10 Delicious Wisconsin Burger Joints 2015

Posted in Wisconsin May 20, 2015 by Laura Meli

If you’re looking for a nice, juicy hamburger to sink your teeth in, you should head over to Wisconsin.  Like yesterday.  Because not only did we invent the hamburger (really, we did), but we perfected it.  Here are the top ten places to grab a hamburger in Wisconsin.

1. Kroll’s West (Green Bay)

Kroll's West

When my friends are traveling to Green Bay, I tell them to visit Lambeau Field and Kroll's West. Fortunately, Krolll's West is right next to the stadium, and has been a favorite of Packers players and Wisconsin residents for decades. Go inside, and each table has a doorbell to ring for service. The butter burgers are absolutely unreal. Even the veggie burger is good--that's how good this place is. Also, everything has a ton of butter on it, which is how we do it in 'Scansin.

2. Wedl’s Hamburger Stand (Jefferson)

Wedl's Hamburger Stand

No offense to Jefferson, Wisconsin, but I wouldn't have ever known it existed had I not heard rave reviews about Wedl's Hamburger Stand. The 8 by 8 foot stand is not much to look at, but the quality burgers speak for themselves. Featured on Food Networks 'Travel Channel', Wedl's continues to please tastebuds from across the United States and world.

3. Late’s BBQ (Manitowoc)

Late's BBQ

I didn't know what to expect when I was in Manitowoc one summer and stumbled upon this place. What I found out is that they make an amazing burger. And cheese curds. And pretty much everything on their menu (we went buck wild.) They've been doing this for over the past 55 years and have good Wisconsin cooking down to a science.

4. Chester’s Drive-in (Plymouth)

Chester's Drive-In

If the only drive in you've ever been to is Sonic, you need to go to Chester's for the authentic experience. The burgers are amazing--they are so moist and come wrapped in paper like back in the day. Thank goodness they are a drive-in because you'll probably order another to-go.

5. Oscar’s Pub and Grill (Milwaukee)

Oscar's Pub and Grill

This pub provides high quality food in a great atmosphere. Love the patio when the summer comes along. Try the "Big O"--it's exactly as advertised.

6. AJ Bomber’s (Milwaukee)

AJ Bomber's

This place is just absolutely delicious. They have a wide variety of burgers to try, each one more delicious than the last. It's also a lot of fun--from rockets carrying peanuts flying across the restaurant to customers writing their names on the wall, this place is a must visit whenever you come to Milwaukee.

7. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry (Madison)

Dotty Dumpling's Dowry

Try saying that one ten times fast--whew! But beyond the funny name, this place has some awfully good food. My personal favorite is the Green & Gold (I mean, duh!) which has deep fried pickles. Mmmmmm.

8. Fred’s Burgers (Burlington)

Fred's Burgers

They advertise their burgers as the best in the world and they might not be far off. If juicy meat is what you're angling for, you've come to the right place.

9. Big Star Drive-In (Kenosha)

Big Star Drive-In

These folks have been making delicious food since 1954 and the quality is still the same--just ask the locals. Prices are also very reasonable at just 99 cents for a delicious hamburger. If you're headed from Illinois to Wisconsin, make sure to make a detour and bring the family here for lunch.

10. Pete’s Hamburger Stand (Prairie du Chien)

Pete's Hamburger Stand

Just east of the Mississippi River and Iowa border, this hamburger joint has been churning out burgers since 1909. Families have been coming here for generations to get the true Wisconsin burger experience. No, it's not located in a major Wisconsin city, but it is absolutely worth the drive to both eat their burgers and experience the history of this place.

So see, we’re not just America’s Dairyland–we’re also America’s Burgerland.  What are some of your favorite hamburger joints that didn’t make the cut?  Let us know in the comments.

Mention this Blog and list with Jodi Toebe Re/max Realty Center and she'll treat you to a FREE burger!

Kid Friendly Home Decorating Ideas!

Just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to give up your design style. We asked top interior designers for ideas on how they create a space that's both sophisticated and sippy-cup friendly.

