Sometimes, when you find yourself in a resort town during a very slow season, you have to poke around a little.
I did.
I treated myself to a little photo walk through Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin during one of those dreary days between color season and the holidays.
Due both to the time of year and day, most of the businesses was closed in a town that relies so heavily on tourism their high school mascot is the Resorter.
Still I found a treasure trove of interesting things to see.
A large complex caught my eye and I tried the main door, but it was locked. Then I moseyed over a little and found a second door that opened when I tugged.
I stuck my head in and found myself in the middle of one of the coolest car museums I’ve seen in a while. I wandered around a little, snapping pictures and chuckling at my great luck in finding the open door. I imagined my one phone call and whether my husband would put up the necessary bail money to spring me when I got arrested for unlawful entry.
Unsure of that answer, I made my way to an office with a light on.
“Hey,” I called out. “Is it okay if I look around a little?”
The gentleman working there looked up.
“Sure,” he said.
So, I took myself on a little self-guided tour, giddy with the pleasure of having the whole place to myself. I don’t know a lot about cars or motorcycles but I do know a couple of fellows who do. I can’t wait to bring them back to the ThrottleStop for a more formal, legitimate tour.
Elkhart Lake owns a proud history of racing and cars dating back 75 years. Its street racing tradition gave birth to Road America, which attracts more than 800,000 visitors every summer.
The place is a summer boom town.
I also know that Elkhart Lake boasts more beautiful seasons than mid-November, especially when the gales come early.
But, yesterday, on a cold, gray afternoon, I still found plenty of things to enjoy about the town.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit.
