Exclusive Fall Drinks You Don’t Want to Miss!

As chills through the air have begun to pick up the search for a new comfort drink begins. Delavan has no shortage of drink specials for you to choose from. Check out these crisp fall drinks to spice up your autumnal season!

Get Your Morning Fix

Looking for the perfect drink to start your morning? Boxed and Burlap in Delavan has you covered! You will Fall for their Pumpkin Spice Latte, made with real pumpkin! Their maple latte is made with pure maple syrup, is 100% natural, and nothing artificial. Not a huge coffee drinker? No problem! They also serve a frothed caramel apple cider. You can order it hot and frothed or iced and both are served with a bit of caramel sauce.

Rise and Shine

Want a little kick in your coffee? Duesterbeck’s annual coffee stout is back on the menu! Their Rise and Shine Vanilla Coffee Stout is made with a delicious cold brew. This fresh, crisp, vanilla cold press coffee brew finish is sure to put a pep in your step for the day.

Wet Your Whistle

The Whiskey Ranch – Delavan is next on our list with a full menu of fall drink specials in store! First up is a sweet Twisted Apple made with crown apple, caramel vodka, Sierra Mist, and cranberry juice. Want something a little more classic? Why not try their Pumpkin Old Fashioned or Apple Mule? The Pumpkin Old Fashioned is made with Great Lakes Distillery Pumpkin Liqueur, hand-muddled cherries and oranges with sugar and bitters. The flavors include, sweet, sour, or press. Their Apple Mule is made with crown apple, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. If you’re in the mood for something a little more on the fun side, they offer Homemade Apple Pie shots and a Cranberry Orange Sangria made with Moscato, cranberry vodka, Sierra Mist, and a splash of orange juice.

Spice Up the Day

A Vanilla Vodka Chai is the perfect cocktail for fall and Turtle Lake Tap & Grill is here to deliver!
This tasty mixed drink is made with chai tea, vanilla vodka, amaretto, half and half, garnished with a cinnamon stick. They also serve other fall favorites like, an apple pecan old fashioned, a pumpkin mule, TL apple cider hot toddy, jack apple fizz, and a salted nut roll shot.

And For Dessert

Are you in the mood for a non-alcoholic drink that still fits into the fall season? Patty’s Too serves up a cool drink to entice your tastebuds. The shake of the month is pumpkin pie! All the delicious flavors of an actual pumpkin pie in a chilled drink.

Whether you need a drink to start your day or one to spice up your evening, Delavan serves up exactly what you’re looking for. Visit Delavan to discover all of our Fall favorites!

Delavan’s Rich Circus History Includes Reported Haunted Cemetery

Come one, come all and learn about Delavan’s rich circus history! Delavan is known for being the birthplace of PT Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth but do you know where it all started? We have some stories and information for you about how circuses put Delavan on the map as the circus capital of the nation.

The Start of Delavan’s Circus History

The start of Delavan’s booming circus success began when brothers Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie were traveling with their US Olympic Circus and stopped in Delavan to hunt prairie chickens. Although they had merely been passing through, they noticed that the area provided the perfect amount of space, food, and water for their circus animals. The Mabie brothers ended up wintering in Delavan and even purchased up to 1000 acres of land – where Lake Lawn Resort now stands – to give their animals the environment they needed to thrive.

With their circus becoming so popular, it paved the way for over 26 other circuses and acts to bring their shows to Delavan. This is what reportedly gave William C. Coup, a retired circus manager, the idea to have PT Barnum start his own circus, specifically to be transferred by railcar not by wagon 20 years later.

In the 1870s Coup was said to have met with Barnum in Delavan to convince him of his traveling railcar circus proposal, thus Delavan was considered to be the birthplace of PT Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth though some historians consider Coup to be the true founder, not Barnum. In 1871 the circus headed to Brooklyn, New York to begin its venture.

