Girls Weekend: Through the Looking Glass Edition

Muscoda, WI

What happens when you mix a cozy book retreat, a whimsical VRBO, and a weekend full of laughter, snacks, and sips? You step “Through the Looking Glass” — a One of a Kind Milwaukee girls getaway that was equal parts cozy, classy, and country fun.

The Stay: A Storybook Escape

Nestled in the rolling countryside of Muscoda, our four-bedroom “Through the Looking Glass” VRBO was the perfect blend of warmth and wonder. The space felt like stepping into a modern fairytale — a partial wraparound screen porch, cozy nooks for reading, and a kitchen stocked for every craving.

There was even a hidden bar kit in the living room! Also let's not forget that absolutely stunning bathroom featuring the double sinks, stone tile walk in shower and oh yeah that amazing tub that has me wanting to remodel my bathroom at home!

Wild Hills Winery

Just outside of town, we kicked off our Saturday with a visit to Wild Hills Winery, and if you’re heading this way — highly recommend the vineyard tour! It’s not only a beautiful walk through the vines and orchards but also a fascinating peek into how cold-climate grapes are grown and crafted into wine.

The tour begins with a glass of wine in hand (already a win in my book!) and winds through scenic hills as you learn about the vineyard’s history, grape varieties, and production process.

Pro tip: they tell you to wear good footwear for a reason — we didn’t listen (oops), and while we were fine, a sturdier shoe would’ve made that hilly stroll through the vines a bit easier! Also, don’t skip the sunscreen or bug spray, and if it’s a hot day, bring one of those little baby fans — the sun is gorgeous but definitely has its moment!

Our guide, Colleen was great as was her four legged assistant Ozy.

After the walk, we relaxed for a six-wine tasting (yes, six!) paired perfectly with an optional cheese board that I’d absolutely recommend adding on. The staff was wonderful — friendly, fun, and clearly passionate about what they do. Between the cozy tasting room and outdoor seating, you can easily make a full day (or dreamy evening) out of it.

English Prairie Distilling

Next up, we visited English Prairie Distilling Co., and wow — talk about a hidden gem!

We started with a guided tour of the distillery, learning about their barrel-aging process and just how much craft goes into every bottle. It’s one of those experiences that makes you appreciate the artistry behind each sip.

Afterward came the tasting , followed by ordering full-sized cocktails (because, why not?). I was pleasantly surprised by the number of martini options on their menu — from classics to creative twists. The staff was beyond kind and super knowledgeable, happily walking us through their favorites and giving great recommendations.

If you’re in or around the Muscoda area, this spot deserves a top spot on your itinerary — and bonus points, they also offer several mocktails, making it a great stop for everyone in the group.

Outfit Themes: Cowgirls & Cabernet + Margaritas & Muumuus

We love a good themed outfit moment — because honestly, what’s a Girls Weekend without a little sparkle and coordination?

For our Saturday afternoon vineyard tour, the vibe was Cowgirls & Cabernet — think boho country vibes. We had a blast with some transition videos of course and got some gorgeous shots in the vineyard.

Then we changed things up for the evening with our Margaritas & Muumuus theme — comfy, colorful, and completely perfect for our night in at the VRBO. Between the laughter, the flowing drinks, and everyone twirling around in their bright prints, it felt like the ultimate unwind session.

Saturday Night: Plant Joy in the Kitchen

After a day of sipping and sightseeing, we decided to stay in for dinner — and it was easily one of the best choices of the weekend. We packed Plant Joy for the trip, and honestly, it was a total girls weekend lifesaver.

Because our group includes a mix of dietary needs — including a gluten-free bestie 💕 — Plant Joy made everything easy and delicious. Their meals are 100% plant-based, made fresh in small batches right in Milwaukee, and cater beautifully to vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly diets.

We turned our VRBO kitchen into a cozy little café:

• Soup course — 7 Layer Taco Soup + Tica Chili. The girls still can’t pick a favorite. Both were hearty, flavorful, and the perfect comfort food after a day outdoors.

