Journeys of Discovery: Sheboygan, Wisconsin—Malibu of the Midwest
By Tom Wilmer • Dec 16, 2019
Correspondent Tom Wilmer explores Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Join the conversation with Shelly Harms, public relations director at Visit Sheboygan; Jamie Haack at John Michael Kohler Arts Center; Mayor Mike Vandersteen; Chad Pelishek, director of planning and development and Craig Trost, communications director for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Come along and discover why Sheboygan is the Bratwurst Capital of the World!
Journeys of Discovery: From immigrant to Wisconsin empire
By Tom Wilmer • Dec 5, 2019
The story of Kohler-as in toilets, sinks and bathtubs-is a tale of a family-owned business that is a classic American success story. The village of Kohler, Wisconsin was a model, futuristic garden company town when it was laid out at the turn of the 20th Century. Kohler's immigrant employees were housed in a grand residence dubbed the American Club. In the late 1970s, the building was repurposed as a five-star, five-diamond resort. Join correspondent Tom Wilmer in Kohler, Wisconsin as he explores the history and present-day world of all things Kohler.
Journeys of Discovery: Distinctive Wisconsin road trips
By Tom Wilmer • Sep 5, 2019
Correspondent Tom Wilmer and Craig Trost, Wisconsin Department of Tourism's communications director, explore distinctive destinations and activities around the state, such as the Great River Road along the Mississippi, Milwaukee's Harley Davidson Museum, Madison's Children's Museum and the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail.
Journeys of Discovery: Exploring historic Janesville, Wisconsin
Janesville is situated in southcentral Wisconsin, not too far from the Illinois border. Join correspondent Tom Wilmer for an exploration of things to do and see in the region. Visits include the MacFarlane Pheasant farm and the circa-1857 Lincoln-Tallman House perched on a hilltop in downtown Janesville. The Milton House Museum, about ten miles from Janesville, opened in 1844 as a stage stop and became an important Underground Railroad way station. Lark Restaurant is a trendsetter for Janesville foodies and craft cocktail aficionados. Janesville's Rotary Botanical Gardens—a fantasyland of flowers during the summer—is bedecked with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights in the wintertime.
Journeys of Discovery: Flourishing Beloit, Wisconsin
Skirting the southern border with Illinois, the town of Beloit, Wisconsin struggled with the demise of manufacturing jobs, just like the rest of the Rust Belt. Beloit Iron Works, founded in 1858, grew to become America's largest producer of paper and pulp processing machines, and by the 1980s, more than 7,000 locals worked at the one-million-square-foot foundry. But the tide of international economics turned and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1999. Correspondent Tom Wilmer reports from downtown Beloit, discovering the town's revitalization and how one woman has single-handedly infused millions of dollars into the town's regeneration.
Journeys of Discovery: Rescued dogs and cats find a home for life in Wisconsin
catiethering.com
Updated August 27, 2019 There are two standard options for dogs and cats that arrive at shelters and pounds: adoption or euthanasia. Lisa LaVerdiere decided to create another option that she dubbed The Third Door, providing a home for unadoptable dogs and cats.
Journeys of Discovery: Wisconsin's haunted lighthouses, cherries and family resorts
Join correspondent Tom Wilmer in Door County, Wisconsin for an exploration of diverse attractions including historic lighthouses, ferryboats and bayside family-owned resorts. Distinctive culinary offerings include fresh-caught fish, and locally produced cheese and cherry culinary dishes.
Journeys of Discovery: Exploring Wisconsin, from glacial moraine hikes to exotic autos to fishing
By Tom Wilmer • Feb 11, 2019
Correspondent Tom Wilmer explores the region around Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Environmental educator Jackie Scharfenberg provides insights about the "Ice Age Legacy" at Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Journeys of Discovery: While some golf courses are dying, Elkhart Lake's is thriving
By Tom Wilmer • Feb 4, 2019
Courtesy of Todd & Rachel Montaba
Todd and Rachel Montaba, owners of Quit Qui Oc Golf Club in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, share insights about how marketing to multigeneration families is a vital ingredient in the success of their community golf course.
Journeys of Discovery: Exploring Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Correspondent Tom Wilmer visits Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, exploring the Road America racetrack and the lakefront Victorian Village Resort, dating from the 1880s.
Journeys of Discovery: More exploring on America's scenic River Road
By Tom Wilmer • Sep 18, 2018
Correspondent Tom Wilmer traverses the Great River Road in Wisconsin—from Praire du Chien in the southwest to the hip university town of La Crosse.
Journeys of Discovery: Locals inspire the arts, culture, and cuisine in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Correspondent Tom Wilmer explores Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a city of 68,000 that has rapidly evolved to become a trend-setting cultural attraction.
Journeys of Discovery: Exploring culturally dynamic villages along Wisconsin's Great River Road
Scott Wolf
Correspondent Tom Wilmer visits with locals, discussing life in Wisconsin's historic villages dotting the Great River Road, a network of state and local byways following the route of the mighty Mississippi for over 2,000 miles.