Circuses Become Part of Delavan Community

What started as circuses wintering in Delavan turned into them living and becoming active members of the community. Which helped Delavan grow, prosper, and be put on the map. But as railroad travel became more and more popular, Delavan slowly fell off the track for circuses to stop through. The reign of circuses in Delavan ended in 1894 with the EG Holland Railroad Circus closing its tents.

Members of the circus that ended up living their lives in Delavan are buried in the Spring Grove and St. Andrew Parish cemeteries. The number varies but nearly 250 members affiliated with the circus are said to be buried there, many have numbered plaques next to their gravestones noting they were associated with the circus in some way. After his death, William C. Coup requested to be buried in the Spring Grove cemetery, as well as members of the Mabie family. The former circus employees are said to haunt the grounds. People have claimed to see the ghosts of acrobats, clowns, and even horses wandering through the cemetery at night.

Delavan was a location that great acts and shows not only passed through but where many found a place to call “home.” If you’d like to learn more about Delavan’s spectacular circus history, be sure to check out our circus-themed Tower Park, murals, and other historical markers in Downtown Delavan, and visit the Delavan Wisconsin Historical Society. When you visit Delavan there are always fascinating things to learn and see!

5 Spots To Enjoy Fall Colors In Delavan

Going for a walk under the fall colors, enjoying the view with a drink, getting out on the lake for a panoramic view of all the red, gold, orange, and yellow trees…Delavan has plenty of ways to enjoy the colors this fall. Here are five of our favorite spots to experience fall and the beautiful leaves in Delavan.

Walk through fall colors at the arboretum

The Paul Lange and Ora Rice arboretums are nestled along the shores of Lake Comus, providing lake views of the fall colors while you’re also walking amongst the beautiful trees. The adjoining nature areas are more than 30 combined acres with nature trails and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the views.

Enjoy some fall colors while golfing

Featuring 27 holes of public golf, Delbrook Golf Course’s original course was constructed in 1927, and golfers can still enjoy the shade and views from trees planted more than 80 years ago. Imagine the beautiful fall colors from all those trees! Grab a spot on their practice range, which allows you to hit your ball up to 275 yards while enjoying the view of the fall colors along their three courses.

Get panoramic views of fall colors on Delavan Lake

One of the best ways to enjoy fall colors on the lake is on the Lake Lawn Queen. The Queen is Delavan Lake’s two-level 76-foot cruise boat that takes passengers on a tour of Delavan Lake and its shores, with views of five Frank Lloyd Wright homes, other historical landmarks, and colorful fall vistas. The open-air top deck has lounge seating with amazing views from every angle, while the climate-controlled main level has various seating options and panoramic window views.

Experience fall colors and lake views from land

For a nice walk with lake views and plenty of fall colors to enjoy, head to Community Park in Delavan. Community Park, at the corner of Highway 50 and South Shore Drive, is 15 acres of lakefront property with a beach, playground, pavilions you can rent, and a long peninsula for shore fishing. The peninsula is also perfect for a lakefront stroll to enjoy the fall colors.

Grab a drink and enjoy the view of fall colors

What better way to enjoy the fall colors on Delavan Lake than with a group of friends and a drink! Head to Inn Between Bar & Grill right on the north shore of Delavan Lake with one of the best views on the lake. They serve lunch and dinner, plus have a full-service bar.

Head to Delavan this fall for a walk, boat tour, game of golf, or day of relaxing while enjoying the beautiful fall colors.

Delavan/Darien Rotary Artisan Festival

Delavan’s history is filled with more than just circuses and temperance rallies. It was also home to an art colony near the end of the 19^th Century. During this period students would come into Delavan from the Chicago Art Institute for more art training. Some of the artists made their homes here but only for about 15 years.

“Adolph Schulz did not like cows in his paintings,” said Terri Yanke, a Friends of the Library representative. Apparently, farmers were moving into the area with their grazing creatures. The artists moved down to Nashville, Indiana but left a lot of their paintings, which are now on display at Aram Public Library.          

