Umm, no. The clean version is "foolish Illinois boy." Foolish is often replaced by something like fornication. Boy is often replaced with a word for a male dog.
Wisconsinite here feeling the need to clarify looking for the cheese curd "squeak" because this refers to freshly made curds that you buy at the creamery or a cheese store that has them delivered fresh that day. The amazing curds you're looking for at bars, restaurants and supper clubs are the deep fried variety. You'll find a huge range of breading methods and dipping sauces to enjoy, but this melty cheese is not intended to squeak.
Thank you for mentioning this! I was checking to see if someone said it. I am an Iowan but I have been going to Wisconsin my entire life (raised less than 2 hours from Wisconsin) multiple times a year. Also attended UW-Madison for a semester. Weirdly, the only area I have not been to is Milwaukee. And it's not high on my list. But love Port Washington just south of it. Door County in the fall when the leaves are changing is gorgeous. Minocqua and St. Germaine area down to Dodgeville and Governor Dodge State Park, all wonderful. And Gays Mills during apple season ❤.
The best place to buy fresh squeaky cheese curds is the farmers market located in Madison, Green Bay etc. There are many lakes and rivers in Wisconsin other than the Geneva lake, do your research and you’ll be surprised.
I'm originally from Illinois but have lived in Wisconsin since 1985. Your review of Wisconsin is very accurate. It has been a great place to live and raise a family.
We love our butter! According to state law, real butter must be used by any establishment in Wisconsin serving food. Margarine cannot be used unless specifically requested by a customer.
As a kid in the 60's I remember my Aunt going to Illinois on oleo runs because you couldn't buy margarine in Wisconsin. She and my Mom needed the margarine for certain cooky recipes.
Native Minneapolitan here, 60 years old. Have had much experience with the western part of WI, the more rural, lake cabin part. Have always felt people from Wisconsin are friendlier than Minnesotans. One of my son-in-laws is from Holcomb, north-central farm country. One of the nicest, friendliest people I’ve ever known. So are his parents and sisters.
I don't know why it's cool to meet somebody who's probably within a hundred miles of me on the internet. There is the whole world yet I'm talking to a guy who probably grew up a hundred miles within where I did. I love the internet.
@dacrosber don't know what to tell you, other than pretty much any other fast food choice of the similar type are all better tasting food. The food is boring and bland compared to basically any other fast food burger-type chain. You're allowed to disagree, but that's my opinion.
I’m from Milwaukee born and raised, LOVED watching this! You represented my state well 🩷 my one addition would be if you’re in Milwaukee in the summertime, don’t miss out on all the cool and quirky festivals that are just about every weekend! We have our cultural festivals from June until September! I also waitressed at a supper club, you will have the BEST steak of your life I promise you
@@woltersworld there are plenty of hidden gems in milwaukee. It is best to go during the summer/fall months. Spring and winter in milwaukee is usually very gray and depressing..
@woltersworld hey there, definitely check out the smaller, local owned restaurants outside of downtown. There are some amazing places for burgers- Rollies, Mazos. You can skip sollys unless you want tonwat a Ton of butter on your burger. Kopps burgers are just ok. Def eat the custard at kopps and Leon's. Check out lakefront brewery and eat the curds. For german food- check out kegel inn. Maders is beautiful, go for lunch. It's very pricey, but atmosphere is cool. Have appetizers and some german beer. Watch out for insane drivers, red light runners especially, and DO NOT DRIVE A HYUNDAI OR KIA. Enjoy!
Check out skating at red arrow park, and check out Brady Street, local coffee shops are excellent here, Farwell and north are fun and close by to brady. The milwaukee museum, and the art museum are great in winter.
I’ve lived in Wisconsin my whole life. 1) I’ve never had a cheese curd in my entire life 2) service at restaurants is actually very good in Wisconsin. 3) yes, you will see a lot of dead deer at the side of the interstate in the fall season 4) yes, absolutely do not miss Door County. It’s good in the summer, and also excellent in the fall when the leaves are in full bloom. 4) the FIB thing is overblown. They may joke to you about the Bears. 5) Packer Sunday is a priority. If you can manage to get to Lambeau Field that’s great. 6) Scandinavian is MN. In Wisconsin it’s German and Polish. 5) Lots of micro breweries 6) Brandy Old Fashion at a supper club, is a yes. 7) Wisconsin is Midwest nice. They’ll talk about their family. You’ll learn the name of their kids.
100% Wisconsin here. Agree. I come from a Scandinavian-Norwegian background, but my ancestors were more in the Lacrosse area. More of my relatives are from MN. Also agree about the FIB thing. It's not really a thing. We welcome everyone. Cheesecurds? yeah, maybe 5 times in my long lifetime. lol, but I do enjoy a good quality cheese, BOF in supper clubs- the best, although I've had some bad cheap made ones (not muddled) too. haha.
Thanks Mark for your lovely review of my home state. So accurate in your descriptions of the dairy land. One tip I’d like to share about cheese curds is that if they do not squeak when you bite into them, just pop them in the microwave for literally a few seconds and you will have them squeaking once again. 😁
As someone who's lived my entire life in the Milwaukee area, I think Wisconsin has the widest selection of different things to do year round. The same lakes you boat, swim and fish on in the summer you can come back 6 months later for ice fishing, hockey and snowmobiling. Almost all of our ski hills in the summer turn into mountain biking trails or even concert venues (Alpine Valley). There's something going on every single week in Milwaukee between all the festivals that take place at the Summerfest grounds and State Fair grounds not to mention all the sporting events statewide, Harley-Davidson events, auto racing at Road America and even Nascar returning now to the Milwaukee Mile. And it's only a 90 minute drive in any direction to Madison, Green Bay or Chicago. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else!
In 2015 I had the pleasure of going up to the Apostle Islands twice. Within a 5 month period, I was hiking the ice caves along the shore and later kayaking the islands. That was the last year the caves froze over enough to allow people. Who knows if it will happen again.
My half-sister, who grew up in Wisconsin, dragged me to a Culver's in Arkansas of all places. Turns out she and the manager were from the same suburban town near Milwaukee. He was ridiculously friendly, and the food was great. I can see why they love Culvers
Funny note. Being from Wisconsin and having lived in Texas for years...when a Culver's opened in Austin I was thrilled. The company brought people from home who sounded like me to get the place squared away. Made me happy!
This is so accurate. Greetings from Wisconsin! I've been binge-watching all of your "don'ts" for Europe from the last 10 years as I'm getting ready to leave next week!! Crazy that you came out with a wisco travel video literally days before I leave here, love it!
Don't miss out on eating at bars and supper clubs in Wisconsin. My family have always been pizza snobs and we thought we knew pizza growing up in Chicago. My Wisconsin cousins took us to a bar in Boulder Junction that served the best pizza I've ever had. It was just some nondescript bar you would drive past without thinking twice about. Every time I went to northern Wisconsin after that, I insisted we have pizza at that bar. Watch out for the deer when you're driving between dusk and dawn.
I'm from Wisconsin and one of the best pizzas I ever had was in a fishing bait and lure shop in Crandon that also had a little lunch counter. It blew my mind that such a good pizza was basically in a fishing shop! Unfortunately, I've been told that it's not there anymore.
It's so odd. I lived in Minnesota for years and people were polite and, at best, distantly friendly. I moved to Wisconsin and people are FRIENDLY. I love it because I grew up in Washington State and people there are very friendly as well. It's so nice here, truly. Also you forgot to mention the TRUE Northern Wisconsin: Those small towns nestled along Lake Superior. Kind of part Wisconsin and part Upper Peninsula of Michigan, neighbors with two Native American Reservations, lots of wildlife and quirkiness up here.
This is so accurate and well-done that it’s making me feel bad for not knowing more about Illinois as a Wisconsinite. You’re definitely an honorary wisconsinite and I can tell you understand and appreciate us and our state. So I’m going to make an effort to learn some of the history and culture of Illinois
Bubbler is a term used mostly on the east side of the state, Milwaukee, Racine, and further north along Lake Michigan. Pretty rare to hear bubbler used on the west side of the state
The original bubbler is a pipe coming up inside a cement bowl with a mouthpiece. The water was always on & would just bubble on top for you to take a drink. Had one at our neighborhood park back in the 50/60's. Racine
Great video! The definition of a Wisconsin town is a bar, church, and possibly a small grocery store. The German influence here typically finds a tavern on every street corner! I never realized this until visiting Florida for the first time and discovered that taverns/bars were few and far between. It’s simply second nature here to go to a tavern.
Who needs a church to have a town? I have driven through many small towns in northern WI (North of Hwy 8) that might have two or three bars and a gas station. You can usually get bait at any of them.
@@TheOfficialABHS Oh that brings back memories. Was at a bar just west of Eagle River in the 70's, they had gas pumps (including a separate one for pre-mix), a bait shop in back and a small grill behind the bar. I asked what kind of crawlers they had and the bartender grabbed a container from the cooler and dumped the contents on the bar to show us how good their crawlers were.
