Blog

If you're craving a tasty croissant, homemade pie, cookies, and other amazing pastries, you'll find fantastic bakeries in and around Mt. Horeb, WI. There are plenty of exceptional takeout counters, custom cake shops, and local places where you can enjoy a wide range of delicious baked goods for any occasion. 1. Purple Plum Bake Shop This local, friendly-owned bakery features custom cupcakes and specialty cakes for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate events, and other special occasions. Purple Plum Bake Shop is centrally-located and a favorite among residents and visitors to town. All custom desserts are made to order and prepared with only the highest quality ingredients. You'll love the impressive selection of flavors, including coconut, lemon, black forest, pumpkin, and many more. more 2. Tisha's Delicious Bakery Tisha's Delicious Bakery is a home-based company that provides an impressive variety of naturally-baked goods and desserts for your kitchen. This fantastic bakeshop specializes in dairy-free and gluten-free bread, custom loaves, bagels, pizza crust, brownies, dinner rolls, donuts, cookies, and more. You'll find everything you need on the bakery's website, including details on the ingredients and a convenient order form. All ingredients in Tisha's baked goods are gluten-free certified, and orders are available for delivery in the Mt Horeb area. 3. Sjolinds Chocolate House You'll enjoy the incredible menu of delicious items at Sjolinds Chocolate House, including European dishes, baked goods, homemade soup, bisque, quiche, beverages, and fantastic quality chocolates and candies. This unique, locally-owned shop offers a light lunch and dessert menu, whether you're visiting for a coffee and a pastry or placing an order for a birthday or special event. Sjolinds Chocolate House provides a friendly, cozy dining space to enjoy your favorite treat and a drive-through option for takeout. All items are made with only the best, naturally-sourced ingredients and available at a reasonable price. 4. The Great Little Bakery LLC If you're looking for the best traditional baked pies in town, you'll love the Great Little Bakery on Main Street. This superb bakeshop offers customized baked goods, including fruit pies, pecan pie, cinnamon rolls, muffins, cupcakes, cakes, layered cakes, and treat boxes. It's a great place to order your favorite dessert for an upcoming anniversary, birthday party, family event, or special occasion. You can place orders online, and gluten-free options are available. 5. Milio's Sandwiches Milio's Sandwiches is a laid-back, casual sandwich and bakeshop that features delicious pastries, soups, subs, sandwiches, and homemade baked goods. This local chain features quality baked bread and tasty lunch fare seven days a week. All meals are prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, vegetarian orders, drive-through takeout, and delivery options. It's the perfect spot to visit with the whole family on your next road trip. You'll find great bakeshops, cafes, and incredible places to order your next custom cupcakes, treat box, or birthday cake. Come see us at Symdon Chevrolet of Mt. Horeb and find out what we have to offer you from our fantastic showroom of new and pre-owned vehicles. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

There's nothing like a delicious plate of eggs, smoked meat, and toast with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. When you drive through Mt Horeb, WI, you'll find some great breakfast places and fantastic brunch options, whether you're planning to dine in or pick up a meal for the road. 1. Sunn Cafe Sunn Cafe is a wonderful spot where you'll find delicious, homemade food that's healthy and reasonably priced. This place is known for its hand-crafted pasta, tasty breakfast sandwiches, and signature meals for dine-in and takeout. It's one of the top cafes in town to order breakfast, whether you're craving a breakfast wrap with pesto, a fresh salad, hearty soup, or baked sweets to go. more This eatery opens early, so you can enjoy coffee and your favorite first meal of the day before commuting to work. Every dish is prepared with high-quality ingredients, vegetarian options, and dietary accommodations. Sunn Cafe also offers a kids' menu for lunch. 2. Spring Garden Family Restaurant This casual eatery offers tasty home-cooked breakfast and lunch meals. Spring Garden Family Restaurant features all your favorite American dishes and comfort foods, including hot sandwiches and wraps, steak and eggs, crepes, and more. You'll find the dining space is laid-back and relaxing, with the option of an outdoor patio. It's a great diner to enjoy all your traditional breakfast and lunch meals seven days a week. Spring Garden Family Restaurant is a local staple that's a favorite diner for residents and guests to the region. You'll enjoy the friendly, efficient service and fantastic, country-style food. 3. Fink's Restaurant Fink's Restaurant is a great small diner located in the heart of downtown Mt Horeb. It's a fantastic, down-to-earth eatery where you can order hearty meals for breakfast and lunch, served in generous portions. This spot is the ideal place to visit when you're driving through town, with a terrific selection of standard egg platters, smoked meats, hashbrowns, sandwiches, and French toast. Fink's Restaurant offers convenient options for takeout. 