth. “We have 17 different youth programs that can be scheduled for groups of at least 10. Many school groups are scheduled throughout the week to teach them about the nature of the bogs,” Iwanicki said. Volo Bog State Natural Area is at 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. For more information, including classes and tours, call 815-344-1294 or go to www.dnr. illinois.gov and search “Volo Bog.”
Inside
the barn at the Volo Bog, a variety of preserved wildlife can be observed, protecting their territory. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes
SPIRIT of THE LAKES
15
Perfectly paired
Revived Stage Stop joins forces with Red Barn and Country Club by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT
Running one fine restaurant is work in and of itself, but operating a historic eatery and a country club with a golf course, restaurant, major event venue and catering company would seem to be overwhelming. But it’s all in a day’s work for Chad Cantwell. In January 2018, Cantwell and his partner, Ali Marchel, purchased the Stage Stop restaurant in Wilmot, which they reopened about one month later. Meanwhile, Cantwell continues as general manager and golf pro at Twin Lakes Country Club. The Cantwell family has owned the latter for 37 years. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes Currently, Cantwell and two of his brothers, Cian and Kyle, Ali Marchel and Chad Cantwell are the new owners of the Wilmot continue to provide a wonderful experience for golfers and diners Stage Stop and have reopened it, continuing the traditional foods while hosting weddings and other large gatherings. and service that have been enjoyed by generations.
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May • June 2019
3016 Rt. 173, Richmond, IL 60071 • 815-678-4015
344635
11307 Fox River Rd., Wilmot, WI 53192 • (262) 862-6300
last generation of the Hackett family to run the restaurant, to carry on the traditions of The Stage Stop is a stately building the Wilmot Stage Stop,” Cantwell said. constructed of white oak. It was built in “We plan to continue the menu enjoyed 1848 as the Wilmot Hotel. It easily could by generations of visitors to the Wilmot have been mistaken for a Southern colonial Stage Stop,” Marchel said. “High-quality mansion because it consisted of three floors, steaks often paired with a lobster tail and, a large front porch and six white pillars, each of course, a baked potato with that extra of which stood 10 feet tall. gigantic serving of butter.” Built by Ephraim Wilson, the first of five Steaks are cooked on the dining room generations of the same family to own the grill so everyone waiting for their dinner gets business, it was a popular stop for travelers the aroma permeating the room. as they rode the stage line between Kenosha When the cream of lobster soup was and Galena, Illinois. introduced in 2006, no one knew how it It also was a popular stop for farmers would be accepted. Surprisingly, it became taking crops to Kenosha, where they then a menu favorite. Quality meats, perfectly would be shipped to other markets. Kenosha, charcoal-grilled and served with a house then known as Southport, was the largest salad and the famous butter-dressed baked port in the area. potato, lead the menu. For the non-steak Imagine lodging on the third floor in one lovers, there are also lamb chops, pork chops of the small sleeping rooms, three meals and chicken breast choices. Who doesn’t and stabling for your horse for $1.75. In love lobster? Patrons can order two or three hard times a room could be used for only 10 broiled lobster tails. Not sure which you cents. The hotel remained in business until prefer, steak or lobster? Add a lobster tail to 1930 when Louis Hegeman closed the third your steak dinner for $10.95 and enjoy the floor sleeping rooms after his wife Beatrice’s best of both worlds. death. Roland and Marian Winn are credited with transforming the hotel into the Wilmot Wilmot Stage Stop is typical of the Stage Stop as it is today. They served a menu Wisconsin supper clubs that were popular of nine steak choices, shrimp, lobster, lamb in the mid-1900s, complete with its massive and pork. The large baked potato with a stick original bar. They serve a variety of cocktails of butter overwhelms anyone who has ever and specialty drinks that reflect those special eaten at the Stage Stop. The menu has not treats of yesteryear. changed much over the years. Try a Hegman’s Cosmo, a Midnight Express or a Charley Tucker. Perhaps you aren’t even aware what is in these drinks. Cantwell and Marchel are proud to One way to find out is to try one. continue the legacy that has been part of “We also serve the famous ice cream Wilmot since the same year that Wisconsin drinks that are enjoyed by many,” Cantwell was granted statehood. said. “Try the minty grasshopper, the sweet “We are honored to be chosen by Nancy and creamy brandy Alexander, the Green and Ron Hackett, the previous owners and Frog or the Pink Squirrel.”