Today these painters are gone but art has not left the city. To demonstrate the importance art and culture play in this area, the Delavan/Darien Rotary Club is hosting its first Artisan Festival at Congdon Garden, 1420 Hobbs Drive, Delavan on Saturday, September 24 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Funds raised will go toward Arts Scholarships for high school graduates. The festival will  feature an eclectic assortment of artists, crafters, vendors, food-artistisan, authors and performers.

“Covid took a toll on many artists of all genres,” said Carol L. Paur, Artisan Festival Chair. “We are hoping this festival will help artists showcase their works while meeting their fans. We’re also excited to see how we can help promote the arts in this area.” There will be activities for children, performers, and food trucks. For more information, contact Paur at storiesaua@gmail.com.

5 Fall Favorites to Experience in Delavan

The kids go back to school. Temperatures start getting a bit chillier and the leaves start to change. Fall in Wisconsin is really something special! The changing trees add color to everything everywhere, and everyday tasks like getting coffee and a donut get a little added Fall touch. Head to Delavan to experience the best of Fall in Wisconsin with five of our favorite activities.

Fall Favorite #1: Scarecrow Fest

Scarecrow Fest is a favorite in Delavan with this year’s event marking 22 years. The 22nd Annual Scarecrow Fest in Downtown Delavan on September 17 will feature live music, crafters and vendors, food, children’s activities, free pumpkins, a petting zoo, Walldog Mural tours, and so much Fall fun! Come to see what scarecrows Downtown Delavan businesses have created this year and stay to create your own with $10 DIY Scarecrow Kits.

Fall Favorite #2: Brew Walk

Another local Fall favorite is the Downtown Delavan Brew Walk. This year’s event is October 22. Walk around Downtown Delavan while tasting beer and exploring local businesses. Grab some family or friends, a tasting passport, and a map so you don’t miss any of the stops or event features. Halloween costumes are not required but are highly encouraged…so you never know who or what you might see on the Delavan Brew Walk! Oktoberfest in the Town of Delavan is also on October 22. Head to Community Park for more Fall festivities.

Fall Favorite #3: Fall Coffee Flavors

One of our favorite things to do when fall finally hits is grab a cozy cup of coffee and chat with friends. One of our favorite places to do that is Boxed and Burlap, and their seasonal coffee flavors never disappoint. Check out their seasonal menu (ahem…or maybe even the secret menu on their website) and grab a seat inside their cozy coffee shop or bundle up and enjoy some sun on their patio. Don’t forget a slice of babka or a giant chocolate chip cookie to snack on.

Fall Favorite #4: Apple Cider Donuts

If you haven’t had an apple cider donut…we need to change that! Apple cider donuts are the perfect combination of tart apple, sweet sugar, and cozy cinnamon. And one of our favorite places to grab one (or a dozen) is Delavan Homestyle Bakery in downtown Delavan. You’ll know they have them in the case when you drive by and see “APPLE CIDER DONUTS” on a chalkboard out front!

Fall Favorite #5: Fall Fun at Apple Barn

For an afternoon of fall fun head to the Apple Barn where you can pick apples and pumpkins, eat some yummy fall foods, and do some shopping. Labor Day marks apple season at the Apple Barn where they are open daily for pick-your-own apples. They have Cortland, Empire, Holiday, Honey Crisp, Honey Gold, Ida Red, Gala, Ginger Gold, Jona Gold, McIntosh, Paula Red, and Zestor varieties. Pumpkin season usually starts later in September with pumpkin picking only open on weekends. After you’ve picked your apples and pumpkins, head to the country store and bakery for cider, fruit wines, homemade baked goods, cider donuts, caramel apples, maple syrup, and so much more food, candy, and gifts.

Fall in Wisconsin is one of our favorite times of the year, and these festivals and places to stop will have you enjoying fall favorites during your visit to Delavan.

Vote for the Top Three Scarecrows At Scarecrow Fest 2020

Scarecrow Fest is finally upon us here in Delavan.  Starting Monday, September 14^th, the Scarecrows on Parade will be on display and ready to welcome visitors and guests to the festivities of Scarecrow Fest in Downtown Delavan.   