4. Sjolinds Chocolate House Sjolinds Chocolate House is a fantastic place to savor your favorite sweets, desserts, and coffee. This cafe is also the ideal spot to order a tasty breakfast in the shop's cafe or a quick meal for the commute to work. You'll love this unique shop and the impressive selection of cakes, desserts, baked goods, light breakfast fare, and freshly brewed coffee. Sjolinds Chocolate House features excellent breakfast options, including quiche, Swedish pancakes, sandwiches, and pastries. This shop also offers locally made chocolate made in-house and a great assortment of artisan products to buy for your pantry at home. You'll find some great diners, restaurants, and takeout spots to order delicious breakfast and great coffee on your next drive to town. Contact us at Symdon Chevrolet of Mt Horeb and inquire about our spectacular selection of vehicles in our showroom today. We offer great deals to meet all your lifestyle and driving needs. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Just west of Wisconsin's state capital, there's a unique place to live. With its friendly folk, unique heritage, and beautiful surroundings, Mount Horeb, WI has a special appeal that small towns across the world struggle to match! 1. Troll Capital of the World! Here in Mount Horeb, people love their trolls. The tradition is tied to the town's history. When Norwegian immigrants arrived in the area in the 1800s, they brought folktales of trolls with them. The stories persist today, with tales of these mischievous, mythical beings a key part of the area's culture. more The main street is lined with bright and colorful sculptures of these wacky creatures. The tradition adds plenty of character to the town and is definitely a conversation starter! Even the chamber of commerce has joined in the fun, dubbing the main street “The Trollway”. 2. Natural Beauty If you love the outdoors, Mount Horeb is the place to be! In town, there are plenty of great parks with trails, lakes, and amenities. Stewart Lake County Park is a favorite and offers great opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Blue Mound State Park is a short drive away and is just one of the great outdoor attractions in the region. Wildlife viewing areas offer a great opportunity to see coyotes, red foxes, deer, and a range of birds. 3. Thriving Main Street With high levels of foot traffic and a great atmosphere, Mount Horeb's downtown continues to enjoy the benefits of its thriving local economy. Featuring great stores, restaurants, cultural buildings, and other businesses, there's so much to see and do in the center of town. It's no wonder visitors come from miles around to enjoy this village's quaint shopping and cultural experiences! 4. Rich Cultural Heritage Trolls aren't the only part of Mount Horeb's culture! From its beginnings as part of the Ho-Chunk Nation to becoming a center for Norwegian-Americans and onto the modern day, Mount Horeb has a rich and fascinating history. The Driftless Historium, a museum run by the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society, preserves much of the region's heritage, with historical exhibits and events. But history is everywhere you look! Even a simple walk around town reveals much of interest, with old buildings like the Herman B. and Anne Marie Dahle House bursting with character. 5. Community One of the best things about living in a small town is the sense of community. The way small-town residents enjoy communal activities is part of the charm of living outside a big city. And Mount Horeb folks well and truly earn that reputation. Throughout the year, there are plenty of great events for people of all ages. The chamber of commerce arranges everything from art trails and craft workshops, to concerts and book clubs. You'll never be short of something to do in this town. Want to support a local business and get yourself a vehicle to explore the local area? Stop by Symdon Motors today for a great deal on a new or used car. Image courtesy of Jsonline.com

Whether you're eating out or ordering in, there's nothing quite like that first bite of a cheesy slice. And here in Mount Horeb WI, we have some great local dining options in and around the area for the whole family so that your next pizza night is sorted. Mount Horeb The crusts are hand-tossed, thin, crunchy, and quintessentially American at this classic restaurant. Customers love that the toppings are recognizable and reliable while still being fresher, more generous, and more inventive than what the big chain stores have to offer; they have old faithfuls like a meat-heavy topping and Margherita, but get experimental with flavors like on their taco pie. Ordering in? No problem. They're well-known for their prompt, friendly delivery. more Marcine's This hole-in-the-wall bar and grill in Mount Horeb is a favorite among locals and tourists alike thanks to inexpensive, scrumptious pies that are loaded up with toppings and flavor. The crusts are thick, the staff is lovely, and the vibe is inviting and family-friendly. Not in the mood for a slice? We doubt it, but they do have tacos, wings, and juicy burgers on the menu too. If you're enjoying a responsible night out with friends or colleagues, look out for some impressive happy hour deals too. Novanta Craving some doughy, bubbly, Italian-style crust and sauce? Head over to Novanta, which transports you to Naples with its authenticity. Big blobs of mozzarella top house-made red sauce, and it's all prepared in a wood-fired oven. Caprese salads, charcuterie boards full of thin smoked meats, and traditional Italian sodas round out the delicious meal. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and trendy, so all in all, it makes for an unforgettable night out. PJ's Over in Cross Plains, you'll find PJ's, where affordable, generous pies are made special alongside subs, calzones, pasta bakes, and wings. Everything is hot and fresh, and they're communicative with their delivery. If you fall in love with their food, they can provide catering for your next big function. They even offer a reward program through their app. This might make them seem more like a large chain restaurant, but never fear. They're still a local, small business. AJ's Across the way, in Verona, you'll find AJ's, a beloved ‘za joint that sees customers regularly come in from neighboring counties. Whether that's because AJ's never skimps on the toppings or because their crust range is hearty - thin, deep dish, stuffed crust, and gluten-free are all available - there's something about it that keeps people coming back. You can either build your own pie or order one of their specialty options. The Arizona Ranch - spicy ranch, chicken, and bacon - is a must-try. Whether you stay in the heart of Mount Horeb or decide to venture out a bit, we know you'll be super satisfied with your meal. Finally full? Once you've had a slice (or several), come down to Symdon Motors, where you can peruse the incredible range of Chevy cars, SUVs, and trucks available. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Lake Mendota in Madison, WI Mount Horeb is a small village to the west of Madison, Wisconsin. This town has a population of under 10,000. If you want to get out of town for a little while but don't want to commit to planning a full vacation, here are five day trips you can take near Mt Horeb, WI that are less than 200 miles oneway. 1: Madison, WI Only 31 minutes to the east of the village is Madison, Wisconsin. This capital city has plenty for you to explore. You can spend the day wandering down the streets downtown, looking at all the shops and trying different restaurants. more There are plenty of museums on this stretch, too, that y ou can visit if you get tickets. Lake Mendota is perfect for boating during the summer months and even more perfect for ice skating during the winter months. 2: Rockford, IL Seventy-seven miles to the south of town is Rockford, Illinois. If you're lookin g for an excellent summer day trip, consider going to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. You can find this waterpark in a suburb of Rockford. There are over eleven rides and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. There are fast slides for the adrenaline ju nkies and relaxing pools if you prefer something calmer. The water park will open back up starting at the end of May. 3: Milwaukee, WI A little over 100 miles away is Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While you're in the city, you'll want to visit the Milwaukee Publ ic Market. There are hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to sauces and kinds of pasta. It's a great way to shop local. If you enjoy beer, this is the city for you. There are thirty breweries in Milwaukee that you can tour and have a beer tasting. Alcohol is intended only for those of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly. 4: Chicago, IL Chicago, Illinois, is only two and a half hours from the village and an exciting day trip. When you visit, head to Millenial Park to view a f amous structure, Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean. This park offers views of the city and other artwork. Another top thing to do here is to visit the aquarium. There are hundreds of exhibits here, including Beluga Whales and all about what lives in La ke Michigan. Don't forget to grab a deep-dish pizza before you leave town. 5: Green Bay, IL Two hours northeast of town is Green Bay, Wisconsin. This city is home to the stadium that the Green Bay Packers call home. You can take a tour through the Green Bay Packer's Hall of Fame, where you'll learn all about the team's history and see exciting memorabilia. The trophy room is something most visitors are in awe of. Admission is fifteen dollars and worth every penny. Everyone needs to get out of town someti mes, even if it is just for the day. These are five great places to spend your day not far from home. Come by Symdon Chevrolet today for even more suggestions on where to go on your next day trip. Image courtesy of Cleanlakesalliance.org

Part of what we love most about Wisconsin is the abundance of natural beauty throughout the state and the outdoor activities that come with it – boating, fishing and hiking, to name a few. One of the best ways to use your vehicle is to take advantage of all the outdoor activities the Mount Horeb area has to offer. Wondering where to start? We can help. Here's a list of our favorite hiking trails in the area. Ice Age Trail Just over 10 miles outside of Mount Horeb is access to the beautiful and fascinating Ice Age Trail (IAT). One of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, the IAT is a 1,000-mile trail that meanders across the state along a path carved by the retreat of glaciers thousands of years ago. more The trail is great for a run, a day hike, or even longer excursions. (Will you be a thousand-miler?) Camping is available along the way, or stop at one of the trail communities and take in some local culture along with a roof and a bed. Unlimited access to mature forests, prairies, lakes and rivers makes the IAT a top-notch hiking destination. Governor Dodge State