More By Sarah Yang

Frame It

Children's art projects are given the artist treatment with frames in this Park Avenue apartment's kitchen. "I thought the apartment should reflect the fact that it's for a young, modern family with three children and a broad, cosmopolitan view of the world," says designer Eric Cohler. "We wanted it to be open, bright, fresh — everything it wasn't." A David Weeks lighting fixture animates the corner.

Consider an Open Floor Plan

Designers Barbara Westbrook and Kim Winkler opened the kitchen of an Atlanta house to the family room. "The space had to accommodate a family of five, as well as a lovable golden retriever, Westbrook says. "The openness makes it easy for everyone to mingle and not feel separated. But it was important that the two rooms look coordinated." Those chose a neutral and white palette, with a mix of rustic antiques and unfussy contemporary pieces. Stainless steel Sub-Zero.

Add Some Words of Wisdom

In the dining area of a beach house in Marin County, California, designer Erin Martin and owner Kim Dempster added an inspiration quote on the wall: "The pieces of a ship taken by themselves will sink. But when combined together, will take you anywhere you want to go." "For me, it's about family and loving one another, no matter what life brings you,” Martin says. “It's something we know in our heart and soul, but we need to be reminded occasionally." Shaw ceiling lights from Urban Electric Co. hang over an antique trestle table, paired with vintage captain's chairs. A banquette, with more storage underneath, doubles as a guest bed.

Use an Outdoor Rug Indoors

There's no rule that says outdoor rugs can't be used indoors, too. They're easy to clean—just hose down and dry in the sun. Another option is to use a rug that's meant for high-traffic areas. For a San Francisco house designed by Ken Fulk, "I wanted the house to be family-friendly in every sense of the word — whether that means a cousin visiting, kids in the dining room, or a dog from the neighborhood walking through," Fulk says. "So I used this rug, Leopard Cub by Stark. It's a Mack truck of a carpet. I have the same rug in my own house, where we have three big, hairy golden retrievers who are always coming in with muddy paws."

Choose Durable Materials

"With four young children, durability in the family room was key for the owners," designer Meg Braff says of this East Hampton, New York, house. "The dark blue on the sofas, the leather ottoman, and the sisal rug are practically bulletproof." The sofa is upholstered in Hinson's Rawlston in Dunham Blue. Walls are covered in Africa Raffia in Key West Teal by Phillip Jeffries. The Farra Cocktail ottoman is by Hickory Chair; table lamp is by Christopher Spitzmiller.

Lighten Up

"Everyone thinks a family room needs to have dark upholstery because it's where the kids hang out, but I didn't want to go too far with this camel color," designer Pat Healing of this family room in Scarsdale, New York. Only the cushions of the custom U-shaped sectional are covered in Holland & Sherry's Rive Gauche mohair. The frame is upholstered in Dedar's Giulio Cesare. Light-colored pillows brighten it up even more, and can easily be switched out or cleaned.

Pull Up a Pouf

The Moroccan poufs in this Strathmere, New Jersey, beach house are a signature for designer Mona Ross Berman, who uses them a lot in her work. "They make great extra seating, especially for kids," Berman says. "And here, they give you a chance to get a shot of leather into the room." The curtain and blue pillow fabrics are from Duralee's Seaglass Elements print collection, orange pillows are Meloire Reverse by Quadrille, and the yellow pillow is Arcadia Sulphur by Raoul Textiles.

Don't Stick with Pink or Blue

"Kids' rooms should be colorful, but they don't have to be girly pink or boyish blue," designer Todd Nickey says. For the boy's room in this California house by designers Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe, Weego Baby furniture was painted yellow to coordinate with Cath Kidston's Cowboy wallpaper and a vintage circus-sign light.

Display Books Like Art

A built-in bed and curtains create a private, magical room at the top of a staircase that serves as the children's reading room and doubles as a guest room for sleepovers. Shelves are designed to display book covers. "So many covers have great graphic images," designer Ann Wolf says. "This way you can have a changing art gallery on your shelves."

Create a Place to Play

Since the kids who live in this Los Angeles home love to play pianos and put on plays, designer Windsor Smith gave them a home theater with Gemini Silk Plaid stage curtains from Brunschwig & Fils.