Yes to everything! As a FIB who goes to Wisconsin all the time, my favorite supper club is Toby's in Madison, it's been around for 100 years and they do a bluegill fish fry! The Northwoods is a cool area because it's almost like a time capsule stuck in the 1950s. The New Glarus brewery is awesome to check out because you can take a free tour and it is built like a Swiss village on top of a hill, and the town itself is full of Swiss architecture. The House on the Rock is also absolutely bonkers and probably the strangest place I've ever visited. Anyhoo, I'm just gushing about Wisconsin, great video as always sir!
I live in Madison just a mile or so south of Toby's Supper Club but have never actually eaten there. Every time we drive by, there is a humongous line of cars and people out front. It must be all you FIB's 😉 Maybe someday we'll have the place to ourselves. 😀
@@Intergalactic_media Hahahaha! If you get there right as they open up, then you'll be able to find a spot. Honestly that's the only way I've ever been able to get a spot, unless you go by yourself and sit at the bar later when the crowd dies down. A heads up if you get there right away, you can't order food for an hour or two. It's a good time to have a few old fashioneds and just relax. Hopefully you can make it there, I promise I do everything not to act like a FIB when I visit 😉
House on the Rock is definitely a must see IMO. For me I find it difficult to explain it to someone that has never been there before. It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen, but also one of the weirdest places I've ever seen, and there's so much stuff there that it's kind of sensory overload.
Toby's is an EXPERIENCE! Even if it's busy, you end up being completely entertained chatting and laughing with the many other people who are there waiting. And somehow, the staff are able to keep the drinks flowing. If one is not in the mood to stand and/or sit with chatty strangers for an hour or so while waiting for a table, I wouldn't recommend going when it's busy. Definitely, get there 10-15 minutes before they open. 😊 It is a great time, though!
Born and raised in Illinois, living in Wisconsin for several years now. Lake Geneva is overrun with FIBs. To me it is a tourist trap. Mid and northern Wisconsin are the real deal. Try those areas for wonderful food, lakes and people!!❤ l enjoy your family posts on your travels. I'm returning to Italy and. France for three months next spring and have been rewatching many of your posts. (Your boys are growing so quickly!)! 😊
Mark spot on! Also, FIBs generally refer to suburban Chicagoland folks, even if the moniker is referring to all of Illinois. I don’t think when someone says they're from Kankakee or Peoria we Wisconsinites think FIB. It's the snotty Karens and Kyles who come here from a Chicago suburbs, "Something Grove," and either boss people around or condescend to the locals.
@@nickmasino 🤣🤣🤣 I take it you're from suburban Chicago. And your crybaby comment tells everyone that you're definitely a FIB. Anyway, what's the gross generalization? I was explaining what FIB referred to, not *my* opinion of *all* Chicago suburbanites.
Just like Uncle Roman from The Great Outdoors. Yeah I agree "Something Grove or Park". Once you're south of Bloomington in Illinois it's like you entered at different state. Other than Springfield "state capitol full of government workers" the rest of the state has an underground movement to declare itself separate from the northeast corner. Plus all the Chicago people buying up property in northern Wisconsin in the 60's and 70's inflated land prices making it unaffordable to locals. Then those properties are only used MAYBE two months out of the year which means there's no year round support of local businesses by those land owners, while they expect year round services from the township.
I even seen how Chicagoans been hating on the Chicago suburbanites because of the way they trashed Chicago during Lollapalooza and giving CTA workers a hard time, a lot of these people that belong in the rude minority come from Naperville or the surrounding areas of Naperville, and as someone who lives near Elgin I have been referring to Naperville as "the armpit of Chicagoland"
I think this is your most enthusiastic "dont" video. Your love for Wisconsin, its people and all things Wisconsin really shines through. Im sold. Would love to visit. That hot dog looked awesome!
I am from Kenosha, and since we are right on the border we not only have FIBs visiting all the time, but quite a few have moved here. A tip for great food in the summer: check out church festivals! There is one almost every weekend and the majority of them feature ethnic foods, including Italian, Polish, German, and Lithuanian. Neighboring communities have Serbian, Greek, and more.
Overall you did an OK job reviewing my state. You mentioned the areas you FIBs would know. Lake Geneva and Door County. Both fantastically beautiful places. But of course you missed the northern areas like Hayward, Superior and Bayfield. Typical for someone not really familiar with the whole state. The Driftless area of Western Wisconsin along the Mississippi river is truly the most beautiful and overlooked part of the state. If you ever come back you should look into those areas. I do think you deserve gratitude for mentioning that we Wisconsonites will go out of our way to be friendly to you as long as you are also being friendly.
Nice to see at 4:30 on US151 near Beaver Dam a Culver's barn. But what's with Jocelyn wearing a Washington jersey at a Packer game?!?! There is a strong Scandinavian influence in Door County, but much of Wisconsin has a German heritage (think beer). And Milwaukee celebrates our variety of cultures with Irish Fest, Polish Fest, Dragon Boat Festival, Nineteenth Celebration, etc. Well done video.
Born and raised in southwest WI. Best cold squeaky cheese curds are Westby Cooperative and don’t forget to hit a bar and grill for fried cheese curds with ranch for dipping, of course! Thanks for the great video!
Don't miss an opportunity to drive a "Rustic Road". The most scenic routes in WI. Worth the extra time. Scenic, quiet and usually containing a suprise sight or shop.
Great video, I think you would love the driftless area along the Mississippi. Very pretty drive going from Prairie Du Chien up to Pepin. Lots of organic farms and food near Viroqua.
After moving back to Milwaukee, my in-laws from Atlanta's first visit. They said to take them to a restaurant to show them Milwaukee. I took them to Serb Hall for a Friday Fish Fry! The old school one where we walked through the bowling ally to get to the banquet hall. Not at all what they expected. My M-inlaw contacted me shortly after getting back to work at the hospital she worked at in Atlanta. A fellow nurse said she was from Milwaukee and that next time my M-inlw went I needed to take her to Serb Hall! Blew her mind!
Wisconsinite here. Lived here all my life in Green Bay, Madison. 'Stallis, Manitowoc, and Two Rivers. Never heard any other local call it a stop and go light. I hear rumors about it being known as a stop and go light but I always hear either light or stop light
I just moved to Madison Wisconsin from North Florida. What a difference! It's so wonderful here! I love it, the people are so kind and welcoming if you are a respectable person. Be on good behavior here
As a lifelong Wisconsinite I must say this was spot on! Great job although as someone who travels between Milwaukee and Chicago a lot I find it funny that you talk about road construction here. We are rookies compared to Illinois.
Orange is the Schneider Truck color too! Legend has it the orange construction barrels are actually Schneider eggs. If you bump into one, a new Schneider truck pops out.
Really great video! One other thing to keep in mind it that depending on what part of Wisconsin you’re in the environment is really different, southern Wisconsin has a lot of farmlands, south west is the driftless region and has absolutely the most beautiful bluffs and Northern Wisconsin is truly the north woods, it’s also where you’re going to find most of your lakes. I’d say you’re not truly in the north until you pass Wausau at least maybe even Merrill
I've been here a little over a year and the driving distances are so true. I'm from NY and close is like a 5 minute drive. Here it can be 1/2 hour to 3 hours and it's considered nothing. And WI drivers ARE the most courteous I've ever seen. Also, Kwik Trip is wonderful! Their fried chicken is to die for and are par with KFC and Popeyes! So far, I'm very happy with my move.
Wisconsin has odd names in general... Milwaukee, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, Wauwatosa, Sheboygan, Kenosha, Oshkosh, Winneconne... listening to tourists try to pronounce them is always fun
While people of Scandanavian ancestry DO make up a significant part of Wisconsin heritage, I think that the majority of what you will find and not understand is going to be of the huge German population. Plus, then there is all the French stuff, but we don't understand that either so don't feel bad. As a Wisconsin native I usually have better luck pronouncing the towns named with a derivative of the local Indian words than the French ones myself.
The French were the first Europeans to settle Wi, hence cities like Fon du Lac, La Crosse, Prairie de Chein, Eau Claire, and even Racine is French. However for whatever reason the French culture and ancestry here is very minimal. From my understanding the French set up fur trade towns but never stuck around enough to truly settle down.
I would also say don’t miss out on the brats! Big German influences here in Wisconsin and we make some of the best brats you’ll ever have. Throw some Kraut on it and MMMM delicious! Also if you order a Bloody Mary don’t be surprised if you get a small glass of beer to go with it. We call it a chaser. Very routine here in Wisconsin. And if you can, hit up a county fair. Nothing better than a Wisconsin county fair imo. But I want to emphasize what was said in the video and ALWAYS ask locals the best places to eat! If you asked me about a great place to get wings I’d tell you about a bar on Main Street in Stoughton lol. It’s almost never the places you hear most about so definitely ask! We love our state and love telling people the best places to enjoy our state!
