Around the Corner with John McGivern

Wausau is our first "half-and-half" community -- we shot half of the episode in the winter when it was zero degrees, and the other half in the summer when it was 100! But with extreme temperatures came extreme fun. John didn't know of the many things there are to do in Wausau that start with "snow." You can tube, board, shoe, sculpt, mobile, ball and cone (think about it...). And then there's "ice" -- skate, fish, race, curl and cream (that one was easier). And of course in summer, when all that melts, you have rushing waters perfect for kayaking and a mountain (well, a big hill really) perfect for hiking, biking and exploring. But we didn't stay outside for the whole episode. It's comfortable year round at Carmelo's Supper Club, the Woodside Art Museum, Bull Falls Brewery, The Grand Theatre and Back When Caf. This episode has the distinction of being the most heavily "McGiverned" episode yet -- it's just about bursting with McGiverns!

Chippewa Falls' roots are literally roots -- of the white pines that fed the world's largest lumber mill and put Chippewa Falls on the map. Well, the lumberjacks may be gone, but John learned very quickly that the hard working, harder playing character of Chippewa Falls is still alive and well. Know what else he learned? Leinenkugel's started here in 1867 to serve the thirsty lumberjacks. The supercomputer was invented here by Seymour Cray. The largest dog park and the second oldest zoo in Wisconsin both call this city home. And the Yellowstone Trail runs right through Chippewa Falls. Right? John was impressed, too. But as you probably know by now, John isn't most impressed by just the facts. It's the residents that put the smile on his face - and the knowledge that he didn't have to have a membership to get into the local supper club! As this episode shows, Chippewa Falls is not for members only -- it's for everybody!

Everyone knows that State Fair, the Milwaukee Mile, the Pettit Center, and Candy Cane Lane are in West Allis. But have you taken the time recently to experience them? We were delighted. And everyone remembers that Allis Chalmers was here. But have you been back lately to see the redevelopment and renovation? We were amazed. When we poked around Quadgraphics and the West Allis Historical Society, we were enlightened (in different ways), and at Rupenas and Antigua we were blissfully stuffed! And you may have shopped at Record Head or the famous West Allis Farmers Market, but have you given in to your addiction at Onionmania? (Best name ever for a store, by the way!). We didn't head into West Allis in search of the landmarks, but we found the first three in about 10 minutes! Then we spent five of the fastest, most jam-packed days ever -- and we loved every minute!

As John says, Oconomowoc will make you jealous. Wait until you see the homes and the lakes (and the homes on the lakes) and the Batmobile! No kidding -- Batman and Robin live here, didn't you know? Then maybe you also don't know that in Oconomowoc you'll find: The oldest complete stained glass window at Oakbrook Esser (and the other unbelievable windows that Paul makes); Sacred Indian Lotuses that only exist in the U.S. just off Terry and Dirk's pier in Lac la Belle; A marble dog bathtub in the Marjorie Ward estate; The more than 100 million sq. ft. (not a typo!) Roundy's distribution center; and Brownberry Bread being made at the rate of 180 loaves a minute! In downtown Oconomowoc, kids can learn to cook, adults can mediate and worship, horses can be outfitted and, of course, everyone can eat. See? John was right -- but don't be jealous, just settle in and enjoy this hard to spell town in the heart of Lake Country. Yes, Oconomowoc already has a lot of O's, but let us add one more: O-utstanding!

Everyone we met in La Crosse was so laid back, friendly and physically fit! Must be because there's so much to do. John spent a week in this Mississippi River town talking to people who were biking, boating, praying (perpetually for over 100 years!) brewing, learning, teaching, La Crossing (is that the verb for playing La Crosse?) and parading! On any given day, the Chancellor is jamming, the servers at Rudy's are skating, the staff at LHI is growing, and when it's Oktoberfest, the whole town is celebrating! Whew! We told you so - La Crosse is busy! The recreational opportunities are overwhelming -- in a good way, the scenery is breathtaking -- in an inspiring way, and the people are charming -- in a genuine way. We loved the vibe -- and all the verbs -- in La Crosse!

This neighborhood has the key ingredients of a Metro Milwaukee realtor’s dream: location, great housing stock and location! Throw in the fact that the neighborhood businesses, services and artists are flourishing on North Avenue and Vliet Street, and this community truly sells itself. Unfortunately, John couldn't sample the wares at Meritage orEat Cake, or indulge with the ladies from the 53rd Street Book Club. Bad week for John McGivern to have a "procedure" scheduled! But he got the "all clear" in time to meet some Irish friends at McBob's and O'Briens. John was give the best gift ever by the owners of Gietl Signgs. He was fascinated to see African hair braiding, tried to run a movie at the legendary Times Cinema (no more film, John!), and the neighbors introduced him to his first Little Free Library.

In every episode of Around the Corner with John McGivern, historian John Gurda rides in and shares the history of whichever community we're featuring. Truth is, some stories are more interesting than others, and sometimes John Gurda just can't stop after three minutes. That's why we created The Gurda Hour -- we didn't want him to stop, either! In the final episode of Season 3, John Gurda covers, in a more in depth way, the history of six topics: The Milwaukee River, Norskedalen, the Manhattan Project of WWII in West Allis, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin's two Basilicas, and Three Bridges Park in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. Who knew history could be so interesting? Well, everybody knows now! Thanks, John Gurda.