CEDARBURG’S TOURISM SAVVY WOW’S OUT-STATE LEGISLATORS

On Monday, June 16, Historic Downtown Cedarburg was host to several Wisconsin State Legislators as they got a brief but eye-catching tour of this National Register of Historic Places designated city.
Dave Fantle, Vice President of VISIT Milwaukee and Dean Amhaus, Director of Spirit of Milwaukee, spent two days showcasing Greater Milwaukee as part of the Milwaukee 7 Legislative Familiarization Tour. Cedarburg was added to the agenda for its tourism savvy, architectural gems and historic value. Fantle asked Mary Gielow, Executive Director of Cedar Creek Settlement and Kristine Hage, Executive Director of the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce to lead the tour.
Legislators who took part in the tour included Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch and State Assembly members Jon Richards, Jeff Stone, Gordon Hintz, Al Ott, Dean Kaufert and Senator Mark Miller.
The tour lasted just one hour, but gave the dignitaries an overview of how a resourceful small town with an eye for authentic historic preservation and varied and plentiful entertainment venues can become a big player in state-wide tourism.
The group met at the Cedarburg Visitor Center and General Store and then began a walking tour along Washington Avenue. The first stop was the Stage Coach Inn with a brief unexpected, flurry of candy sales to the legislators at adjoining Beernsten’s Candy. Mary and Kristine pointed out historic landmarks along the way, as well as discussing the many festivals and events that keep Cedarburg on the radar screen throughout the year.
Next stop, the Washington House Inn, where general manager Wendy Porterfield graciously provided a brief tour and showcased the unique rooms, followed by a visit to Amy’s Candy Kitchen, where proprietor John Lillegren generously provided the group with their signature caramel apples. Stops to visually appreciate the Landmark Mill, Kuehfuss House, Interurban Bridge, Cedarburg Cultural Center, City Hall and various businesses were followed by a visit to Downtown Dough, where owners Patrick and Patricia Niles were on hand to talk about Festivals of Cedarburg, as well as share warm, fresh-baked cookies to the group.
The last stop was at Cedar Creek Winery, located in Cedar Creek Settlement, for a brief overview with General Manager Steve Danner and a sample of the Winery’s award-winning wines as well as a look at Cedar Creek and the waterfall, which generated the first electric lights in Cedarburg as well as powering the former woolen mill’s looms.
The tour was scheduled to give legislators, who represent districts outside the Metropolitan Milwaukee area, a first-hand glimpse of Milwaukee, the powerful financial engine which drives the state.