Opening the video with an "OPE", I love it haha. OMG, you were literally 20 minutes away from my house when showing the exit signs for Janesville and Milton. I live in Fort Atkinson which is a really cool city to visit if you're up here again. It's a very outdoorsy city that is also really big on preserving the history of the area as well as making everything look quite artistic.
Looks like a fun place to visit Lovely architecture and scenery. Food looks divine, too. Great to see Jocelyn and look forward to seeing more of your videos, now we are on the cusp of Autumn 🍁🍂✨
Different areas of the state have their own uniqueness. A city like Madison prides itself on really high end education and being progressive towards the future, as well as being very outdoorsy. Other areas of the state place a big focus on being outdoors, being very artistic, or preserving the historic significance of the area. Some areas have a very high German cultural aspect while other areas have a high Norwegian cultural aspect. Then you go to other areas and it might feel more like a typical American cultural aspect.
Good morning from Kenosha, Wisconsin. Your video was a great video for non Wisconsin tourist's. The video was right on the money. Two common Wisconsin talk is..."Come here once." One of the best is...ask someone if they ever drank Spotted Cow beer or food or whatever and they may say. yes, I've had a "couple two three beers." Great video.
@@woltersworld Now if you grew up in Milwaukee, especially the south side during the 1940's to 80's you would know the spot by Saint Stan's where the streetcar turns the corner round. Many German and Polish immigrants that would crudely translate things from their native tongue to English.
You weren't kidding about the deer. I've only lived in Wisconsin for 5 months, tend to be a homebody as a single, remote worker, and even only running to the grocery store once a week or so, I've *still* had like 4 instances of nearly hitting a deer that ran out of the underbrush and leaped in front of my car!
went to wisconsin recently and i went to green bay and visited lambeau field and i was impressed at how the community embraces the packers. i also had a great time visiting wisconsin dells.
Mostly F.I.B.S applies to rude people from Chicago or the Burbs. Wisconsin is my home state and I live right on the Illinois/Wisconsin stateline…straight south of Madison. It’s a wonderful , beautiful state, especially the Driftless region. Don’t forget our wonderful Amish communities….bakeries, bulk food stores, markets, quilt auctions..all Amish . Good review.
At 9:21 in vid is the fur trade cabin at Heritage Hill State Park in Allouez (Green Bay). This park is a wonderful collection of historical buildings from around north east Wisconsin.
3:52 oh wow there's a stave church in Door County??? I'll have to look that one up! Also if you are in architecture like Jocelyn and me Don't pass up the chance to see the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Wisconsin is his home state and there are fantastic works such as the Johnson Wax building, and his architecture school and home Taliesin in Spring Green. If you are Francophile Taliesin should be on your bucket list. It's not a cheap tour at $95 but it's worth it and the funds go to preserve the facilities. Our tour guide was a local and she gave a lot of insights about Wright that a student wouldn't have.
Washington Island makes for a lovely day trip. Schoolhouse Beach is nice (just don't take the rocks!), the Stavkirke church is beautiful, you can join the bitters club at Nelson's Hall, and take a ferry over to Rock Island for some hiking and squeaky sand beaches.
My favorite Wolters World video! You made me fall back in love with this quirky state I've called home for 27 years. Funny you mention the weather. My in-laws from MD and NYC came to visit in July a few years back. We had rain and 50 degree weather in JULY! And of course, it was only when my in-laws were in town, haha. Quick plug - Mark's East Side is the best WI supper club. This is not a negotiable opinion. :)
I have also found that a “steakhouse” in Wisconsin have a way more deserved menu than steakhouse in other places. It is almost used as a synonym for restaurant
As a Wisconsin native, I've lived in northern Wisconsin, Central, and Southern. I know Lake Geneva is a tourist trap just as Elkart Lake and Door County. There is so much more beauty and soul up north in areas such as Bayfield, Eau Claire, Rhinelander, and Manitowish Waters. Nice Central WI towns are Waupaca, Appleton, Two Rivers, Sheboygan, Algoma, Lacrosse, and of course Kohler. Southern WI, you have, New Glarus, Fort Atkinson, and Cedarburg. If you want to know and understand Wisconsin, I think you need to visit the small towns and head north.
As someone who grew up and continues to live on "Geneva Lake" (in Williams Bay), you did a great job getting footage from all around! I recognized most all of the places you chose to film! I kept scanning looking to see if I saw someone I knew or even if I myself could have been in the background! LOL Hope you had a great visit and I'm sure you'll be back since you're right over the boarder!! God Bless! Ope, and tell your folks we said "Hi!"
Being from Wisconsin, this video is a pretty fair assessment of our beautiful state. Wisconsinites tend to be friendly and outgoing. When people call us Cheeseheads, we think it is a complement. So come on up and visit our state and bring your friendliness and expect our friendliness in return. Milwaukee also has the largest music festival in the world. Summerfest. Oh yeah, don't forget about the cheese, excellent food and the beer. And the cheese.
The best cheese curds will be found at the farmers markets, they will be the freshest. Supper Clubs are a Wisconsin thing, be sure to visit one. They will have fish fry and seafood specials on Fridays (everyone here eats fish on Friday, it’s cultural not religious), and prime rib and steak specials on Thursdays and Saturdays. There are 3 types of old fashions, Sweet, Sour and Press. Me, I like Sweet with Jameson, but try them out and see which you like, either brandy or whisky. Research is hard, but suck it up and buckle down. Ope, almost forgot to mention the culture of alcohol here, 41 of the 50 drunkest counties in America are in Wisconsin. Some would say we need to step up more.
@@woltersworld Best supper clubs are the old school ones that are getting hard to find. A lot of places are throwing supper club in the name but aren't giving the whole experience. A real supper club will start you at the bar for an old fashion or Manhattan. The waitress will bring the menu to the bar while you relax with your drink. You'll place your food order at the bar and remain there enjoying conversation. When the waitress comes to the bar to lead you to your table it will be arranged with openers and appetizers placed where she believes the people in your party will be sitting. If the salads and appetizers don't match where you sat at the table they will correct it. Now that they know where everyone is sitting things should happen automatically. You'll be asked if anyone would like another cocktail and as soon as that arrives your meal will be coming shortly, remember you already ordered so they started preparing your meal when the waitress came to the bar to get you. By the time you've finished your salad (or if your lucky they had a relish and salad lazy Susan on the table) the bus boy will collect the dishes and make sure everyone has table room. As he walks away your waitress will be placing your meals in front of you. It's amazing how a well run supper club just "flows" like professional dancers. Like I said, REAL supper clubs are getting hard to find and many require reservations simply because they are getting to be rare.
From the Waukesha/New Berlin area - Bubblers, Stop and go lights and FIB's were all part of growing up. 20 years ago moved to the western part of the state and you don't hear them very often. People also love to give directions like - turn left where Mike's Smokehouse used to be, then hang a right where the Seahorse was. No North/South directions and no current landmarks! FISHTAB is a new one for me - perfectly understand that one between the border and Oshkosh area.
I am a Wisconsinite, born and bred. I grew up in the Milwaukee area, moved to the Fox Valley for college, and haven't escaped--er--left since! I drive to Green Bay every day for work, and pass Lambeau Field every morning. Having presented my pedigreed credentials, I would like to say this video is *disturbingly* accurate; well done! A couple things you didn't mention, (and one you did) for those who need to know: 1) If you're heading north, Highway 41 SUCKS after Appleton--everyone drives like a buncha FIBs! 2) We really are *that* friendly; I like to refer to our sociability as being "puppy dogs" (we even pee when we're excited, if you feed us enough beer). You have been duly warned. 3) We've kind of always been like this, but many of us are still not aware that other people are NOT like this in general. For example, it was not until my late 20's when I realized normal people don't say "ope". Now it's gettin' to be about that time, so if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go put on my coat, get in a boat, and travel 2 hours from Ashwaubenon to Mukwonago to buy a bag a' bagels...
Pro tip for the Friday fish fry- if they have perch or walleye, they're the real deal. Cod can still be delicious, but the perch or walleye was probably caught locally.
Also in Wisconsin the locals are friendly. So as your going through small towns and see dive bars or bar and grills don't be afraid to stop. Lot of the places are not classy but have great food and friendly crowds. Great way when your exploring to find out great places to see or things to do.
Also known as information booths because if you want the real info about what's happening in the area stop at the bar and ask the bartender who at the bar knows what's happening around the area.
As a Wisconsinite I can confidently say that we tell tourists to go to door county so that we don’t have to deal with FIBs by keeping them condensed in one place
As a Wisconsinite, I approve of this video! Ironically, I've been an ethical vegan for a few years, but I do remember Culver's having the best cheese curds. Mark forgot to mention that in smaller towns and sometimes in cities that people acknowledge each other in the streets either by quickly smiling/nodding or saying "hello" , or giving a quick wave to someone driving down the streets. We're super friendly here, haha!