Contact Jodi Toebe RE/Max Realty Center for your Real Estate Needs!

What Do I Look For in New Construction Homes? Southeastern Wisconsin

by: Michele Lerner, author

Q. I’ve been looking for a home to buy in my area for several months, but there’s not very much for sale that I like. My REALTOR® suggested I look at a development of newly built homes. I hadn’t really considered new construction homes, and I don’t know how to make sure I’m buying a well-built home that will keep its value over time. What do I need to look for in a newly built home?

A. I’m glad to hear you’re working with a REALTOR® who has suggested looking at both newly built and existing homes, because it can be helpful to compare these two types of housing. Newly built homes offer the advantage of better energy efficiency, the latest home designs, new appliances and systems, and the opportunity to personalize—although builders vary in how much they allow you to customize.

A REALTOR® should be able to give you some insight into different builders in your area; agents often talk to each other about their experiences and their clients’ experiences with various builders.
You should also take the time to research the reputation of builders online and visit communities they have developed. Keep in mind that the larger the builder, the more likely you’ll be able to find a complaint or two about them. The important thing is to see if you can find out how any issues have been addressed.

When you visit a new housing development, you should talk to residents about their home, the neighborhood and the builder. If there are developments by this builder that are complete, it would be helpful to visit them, see how they’ve stood the test of time and talk to homeowners there about their experiences.

Shopping for a new construction home also is different in many ways from shopping for a resale.
First, you’re often looking at floor plans and a model home rather than your actual future home. When you visit a resale, you know what you’re buying, and you can see the community around it. Take your time at a new home community to discuss the future plans for development within the community and in the surrounding area so you can get a feel for what it will look like.

When you visit a model home, it also is extremely important you ask the sales professional onsite or your agent to explain which features are standard and which are options. Model homes are used to showcase the best possible upgrades and options, but adding them to your home might be out of your reach financially. Discuss the options you like with a sales professional so you can get an estimate of what they might cost.

After you narrow down your search and choose a model that you like, be sure you find out if that model can be built on the lot you like—and if you can add the optional features you prefer to that particular floor plan. Not all lots and floor plans will be able to accommodate a sunroom addition or a three-car garage.

Determine where in the development you would like to live based on future plans. While it may be lovely to face a meadow or woodlands, that area could be slated to become a school or shopping center down the line.

While you might expect any new home to be perfect, you should hire a third-party home inspector to check your property thoroughly and attend all the inspections that the builder holds.

New construction homes typically come with a warranty, so you should make sure you understand what the warranty covers and find out how the builder will address any issues you discover after you purchase the home.

Remember, a REALTOR® can advise you on all the decisions you’ll need to make when you opt for a newly built home.

Michele Lerner, author of “HOMEBUYING: Tough Times, First Time, Any Time,” has been writing about real estate and personal finance since 1990. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, MSN Real Estate, Fox Business, The Motley Fool, Bankrate, HSH.com, The Washington Times and Daily Finance.

To help you navigate through the New Construction Process Call/Contact Jodi Toebe RE/Max Realty Center.

Ten Chimneys historical building in Waukesha County , WI

Ten Chimneys, home and retreat of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, is open to the public as a world-class house museum and a national resource for theater and the arts. Almost all of the estate's décor and collections are intact and remain unchanged since the Lunts first assembled them in the 1930s and '40s. Ten Chimneys is a National Historic Landmark, and a "Save America's Treasures" project site. Open through Nov, Tue - Sat. Admission $28–$35. Children under 12 not permitted.
Call 262-968-4110.
Thirty miles west of Milwaukee, Genesee Depot, Waukesha County.

Officail website:  http://www.tenchimneys.org

For more information on Waukesha County, WI  Real Estate

Contact Jodi Toebe RE/Max Realty Center.