Historic Stage Stop
A supper club
Carrying on tradition
It’s hard not to enjoy these rich, creamy selections — if one has room after a filling meal. Desserts also are available for those ready to take on some rich, tasty items that include homemade pineapple cheesecake or Grasshopper pie. The owners also mentioned that they offer a selection of children’s favorites. When visiting the Wilmot Stage Stop, take time to see the second floor where the many antiques collected by the Hackett family are displayed. “We are pleased that the Hackett family is allowing us to exhibit these unique antiques that have a history with the restaurant,” Cantwell said. “We look forward to welcoming you to Wisconsin’s oldest tap and dining room as we continue to give back to the community as the Stage Stop has done for generations.” The Wilmot Stage Stop is open daily except for Tuesdays. Kitchen hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 4 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays. Contact them online at wilmotstagestop.com or on Facebook. Make reservations at 262-862-6212, or to schedule special events call 262-877-4138. Ask about the special dinner-golf combinations.
The country club
Cantwell enjoys the many changes that the family has made to the Twin Lakes Country Club. “While we have memberships, nonmembers also are welcome to enjoy a round of golf here,” he said. “We are a community organization and our goal is to exceed the expectations of every guest, whether they are here to golf, enjoy a meal in the Red Barn restaurant or hold a wedding or other catered gathering.
COURTESY OF TWIN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB Spirit of the Lakes
The open air Banquet and Wedding Pavilion was opened in 2006. Sides can be closed during periods of inclement weather while during fine weather the beauty of the golf course can be enjoyed.
SPIRIT of THE LAKES
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The Wilmot Stage Spot has been a presence on the corner of what today is the intersection of Highways C and W since 1848. That was the same year Wisconsin achieved Statehood. At that time the corner was part of the unpaved stage coach trail. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes
Advertiser’s index
Abbey Springs.................................................................................2 Always Remember That...........................................................8 Bald Knob Marina.......................................................................20 Caravelle Lighting.........................................................................2 Command Service........................................................................8 Elkhorn Antique Market......................................................... 10 Fratello’s............................................................................................ 19 Ginger Blossom........................................................................... 16 Kenosha County Parks............................................................ 19 Koch Kuts......................................................................................... 14 Lyle’s TV & Appliances .............................................................7 Luisa’s...................................................................................................13 Music by the Lake.......................................................................12 Old Mill Creek Country........................................................... 10 Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly.......................................................6 The Rock Bar LLC .......................................................................12 Wilmot Auto Service................................................................ 16 Wilson Farm Meats......................................................................8 18
May • June 2019
“The golf course is one of the oldest in the area, having been located here since 1912,” Cantwell added. “As such, we feel we are truly part of the community and provide many events to welcome the community.” They provide a variety of golf activities for men, women, couples and children. A favorite is the Junior Golf Academy, which provides a fun learning environment for young golfers. “Over the years, students have grown and become adult members of the Twin Lakes Country Club and continue their love of golf as adults,” said Cantwell, who along with Mike Jones will be the directors of this year’s academy. “Including youth in golf is a great way to encourage family activities.” The property’s Red Barn was converted to a clubhouse, restaurant and lounge. The restaurant seats up to 140 inside and 80 to 100 on the patio that overlooks the eighth green.
Dinner in the Red Barn
The Red Barn’s menu has several items that deserve special mention. The Friday fish fry is one such item. Chad’s father began the “Beat the Clock” fish fry as a change from the traditional offering found in most supper clubs and restaurants. The fish fry includes a choice of allyou-can-eat crispy, breaded fish or broiled cod and is accompanied by their special homemade potato pancakes, French fries, rye bread, coleslaw and applesauce. It is priced according to the time you visit: It is $11.99 per person from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and $13.99 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Children under age 10 may eat for $7.99. It also goes for $14.99 as a carryout dinner. Saturday is steak night, and choices feature 12-ounce prime rib or 8-ounce filet mignon dinners. It is $23.99 for diners from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and $25.99 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The special treat for golf and steak lovers is to pair a round with a cart beginning after 1 p.m. and finish with dinner for $46. The Twin Lakes Country Club is located at 1230 Legion Drive, Twin Lakes. For information, visit tlccgolf.com or redbarnwi. com.