A fall weekend in Ozaukee County

Sometimes all you need is a quick weekend getaway to reset, recenter, and relax. Enter: Thiensville, Mequon, and Cedarburg, located within Ozaukee County.

Chad and I went to Ozaukee County for a fall-themed weekend that was close enough to Milwaukee to be approachable and accessible, but with enough to do that it felt like an escape. We spent time in three of the county’s towns, and explored some of the best each had to offer.

Here’s everything we enjoyed throughout our fall Thiensville, Mequon, and Cedarburg weekend.

About Ozaukee County

Ozaukee County is located north of Milwaukee. The area has about 91,500 people and is included within the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

There are several towns and cities located within Ozaukee County, though for our fall weekend getaway, we primarily focused on Thiensville, Mequon, and Cedarburg.

Thiensville

Though just one square mile in size, Thiensville packs a lot of charm into its small footprint. Once an independent village, Thiensville is now surrounded entirely by Mequon but maintains its own distinct identity and historic character.

Visitors can expect a friendly, walkable downtown anchored by the Milwaukee River, with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and community events throughout the year. It’s quiet, natural, and intimate, which adds to its charm.

Note: remember when we kayaked the Milwaukee River? We started in Thiensville!

Mequon

Mequon is one of Wisconsin’s larger suburbs, with a population of over 25,000 spread across rolling farmland, rivers, and wooded areas. It offers a mix of suburban convenience and rural beauty, making it an easy place to explore everything from hiking trails to orchards to shopping centers.

Note: I get my hair done in Mequon!

Cedarburg

Many consider Cedarburg a real-life version of Stars Hollow. With a population of just over 11,000, the city feels like a perfectly preserved slice of small-town Americana, complete with stone buildings dating back to the 19th century.

The downtown is a National Historic District, filled with boutiques, galleries, antique shops, cafés, and wine bars, all set along the scenic Cedar Creek. There are major events hosted several times a year, and Cedarburg comes alive with cozy yet bustling charm.

Our weekend in Thiensville, Mequon, and Cedarburg

Here’s how we spent a packed and full weekend in Thiensville, Mequon, and Cedarburg: an Ozaukee County trifecta.

500 House

Our time in Ozaukee County was framed by our stay at the 500 House, located in Thiensville.

500 House is a boutique vacation rental that’s tucked right into town but surrounded by greenery; it feels like a nature escape, while still being close to the action. Downtown Thiensville was a quick 3-minute walk, Mequon a 3-minute drive, Cedarburg a 9-minute drive away.

For us, 500 House was the perfect home base for our adventures. We tried to balance a mix of relaxing at the property and venturing out and about—the modern touches, beautiful design, clean spaces, cozy blankets, games and streaming, and outdoor spaces all made for an appealing place to relax, recover, and connect with each other.

We watched movies, played games, drank wine, and slept soundly. 500 House is peaceful and stylish, and really feels like a retreat, with space to spread out.

Thanks to 500 House for hosting us!

Dinner and drinks at Foxtown Brewing

Mequon’s Foxtown Brewing made for a high-quality stop for a casual dinner and drinks. We enjoyed hearty burgers, fries, and sandwiches, plus a flight of craft beers.

Their outdoor patio also gave us access to live music next door, which was a fun and lively touch for a Friday night.

Fiddleheads Coffee in Thiensville

Located in a historic 1839 building along a scenic alcove of the Milwaukee River, Fiddleheads Coffee in Thiensville was an instant favorite.

Fiddleheads has several locations spread across the Milwaukee area, and this one stood out to us; the cafe has a garden room, outdoor patio, rustic buildings, and foliage throughout. It’s incredibly peaceful and charming, especially with fall colors surrounding the river passing by.

Apple picking at Barthel Fruit Farm

Chad and I opted to embrace a truly fall theme with a visit to an apple orchard! We chose Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon, where we paid $20 to fill a bag with pick-your-own apples.

It was very wholesome and fun, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Admission is free (though you pay for your bag up front), and there’s a beer garden and farm store on-site. It’s a great spot that’s surprisingly close to Mequon.

Brunch and shopping at East Towne Square Mall

Mequon’s Cafe 1501 was a great weekend brunch option for us. It’s located within the East Towne Square Mall, which is a dynamic indoor mall with local retailers, high-end boutiques, salons, specialty stores, a coffee shop, and of course a delicious sit-down restaurant.

I especially loved the space and the unique design features of the building, including abortorium-style glass windows.

Wine tasting at Chiselled Grape Winery

In downtown Cedarburg, Chiselled Grape Winery specializes in small-batch wines, including its own “Sexy” brand. Tastings are guided in a welcoming and inclusive environment, catering to your wine preferences.

Chad and I tasted a variety of Sexy-brand reds, and had so much fun learning about the wine and flavor profiles.

Dinner at Lime Cantina

Lime Cantina offers a fresh and vibrant dining option in Cedarburg. Known for its authentic flavors and margaritas, the restaurant delivers both a lively atmosphere and a satisfying menu.

During our meal, Chad and I got to sit outside on their gorgeous patio, and enjoy live music from a local band. The vibes were right and the food delicious!

Hike at Highland Woods

For a nature-oriented adventure, head to Highland Woods in Mequon. This area features trails winding through wooded landscapes and along ravines, providing a peaceful setting for a refreshing outdoor experience.

During fall, the colorful foliage and crisp air only work to enhance the scenery. It was remote and peaceful. We’ll be back!

Cedarburg Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a coffee shop in downtown Cedarburg, check out Cedarburg Coffee Roasters.

It’s a cozy stop for coffee and light bites, with a warm and welcoming space within and lots of outdoor seating as well, including a cobblestone side alley and a back greenhouse space. This was a gem of a find, and we loved the charming details inside and out.

Stroll through downtown Cedarburg

Downtown Cedarburg is a National Historic District filled with boutiques, galleries, antique shops, wineries, restaurants, cafes, and other small, local businesses. There’s an incredible sense of community and charm, with flower arrangements and regular events on the schedule.

Historic stone buildings, scenic Cedar Creek, and seasonal decorations make Cedarburg a perfect place to settle and explore and spend a perfectly fall-themed day.

Worth a visit

Overall, Ozaukee County was a wonderful destination for our weekend getaway. Our itinerary was packed with great food, drinks, and activities, paired with an idyllic fall flair within each town.

We loved how close Thiensville, Mequon, and Cedarburg were to each other, and the variety of things to do in each. Plus, the distance from Milwaukee was ideal for us to be able to repeat our adventures soon.

If you’re looking for a Midwest area that delivers on charm and weekend-worthy experiences for a quick getaway, Ozaukee County deserves a spot on your list.

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