Lol, as a fellow Wisconsinite I can easily tell you that culvers has the worst curds I’ve ever had. The rest of the food there is good but the curds are awful
@@persephone213 I get the common brands at Woodman's such as Daiya, Violife, Follow Your Heart, etc. Unfortunately, Wisconsin isn't super vegan friendly outside of Madison and Milwaukee.
Only buy the non refrigerated curds, once they are chilled the squeak starts to fade. Also if you are in west central Wisconsin be aware we have a couple elk herds
My fiancé is from Wisconsin and have to say, you nailed it lol. Also- some more good beer is Lakefront Brewery. They have a tour that is AMAZING and give you a lot of beer for your buck. The cheese curds there are also amazing
The Sprecher brewery tour in Milwaukee is a fun little tour as well. I believe you get 4 alcoholic drinks and all the Sprecher soda you want. Their soda is amazing and sweetened with locally sourced honey instead of sugar or corn syrup. They also have a limited lunch menu. Plan on taking your time or having a designated driver as some of their beers are pretty damn potent (I'm looking at you 12 Dragons!)
I had a coworker originally from Chicago who told me they refer to our border as the "tension line". Illinoisians, who spend alot of time in Up North Wisconsin, feel their tension melt away when they cross over the border. I refer to the area from Lake Geneva on down as Willinois since they've practically taken it over. I dont think it's just a coincidence that phonetically it's spelled Ill-Annoy. Lol! But seriously as long as they don't come up here and drive like big city jerks we welcome them! But I gotta say that our friends to the south are excellent when it comes to great food and service! The Chicago deepdish pizzas are amazing!! If you come to Wisconsin you have to have dinner at a supper club and take in one of our many local ethnic festivals on the lakefront (and Summerfest) AND the hundreds of church festivals we have every summer!! And don't forget to enjoy a refreshing sip of water at a bubbler! 😊
If you are talking with a wisconsin local or any midwest local there is something called the mid west goodbye where after you say goodbye you will keep talking would say it takes around 30 minutes or longer
I love your videos for travel destinations, it’s super funny to hear you talk about my home state. Also super ironic to do the video from Lake Geneva, as the most Illinois filled part of Wisconsin.
A common saying amongst WI people is, "We have 2 seasons, winter and roach construction" I hope you get to go way up North. After living in Milwaukee for a couple years the thing I noticed most about driving back home to north central WI is how clean and fresh the air is. The further north you go the cleaner the air smells. Winter can be incredibly cold but going out on a quiet winter night after it has snowed can be quite magical. The air smells brand new like no one has ever breathed it before, it's eerily quiet and the fresh snow sparkles like diamonds.
32 years old, born and raised wisconsinite... Never have I ever heard someone call a stoplight a "stop and go light". Must have been in Lake Geneva when you got that info. Lake Geneva in Chicago North where all the FiBs head on the weekends aka STAY AWAY
I grew up in the Fox Valley, and never truly understood how dedicated Packer fans were compared to other teams until I visited Indianapolis during a home game. I was talking with one of the locals and asked where everyone parks for a Colts game as there isn’t a dedicated parking lot next to the stadium. He said it’s underground parking. I was like, “man the tailgating is gotta be strange down there”. He then asked where I was from and I said the Green Bay area. His eyes opened wide and he laughed as he replied, “Yeah, you guys take it to a whole other level”. Growing up close to Lambeau I just thought that was normal.
I see you stopped in Janesville! It's my hometown, hope you got a chance to check out some things around here. The Rotary Botanical Gardens, Lincoln-Tallman House, and the Rock Aqua Jays are all must sees.
Having been to all 50 states, Wisconsin was one of the first on my Wis list😂 Love it! Long live cheese curd... squeak! Question: Is uff-da a term only used by my Minnesota friends, or is that a Wisconsin thing, too? Peace out, Professor Mark.
I'd never heard it until I moved from Milwaukee to Madison, where I started hearing it pretty often. Makes sense that it would be further west and north.
As a wisconsinite I'd like to add that you did mention wis dells for water parks, but there is also a very nice indoor Waterpark at grand geneva called timber ridge witch is right on the outskirts of lake geneva.its a very nice place.
I'm from Wisconsin. I've never called it a stop and go light or said ope (I do say something similar though). Oh, and we know you can't pronounce the city names. This was a fun video to watch as it's the first video of yours that I know anything about the place it's about.
Lmao "Fellow Illinois Buddies" that is definitely what FIB stands for 😂
DEFINITELY 😉
Umm, no. The clean version is "foolish Illinois boy." Foolish is often replaced by something like fornication. Boy is often replaced with a word for a male dog.
My favorite is FISH-TAB. Hint TAB equals towing a boat
If you didn't understand Mark's description of the B word I'll give you a cultural reference:
Oh my God, they killed Kenny!
You ........!
If you are going to see the fall leaves, go to the apostle islands!!!
Wisconsinite here feeling the need to clarify looking for the cheese curd "squeak" because this refers to freshly made curds that you buy at the creamery or a cheese store that has them delivered fresh that day. The amazing curds you're looking for at bars, restaurants and supper clubs are the deep fried variety. You'll find a huge range of breading methods and dipping sauces to enjoy, but this melty cheese is not intended to squeak.
Thank you for mentioning this! I was checking to see if someone said it. I am an Iowan but I have been going to Wisconsin my entire life (raised less than 2 hours from Wisconsin) multiple times a year. Also attended UW-Madison for a semester. Weirdly, the only area I have not been to is Milwaukee. And it's not high on my list. But love Port Washington just south of it. Door County in the fall when the leaves are changing is gorgeous. Minocqua and St. Germaine area down to Dodgeville and Governor Dodge State Park, all wonderful. And Gays Mills during apple season ❤.
Exactly, I was gonna say that because they showed deep-fried cheese curds when they mentioned squeaky cheese curds.
This guy really nailed it all I really appreciate this video
The best place to buy fresh squeaky cheese curds is the farmers market located in Madison, Green Bay etc.
There are many lakes and rivers in Wisconsin other than the Geneva lake, do your research and you’ll be surprised.
i came to say the same heheh
Sundays in the fall in Wisconsin are a great time to go grocery shopping!! If you’re not into football you’ll have the whole store to yourself
💯
I go Christmas shopping during Packer games.
I'm originally from Illinois but have lived in Wisconsin since 1985. Your review of Wisconsin is very accurate. It has been a great place to live and raise a family.
Except Madison which is full of Democrats & Communists (Same thing)
We love our butter! According to state law, real butter must be used by any establishment in Wisconsin serving food. Margarine cannot be used unless specifically requested by a customer.
Now this is a law that should be everywhere 😀
I'm in Green Bay, and I hate to admit it, but kelly Gold Irish butter is better than what you get in Wisconsin.
As a kid in the 60's I remember my Aunt going to Illinois on oleo runs because you couldn't buy margarine in Wisconsin. She and my Mom needed the margarine for certain cooky recipes.
Native Minneapolitan here, 60 years old. Have had much experience with the western part of WI, the more rural, lake cabin part. Have always felt people from Wisconsin are friendlier than Minnesotans. One of my son-in-laws is from Holcomb, north-central farm country. One of the nicest, friendliest people I’ve ever known. So are his parents and sisters.
I don't know why it's cool to meet somebody who's probably within a hundred miles of me on the internet. There is the whole world yet I'm talking to a guy who probably grew up a hundred miles within where I did. I love the internet.
Culver's is not only a great fast food restaurant, it's just a fantastic place to eat.
My only problem with culver's are that their cheese curds are trash
Culver's is horrid!
@@MC-pb2hn Not in Wisconsin. You must have a schitty Culver's.
Hard disagree. Very bland food. Not something I'd want to represent wisconsin.
@dacrosber don't know what to tell you, other than pretty much any other fast food choice of the similar type are all better tasting food. The food is boring and bland compared to basically any other fast food burger-type chain. You're allowed to disagree, but that's my opinion.
I’m from Milwaukee born and raised, LOVED watching this! You represented my state well 🩷 my one addition would be if you’re in Milwaukee in the summertime, don’t miss out on all the cool and quirky festivals that are just about every weekend! We have our cultural festivals from June until September! I also waitressed at a supper club, you will have the BEST steak of your life I promise you
I am hoping to get up to milwaukee (this winter) to film so i hope i can make you proud
@@woltersworld there are plenty of hidden gems in milwaukee. It is best to go during the summer/fall months. Spring and winter in milwaukee is usually very gray and depressing..
@woltersworld hey there, definitely check out the smaller, local owned restaurants outside of downtown. There are some amazing places for burgers- Rollies, Mazos. You can skip sollys unless you want tonwat a Ton of butter on your burger. Kopps burgers are just ok. Def eat the custard at kopps and Leon's. Check out lakefront brewery and eat the curds. For german food- check out kegel inn. Maders is beautiful, go for lunch. It's very pricey, but atmosphere is cool. Have appetizers and some german beer.
Watch out for insane drivers, red light runners especially, and DO NOT DRIVE A HYUNDAI OR KIA. Enjoy!
