I hope everyone else is getting accustomed to their new travel patterns around Monroe. I still cannot remember to pretend I am driving to Madison each time I need to go somewhere out of town! Embracing my forgetfulness, I have been able to catch a few things that keep me entertained.
Speaking of entertainment, Memorial Day is upon us. Hopefully it will be less sticky this year. I remember last year it was so hot and my AC unit went out on me. So, I suffered the weekend by hanging out in my basement and making sure I spent plenty time on the golf course. I am hoping to relive the golf this year, but it does not look like we will be creeping in the 90s at the end of the month. This spring weather has not been kind to any of us.
I am hoping that once June gets rolling, we can embrace all the wonderful sights and sounds of Monroe with the aid of more temperate weather. I know I have my annual favorites. I am so excited for a couple of new things to add to my list.
Music fans will be in for a real treat this summer. Along with the amazing Concerts on the Square that Main Street Coordinates, the Monroe Arts Center is launching a new musical series that offers a mid-week musical interlude on the beautiful grounds of the Monroe Arts Center! Grab the picnic basket and a couple of blankets and enjoy the season of the 11/14 Summer of Music. Bullquarian has been stellar with their rotation of Irish and Blue Grass music! The Monroe Golf Course is offering live music Thursday and just a few miles out of town, Hawk’s Mill brings lots of musical acts to the hillside!
Meanwhile, at the Chamber, we are excited to offer another family-friendly entertainment opportunity that highlights the history and beautiful architecture of Monroe. True Crime and Murder Mysteries are at an all-time high in popularity. Get your mystery/history fix this summer in Monroe! Walking tours start and end at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the original Arabut Ludlow Library, with multiple historic stops along the way. Tours are based on scenes from the ‘Monroe Mystery Book Series’ by William Mitchell Ross and highlight historic buildings throughout the downtown area. Having an author led historical tour is a rare find and we are thankful that former mayor Bill is game to share his historical and creative talents with us.
Our group tours are ideal for corporate outings, class reunions, family gatherings and tourist groups. Private group tours are available by appointment for groups of 10 or more. While you are cruising around the Square and looking at all the beautiful architecture, you can be put back in time as Ross shares the secrets of his mystery book series that takes place right here in Monroe.
After the tour, there is so much more to do in Monroe. Visit any of the landmarks that are mentioned in his novels like Amy’s Corner Cafe or Minhas Brewery. Then stop out at The Alp and Dell cheese store. As we know, you can never have too much cheese.
Weekly tours are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office or online at monroechamber.org. Tickets prices are $15 each or 2 for $25. The weekly tour will be held at 10 a.m. each Friday from June to September. Tours span roughly an hour and 15 minutes, and will begin and conclude at the Chamber office, 1505 9th Street. Group tours are also available by appointment by calling the office at 608-325-7648.
— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.
