If you were listening to pop hits on the radio in the 80’s, you might remember the song “Cruel Summer,” by Bananarama. As in, it’s (gonna be) a cruel, cruel summer. That’s what comes to my mind as many of the fun events we look forward to are cancelled or potentially postponed. But this too, shall pass. And as an eternal optimist, I’m all about finding the bright spots. Here are some thoughts:

Live music

It’s starting again — at fun spots like Tofflers Pub and Grill and Bailey’s Run Vineyard (both in New Glarus), Minhas Kitchen in Monroe, and Hawk’s Mill Winery near Browntown. All have outside areas ideal for spreading out and enjoying the tunes, brews, wine and food.

Sunny days

We are incredibly lucky to be living here in an area with ample outdoor recreation opportunities. We’re seeing lots of traffic on the Cheese Country Trail, with riders making use of the designated route to downtown Monroe for burgers and pizza on the back patio at Suisse Haus. Kids and families are fishing at Monticello’s Lake Montesian. Couples are kayaking along the Pearl Island Recreational Corridor. We have two bike trails; get on your bikes and ride.

New

I can’t wait to try the wood fired pizza from Bailey’s Run Vineyard. Their authentic brick oven came all the way from Salerno, Italy. Owners Todd and Janet also recently planted 700 Itasca grape vines, a new cold-hardy variety ideal for Wisconsin. 

Revised and remodeled

Many businesses took advantage of down time to make some changes. Ott Haus and Tofflers in New Glarus renovated their decks and outside spaces. Hawk’s Mill Winery added a waterfall to their already amazing property. Max’s Threads moved to a new spot in downtown Monroe. Bullet’s in Monroe has a new bar, new floor, and I’ve seen photos of the funky new urinals in the men’s bathroom! Corner Café, Baumgartner’s, and Horseshoe Saloon (all in Monroe) also made updates.

Outside Dining

Patio, porch, pavilion, back deck and sidewalk café. Many dining venues in Green County have outside spaces ideal for enjoying the view and the food. Some, like Kristi’s in New Glarus, have expanded their outside areas to accommodate more dining space. Have you been to Attica Bar? They have a wonderful deck and a huge grassy lawn area right along the banks of the Sugar River. Of course a picnic in the neighborhood park is always a good idea, and there are so many excellent options for ordering “to go” in our communities.

Cheese

It’s our signature product here in Green County. I personally know of a California-based vegan (former Wisconsinite) who recently deviated from her usual diet when she had the opportunity to enjoy some aged Wisconsin Cheddar. Buy Green County cheese, try Green County cheese, and send Green County cheese to friends — like those in California. FYI: California cows aren’t really happy — they’d rather be here in Green County, Wisconsin, where the best cheese is made.

— Noreen Rueckert is director for Green County Tourism and Green County Cheese Days, and helps out with Main Street Monroe’s Concerts on the Square. Her favorite cheese is rumored to be Feta. She has the best office in the county — overlooking Monroe’s Square from the tower of the Historic Green County Courthouse. She dabbles in photography and graphic design, adores cats and iced coffee, and secretly loves the Cheese Days Song.