Check out skating at red arrow park, and check out Brady Street, local coffee shops are excellent here, Farwell and north are fun and close by to brady.
The milwaukee museum, and the art museum are great in winter.
Flatlander, born and raised (except for a few grade school years in Lake Geneva! This video is a joke! (And no, never heard of "bubbler")
This is accurate. I love WI. The driving is so scenic, and it’s just another world.
I’ve lived in Wisconsin my whole life.
1) I’ve never had a cheese curd in my entire life
2) service at restaurants is actually very good in Wisconsin.
3) yes, you will see a lot of dead deer at the side of the interstate in the fall season
4) yes, absolutely do not miss Door County. It’s good in the summer, and also excellent in the fall when the leaves are in full bloom.
4) the FIB thing is overblown. They may joke to you about the Bears.
5) Packer Sunday is a priority. If you can manage to get to Lambeau Field that’s great.
6) Scandinavian is MN. In Wisconsin it’s German and Polish.
5) Lots of micro breweries
6) Brandy Old Fashion at a supper club, is a yes.
7) Wisconsin is Midwest nice. They’ll talk about their family. You’ll learn the name of their kids.
100% Wisconsin here. Agree. I come from a Scandinavian-Norwegian background, but my ancestors were more in the Lacrosse area. More of my relatives are from MN. Also agree about the FIB thing. It's not really a thing. We welcome everyone.
Cheesecurds? yeah, maybe 5 times in my long lifetime. lol, but I do enjoy a good quality cheese,
BOF in supper clubs- the best, although I've had some bad cheap made ones (not muddled) too. haha.
Ironically the northern part of Door County was settled by Scandinavians and Belgians.
Just eat a cheesecurd already.
Thanks Mark for your lovely review of my home state. So accurate in your descriptions of the dairy land. One tip I’d like to share about cheese curds is that if they do not squeak when you bite into them, just pop them in the microwave for literally a few seconds and you will have them squeaking once again. 😁
As someone who's lived my entire life in the Milwaukee area, I think Wisconsin has the widest selection of different things to do year round. The same lakes you boat, swim and fish on in the summer you can come back 6 months later for ice fishing, hockey and snowmobiling. Almost all of our ski hills in the summer turn into mountain biking trails or even concert venues (Alpine Valley). There's something going on every single week in Milwaukee between all the festivals that take place at the Summerfest grounds and State Fair grounds not to mention all the sporting events statewide, Harley-Davidson events, auto racing at Road America and even Nascar returning now to the Milwaukee Mile. And it's only a 90 minute drive in any direction to Madison, Green Bay or Chicago. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else!
In 2015 I had the pleasure of going up to the Apostle Islands twice. Within a 5 month period, I was hiking the ice caves along the shore and later kayaking the islands. That was the last year the caves froze over enough to allow people. Who knows if it will happen again.
My half-sister, who grew up in Wisconsin, dragged me to a Culver's in Arkansas of all places. Turns out she and the manager were from the same suburban town near Milwaukee. He was ridiculously friendly, and the food was great. I can see why they love Culvers
Funny note. Being from Wisconsin and having lived in Texas for years...when a Culver's opened in Austin I was thrilled. The company brought people from home who sounded like me to get the place squared away. Made me happy!
This is so accurate. Greetings from Wisconsin! I've been binge-watching all of your "don'ts" for Europe from the last 10 years as I'm getting ready to leave next week!! Crazy that you came out with a wisco travel video literally days before I leave here, love it!
Have a great trip! Hope the europe videos can help a bit! Travel hugs!
Don't miss out on eating at bars and supper clubs in Wisconsin. My family have always been pizza snobs and we thought we knew pizza growing up in Chicago. My Wisconsin cousins took us to a bar in Boulder Junction that served the best pizza I've ever had. It was just some nondescript bar you would drive past without thinking twice about. Every time I went to northern Wisconsin after that, I insisted we have pizza at that bar. Watch out for the deer when you're driving between dusk and dawn.
Yep. Have that one in the video :) supper clubs for sure.
I'm from Wisconsin and one of the best pizzas I ever had was in a fishing bait and lure shop in Crandon that also had a little lunch counter. It blew my mind that such a good pizza was basically in a fishing shop! Unfortunately, I've been told that it's not there anymore.
It's so odd. I lived in Minnesota for years and people were polite and, at best, distantly friendly. I moved to Wisconsin and people are FRIENDLY. I love it because I grew up in Washington State and people there are very friendly as well. It's so nice here, truly.
Also you forgot to mention the TRUE Northern Wisconsin: Those small towns nestled along Lake Superior. Kind of part Wisconsin and part Upper Peninsula of Michigan, neighbors with
two Native American Reservations, lots of wildlife and quirkiness up here.
This is so accurate and well-done that it’s making me feel bad for not knowing more about Illinois as a Wisconsinite. You’re definitely an honorary wisconsinite and I can tell you understand and appreciate us and our state. So I’m going to make an effort to learn some of the history and culture of Illinois
Bubbler is a term used mostly on the east side of the state, Milwaukee, Racine, and further north along Lake Michigan. Pretty rare to hear bubbler used on the west side of the state
The original bubbler is a pipe coming up inside a cement bowl with a mouthpiece. The water was always on & would just bubble on top for you to take a drink. Had one at our neighborhood park back in the 50/60's. Racine
Agree with you
I grew up i LaCrosse and we all called it a bubbler.
😂 not hardly unless Steven’s Point is considered east
West Allis here! So true!! 😊💧
USINGER'S world famous milwaukee sausage since 1880 who else is with me?
Amazing Glizzies!! 😂
Who else would do TV commercials in German with English subtitles in the late 1970s early 1980s?
Nope, Johnsonville!
Klements right down the street
Great video! The definition of a Wisconsin town is a bar, church, and possibly a small grocery store. The German influence here typically finds a tavern on every street corner! I never realized this until visiting Florida for the first time and discovered that taverns/bars were few and far between. It’s simply second nature here to go to a tavern.
yes
As a Wisconsinite I’m always surprised by the lack of bars and beer options when I visit other states. Then i remember we’re kind of the outlier lol.
About the same in Iowa.
Who needs a church to have a town? I have driven through many small towns in northern WI (North of Hwy 8) that might have two or three bars and a gas station. You can usually get bait at any of them.
@@TheOfficialABHS Oh that brings back memories. Was at a bar just west of Eagle River in the 70's, they had gas pumps (including a separate one for pre-mix), a bait shop in back and a small grill behind the bar. I asked what kind of crawlers they had and the bartender grabbed a container from the cooler and dumped the contents on the bar to show us how good their crawlers were.
Yes to everything! As a FIB who goes to Wisconsin all the time, my favorite supper club is Toby's in Madison, it's been around for 100 years and they do a bluegill fish fry! The Northwoods is a cool area because it's almost like a time capsule stuck in the 1950s. The New Glarus brewery is awesome to check out because you can take a free tour and it is built like a Swiss village on top of a hill, and the town itself is full of Swiss architecture. The House on the Rock is also absolutely bonkers and probably the strangest place I've ever visited. Anyhoo, I'm just gushing about Wisconsin, great video as always sir!
I live in Madison just a mile or so south of Toby's Supper Club but have never actually eaten there. Every time we drive by, there is a humongous line of cars and people out front. It must be all you FIB's 😉 Maybe someday we'll have the place to ourselves. 😀
@@Intergalactic_media Hahahaha! If you get there right as they open up, then you'll be able to find a spot. Honestly that's the only way I've ever been able to get a spot, unless you go by yourself and sit at the bar later when the crowd dies down. A heads up if you get there right away, you can't order food for an hour or two. It's a good time to have a few old fashioneds and just relax. Hopefully you can make it there, I promise I do everything not to act like a FIB when I visit 😉
House on the Rock is definitely a must see IMO. For me I find it difficult to explain it to someone that has never been there before. It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen, but also one of the weirdest places I've ever seen, and there's so much stuff there that it's kind of sensory overload.
Oh yeah, you definitely feel drained afterwards. Totally hit it on the head that it's just something to experience that can't be explained! @@erics607
Toby's is an EXPERIENCE! Even if it's busy, you end up being completely entertained chatting and laughing with the many other people who are there waiting. And somehow, the staff are able to keep the drinks flowing.
If one is not in the mood to stand and/or sit with chatty strangers for an hour or so while waiting for a table, I wouldn't recommend going when it's busy. Definitely, get there 10-15 minutes before they open. 😊 It is a great time, though!
Born and raised in Illinois, living in Wisconsin for several years now. Lake Geneva is overrun with FIBs. To me it is a tourist trap. Mid and northern Wisconsin are the real deal. Try those areas for wonderful food, lakes and people!!❤ l enjoy your family posts on your travels. I'm returning to Italy and. France for three months next spring and have been rewatching many of your posts. (Your boys are growing so quickly!)! 😊
Shhhh...don't tell them how awesome Northern Wisconsin is, we're trying to keep that a secret!
The current, crooked Illinois governor has a mansion on Lake Geneva.