From Janus lead musician to reincarnation as Lake Geneva Wisconsin's pizza wizard
By Tom Wilmer • Jul 2, 2018
Oakfire Pizzeria and Bar
Paul Meckler, Operations Manager at Oakfire Pizzaria and Bar in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin talks about the unique culinary creations and how owner David Scotney transitioned to performing with the metal band Janus to fulfilling his passion for crafting killer pizzas.
Join Paul Meckler, Operations Manager at Oakfire Napoletana & Bar in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Meckler talks about Oakfire's popular Neapolitan-style pizzas—cooked in 90 seconds at 800 degrees in special ovens imported from Italy.
Bill Gage's Lake Geneva Cruise Line--delivering daily mail around the lake for 102 years
By Tom Wilmer • Jun 25, 2018
A conversation with Bill Gage owner of Gage Marine and Lake Geneva Cruise line about his life journey and passions
A conversation with Bill Gage, third-generation steward of Gage Marine and the iconic Lake Geneva Cruise line that's been delivering the daily mail via boat for 102 years.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin—from zip lining to live music, and distinctive cherry bratwurst
A conversation with Ed Svitak, President of Visit Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and highlights of things to do and see in the area
Join the conversation with correspondent Tom Wilmer and Ed Svitak, President of Visit Lake Geneva in the heart of Wisconsin.
Why Lake Geneva Wisconsin has been a legendary getaway destination for more than 150 years
Kathleen Seeberg, Executive Director of Walworth County Visitors Bureau talks about the year-round attractions of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Kathleen Seeberg, Executive Director of Walworth County Visitors Bureau shares insights about the four seasons attractions of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Exploring Appleton--Wisconsin's oldest brewpub to crystals and angels
By Tom Wilmer • Jun 4, 2018
Exploring Appleton, Wisconsin with Mary Rhode
Join correspondent Tom Wilmer and Mary Rhode, Marketing & Communications Manager at Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau as they visit Wisconsin's oldest brewpub Stone Arch Brewpub and Angels Forever—Windows of Light on College Avenue.
Millenial Mecca—Appleton Fox Cities, Wisconsin ranked among America's 25 best places to live
Appleton Wisconsin mayor, Timothy Hanna takes correspondent Tom Wilmer on a walkabout around town as he explains why the town is thriving and attracting creative millennials.
Join correspondent Tom Wilmer for a walkabout in Appleton, Wisconsin with the Mayor, Timothy Hanna celebrating his 22nd year in office. Discover why the Fox Cities region has evolved to become a magnet for millennials who find the thriving arts, culture, music, and theater scene alluring draws.
Lamers—Wisconsin's last family owned dairy
A conversation with Mark Lamers at his family run dairy in Appleton, Wisconsin
Correspondent Tom Wilmer visits with Mark Lamers at his family owned dairy in Appleton, Wisconsin.
The Lamers family started their dairy in a basement back in 1913.
Wisconsin's six-decade love affair with Wilmar Chocolates
A conversation with Paul Garvey about his family owned chocolate business in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin
Join Paul Garvey, owner of Wilmar Chocolates in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin to discover exactly why the family-owned chocolate company has maintained a fond following for more than 60 years.
Wilmar Chocolates is also a discreet example of why businesses in Appleton and around the Fox Cities region are thriving.
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers—much more than just Class "A" baseball
Seth Merrill, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' Corporate Marketing Manager provides insights about why the fans from around the Fox Cities region and around the state are such passionate loyal fans of the Milwaukee Brewers' Class A farm team
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, The Milwaukee Brewers' Class "A" farm team has an incredibly passionate fan base. Appleton, Wisconsin and the entire Fox Cities region consider the Rattlers as "their team" but so do folk from around the state and even Michigan's Far North Upper Peninsula.
Soy-based "Man Candles" a hit at Appleton Wisconsin's Eco Candle Company
A visit with Shelly Nystrom owner of Eco Candle Company in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin
Soy-based Man Candles are just one of the many enticing products offered at Eco Candles located in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin.
Racine Wisconsin--one of America's most inventive towns since the 1840s
Chris Paulson, Racine Heritage Museum's Executive Director shares Racine's incredible history.
Racine Wisconsin has been home to many iconic American manufacturers since the Civil War.
Case New Holland has been based in Racine since the 1840s. Racine is home to Oster, Hamilton-Beach, and Massey Ferguson.
Malted milk was birthed here in 1887. The garbage disposal was invented here in 1927--and it remains as the home of Insinkerator today.
S.C. Johnson, an integral part of Racine since 1886, produces Raid, Glade, Johnson Wax, and Windex and a litany of cleaning products.
Join Chris Paulson, Racine Heritage Museum's Executive Director as he shares tales of Racine's incredible history.
Historic Racine, Wisconsin—a model for energizing the Heartland of America's economic engine
Mayor john Dickert talks about the the City of Racine's economic model that's spurring new business ventures while driving employment with new jobs.
Racine Wisconsin is just 22 miles south of Milwaukee but it's a world apart. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the town abounds with historic homes and a downtown that abounds with charm. Come along join outgoing mayor, John Dickert and discover how Racine is reinventing itself and attracting start-up businesses.
What it takes to grow those cranberries your serving this Thanksgiving
By Tom Wilmer • Nov 17, 2014
Tom Wilmer
Listen to Tom's story here.