The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast

Every traveler has wondered it — "Can I take this from my hotel room?" From those irresistible mini shampoos to the slippers that practically walk into your bag, Dannelle dishes on what's fair game, what's off-limits, and how to take home memories (not evidence). Expect laughter, confessions, and a few surprisingly wholesome travel tips. You'll Learn: What amenities hotels actually want you to tak...

This week, join host Dannelle Gay on a peaceful pilgrimage across Wisconsin — exploring the state's most beautiful and meaningful shrines, grottos, temples, and sacred sites. From the intricate stonework of the Dickeyville Grotto to the spiritual grandeur of Holy Hill , and from hidden folk-art creations to the inclusive beauty of the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin , these places showcase faith, crafts...

  In this week's episode, Dannelle pulls back the curtain on something most travelers overlook until it's too late — travel insurance . From canceled flights to medical emergencies abroad, travel insurance can save your vacation (and your wallet). Using her husband's real-life experiences — kidney stones in Mexico and France — Dannelle shares exactly how insurance covered hospitals, medications, a...

Wisconsin's beauty doesn't stop at the surface — it runs deep. In this episode, Dannelle Gay takes you beneath America's Dairyland to explore the mysterious, magical, and sometimes muddy world of Wisconsin's caves. From the glowing formations of Cave of the Mounds to the icy cathedrals of the Apostle Islands, this episode uncovers the science, history, and adventure behind the state's most fascina...

Hollywood may have its stars, but Wisconsin has the heart. In this episode, Dannelle Gay explores more than 20 movies filmed right here in Wisconsin , from cult classics to Oscar-nominated dramas. Discover the small towns that became movie sets, the big names who walked our streets, and the unforgettable scenes that prove the Badger State is more than just dairy and Packers—it's cinematic gold. Fe...

In this episode of  The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast , host Dannelle Gay shares her essential checklist for what every Wisconsin driver should keep in their car — just in case. From jumper cables and snacks to cold-weather must-haves and kid-friendly comforts, Dannelle helps you build the perfect "Duffel of Preparedness." Whether you're commuting in Madison, tackling a winter storm, or road-trippi...

🎙️ Episode Title Wisconsin Food Halls & Market Gems: Where Community and Cuisine Collide 🍴 Episode Description Grab your appetite and your curiosity — because this week on The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast , host Dannelle Gay dives fork-first into Wisconsin's thriving food hall scene. From Milwaukee's bustling 3rd Street Market Hall to the up-and-coming Middleton Market , discover how these vibran...

🧀 Episode Description Before you hit "Book Now" on that cute cabin or lakefront loft, hit play on this episode. In this week's Traveling Cheesehead Podcast , host Dannelle Gay shares her insider tips on how to rent smarter when using Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental sites . From decoding listing language and spotting red flags to saving money on fees and keeping your stay stress-free, this...

🧀 Episode Description Psst… you didn't hear it from me, but Wisconsin has a secret. In this episode of The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast , Dannelle Gay goes undercover to explore the mysterious world of Wisconsin's modern speakeasies and secret bars — from Milwaukee's legendary SafeHouse and Shanghai Speakeasy to underground hideaways in Lake Geneva and Hartford. You'll learn what makes a bar a sp...

From misty wetlands to sandstone bluffs, from ancient earth mounds to lighthouses watching over stormy Great Lakes, Wisconsin's story is carved into the land itself. Join Dannelle, The Traveling Cheesehead , on a poetic road trip through the wild heart of Wisconsin — tracing migration flyways, forgotten mining towns, and cities that reinvented themselves while keeping one boot in history. You'll m...

Join Dannelle,  The Traveling Cheesehead , as she explores one of Wisconsin's most iconic destinations: Lake Geneva . From historic mansions and scenic lake cruises to zipline adventures, hot air balloons, and cozy speakeasies, this episode is your ultimate guide to the perfect Wisconsin getaway. Discover insider tips, can't-miss experiences, and local favorites that make Lake Geneva sparkle in ev...