90% of Northern Wisconsin Lake front has been owned by FIB's for 60 years. You're a FIB and the rest of Wisconsin is inbred with FIB'S 😂😂😂
IKR?!?! I'm not sure why he taped a Wisconsin video in Lake Geneva...owned by FIBs. I call the area Willinois...basically Lake Geneva and down.
Yeah, mosquitoes are GREAT! and so are deer flies and ticks that carry lyme disease.
Mark spot on! Also, FIBs generally refer to suburban Chicagoland folks, even if the moniker is referring to all of Illinois. I don’t think when someone says they're from Kankakee or Peoria we Wisconsinites think FIB. It's the snotty Karens and Kyles who come here from a Chicago suburbs, "Something Grove," and either boss people around or condescend to the locals.
#1… Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?
That's a gross generalization.
@@nickmasino 🤣🤣🤣 I take it you're from suburban Chicago. And your crybaby comment tells everyone that you're definitely a FIB.
Anyway, what's the gross generalization? I was explaining what FIB referred to, not *my* opinion of *all* Chicago suburbanites.
Just like Uncle Roman from The Great Outdoors. Yeah I agree "Something Grove or Park". Once you're south of Bloomington in Illinois it's like you entered at different state. Other than Springfield "state capitol full of government workers" the rest of the state has an underground movement to declare itself separate from the northeast corner. Plus all the Chicago people buying up property in northern Wisconsin in the 60's and 70's inflated land prices making it unaffordable to locals. Then those properties are only used MAYBE two months out of the year which means there's no year round support of local businesses by those land owners, while they expect year round services from the township.
I even seen how Chicagoans been hating on the Chicago suburbanites because of the way they trashed Chicago during Lollapalooza and giving CTA workers a hard time, a lot of these people that belong in the rude minority come from Naperville or the surrounding areas of Naperville, and as someone who lives near Elgin I have been referring to Naperville as "the armpit of Chicagoland"
I think this is your most enthusiastic "dont" video. Your love for Wisconsin, its people and all things Wisconsin really shines through. Im sold. Would love to visit. That hot dog looked awesome!
I am from Kenosha, and since we are right on the border we not only have FIBs visiting all the time, but quite a few have moved here. A tip for great food in the summer: check out church festivals! There is one almost every weekend and the majority of them feature ethnic foods, including Italian, Polish, German, and Lithuanian. Neighboring communities have Serbian, Greek, and more.
Don't forget the FIBWAB's. "With A Boat"
@@gregpierquet5818 Don't forget that they are floating your economy with those boats.
@@73ajd1 , That's fair.
Overall you did an OK job reviewing my state. You mentioned the areas you FIBs would know. Lake Geneva and Door County. Both fantastically beautiful places. But of course you missed the northern areas like Hayward, Superior and Bayfield. Typical for someone not really familiar with the whole state. The Driftless area of Western Wisconsin along the Mississippi river is truly the most beautiful and overlooked part of the state. If you ever come back you should look into those areas. I do think you deserve gratitude for mentioning that we Wisconsonites will go out of our way to be friendly to you as long as you are also being friendly.
Nice to see at 4:30 on US151 near Beaver Dam a Culver's barn. But what's with Jocelyn wearing a Washington jersey at a Packer game?!?! There is a strong Scandinavian influence in Door County, but much of Wisconsin has a German heritage (think beer). And Milwaukee celebrates our variety of cultures with Irish Fest, Polish Fest, Dragon Boat Festival, Nineteenth Celebration, etc. Well done video.
Born and raised in southwest WI. Best cold squeaky cheese curds are Westby Cooperative and don’t forget to hit a bar and grill for fried cheese curds with ranch for dipping, of course! Thanks for the great video!
Cold cheese curds don’t squeak, they must be room temperature to squeak!
Don't miss an opportunity to drive a "Rustic Road". The most scenic routes in WI. Worth the extra time. Scenic, quiet and usually containing a suprise sight or shop.
@chantzsch3916 My husband and I love biking all the Rustic Roads. They're beautiful
Love Door County. Loved being a FIB. Now we are living in Tennessee but it is worth the drive. Love DC weather.
Great video, I think you would love the driftless area along the Mississippi. Very pretty drive going from Prairie Du Chien up to Pepin. Lots of organic farms and food near Viroqua.
Go through La Crosse. It’s gorgeous here
Coon Valley here.
Head south to Shullsburg, Platteville, and Potosi. That, to me, is beautiful.
As a Wisconsin local i would be more than happy to explain where something is and how long it takes
After moving back to Milwaukee, my in-laws from Atlanta's first visit. They said to take them to a restaurant to show them Milwaukee. I took them to Serb Hall for a Friday Fish Fry! The old school one where we walked through the bowling ally to get to the banquet hall. Not at all what they expected.
My M-inlaw contacted me shortly after getting back to work at the hospital she worked at in Atlanta. A fellow nurse said she was from Milwaukee and that next time my M-inlw went I needed to take her to Serb Hall! Blew her mind!
Wisconsinite here. Lived here all my life in Green Bay, Madison. 'Stallis, Manitowoc, and Two Rivers. Never heard any other local call it a stop and go light. I hear rumors about it being known as a stop and go light but I always hear either light or stop light
It's more of a thing of the past. I remember saying it when I was a kid but mostly now you just hear stop light.
I just moved to Madison Wisconsin from North Florida. What a difference! It's so wonderful here! I love it, the people are so kind and welcoming if you are a respectable person. Be on good behavior here
As a lifelong Wisconsinite I must say this was spot on! Great job although as someone who travels between Milwaukee and Chicago a lot I find it funny that you talk about road construction here. We are rookies compared to Illinois.
Orange is the Schneider Truck color too! Legend has it the orange construction barrels are actually Schneider eggs. If you bump into one, a new Schneider truck pops out.
Really great video! One other thing to keep in mind it that depending on what part of Wisconsin you’re in the environment is really different, southern Wisconsin has a lot of farmlands, south west is the driftless region and has absolutely the most beautiful bluffs and Northern Wisconsin is truly the north woods, it’s also where you’re going to find most of your lakes. I’d say you’re not truly in the north until you pass Wausau at least maybe even Merrill
@dacrosber As a kid my Dad would always announce we're out of the "tension zone" once we reached highway 10.
Fall is honestly so beautiful here, thank you for mentioning that!
I've been here a little over a year and the driving distances are so true. I'm from NY and close is like a 5 minute drive. Here it can be 1/2 hour to 3 hours and it's considered nothing. And WI drivers ARE the most courteous I've ever seen. Also, Kwik Trip is wonderful! Their fried chicken is to die for and are par with KFC and Popeyes! So far, I'm very happy with my move.
Honored to have you here!!
Wisconsin has odd names in general... Milwaukee, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, Wauwatosa, Sheboygan, Kenosha, Oshkosh, Winneconne... listening to tourists try to pronounce them is always fun
Don’t forget Kaukauna!!🤣🤣
Ashwaubenon is my favorite
Kinnikinnic or Cudahy
While people of Scandanavian ancestry DO make up a significant part of Wisconsin heritage, I think that the majority of what you will find and not understand is going to be of the huge German population. Plus, then there is all the French stuff, but we don't understand that either so don't feel bad. As a Wisconsin native I usually have better luck pronouncing the towns named with a derivative of the local Indian words than the French ones myself.
@lonewlf7676 Agreed. Northern Wisconsin definitely has a more Scandanavian influence whereas Southern WI is much more German.
The French were the first Europeans to settle Wi, hence cities like Fon du Lac, La Crosse, Prairie de Chein, Eau Claire, and even Racine is French. However for whatever reason the French culture and ancestry here is very minimal. From my understanding the French set up fur trade towns but never stuck around enough to truly settle down.
I would also say don’t miss out on the brats! Big German influences here in Wisconsin and we make some of the best brats you’ll ever have. Throw some Kraut on it and MMMM delicious! Also if you order a Bloody Mary don’t be surprised if you get a small glass of beer to go with it. We call it a chaser. Very routine here in Wisconsin. And if you can, hit up a county fair. Nothing better than a Wisconsin county fair imo. But I want to emphasize what was said in the video and ALWAYS ask locals the best places to eat! If you asked me about a great place to get wings I’d tell you about a bar on Main Street in Stoughton lol. It’s almost never the places you hear most about so definitely ask! We love our state and love telling people the best places to enjoy our state!
I got the brats in our eats of wisconsin video on our wolters world eats channel. So glad i didnt muss that one
Do you mean the Viking Brew Haus in Stoughton? The one with the Dragon? Than is awesome.
@@CrankyBubushka That place is also awesome! But the joint a block down called Tailgaters of Stoughton is a hidden gem wing place.
My wife and l used to go to place in Nacedah. Bloody Marys with a skewer of shrimp on top.
Opening the video with an "OPE", I love it haha. OMG, you were literally 20 minutes away from my house when showing the exit signs for Janesville and Milton. I live in Fort Atkinson which is a really cool city to visit if you're up here again. It's a very outdoorsy city that is also really big on preserving the history of the area as well as making everything look quite artistic.
