Milwaukee's Holiday Folk Fair: A Cornucopia of Goodwill

Mary Bergin — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:29:43 -0600

A volatile presidential election – with the potential to deepen our differences – is history.

Girlfriend Getaways: Choices can lean to extremes

Mary Bergin — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:25:08 -0600

“Two women friends and I want to do a weekend getaway in the next few weeks,” the note began.

Reader Mail Takes Us Miles Away

Mary Bergin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:36:05 -0600

Reader mail is plentiful, especially since “Hungry for Wisconsin” book events have begun. The good people of Wisconsin are full of fabulous ideas about their favorite destinations.

Changing Landscapes, on the Ice Age Trail and Beyond

Mary Bergin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:31:00 -0600

When I talked to Bart Smith this autumn, it wasn’t all that long after he had finished a hike that took him at least 15,000 miles around the U.S., including around 1,200 in Wisconsin.

Wade House: Symbols of survival are everywhere

Mary Bergin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:13:45 -0500

Mary Cary is proof that new careers can take hold late in life. She is 87 and has been working at the Wade House in Greenbush for 28 years.

Culinary Distinction in Wisconsin: It's more than Beer, Brats, Cheese

Mary Bergin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:58:18 -0500

Foodies know and care that authentic Champagne and Parmesan come from specific parts of France and Italy, respectively.

Two Ways to Leave a Legacy

Mary Bergin — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:37:02 -0500

For many of us, a road trip of 600-some miles into South Dakota, the Badlands and the Black Hills is a rite of passage.

Another fine Florence, far from Italy

Mary Bergin — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:14:04 -0500

Why spend a night in Florence, unless you’re talking about Italy? Convenience, we decided, was a good enough reason.

Uncovering Mazomanie: Artists' enclave draws attention

Mary Bergin — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:27:11 -0500

Until this month, Mazomanie was best known for being near a sandy, isolated, nude beach along the Wisconsin River.

Updating a Classic Resort: It's Tender Business

Mary Bergin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:02:23 -0500

The line between “quaint” and “outdated” can get pretty thin; few know this better than sisters Laurie Stecker and Lisa Sadiq.

Grand Rapids: Taking the LEED in eco-friendly attractions

Mary Bergin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:34:59 -0500

Before George Heartwell’s 2004 election as mayor of Grand Rapids, Mich., he was a preacher for the United Church of Christ. Evangelizing continues, but the focus has shifted.

New Museum Brings the War Home

Mary Bergin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:58:16 -0500

Think about war as an extreme intrusion that involves family as much as fight. Upheavals emerge close to home and on faraway battlefields.

True to Tradition: Alte Kameraden Thrives Through Generations

Mary Bergin — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:34:55 -0500

The photography assignment, to capture the spirit and activity of Milwaukee’s annual German Fest, wasn’t as easy as it might sound. Lederhosen and dirndls were relatively rare.

In Milwaukee, 'Happy Days' Here Again

Mary Bergin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:25:47 -0500

Two reminders: What you see in the mirror is a distortion of reality, and growing up doesn’t mean throwing away the past.

Finding Japan ... in Rockford

Mary Bergin — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:53:49 -0500

One of the great things about group travel – when done well – is that strangers sometimes become friends.