Episode Summary:
From brats and butter burgers to engines and ice-cream scoops, Wisconsin's makers have shaped how America eats, works, and plays. In this episode, Dannelle Gay takes you on a storytelling road trip through the state's most iconic brands — Johnsonville, Sargento, Duluth Trading Company, St. Croix Rods, Milwaukee Tool, and more — revealing the grit, pride, and community that keep "Made in Wisconsin" a badge of honor.

• The Dairy Dynasties: Sargento, Crave Brothers, Cedar Crest

• Comfort Food Classics: Tombstone, Jack's, Johnsonville Sausage

• Culver's & the Custard Culture that Conquered America

• Brew City & Beyond: Miller, Pabst, Leinenkugel's, New Glarus

• Built to Last: Milwaukee Tool, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, St. Croix Rods

• Work & Wear: Duluth Trading Company and LaCrosse Footwear

• Main Street Mornings: Colectivo and Stone Creek Coffee

• Next-Gen Makers: Farm-to-table cheese shops, craft distilleries, eco-friendly breweries

Plan your own "Made in Wisconsin" road trip with stops at brewery tours, cheese factories, outlet stores, and factory tours from Kohler Village to Leinenkugel's Lodge. Each destination tells a story of craftsmanship — and most offer samples.

Host & Producer: Dannelle Gay – The Traveling Cheesehead
Production: Andrew Gay

When most people think of Wisconsin winters, they imagine endless shoveling, frozen eyelashes, and the eternal hunt for the left glove. But locals know something the rest of the world doesn't: when you stop fighting winter and start leaning into it, that's when the magic happens.

In this episode, The Traveling Cheesehead takes you on a heart-warming tour of Wisconsin's coziest escapes — proving that when the snow flies, adventure (and pie) are never far behind. From crackling fireplaces in classic supper clubs to glittering ice castles, this is a love letter to the season that defines the Midwest spirit.

Supper Club Sanctuary:
Step inside legendary spots where fireplaces flicker, the old fashioneds flow, and winter nights stretch long and happy. It's where the art of comfort meets the heart of Wisconsin hospitality.

Outdoor Adventure, Wisconsin-Style:
Trade your slippers for snowshoes and trek through Devil's Lake, Governor Dodge, or Blue Mound State Park. Afterwards, warm up with a latte from Bella Goose Coffee or a steaming bowl of soup in a local café.

Winter Wonders:
Explore the glowing tunnels and crystalline sculptures of Lake Geneva's Ice Castles, where families and photographers alike find their winter fairy tale. End the night at The Baker House, sipping cocktails in a Victorian parlor surrounded by laughter and candlelight.

Cabins, Retreats & Cozy Hideaways:
Discover where to hibernate in style — from the forest-framed luxury of Canoe Bay in Chetek to the Scandinavian-inspired Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield. Or keep it simple with a tiny cabin getaway, a spa weekend at Heidel House Resort, or a family Airbnb in the Northwoods.

Comfort Food & Fireside Flavor:
No Wisconsin winter is complete without a culinary road trip: Green Bay Booyah, Door County fish boils, and cherry pie from The White Gull Inn top the list. Sip a winter cocktail from Driftless Glen Distillery or try a hot buttered rum in Plover — because warmth can come in a glass, too.

Festivals & Winter Traditions:
Celebrate the season at Cedarburg's Winter Festival, the high-energy Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races, or Madison's Frozen Assets fundraiser on Lake Mendota. For a dash of Nordic flair, brave a Door County sauna and cold plunge — you'll feel reborn, I promise.

Wisconsin doesn't wait for spring to have fun. It toasts marshmallows in snowbanks, turns lakes into ice bars, and finds joy in frozen mornings. Whether you're sipping a brandy old-fashioned in a glowing supper club or watching the northern lights dance above the Northwoods, there's always a way to find your cozy.

So grab your mittens, your appetite, and a little wanderlust — because when winter wins, Wisconsin wins right back.

Host & Producer: Dannelle Gay – The Traveling Cheesehead
Production: Andrew Gay
Summary:
From fireside suppers and snowshoe trails to glowing ice castles and luxury cabins, Dannelle Gay explores the best ways to embrace Wisconsin's coldest months in comfort and style. Discover the art of hygge, the joy of frozen festivals, and the flavors that make winter feel like home.

Every traveler has wondered it — "Can I take this from my hotel room?" From those irresistible mini shampoos to the slippers that practically walk into your bag, Dannelle dishes on what's fair game, what's off-limits, and how to take home memories (not evidence). Expect laughter, confessions, and a few surprisingly wholesome travel tips.

You'll Learn:

• What amenities hotels actually want you to take.

• How to turn hotel items into creative souvenirs (legally!).

• Why asking politely can score you surprising freebies.

• The unspoken list of "please don't take this, we'll notice."

• How to keep your memories — and your moral compass — intact.

Favorite Quote:

"If it's plugged in, nailed down, or heavier than your moral compass — leave it."

Perfect For:

• Travelers with a sense of humor

• Anyone who's ever felt tempted by a fluffy robe

• People who appreciate ethical travel with a side of sass

Call to Action:
Subscribe to The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Share this episode with your favorite travel buddy (especially the one who pockets hotel pens).
Leave a review — it's the podcast world's version of tipping your housekeeper.

Host & Producer: Dannelle Gay – The Traveling Cheesehead
Production: Andrew Gay