Looks like a fun place to visit Lovely architecture and scenery. Food looks divine, too. Great to see Jocelyn and look forward to seeing more of your videos, now we are on the cusp of Autumn 🍁🍂✨
Different areas of the state have their own uniqueness. A city like Madison prides itself on really high end education and being progressive towards the future, as well as being very outdoorsy. Other areas of the state place a big focus on being outdoors, being very artistic, or preserving the historic significance of the area. Some areas have a very high German cultural aspect while other areas have a high Norwegian cultural aspect. Then you go to other areas and it might feel more like a typical American cultural aspect.
Good morning from Kenosha, Wisconsin. Your video was a great video for non Wisconsin tourist's. The video was right on the money. Two common Wisconsin talk is..."Come here once." One of the best is...ask someone if they ever drank Spotted Cow beer or food or whatever and they may say. yes, I've had a "couple two three beers." Great video.
I tried to get that couple two three beers t shirt but they didnt have my size which was quite disappointing 😞
@@woltersworld Now if you grew up in Milwaukee, especially the south side during the 1940's to 80's you would know the spot by Saint Stan's where the streetcar turns the corner round. Many German and Polish immigrants that would crudely translate things from their native tongue to English.
Bubblers all the way! And, yes, be nice. It really helps ya out. -from a native. Thanks, Mark, enjoyed it! 🧀❤😎☀️
as a wisconsite we dont tell distance in miles we tell time in hrs, "how far is it to Milwuakee?"...."oh, about 2hrs"
You weren't kidding about the deer. I've only lived in Wisconsin for 5 months, tend to be a homebody as a single, remote worker, and even only running to the grocery store once a week or so, I've *still* had like 4 instances of nearly hitting a deer that ran out of the underbrush and leaped in front of my car!
Fun fact, if you hit a deer, you are legally entitled to keep it. Venison all year long? Yes please!
@@kman5475 Might as well keep it, good stuff.
went to wisconsin recently and i went to green bay and visited lambeau field and i was impressed at how the community embraces the packers. i also had a great time visiting wisconsin dells.
Mostly F.I.B.S applies to rude people from Chicago or the Burbs.
Wisconsin is my home state and I live right on the Illinois/Wisconsin stateline…straight south of Madison.
It’s a wonderful , beautiful state, especially the Driftless region.
Don’t forget our wonderful Amish communities….bakeries, bulk food stores, markets, quilt auctions..all Amish .
Good review.
Best Amish bakery I've ever been to is somewhere just east of Monroe. Fry pies and cheese bread to die for.
At 9:21 in vid is the fur trade cabin at Heritage Hill State Park in Allouez (Green Bay). This park is a wonderful collection of historical buildings from around north east Wisconsin.
3:52 oh wow there's a stave church in Door County??? I'll have to look that one up! Also if you are in architecture like Jocelyn and me Don't pass up the chance to see the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Wisconsin is his home state and there are fantastic works such as the Johnson Wax building, and his architecture school and home Taliesin in Spring Green. If you are Francophile Taliesin should be on your bucket list. It's not a cheap tour at $95 but it's worth it and the funds go to preserve the facilities. Our tour guide was a local and she gave a lot of insights about Wright that a student wouldn't have.
That's the Stavkirke on Washington Island, off the tip of Door County.
@@SarahRenz59 thanks!
Washington Island makes for a lovely day trip. Schoolhouse Beach is nice (just don't take the rocks!), the Stavkirke church is beautiful, you can join the bitters club at Nelson's Hall, and take a ferry over to Rock Island for some hiking and squeaky sand beaches.
Thanks Mark! Fresh cheese curds are squeaky. Once they’ve been refrigerated the really good squeak goes away.
Nah, cold fresh curds have the same squeak, and they're better. ;)
@@mashtatoueful😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Tell me that you have never eaten cheese curds without telling me!
@@chuckgoodman3828 ok boomer
In Australia we call them Bubblers as well.
Interesting
Blame the Kohler Company!
Good to know!
As a native Wisconsonian, thanks for inventing vegemite! It's delicious with aged cheddar on a hard roll!!
I've loved in Wisconsin my whole life. I've never heard anyone call it that
My favorite Wolters World video! You made me fall back in love with this quirky state I've called home for 27 years. Funny you mention the weather. My in-laws from MD and NYC came to visit in July a few years back. We had rain and 50 degree weather in JULY! And of course, it was only when my in-laws were in town, haha. Quick plug - Mark's East Side is the best WI supper club. This is not a negotiable opinion. :)
63 years in WI some of your lingo you talk about I never heard of once!
I have also found that a “steakhouse” in Wisconsin have a way more deserved menu than steakhouse in other places. It is almost used as a synonym for restaurant
As a Wisconsin native, I've lived in northern Wisconsin, Central, and Southern. I know Lake Geneva is a tourist trap just as Elkart Lake and Door County. There is so much more beauty and soul up north in areas such as Bayfield, Eau Claire, Rhinelander, and Manitowish Waters. Nice Central WI towns are Waupaca, Appleton, Two Rivers, Sheboygan, Algoma, Lacrosse, and of course Kohler. Southern WI, you have, New Glarus, Fort Atkinson, and Cedarburg. If you want to know and understand Wisconsin, I think you need to visit the small towns and head north.
Central Wi is like Wausau area, lol.
Agreed… we keep sending the FIBS to Door County so they can all be together and we can enjoy the rest of the state. Also prices in DC are ridiculous
As someone who grew up and continues to live on "Geneva Lake" (in Williams Bay), you did a great job getting footage from all around! I recognized most all of the places you chose to film! I kept scanning looking to see if I saw someone I knew or even if I myself could have been in the background! LOL Hope you had a great visit and I'm sure you'll be back since you're right over the boarder!! God Bless! Ope, and tell your folks we said "Hi!"
Being from Wisconsin, this video is a pretty fair assessment of our beautiful state. Wisconsinites tend to be friendly and outgoing. When people call us Cheeseheads, we think it is a complement. So come on up and visit our state and bring your friendliness and expect our friendliness in return. Milwaukee also has the largest music festival in the world. Summerfest. Oh yeah, don't forget about the cheese, excellent food and the beer. And the cheese.
It’s common a common goodbye saying in Wisco to “watch for deer”. Especially in the fall. 😊
I forgot that we say this, having been out of the state for over 10 years. 🧀 Cheese head forever!
Yes! It's like "drive safe!", but darker, and slightly less condescending.
The best cheese curds will be found at the farmers markets, they will be the freshest. Supper Clubs are a Wisconsin thing, be sure to visit one. They will have fish fry and seafood specials on Fridays (everyone here eats fish on Friday, it’s cultural not religious), and prime rib and steak specials on Thursdays and Saturdays. There are 3 types of old fashions, Sweet, Sour and Press. Me, I like Sweet with Jameson, but try them out and see which you like, either brandy or whisky. Research is hard, but suck it up and buckle down. Ope, almost forgot to mention the culture of alcohol here, 41 of the 50 drunkest counties in America are in Wisconsin. Some would say we need to step up more.
Awesome comments and helpful tips! You rock!
@@woltersworld Best supper clubs are the old school ones that are getting hard to find. A lot of places are throwing supper club in the name but aren't giving the whole experience. A real supper club will start you at the bar for an old fashion or Manhattan. The waitress will bring the menu to the bar while you relax with your drink. You'll place your food order at the bar and remain there enjoying conversation. When the waitress comes to the bar to lead you to your table it will be arranged with openers and appetizers placed where she believes the people in your party will be sitting. If the salads and appetizers don't match where you sat at the table they will correct it. Now that they know where everyone is sitting things should happen automatically. You'll be asked if anyone would like another cocktail and as soon as that arrives your meal will be coming shortly, remember you already ordered so they started preparing your meal when the waitress came to the bar to get you. By the time you've finished your salad (or if your lucky they had a relish and salad lazy Susan on the table) the bus boy will collect the dishes and make sure everyone has table room. As he walks away your waitress will be placing your meals in front of you. It's amazing how a well run supper club just "flows" like professional dancers. Like I said, REAL supper clubs are getting hard to find and many require reservations simply because they are getting to be rare.
As a local, the lake in lake Geneva is lake Geneva. The cork sniffing FIBs from Illinois that live there call it Geneva lake
Hear, hear
From the Waukesha/New Berlin area - Bubblers, Stop and go lights and FIB's were all part of growing up. 20 years ago moved to the western part of the state and you don't hear them very often. People also love to give directions like - turn left where Mike's Smokehouse used to be, then hang a right where the Seahorse was. No North/South directions and no current landmarks! FISHTAB is a new one for me - perfectly understand that one between the border and Oshkosh area.
Many great memories of Wisconsin, some of them kinda fuzzy. Go to Wisconsin and let life happen. It's a fun state.
