It’s almost time for the Kwik Trip Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD), the longest competitive multi-day road cycling event in the United States. During its 11-day run, June 13-23, races will be held in 11 different communities in Southeastern Wisconsin featuring high-energy cycling action from a diverse pool of pro and amateur racers from around the world.
The third race in the series is the Giro d’Grafton, which will take place in Grafton on Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. And you’ll definitely want to get in on the action, whether it’s watching the pros make hairpin turns to beat out their opponents or cheering on the novice team members.
So, we’ve gathered up six of the best spots to take in the action, pass the time between races and keep yourself sustained with food and drink.
Intrigued, but not an expert on “crit racing”? No worries. Click here for an informative guide to the sport so you can get the most out of your experience.
If you’ve got time and want to explore more of the area, check out our guide for things to do in Cedarburg, a charming city just seven minutes from Grafton.
Fiddleheads Coffee
1505 Wisconsin Ave., (262) 618-4411
fiddleheadscoffee.com
Need a buzz? Or a quick lunch? Fiddleheads offers coffee, tea and a menu of sandwiches and snacks to get you through the race. The locally owned coffee shop also boasts a patio along the route, so you’ll have a great view to boot.
Handmade with Love
1228 12th Ave., (262) 421-8487
chocolatesbybri.com
Craving something sweet? Or a cool escape from the heat? Venture roughly one block north of the race route and you’ll find Handmade with Love a shop stocked with hand-dipped chocolates, caramel apples, Cedar Crest Ice Cream, milkshakes and more. It’s the perfect stop for a summer treat.
Lobo’s Place
1305 Wisconsin Ave., (262) 421-8629
lobosplacerestaurant.com
This Mexican restaurant offers a family-friendly menu (including a kids’ menu), plus a patio and plenty of standing room with a good view of the first turn on the race route.
Paramount Plaza
747-1205 Wisconsin Ave.
villageofgraftonwi.gov/388/Paramount-Plaza
This urban park not only provides a community space with benches and space to watch the race, it’s also a tribute to Paramount Records and the role the studio played in the history of blues music history. Take a trip down the “Walk of Fame”, a walkway resembling a piano keyboard and look for tributes to key African-American musicians like Ma Rainey, Louis Armstrong, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton who put their stamp on the genre. Self-guided walking tour booklets are available at the Grafton Library or Chamber of Commerce.
Sahale Ale Works
1505 Wisconsin Ave.,
sahalebeer.com
Enjoy a pint or two on Sahale Ale Works’ extensive patio, located just yards away from the start/finish line for the races. Bonus: the brewery and tap room are both family and dog-friendly.
The Stillery
1304 12th Ave., (262) 421-8777
thestillerywi.com
Grab a spot on the patio at The Stillery where you’ll have a great view of the bikes as they round the first turn for each race. You can also enjoy drinks (including a variety of Old Fashioneds) and elevated bar fare at this relative newcomer to the Grafton scene.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
