Interview with Big Sky Drive-In owner - Mary Bork

Big Sky Drive-In is one of only ten drive-in movie theaters in the state of Wisconsin. Located just east of downtown Wisconsin Dells, Big Sky offers double features of first run movies nightly May through September. Recently, I got to spend time with owner Mary Bork, who for the past thirty-three years has helped bring the outdoor movie viewing experience to tourists, as well as area residents young and old. 

BIG SKY DRIVE-IN

COMING SOON!

www.bigskydrivein.com

 

DELLS BUCKET LIST #21 - Going behind the scenes of the Dells Bells Wedding Chapel

Watching a wedding never fails to bring a smile to my face but after having suffered through many long, drawn out wedding ceremonies throughout my lifetime, they usually aren’t something I particularly look forward to attending.

This was before I went behind the scenes of the Dells Bells Wedding Chapel, where for my latest Dells Bucket List adventure I got to witness a couple’s complete wedding experience, taking less time than it did for me to recently get fitted for a tux. 

Interview with Dells Bells Wedding Chapel owners - Scott & Tara Joles

The Dells Bells Wedding Chapel, located in historic downtown Wisconsin Dells has been home to where over two thousand couples have professed their love by saying "I do"  – making it the Midwest's #1 wedding destination. 

Recently I had the opportunity to talk with owners Tara and Scott Joles, who shared their story of how they met, and how their own wedding played a part in bringing this unique place to life.

 COMING SOON!

www.dellsbellsweddingchapel.com

Dells Bucket List #20 - Going behind-the-scenes of Taste of New Orleans restaurant

Eating authentic food from one of my favorite cities is usually something I only experience while on vacation. Being it’s been a couple years since my last visit, having the opportunity to enjoy delicious Cajun cuisine right here in the Dells, saving me the over one thousand mile trip south, definitely made my recent stop at the Taste of New Orleans restaurant a highly enjoyable one.

Interview with Taste of New Orleans restaurant owner Sam Rotolo

Taste of New Orleans restaurant in downtown Dells has brought the taste of fine southern Louisiana cooking to both locals and visitors alike, for the past six seasons. Recently, I got to spend a few hours with owner Sam Rofolo, who kindly shared with me stories of his colorful life, the history of the restaurant, as well as some of his delicious Cajun food. 

 

TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS

COMING SOON!

www.atasteofneworleanswisconsindells.com

Dells Bucket List #19 - Going behind the-scenes of Fawn Creek Winery

Having the opportunity to sample a large variety of locally made wine, especially after learning firsthand how each was produced from start to finish, is an experience I won’t soon forget.   

Recently, I had the chance to go behind-the-scenes of Fawn Creek Winery, located in a maple, oak and pine grove about ten miles north of downtown Wisconsin Dells. There, I was explained the wine making process by their experts, as well as had the chance to enjoy many of the thirteen different wines that they produce.

Interview with Fawn Creek Winery's Dan Hanson and Jim Genrich

Fawn Creek Winery is a family run business that has been producing a variety of fine wines in the Dells for the past two years.  

Recently, I had the chance to spend the morning with two of the six owners, Dan Hanson and Jim Genrich, who showed me around the wine making facility, explained the wine making process, and poured me samples of their delicious offerings.

FAWN CREEK WINERY

COMING SOON!

www.fawncreekwinery.com

BUCKET LIST #18 - Making candy at BARABOO CANDY COMPANY

Ever since I watched the classic fantasy movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as a child, I’ve dreamed of one day having the chance to explore an actual chocolate factory. This childhood dream was recently realized when I had the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the Baraboo Candy Company, home to numerous chocolaty confections.

Interview with Baraboo Candy Company plant manager Tina David

Baraboo Candy Company has been producing chocolate goodness since 1981. Home to The Original Cow Pie, a delicious treat consisting of pecans covered with caramel and smothered with rich milk chocolate, Baraboo Candy also produces over one hundred varieties of delightful treats.

Recently, I had the chance to spend the morning with Baraboo Candy plant manager Tina David, who showed me around the plant, and shared some of her experiences while producing such tasty products.

BARABOO CANDY COMPANY

COMING SOON!

 

www.baraboocandy.com

DELLS BUCKET LIST #17- Going behind-the-scenes of PAINT IT! POTTERY SHOP

Getting my hands dirty is usually something I find rather unpleasant, but when recently given the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the Paint It! Pottery Shop, I found getting messy while transforming a spinning lump of clay can actually be quite fun.

Interview with Paint It! Pottery Shop - manager Debra Wolterstorff, clay thrower instructor Joshua Haney, and owner Randy Thompson

The Paint It! Pottery Shop is a create-your-own studio that provides the opportunity for Dells residents and visitors of all ages to make one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes. Open year-round on the downtown strip, owners Randy and Nicole Thompson started the shop in 2003, and for the past nine years has given people with any artistic ability the chance to create unique pieces of art.

Recently, I spent a morning at the shop with manager Debra Wolterstorff and clay thrower instructor Joshua Haney, where they showed me around and walked me through the ins and outs of transforming mud into my very own masterpiece (well, at least my grandmother thought so.) I also had the opportunity to ask Randy about his experiences owning this ever changing studio.

PAINT IT! POTTERY SHOP

COMING SOON!

www.paintitpotteryshop.com

 

The Dells Bucket List was featured on www.dells.com in a very nicely written article yesterday! Please check out their blog at www.dells.com/blog to give it a read and share it with your friends.

DELLS BUCKET LIST #16 - Going behind-the-scenes of DELLS RACEWAY PARK

On a Saturday afternoon last month I had opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of a Dells attraction that until recently, I never even knew existed. Dells Raceway Park has been home to thrilling stock car racing for the past fifty years, and while it might not be as well known as some of the other Dells mainstays, I found that it offers just as much excitement, if not more.

Interview with Dells Raceway Park owner - Wayne Lensing

For most of his life Wayne Lensing has associated himself with automobiles. His love affair with the auto industry began by working at a garage after school as a child, which provided his introduction to race cars. Eventually becoming a successful race car driver himself, he now is the owner of multiple automotive related businesses including: Lefthander Chassis, which builds race cars, Historic Auto Attractions, a museum that has many well-known vehicles, and this past March bought the Dells Raceway Park, which has stock car racing every Saturday night during the season.

 Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Wayne to discuss his life, his businesses, and what his plans are for the future.