Park A little farther out, but worth the drive, is the 5,000-acre Governor Dodge State Park. It has 40 miles of trails winding through both steep and flat terrain, two lakes, and a gorgeous waterfall. Campsites are available for large groups, backpackers, and even horseback riders. Military Ridge State Trail Along the southern edge of Governor Dodge State Park is part of the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, a former rail line trail that also follows an 1855 military route. The trail connects Dodgeville to Fitchburg, passing by Blue Mounds State Park and offering spectacular views of the area's hills and valleys, woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Blue Mound State Park A more local gem is the 1,153-acre Blue Mound State Park. Situated atop the highest hill in the region, it offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints and campgrounds. The trails offer various distances and terrains, making it a great destination for both beginning and novice hikers. Donald County Park Right here in Mount Horeb is the lovely Donald County Park, encompassing 781.5-acres of woodland, native prairie, a stream, pond and pine grove. It offers 8.2 miles of multi-use trails, 3.8 miles of which are for hikers only. Part of the park's beauty is the Eastern Bluebird population, which makes its nests, February through September, in bluebird houses dotted throughout the park. Before you go, remember to plan ahead. State parks may require admission stickers or camping reservations, and unexpected conditions, such as the weather, may affect trail access. Most importantly, be safe. Whether you're driving out to your favorite hiking trails, or keeping your walking in town, Symdon Motors can get you there reliably. Visit Symdon Motors today to find your next adventure-seeking vehicle. Image courtesy of Tripadvisor.com

The capital city of Wisconsin has a lot of places to visit, and it can be difficult to decide what to do first. Madison WI is set upon an isthmus between the lakes of Monona and Mendota. Cities with lakefront views are wonderful places to visit or to move to, but you can only stare at the lake for so long. You need something to do! You may only be spending a short amount of time in Madison WI, so you probably won't be able to see every place this city has to offer. Even if you've lived here for a while, though you may still want some tips for enjoying a fun, popular weekend activity. We've thought about our favorite things to do and hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do. more Olbrich Botanical Gardens If you are a lover of nature, you can't go wrong with the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. These are among the most beautiful gardens in the world. Featuring 16 acres of display gardens, with many different garden varieties, you're sure to find a garden here that makes your heart happy. Enjoy the herb garden, rain garden, rose garden, birch walk, and so much more. Chazen Museum of Art Are you an art lover? You can get your creative energy flowing with a visit to the free art museum, the Chazen Museum of Art. Featuring many different paintings and sculptures from different time periods and areas of the world, you are sure to find artwork that inspires you. Vilas Park Maybe you are looking for a full day of family fun activities. Vilas Park may be the place for you. This park is situated on the northern shore of Lake Wingra and offers swimming, fishing, playground equipment, and other activities. There's a nearby zoo, and this park can be enjoyed in the winter with ice-skating and skate rentals. Madison Children's Museum Looking for a place specifically geared toward children's entertainment and education? Check out the Madison Children's Museum, which features art, science, history, culture, health, and civic engineering exhibits. The kids will love it, it's perfect for a rainy day, and there's enough here that you can visit more than once and see new things every time. State Street One wonderful place to visit while in Madison is State Street. This is a pedestrian street with wide sidewalks, shops, sidewalk dining, and historic buildings. The Wisconsin State Capitol building sits on one end of the street. In order to get a good sense of a place, you should always visit a city's downtown area—its heart. A Pig in a Fur Coat Looking for a place to eat while exploring Madison? A Pig in a Fur Coat has you covered. Try this cozy, trendy bistro that serves Mediterranean dishes like beef fat fries, ravioli, and rabbit. We hope you enjoy your adventures in Madison. There is much to experience in this city. If you are in need of a way to get around or just want more tips on what to do, visit or call Symdon Motors today. Image courtesy of Olbrich.org