Oconomowoc, WI Events & Attractions for 2016

Oconomowoc Events & Attractions for 2016

The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors a number of events throughout the year, including a Summer Farmer’s Market every Saturday from May through October, Indoor Winter Farmer's Market partnered with Greener Oconomowoc November through early April, annual Golf Outing in June, the 5K Run/Walk in May or June, and Glow Golf in early fall.  On select Thursday evenings in the summer, the Badgerland Water Ski Show Team presents free shows on Fowler Lake.  The American Legion Band and free outdoor concerts are held throughout the summer at the Rhodee Memorial Band Shell sponsored by the Oconomowoc Park and Recreation Department.  Oconomowoc’s annual Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Oconomowoc Lions Club and Christmas parade, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, celebrate the holiday seasons.  A number of other events, sponsored by different organizations, take place throughout the year.  See a more detailed list below or visit our events calendar for a comprehensive listing.
In addition to the local links below, Oconomowoc is in close proximity to hundreds of popular Wisconsin destinations. Please consult the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for more information.

PLEASE NOTE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Events & Attractions

• Chili Fest - 2016 date is January 30 from 9 am to 5 pm, Chili Tasting is noon to 2 pm.  Location is downtown Oconomowoc.  Sponsored by Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association.  For more information, visit www.downtownoconomowoc.org.
• Spring Gallery Night - 2016 date/time TBD. Location is downtown Oconomowoc. Sponsored by Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association. For more information, visit www.downtownoconomowoc.org.
• Summer Farmer's Market – Saturday mornings.  2016 dates/time TBD.  Location is the south muncipal parking off of East Wisconsin Ave.  Sponsored by Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, click here.
• Memorial Day Ceremony – 2016 date is May 30.  Rhodee Memorial Band Shell - Lac LaBelle.  10 am, parade to follow.  Contact Pat Furno at 920-474-4017.
• 11th Annual Yellow Brick Road 5K Walk/Run & Kid's Fun Run - 2016 date is June 4, beginning at the Village Greem, Oconomowoc .  For more information, click here.
• 23rd Annual Chamber Golf Classic - 2016 date is June 20.  Oconomowoc Golf Club on Brown St (Hwy P), Oconomowoc.  Sponsored by the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, click here.
• American Legion Band Concerts - Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:30 pm. 2016 dates TBD.  Rhodee Memorial  Band Shell - Lac LaBelle.  For more information, visit the American Legion Band website at www.oconomowoclegionband.org or contact Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept at 262-569-2199.
• Friday Night Concert Series – Rhodee Memorial Bandshell.  2016 dates TBD.  For more information, contact Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept at 262-569-2199.
• Moonlit Movies – 2016 dates TBD, location is Fowler Park.  For more information, go to www.moonlitmovies.org
• 4th of July Parade & Fireworks – 2016 date TBD.  Parade begins at 4 pm, Roosevelt Field to Fowler Park.  Concessions at Fowler Park until fireworks begin at dusk.  For more information on the parade, visit the parade website at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-oconomowoc-independence-day-parade-tickets-14582365247?aff=erelexporg. For more information on the fireworks, contact the Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept at 262-569-2199.
• Midweek Farmers Marketplace – Wednesday evenings, 4 to 7 pm.  2016 dates TBD.  Location is The Village Green, Oconomowoc.  Corner of Main St and Wisconsin Ave.  Sponsored by Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, click here.
• Festival Week - For a list of the week's events, click here.
• Historic Mail Boat Tours at City Beach – 2016 dates are August 15-19.   Docks behind Lake Country Life Enrichment at 1 pm and 6 pm.  Sponsored by Shorehaven.  Check the calendar for more information, click here.
• Kids Fest - 2016 date is August 16, time is 9 am to 1 pm.  Location is Roosevelt Park.
• Kids Day - 2016 date August 16, time is 1 to 3:30 pm.  Location is City Beach.
• Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts – 2016 dates are August 20 & 21, time is 10 am to 5 pm.  For more information, call go to www.oconomowocarts.org.
• Light Up the Lake Boat Parade & Fireworks – 2016 date is August 20. Lac La Belle City Beach 8:30 to 10 pm.  For more information, contact Bonnie Lewis-Tschannen at bonnie@stapletonrealty.com.
• Fall Festival - 2016 date/time TBD. Location is downtown Oconomowoc. Sponsored by Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association. For more information, visit www.downtownoconomowoc.org.
• Halloween Trick or Treating – 2016 date TBD.  Business Trick or Treat, Downtown Oconomowoc and all outlying districts from 1 to 4 pm, sponsored by Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce.  City Residential Trick or Treating from 6 to 8 pm as determined by the City of Oconomowoc.
• Halloween Parade – 2016 date TBD.  Beginning at 4 pm, downtown Oconomowoc to Roosevelt Park.  Sponsored by Oconomowoc Lions Club.  Contact Rich Schulte Sr. at 262-567-5411 for more information.
• Fall Gallery Night - 2016 date/time TBD.  Location is Downtown Oconomowoc.  Sponsored by Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association.  For more information, visit www.downtownoconomowoc.org.
• German Christmas Market - 2015 dates are November 27-29.  Location is downtown Oconomowoc.  Visit their website at www.germanchristmasmarket.org more information.
• Christmas Parade - 2015 date is December 5.  Begins at 3 pm, downtown Oconomowoc.  Sponsored by the Oconomowoc Kiwanis Club.
• Winter Farmers Market – Sponsored by Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce & Greener Oconomowoc.  2015/2016 dates are every Sunday from November 8, 2015 thru March 20, 2016 (excluding November 29th & December 27th), 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Located at Oconomowoc Landscape Suppy & Garden Center, N68 W37850 Country Trunk K, Oconomowoc.  For more information, click here.
• Holiday Open House - 2015 date is December 5, time is 10 am to 5 pm.  Location is Downtown Oconomowoc.  Sponsored by Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association.  For more information, visit www.downtownoconomowoc.org.

