Upcoming Events

Our first garden stop will be to the Lincoln Park Conservatory to experience the charm of a Victorian Era glass house designed by architects Joephy Lyman Silsbee (said to be Frank Lloyd Wright’s first employer) and M.E. Bell. Take in the lush, exotic plants from around the world that are kept in the four display houses within the Conservatory by exploring the Palm, Orchid, and Show House and the Fern Room. Then, venture outside to visit the Formal Garden, Bates Fountain, Von Schiller and Shakespeare Monuments, and the Old English-style Grandmother’s Garden.

 

Cuneo Mansion and Gardens will be our other garden stop. The Italianate mansion was originally home to Samuel Insull, an original founder of General Electric Company and designed by Benjamin Marshall. The estate was purchased by John Cuneo, Sr, who owned and operated Hawthorn Mellody Farms Dairy, National Tea Company, and Cuneo Press in 1937. In 2009, the Cuneo’s family foundation gifted the estate to Loyola University Chicago. Loyola has opened the doors to the mansion and its gardens to the public.

 

Between garden stops, we’ll rest and fuel up at Frank and Betsie’s Restaurant where French tradition meets California cuisine. Choose from Beef and Celery Stew - tender stew beef with sauteed celery hearts and caramelized Spanish onions in a rich tomato sauce, Chicken Dijon - chicken breast sauteed with fresh broccoli, herbes de Provence and Dijon sauce, or Veggie Quiche - freshly made quiche loaded with fresh veggies.

Entertainment will, once again, be provided by the Tom Brusky Band. Tom and his bandmates will get toes tapping and fingers snapping with a cool mix of hot tunes. We’ll make sure there is room for dancing should you wish to cut a rug! Prizes will be given for the best theme outfits - think Ugly Christmas Sweater meets Hawaiian Shirt.

 

Delicious plated luncheon includes Garden Salad with choice of dressing, entree of Cranberry-glazed Chicken Breast served with Rice Pilaf and Honey Roasted Carrots, and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for dessert. Fresh rolls and butter, and beverage choices of coffee, hot tea, or milk will round out the meal. Cash bar will be available. Please advise of any dietary restrictions with your reservation.

While the territory of Wisconsin had abolished slavery in 1787 under the Northwest Ordinance, the federal Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 made harboring and assisting runaway slaves or refusing to help authorities a crime that came with heavy penalties. Despite this risk, the Underground Railroad network continued to function in secret. One stop along this route to freedom was a busy stagecoach inn called Milton House.

 

Now a museum, Milton House is a Backyard Treasure that preserves the history of the Underground Railroad and its role as a Station during that time. We’ll take an hour-long guided tour while at Milton House that includes a history of the town of Milton and its progressive roots, as well as ‘going underground’ to walk along the path of history ‘through the same secret passageway that ushered freedom seekers to shelter.’

 

After our tour, we’ll visit another Backyard Treasure for a home-style buffet lunch and a unique shopping experience at The Fuzzy Pig in Whitewater. Once a family farm, The Fuzzy Pig is full of charm and has a little bit of something for everyone!

 

And, you can’t end an adventure in the heat of the summer without custard! Our last stop will be to revisit another Backyard Treasure for a cone at Gus’s Drive-In in East Troy.