Hey there, cheese curd enthusiasts and road-trip dreamers! In this episode of  The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast , Dannelle gushes about her favorite place on Earth — Wisconsin . From lighthouses and waterfalls to festivals, food, and football, this state has more surprises than a Friday fish fry. Whether you're a lifelong local or a curious traveler, this episode will give you 15 unforgettable rea...

From mustard to vacuum cleaners, barbed wire to bobbleheads — the Midwest is home to some of the quirkiest museums you'll ever stumble across. 🏛️ In this episode, we open the doors to collections that are as odd as they are endearing, proving that every passion (no matter how niche) deserves a spotlight. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even plan your next offbeat road trip stop.

Step back into a time when courage traveled in whispers and footsteps under cover of night. ✨ In this episode, we uncover the powerful stories of the Underground Railroad across the Midwest — from hidden rooms and secret tunnels to churches and safe houses that offered freedom seekers a lifeline north. These landmarks aren't just historic sites; they're testaments to bravery, resilience, and the...

Ever wonder who really has the world's largest ball of twine ? Or why pink elephants keep popping up along Midwest highways? 🐘 In this episode, we hit the road in search of the quirky, the colossal, and the downright bizarre — from giant pennies and towering statues to the kinds of roadside wonders that make you pull over, snap a photo, and say, "Only in America." Buckle up — this is roadside Ame...

Pull up a chair at the Midwest comfort food table! 🍽️ In this episode, we dig into the iconic dishes that define heartland hospitality — from flaky UP pasties and tender pork sandwiches to loose meat classics, legendary fish boils, and mile-high slices of pie. These aren't just meals; they're stories of family traditions, immigrant roots, and the way Midwesterners gather around food to celebrate l...

Celebrate cold weather with snowmobile racing, curling clubs, ice castles, Flannel Fest in Janesville, and even the Polar Plunge.  From frostbite to fun, learn how Wisconsinites make the most of every snowflake. #WinterWisconsin #FrozenFun #CheeseheadLife #PolarPlunge #FlannelFest

Step back into the flannel-clad past of Wisconsin's Northwoods! In this episode of  The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast , host Dannelle Gay takes you on a story-rich journey through Wisconsin's logging history—where towering pines, hard-earned camaraderie, and Paul Bunyan-sized legends shaped the state's identity. You'll learn: How Wisconsin's timber trade fueled its first major economic boom What li...

Did you know there's a place in Wisconsin that glaciers skipped during the Ice Age? The Driftless Area is a natural wonder full of steep hills, sparkling springs, ancient ecosystems—and small towns with big personality. In this episode of The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast , we dig into: What  driftless really means Trout streams, art trails, caves & karst terrain Viroqua, Mineral Point, Prairie du...

Ready for some goosebumps? This episode explores haunted hot spots across Wisconsin—from the elegant yet eerie Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee to the mysterious grave of Kate Blood. We uncover ghost stories from Dartford Cemetery, circus elephants said to haunt Baraboo, and more spine-tingling tales. (Featuring dramatized storytelling and a peek into why these places still fascinate us long after dark....

This isn't just a Nashville neighbor—it's a full-on destination. In this episode, we explore military history, murals, food, shopping, and all the small-town charm that makes Clarksville, Tennessee, a surprise star on your 2025 travel list.

Planning a trip with your furry sidekick? We've got tips for packing smart, staying safe, and finding places that welcome four-legged travelers like family. It's everything you need to know for wag-worthy adventures, from tailgate to trail. Get my FREE Dog Traveling Checklist  

Move over vanilla—Wisconsin's got a scoop of the unexpected! From beer-infused ice cream to corn and candy creations, we're tasting our way through the wildest (and surprisingly delicious) frozen flavors the Dairy State dreams up.

There's nothing like the smell of old paper and a great deal on your next read. We're browsing through Wisconsin's coziest, quirkiest used bookstores—where every shelf tells a story, and your next treasure might be a dollar away.

No one does weird and wonderful quite like Wisconsin. We're covering the state's most offbeat (and totally lovable) festivals, from competitive cow pie chucking to pumpkin-sized pageantry. Come for the laughs—stay for the bratwurst.