During the entire month of September, scarecrows built by local businesses and organizations will adorn the streets of the downtown area. All scarecrows will be numbered and ballots will be printed for the public to vote for their favorites to decide the winning scarecrow. Vote for your top three favorite scarecrows by downloading the PDF Ballot below and filling in your top three Scarecrows. To submit a digital ballot, email a completed PDF to info@visitdelavan.com. You can also submit a physical ballot to the red ballot boxes at Lauren’s Antiques & Art Centre, Bradley’s Department Store, Remember When, or the Travel Information Center at the Lake Lawn Resort Airport. Voting will conclude September 29th.

Check out the Scarecrows and cast your vote today!

Download your ballot here:

2020-scarecrow-ballot-1Download

Autumn Adventures in Delavan

Fall is in the air, here in Delavan! Put on your coziest cardigan, pull out your planner, and sip on your favorite fall drink, its time to plan your Autumn activities. 

The Fall season is a perfect time for families to explore all kinds of different things to do across the Delavan area. From traditional apple orchards to pumpkin-themed paint and sips to virtual programming, Delavan is full of fun and family-friendly ways to enjoy the season.

Scarecrow Fest

Saturday, September 19, is Scarecrow Fest in Downtown Delavan! Scarecrow Fest is a community-wide, family-oriented event featuring scarecrows on parade and free activities throughout historic Downtown Delavan! With free pumpkins, classic car show, Walldog Mural tours, food trucks, DIY scarecrow kits, sidewalk sales, market vendors, live music, and so much more, there’s something for everyone! Usher in Autumn in Delavan Saturday, September 19th, 10 am-4 pm.  See you at Scarecrow Fest!

Apple Picking at the Orchard

Nothing says fall fun like a day at the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery! Go on an apple picking adventure throughout the orchards and pick from over 13 different varieties of crisp apples. The U-pick season kicks off September 19th! Stop in the Country Store and sample seasonal delights including apple cider doughnuts, caramel apples, Wisconsin cheeses, and homemade jellies and jams.  Grown-ups can sample a variety of house wines and ciders sourced from fruits grown on-site and take home a bottle of their favorite. Check out their calendar of events so you don’t miss out on the annual Apple Fest, September 26th & 27th, or Pumpkin Patch, October 2nd!

Pumpkin Paint and Sip

Grab some friends and get creative at Paint and Sip at Scoop’s on County Road O on Thursday, September 10th! Paint a  ‘Pumpkin Trio’ no experience needed. For just  $35 per person, you’ll receive all your supplies including the 12×24″ canvas, paints, brushes, and of course a drink! Reservations are required for this event so call (262) 728-3200 to reserve your spot.

Oktoberfest

The town of Delavan will roll out the barrel and celebrate Oktoberfest Saturday, October 24th in Community Park. Join in on the German-inspired fun at the Bier Tent while enjoying Brats, Bavarian Pretzels, and other traditional eats.  Polka your heart out to the beats of the Steve Miesner Band. Oktoberfest kicks off at noon at Community Park.  Prost!

Autumn with the Aram Public Library

If staying in is more your style, be sure to check out Aram Public Library’s Fall virtual programming! Gather the kiddos for Not-So-Scary-Stories, Creepy Crafties, and seasonally inspired Cusine for Kiddos.  Adults can tune in to the Virtual Beer Tasting featuring Duesterbeck Brewing Company Brews on October 21st..  Hear from Ben Johnson, from the comfort of your own home, clue you in to the brewing process and history of craft beer.  To taste along at home, you can pick up a set of beers at the library a week before the event.

Fall Color Tour

Enjoying the changing leaves in Delavan can be blink-and-you’ll-miss-them quick. With only a narrow window of time to enjoy them, it’s time to plan for a Fall Color Tour throughout the Delavan Parks System. Stroll through Ora Rice Arboretum or meander the paths of Congdon Gardens while enjoying the brilliant colors of the foliage.

You can find a complete listing of Fall Activities by visiting VisitDelavan.com.  Find your adventure, in Delavan.