So true about the Packers. Wisconsin becomes a ghost town on Sundays during the NFL season.
I am a Wisconsinite, born and bred. I grew up in the Milwaukee area, moved to the Fox Valley for college, and haven't escaped--er--left since! I drive to Green Bay every day for work, and pass Lambeau Field every morning. Having presented my pedigreed credentials, I would like to say this video is *disturbingly* accurate; well done! A couple things you didn't mention, (and one you did) for those who need to know: 1) If you're heading north, Highway 41 SUCKS after Appleton--everyone drives like a buncha FIBs! 2) We really are *that* friendly; I like to refer to our sociability as being "puppy dogs" (we even pee when we're excited, if you feed us enough beer). You have been duly warned. 3) We've kind of always been like this, but many of us are still not aware that other people are NOT like this in general. For example, it was not until my late 20's when I realized normal people don't say "ope".
Now it's gettin' to be about that time, so if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go put on my coat, get in a boat, and travel 2 hours from Ashwaubenon to Mukwonago to buy a bag a' bagels...
thanks for this comment. made me smile. especially the bold emphasis parts :)
Pro tip for the Friday fish fry- if they have perch or walleye, they're the real deal. Cod can still be delicious, but the perch or walleye was probably caught locally.
Also in Wisconsin the locals are friendly. So as your going through small towns and see dive bars or bar and grills don't be afraid to stop. Lot of the places are not classy but have great food and friendly crowds. Great way when your exploring to find out great places to see or things to do.
Also known as information booths because if you want the real info about what's happening in the area stop at the bar and ask the bartender who at the bar knows what's happening around the area.
As a Wisconsinite I can confidently say that we tell tourists to go to door county so that we don’t have to deal with FIBs by keeping them condensed in one place
So true. Door County is overrun with FIBS and it’s become a tourist trap. Not how it was 20 years ago
Along with FIB is FISHTAB, which stands for...towing a boat. Bubbler is more of a Milwaukee area term. Great video!
As a Wisconsinite, I approve of this video! Ironically, I've been an ethical vegan for a few years, but I do remember Culver's having the best cheese curds. Mark forgot to mention that in smaller towns and sometimes in cities that people acknowledge each other in the streets either by quickly smiling/nodding or saying "hello" , or giving a quick wave to someone driving down the streets. We're super friendly here, haha!
Lol, as a fellow Wisconsinite I can easily tell you that culvers has the worst curds I’ve ever had. The rest of the food there is good but the curds are awful
@@ronweasley1354 This! Culver's cheese curds taste like something you'd have at school lunch, they're awful.
Are there any cool vegan cheeses there?
@@persephone213 I get the common brands at Woodman's such as Daiya, Violife, Follow Your Heart, etc. Unfortunately, Wisconsin isn't super vegan friendly outside of Madison and Milwaukee.
Only buy the non refrigerated curds, once they are chilled the squeak starts to fade.
Also if you are in west central Wisconsin be aware we have a couple elk herds
My Wisconsinite wife was so excited when we finally got a Culver's in TN
I’ve been all over this country and without a doubt Wisconsin is one of the more beautiful states of the USA
We went to the Dells in May. The area is kitschy and fun. The accent was a bit unusual.
Born and raised just north of Rhinelander. Never once used "bubbler," lol. Also, just called those lights "red light" or "stop light."
My fiancé is from Wisconsin and have to say, you nailed it lol. Also- some more good beer is Lakefront Brewery. They have a tour that is AMAZING and give you a lot of beer for your buck. The cheese curds there are also amazing
Im heading back up in a couple months. Will check out the beer. Thank you
The Sprecher brewery tour in Milwaukee is a fun little tour as well. I believe you get 4 alcoholic drinks and all the Sprecher soda you want. Their soda is amazing and sweetened with locally sourced honey instead of sugar or corn syrup. They also have a limited lunch menu. Plan on taking your time or having a designated driver as some of their beers are pretty damn potent (I'm looking at you 12 Dragons!)
I had a coworker originally from Chicago who told me they refer to our border as the "tension line". Illinoisians, who spend alot of time in Up North Wisconsin, feel their tension melt away when they cross over the border. I refer to the area from Lake Geneva on down as Willinois since they've practically taken it over. I dont think it's just a coincidence that phonetically it's spelled Ill-Annoy. Lol! But seriously as long as they don't come up here and drive like big city jerks we welcome them! But I gotta say that our friends to the south are excellent when it comes to great food and service! The Chicago deepdish pizzas are amazing!!
If you come to Wisconsin you have to have dinner at a supper club and take in one of our many local ethnic festivals on the lakefront (and Summerfest) AND the hundreds of church festivals we have every summer!! And don't forget to enjoy a refreshing sip of water at a bubbler! 😊
If you are talking with a wisconsin local or any midwest local there is something called the mid west goodbye where after you say goodbye you will keep talking would say it takes around 30 minutes or longer
Thank you for highlighting my hometown so beautifully this entire video.
Mark is getting very close to that 1 million indeed.
Almost there. End of summer means people stop watching travel videos so numbers have dropped so i am hoping to hit 1 million by end of september
I don't know why I watched this; I'm from Wisconsin. I don't mean this in a bad way, this guy seems super fun, his personality kept me watching.
As a current Wisconsin resident and former student of yours, I found this highly entertaining. Everything you said was spot on too.
My two favorite places in Wisconsin getting real Swiss fondue in New Glarus and especially the huge Barnum and Bailey circus museum in Baraboo.
The Baraboo Burger Company has great food including the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had.
I classify kwik trip as a gourmet restaurant. The 99¢ glazers, the grilled cheeses, the cheese curds, even pizza! You name it, they probably have it.
I love your videos for travel destinations, it’s super funny to hear you talk about my home state. Also super ironic to do the video from Lake Geneva, as the most Illinois filled part of Wisconsin.
A common saying amongst WI people is, "We have 2 seasons, winter and roach construction" I hope you get to go way up North. After living in Milwaukee for a couple years the thing I noticed most about driving back home to north central WI is how clean and fresh the air is. The further north you go the cleaner the air smells. Winter can be incredibly cold but going out on a quiet winter night after it has snowed can be quite magical. The air smells brand new like no one has ever breathed it before, it's eerily quiet and the fresh snow sparkles like diamonds.
When we were touring, the "stop and go light" was a blinker at which you stopped and went on.
32 years old, born and raised wisconsinite... Never have I ever heard someone call a stoplight a "stop and go light". Must have been in Lake Geneva when you got that info. Lake Geneva in Chicago North where all the FiBs head on the weekends aka STAY AWAY
As someone that grew up in Wisconsin and particularly in the Lake Geneva area, you just made me homesick.
I grew up in the Fox Valley, and never truly understood how dedicated Packer fans were compared to other teams until I visited Indianapolis during a home game.
I was talking with one of the locals and asked where everyone parks for a Colts game as there isn’t a dedicated parking lot next to the stadium. He said it’s underground parking. I was like, “man the tailgating is gotta be strange down there”. He then asked where I was from and I said the Green Bay area. His eyes opened wide and he laughed as he replied, “Yeah, you guys take it to a whole other level”.
Growing up close to Lambeau I just thought that was normal.
I see you stopped in Janesville! It's my hometown, hope you got a chance to check out some things around here. The Rotary Botanical Gardens, Lincoln-Tallman House, and the Rock Aqua Jays are all must sees.
Having been to all 50 states, Wisconsin was one of the first on my Wis list😂 Love it! Long live cheese curd... squeak! Question: Is uff-da a term only used by my Minnesota friends, or is that a Wisconsin thing, too? Peace out, Professor Mark.
WI born and bred, but lived in MN for a number of years. Typically only used in MN, but you might get it a bit in the very north of WI.
From southwest WI and we definitely say uff-da!
I first heard Uff-da in Waupaca in the 70's.
I'd never heard it until I moved from Milwaukee to Madison, where I started hearing it pretty often. Makes sense that it would be further west and north.
I beleave Uf-da is a norwegian term used in many forms like ope. Normally used as a "wow" or "whoa" expression
As a wisconsinite I'd like to add that you did mention wis dells for water parks, but there is also a very nice indoor Waterpark at grand geneva called timber ridge witch is right on the outskirts of lake geneva.its a very nice place.
I live just east of Minneapolis in Wisconsin and this is like a whole other world 🤣 apparently I don’t actually live in Wisconsin
I will get up your way too. :) being a FIB i am only allowed in Lake Geneva and Door County 😀
@alexandreafern253 Agreed! I only knew about FIBs and bubblers because I have several friends in Southern WI. Pretty different than NW.
I live in Great Lakes, IL. Retired Army. Love Love Wisconsin!
I noticed that you seemed to do a lot of your video in the Lake Geneva area, or what I call the FIB playground. LOL. Nice video, very true.
I'm from Wisconsin. I've never called it a stop and go light or said ope (I do say something similar though). Oh, and we know you can't pronounce the city names. This was a fun video to watch as it's the first video of yours that I know anything about the place it's about.