When you've worked all day, sometimes the last thing you want to do is come home and cook dinner. For those times, these four top spots for takeout and delivery near Mount Horeb, WI will allow you to quickly put a hot, delicious meal on the table for you and your family. Great Scott's Pizza Pizza is always a good choice for takeout and delivery, and most people can find a pizza they will eat with toppings they enjoy. In Mt. Horeb, though, Great Scott's Pizza is the place to order from for tasty thin-crust pizza, jalapeno cheese sticks, and cinnamon sticks for dessert. There are many toppings to choose from to create your own pizza or you can order one of the restaurant's specialty pizzas, such as the taco pizza, the butcher's pizza, or the cheeseburger pizza. more Service is fast and friendly, and you will receive your pizza piping hot from the oven. While the prices are a bit more than you'll pay for chain pizzas, the quality of the pizza from Great Scott's Pizza will be well worth the overage. This will be your new go-to spot for pizza, for sure! Caspian Grill Mediterranean cuisine is served up fresh and fast at Caspian Grill. Feast on traditional, authentic Mediterranean dishes like kabobs, pitas, lamb chops, pelmeni, and vegetarian borscht. The meat is so tender that it will practically fall off the bone and so flavorful that your taste buds will dance. This restaurant is locally owned, so the service you get will be excellent as well as pleasant. Don't forget to order baklava for dessert, as it is the best in the area! Szechuan Garden Chinese food is another delivery and takeout staple, and for the best option in Mt. Horeb, Szechuan Garden is it. Flavorful and fresh, your delivery or takeout order will be just as good as if you were dining in. Popular dishes with the locals include sesame chicken, Szechuan chicken, the seafood combo, Kung Pao chicken, and twice-cooked pork. For appetizers, try the crab rangoons and the egg rolls, which are both frequently ordered items. While the service is very friendly, the food preparation can be a little slower than you might expect for Chinese food. However, all meals are cooked fresh to order, which is why you may find yourself waiting a bit longer than usual. Once you get the food, though, you'll understand the wait and why it is totally worth it. Nonno's Ristorante Italiano Sometimes, you just want some good old-fashioned comfort food, and in Mt. Horeb, Nonno's Ristorante Italiano offers that and more. You'll feel like you've traveled to Italy without ever leaving your house when your order of authentic Italian entrees such as cioppino, caprese salad, rigatoni bolognese, or chicken Parmesan arrive. You can also get one of this eatery's authentic Italian pizzas, but locals are all about the other entrees. Favorites include Farfalle Rustico, Saltimbocca, Penne Rictta E Pomodoro, and Paglia E Fieno Alla Toscana. For dessert, try the amazing tiramisu or a cannoli. No matter what you're craving for dinner, Mt. Horeb has plenty of excellent meal options for takeout and delivery. The four restaurants here are highly recommended, but if you are looking for a different type of food not on this list, just come by Symdon Motors and we'll provide you with local insight into more tasty choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Image courtesy of Nonnosristoranteitaliano.com

Driving through the roads of Wisconsin, you're likely to encounter a lot of quirky small towns. But few are as quirky as Mt. Horeb, WI: a unique place known as the "Troll Capital of the World". How did Mt Horeb, WI get this unique nickname, and is it worth a stop on your road trip? Unique Beginnings Troll mythology is rich in Scandinavia, and when Mt. Horeb was founded in 1849, it quickly became a hub for Norwegian immigration. By 1870, there were almost 60,000 people from Scandinavia living in the United States, and Mt. Horeb became one of the biggest hubs of Scandinavian life in the country. They brought with them mythology, architecture, food, and other unique traditions that helped to give many towns in the state a unique flair. more Song of Norway If you want a taste of Scandinavian culture in Mt. Horeb, the best place to start is to look into the Song of Norway musical. Centered around an operetta by Robert Wright and George Forrest, it was performed annually at the Cave of the Monarchs until the early 2000s. This was the most prominent way Mt Horeb celebrated their Norse heritage until the 1980s, when they changed direction and put themselves on the map. Trolls Everywhere As a way to celebrate their Scandinavian roots, the citizens of Mt Horeb have turned the crafting of troll figurines into their town's most significant export. Wherever you go in the town, you'll see these figures lining the streets. Usually portrayed as short human-like figures with tails and big noses, they are made from wood, porcelain, and anything else the town's craftsmen can put their stamp on. They've even given each of the troll figures in the town their own identity, usually themed to the kind of mischief they get up to. The Trollway One of the most iconic troll-related stories is the Three Billy-Goats Gruff, who had to outfox a troll living under a bridge. So when Wisconsin constructed a new bypass span in the 1980s that would have passed Mt. Horeb by, the town decided to rebrand their own road. The Trollway leads curious drivers directly into the center of town so they can explore local businesses. A Taste of Norway If you're curious to taste the favorite foods of Mt. Horeb in a unique environment, a trio of restaurants await. The Grumpy Troll, a popular casual restaurant and pizzeria, has many unique troll sculptures in its dining room and serves a classic American menu ideal for kids. Schubert's Restaurant is the best place to go for traditional European fare, including a hearty plate of Norwegian Meatballs. And for dessert, don't miss Sjolnid's Chocolate Shop, where you can pick from a wide range of confections and unique Norwegian desserts like Fruit Soup and crepe-like pancakes. The Trollway is waiting to welcome you into one of Wisconsin's most unique towns. Visit Symdon Motors to ensure your drive goes smoothly, and keep an eye out for mischievous trolls! Image courtesy of Pixabay.com