To learn more about Oconomowoc,WI real estate contact Jodi Toebe RE/Max Realty Center!

Lack of Listings Slowing Down the Housing Market

Wednesday January 13th, 2016Monday January 25th, 2016 simplify Featured, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates

The housing crisis is finally in the rear view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up. Home sales are up. Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen dramatically. It seems that 2016 will be the year that the housing market again races forward.
However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. While buyer demand looks like it will remain strong throughout this winter, supply is not keeping up.

Here are the thoughts of a few industry experts on the subject:

Calculated Risk:

“Low inventory is probably holding down sales in many areas.”

Capital Economics:

“A lack of housing inventory continues to drive developments in the market. As demand has slowly recovered, low inventory levels have weighed on home sales.”

Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic:

“Many markets have experienced a low inventory of homes for sale along with strong buyer demand... These conditions are likely to persist as we enter 2016.”

Doug Duncan,Chief Economist at Fannie Mae:

“Several factors point to constrained housing affordability in 2016, particularly for first-time home buyers, including slow single-family supply response and limited inventory of starter homes on the market.”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR:

“Sparse inventory and affordability issues continue to impede a large pool of buyers’ ability to buy, which is holding back sales.”

Bottom Line

If you are thinking of selling, now may be the time. Demand for your house will be strong at a time when there is very little competition. That could lead to a quick sale for a really good price.

Considering selling your home?  Contact Jodi Toebe RE/Max Realty Center.

What You Don’t Need To Hear From Your Listing Agent

Tuesday February 9th, 2016Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 simplify For Buyers, For Sellers

You’ve decided to sell your house. You begin to interview potential real estate agents to help you through the process. You need someone you trust enough to:

1. Set the market value on possibly the largest asset your family owns (your home)
2. Set the time schedule for the successful liquidation of that asset
3. Set the fee for the services required to liquidate that asset

An agent must be concerned first and foremost about you and your family in order to garner that degree of trust. Make sure this is the case.

Be careful if the agent you are interviewing begins the interview by:

• Bragging about their success
• Bragging about their company’s success

An agent’s success and the success of their company can be important considerations when deciding on the right real estate professional to represent you in the sale of the house.

However, you first need to know that they care about what you need and what you expect from the sale. If the agent is not interested in first establishing your needs, how successful they may seem is much less important.

Look for someone with the ‘heart of a teacher,’ who comes in prepared well enough to explain the current real estate market and patient enough to take the time to show how it may impact the sale of your home.

Not someone only interested in trying to sell you on how great they are.

You have many agents from which to choose. Pick someone who truly cares. Contact Jodi Toebe RE/Max Realty Center.