MUKWONAGO -- There's only a few days left until Thanksgiving and just 30 minutes southwest of Milwaukee in Mukwonago, there are several eateries and notable shops that could have your perfect centerpiece or new favorite foods.
Mukwonago is a town with a noteworthy name (fun fact, Mukwonago means place of the bear) and store owners you'll find hard to forget. Co-owner John Bauer of The Elegant Farmer is a man who said he loves making sure customers have wonderful shopping experience. This gourmet deli sells sweets and wheels of cheese as large as your face.
There are fresh fruits, veggies and other delicacies galore. But don't forget the apple pie, which beat out Food Network's celebrity chef Bobby Flay, and was named "Best In The Nation".
"Ironically our chicken pot pie is probably our second best thing, after our apple pie," Bauer said. John said Elegant Farmer is a family shopping experience unlike any other, and families across the nation actually mail order their apple pies for their holiday feasts.
Then head over to 3-D Greenhouse to find the perfect garden or home decor for the season. Owners Debbie and Doug Deback said they've always got hundred of flowers, foliage, and decorations on hand no matter the occasion.
That has caused a little issue for Judy Wachowika. She said she's been shopping for the perfect item for the last eight months.
"Every time I stop by here and look at things I can't make up my mind on what I want, so I end up having to come back," she laughs.
Thankfully, she was able to find a obelisk for her garden vines.
Deback said it's the selection and how he grows the plants is why customers keep coming back. This year he's grown more than 2,500 poinsettias.
After finding your perfect 3-D item, head to the much beloved Fork in the Road restaurant. Owner Dennis Stevens said it's been a booming 2 months of business, after a six month hiatus, due to a building fire. Stevens said he couldn't believe the community support during those long six months, and that's why he stays open.
"I love what I do," Stevens said.
He said without the visitors the building is just a warehouse. Among the smiles and stuffed faces, customers agree that if you don't come down for the best Macaroni and Cheese in town, then you're there for the 130 years of hanging history. Every big transition the building has gone through and almost every famous person from the state of Wisconsin is featured on the walls.
Then take the rest of the day to relax at Woodhouse Day Spa, suggests owner Cheryl Berg. Cheryl said a visit to Woodhouse Day Spa is better than the rest because it's, "more holistic, more natural." You're not just only able to get massages, there's also full body scrubs, nail services, and quiet areas for added relaxation.
But if you need a jolt before heading back home, daily customer Denis McNamara said Expresso Love Cafe is the best place for coffee in town.
"The people here are very kind and nice. The food is good. The coffee's good and it makes a lot of sense," McNamara adds.
At Expersso Love Cafe customers are able to feast on coffees, smoothies, pastries and local art, with their eyes of course. You can even catch musical guests in the early evening hours.
