Elizabeth Montgomery, Travel Editor
Nestled amidst the steep ridges, sweeping valleys, and lush pastures of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region—home to the state’s largest Old Order Amish community centered around Cashton—the picturesque country roads offer a wonderful escape into unhurried craftsmanship and heritage trade. For travelers looking to step away from the commercial pace of modern life, embarking on a scenic road trip across these tranquil rural routes unveils a unique collection of family-run bulk food stores, working cheese factories, and artisan craft shops. This curated itinerary highlights four exceptional stops where visitors can discover time-honored goods, scratch-made foods, and deep community roots.
Stop 1: Scenic View Bulk Foods (Cashton, WI)
Rooted in Irish Ridge Tradition
Perched along Irish Ridge Road in the heart of Cashton’s vibrant Amish settlement, Scenic View Bulk Foods stands out as a foundational community stop. Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque family farms, this specialty market was established to provide bulk baking staples, dry goods, and homestead provisions while showcasing the rich agricultural bounty of the Driftless Region.
Favorite Items to Explore
- On-Site Bakery Fresh Breads and Pies:Baked fresh on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring flaky-crust fruit pies, soft dinner rolls, and traditional cookies.
- Bulk Baking Staples and Spices: High-quality flours, sugars, dried fruits, and custom spice blends displayed in traditional bins.
- Handmade Candies and Local Honey: Sweet treats crafted by regional makers, alongside raw wildflower honey and maple syrup.
Impact on the Community
Scenic View Bulk Foods serves as an essential economic and social anchor for the Cashton community. By sourcing products directly from neighboring homesteads and welcoming travelers from across the Midwest, the market preserves regional agricultural traditions while supporting independent family-run enterprises.
Stop 2: Old Country Cheese (Cashton, WI)
Celebrating Driftless Dairy Craftsmanship
Situated along County Road D just outside Cashton, Old Country Cheese operates as a fully functioning cheese factory and retail store rolled into one delicious destination. Built to harness the exceptional milk produced by local dairy farms, the factory has spent years perfecting traditional cheesemaking methods that highlight the rich pastures of Wisconsin’s dairy land.
Favorite Items to Explore
- Over 100 Varieties of Handcrafted Cheese: From sharp aged cheddars and buttery goudas to specialty flavored blocks made right on-site.
- Daily Free Cheese Samples: An inviting tasting counter where visitors can sample fresh-cut blocks before selecting favorites to take home.
- Fresh Cheese Curds: Squeaky, fresh-from-the-vats curds that represent the pinnacle of Wisconsin dairy tradition.
Impact on the Community
Old Country Cheese provides a vital economic engine for independent dairy farmers throughout Monroe and Vernon counties. It drives regional agricultural tourism while celebrating the meticulous craftsmanship of local cheesemakers, keeping traditional rural industries thriving.
Stop 3: Down A Country Road – The Village Shops (Cashton, WI)
A Historic Gathering Village Along Highway 33
Located just two miles east of Cashton along State Highway 33, Down A Country Road features a charming collection of Amish-built specialty gift shops nestled in a peaceful valley setting.Created to provide a dedicated showcase for local artisans, the village allows visitors to stroll past historic buildings, purchase handmade goods, and enjoy tranquil views of horse-drawn farms.
Favorite Items to Explore
- Handmade Amish Quilts and Rugs: Intricately stitched patchwork quilts, woven rag rugs, and table runners created using classic patterns.
- Handcrafted Woodwork and Toys:Solid wood children’s furniture, rocking horses, birdhouses, and kitchenware carved by local craftsmen.
- Emma’s Kitchen Jams and Preserves:Small-batch fruit jams, jellies, homemade candies, and traditional egg noodles.
Impact on the Community
The Village Shops foster a bridge between rural Amish craftspeople and urban visitors, ensuring that traditional woodworking and textile arts remain economically sustainable. The destination supports dozens of home-based makers while educating the public on the rich heritage of Wisconsin’s Plain community.
Stop 4: Nature Trails Bakery (Montello, WI)
Embracing Simple Country Baking in Marquette County
Journeying east toward Montello, Nature Trails Bakery offers an authentic taste of traditional Amish scratch-baking tucked away in the quiet Wisconsin countryside.Operating with an unwavering commitment to simple ingredients and time-honored kitchen wisdom, this home-based bakery delivers unmatched flavor without commercial shortcuts.
Favorite Items to Explore
- Traditional Fruit and Cream Pies: Seasonal fillings baked inside rich, flaky, scratch-made pastry crusts.
- Fresh Yeast Breads and Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, pillowy loaves and sweet rolls baked fresh every morning.
- Homestyle Cookies and Pastries:Generous portions of traditional cookies made without artificial preservatives or additives.
Impact on the Community
Nature Trails Bakery enriches the local Marquette County food scene by providing neighbors and travelers with wholesome, honest food. It supports regional grain growers and maintains the warm, hospitable traditions of small-town Wisconsin baking culture.
- Wisconsin State Tourism – Travel Wisconsin Official Guide
- Cashton Wisconsin Community and Business Directory
Explore more scenic country drives, rolling hills, and hidden heritage gems across the Badger State.
