u www.lafayettecounty.org u for ATVs, hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. The 9.6-mile limestone surfaced trail joins the Cheese Country Trail at Calamine, which links the communities <strong>of</strong> Mineral Point and Monroe. The Pecatonica Trail runs through the scenic valley <strong>of</strong> Bonner Branch, where a variety <strong>of</strong> wildlife and vegetation can be observed. Bond Park, located adjacent to the Pecatonica Trail, has picnic and fitness areas and a shelter with restrooms. “Brass & Brats” Music Festival, held at the school grounds features performances by the Dubuque Colts Drum & Bugle Corp, the Colt Cadets, and other local musicians. This free annual event <strong>of</strong>fers one and all an evening full <strong>of</strong> great entertainment and food. The Belmont School and Community Fair (<strong>Wisconsin</strong>’s oldest and free) is held the second weekend after Labor Day. It starts with school activities and goes on to include a livestock show, carnival, kid’s games, horse show, parade and dance. When in the area, please patronize our advertising businesses. Southwest <strong>Wisconsin</strong>’s largest 24-hour travel center features a restaurant, CAT scale, and a RV dump station. A national chain hotel which features 50 rooms, swimming pool, whirlpool, a 550-seat convention center, and a 75-seat conference room makes a visit to Belmont comfortable and convenient. For further information, please visit our website www.belmontwi.com, send an e-mail to vilbelm@mhtc.net or call (608) 762-5142. Benton The life <strong>of</strong> Father Samuel Mazzuchelli and the area’s history are intertwined like a grapevine wreath. Mazzuchelli, an Italian missionary who came to serve on what was then the American frontier, is buried in Benton. He has been named venerable, the first step toward sainthood. Mazzuchelli was pastor <strong>of</strong> St. Patrick’s Catholic Church when he died. You can see his simple three-room living quarters and his gravesite in the village. Mazzuchelli’s influence went beyond religious to civic realms. He was chaplain to the territorial legislature, founded schools, and befriended Native Americans. If Mazzuchelli is declared a saint, his gravesite and St. Augustine could become national and even international shrines. Other artifacts <strong>of</strong> Benton history are stored at the 1851 Village School House, 608 523-4888 which has class records dating back to the 1870s. Swindler’s Ridge Museum, named for a mining area north <strong>of</strong> Benton, has among its exhibits two working models <strong>of</strong> old-time mines and military items from World War I to Desert Storm. While its history is evident, so is Benton’s future. The village has a new wastewater treatment plant that is at half capacity and a new water tower (although the historic stone one still proudly stands), while the community is also home to a new school, numerous new houses, and a business incubator building. Benton’s forward-thinking motto is “Room to Grow.” Blanchardville Nestled in a scenic valley in the northeast corner <strong>of</strong> Lafayette County, the Village <strong>of</strong> Blanchardville <strong>of</strong>fers small town living within commuting distance from Madison. Along Blanchardville’s Main Street you’ll find stores <strong>of</strong>fering cheese, gifts, fine art, cottage industry arts, antiques, and hardware. Enjoy home-style cooking at the Viking Café or a beverage and food at one <strong>of</strong> the three pub and grills. Sit back and sip your favorite c<strong>of</strong>fee with a delicious pastry at The Grapevine on the corner next to the river. Situated along the banks <strong>of</strong> the Pecatonica River is beautiful McKellar Park, featuring 9 full-service campsites, picnic area and shelter, playground, swimming pool, and ball diamonds. In cooperation with the DNR and FEMA, a wetlands area is being developed. If you are canoeing the Pecatonica, Blanchardville is an ideal launch or take out site. If ATV fun is more your style, the Lafayette Tri County ATV Trail from Fayette ends at Hwy 78 in the village. Right next to the bridge over the Pecatonica is the Blanchardville Historical Society, a museum <strong>of</strong> artifacts detailing the history <strong>of</strong> Blanchardville and <strong>of</strong>fering a selfguided walking tour <strong>of</strong> the historical buildings. The village was established in 1844 by a small group <strong>of</strong> Mormons lead by Samuel Horner. Horner built a water-powered gristmill, which was bought by Alvin Blanchard in 1855. After the Mormon colony disappeared around 1857, the community became Blanchardville. Events in Blanchardville include the Father’s Day Chicken Barbeque, Cruis’n <strong>Wisconsin</strong> Car, Truck and Cycle show on the second Sunday in Lodging Available in the historic “Hotel Blanchard” WIFI Available Near Canoeing, ATV Trail, State Park Facebook Toby’s Place Blanchardville Historical Society Museum 101 S. Main Street Open Saturdays 9:00 a.m. until Noon The Viking Cafe Home Cookin’ 523-4327 210 S. Main St. Blanchardville 50 u www.hiddenvalleys.com u <strong>Hidden</strong> <strong>Valleys</strong>
u lafayette County u lafayette County <strong>Hidden</strong> <strong>Valleys</strong> u www.hiddenvalleys.com u 51