• Nacho station — crispy chips piled high with cashew cheese and soy chorizo = nacho dreams come true.

Plant Joy made it all so simple: no stress, no mess, just warm, nourishing meals and more time for wine, laughter, and memory-making.

Their menu rotates weekly with fun, seasonal offerings — everything from nourishing bowls to craveable soups and desserts. They even host vegan cooking classes and pop-ups that highlight how flavorful plant-based eating can be. It’s clear this Milwaukee favorite is more than just a meal service — it’s a whole food-loving, feel-good community.

If you’re planning your next girls weekend, trust me — pack Plant Joy. Your taste buds (and your kitchen cleanup crew) will thank you. Stay tuned because soon the Plant Joy Deli will be open!!

The Iconic Girls Weekend Goodie Bags & Book Exchange

No Girls Weekend is ever complete without the famous Girls Weekend Goodie Bags — our way of sprinkling a little local love into every getaway.

A huge thank you to our collaborating partners who filled our goodie bags with literary love and local flair:

📚 @orangehatpublishing — for gifting each of us a copy of Caviar Marriage by @julia_byrd, the perfect “curl up and read” weekend novel.📦 @bhbkenosha (Blue House Books) — for adding a little mystery to the mix with surprise reads handpicked by their awesome team.✨ @author_mckenzieburns — for her sweet inclusion of Star Struck, complete with art and stickers (a total favorite among the group!).🦁 @lionstoothmke — for their generous 10% off coupons (two per bag!) that will definitely come in handy on our next indie bookstore crawl.

Supporting local is always the heart of what we do, and it’s what makes every Girls Weekend feel truly one of a kind.

Book and Snack Exchange

Each guest brought two books — new and/or gently used — wrapped as a mystery with a short teaser note on the front. We used a fun little preview template (yep, it’s on the last page of our itinerary!)

P.S. You can download the full Girls Weekend Itinerary template so you can recreate the full Muscoda magic for your own getaway with your girls!

Everyone also brought their favorite snack to share and I do believe this needs to be a repeat at all future Girls Weekends because the snacks slapped!

Breakfast at Vicki’s Cozy Café

No girls weekend is complete without one great breakfast stop before hitting the road — and Vicki’s Cozy Café delivered in every way.

We went on Sunday morning around 9 AM, and the place was packed — which is always a good sign. It stayed busy the entire time we were there (until about 10:30), but service was quick and friendly, and the food was absolutely worth the wait.

The menu is large, sassy, and had us cracking up before we even ordered. I loved that many dishes come in half portions, which made it easy to mix and match a few things. The servings were generous, the prices super reasonable, and everything was delicious.

It’s small-town diner vibes through and through — warm, welcoming, and full of charm. If we’d stayed another day, we 100% would’ve gone back to try their lunch menu (which starts at 11 AM).

Memories Made

Our Muscoda weekend was everything a Girls Weekend should be — equal parts relaxation, laughter, and new experiences. “Through the Looking Glass” was the perfect home base, surrounded by local gems that turned a simple getaway into a full-on adventure.

From vineyard strolls and distillery sips to themed outfits, book exchanges, cozy Plant Joy dinners, and those signature goodie bags — this trip reminded us that sometimes the best weekends aren’t about going far, they’re about going together.

Through the Looking Glass VRBO, Wild Hills Winery, English Prairie Distilling, Vicki’s Cozy Café, Plant Joy, Orange Hat Publishing, Blue House Books, Author McKenzie Burns, and Lion’s Tooth MKE — thank you for the memories, the generosity, and the perfect blend of small-town Wisconsin magic and creative spirit.

📍 Through the Looking Glass VRBO, Muscoda, Wisconsin

🎧 Featured on: Episode Coming Soon!

💬 Follow @1ofakindmke for more Girls Weekend adventures!