House on the Rock

Where did the summer go? We are so lucky to have G&G donut in the Chicago area from May till October. A weekend trip was just the thing for some final bonding moments. I've been waiting to show off to my dear ones a truly extraordinary place in the midwest that I got to visit as a focal point for my bachelorette party in 2011. House on the Rock in Spring Green Wisconsin.  

Can't get there without gas! Brock helps dad fill up.

We found the cutest place to crash in the wee town of Mineral Point, the settling point for Cornish immigrants in the 1800's. This is the William Phillips House founded in 1839 on the historic Shake Rag Alley.

Gramps chillin' in the living room. After some local yums, some cards, and a great night's sleep we awake for the main event: House on the Rock!

Oh House on the Rock. I don't even know if I can explain, just Google it. But the Googs will never be able to communicate the real magic of H.O.T.R. It's just so weird. Fine, fine, here's a link to Wikipedia for your convenience. Image search for better viewing than we offer.

Alex Jorden's obsession with mechanized orchestra and chamber groups are manifested in multiple locations throughout the exhibit.  Here is one that is in the actual "house" part of the HOTR, as opposed to the collection/creation portion.

The house has some of the most beautiful stained glass decor. Brock seems more lack luster. Actually, I recall now, I think he liked the lamp but just didn't want a pose for the camera.

This is the Infinity Room, built to make it look like you can walk on the glass hallway indefinitely.

There goes Matt and Brock on a walk... forever.

Pictures will continue to not do HOTR justice. It might be Matt and my dream house.

Old slot machine. Why we took a picture of this and not the some of the giant crazy token-fed music boxes I'm not sure, but enjoy! It was on the way to the part II of the collection, the "Mill House".

But first, our passion must be known.

Turns out GmaDonut is "out of control"; a bit open ended, don't you think?

Funniness must also be determined. The clairvoyant throne did not give Matt a decisive prescription. Perhaps because Matt's humor straddles funny and other emotive interpretations?

Boat in mouth of giant whale.

Ok, ok, giant whale is documented and represented for goodness sakes, let's move on already!

to the... what is this? Ah yes, the Red Room.

ok, here are some more of the crazy automated music makers.

Perhaps the most famous site is the carousel. You can't ride on it, but each creature was made by hand and is pretty fantastic. It is quite a sight that again, cannot be truly represented here.

Before nap, the gift shop was invaded by rainbow land squid. 

During nap mom and I took a walk and saw this adorable re-hab of a sidewalk crack!

Brock loved the stairwell in the William Phillips house, not sure why.

After nap, we took a walk down historic Shake Rag Alley which has been turned into an art center. Here is Brock and I putting on a bird show. I am afraid for his future.

This is the sensational climax when the monster bird confronts the mommy bird, with stirring special effects of leaves scattering representing the tormented soul of monster bird, his lack of cookies and the pain of bending to the constant pressures of teeth brushing and peeing in the toilet.

No room for daddy this time.

The apparent home of a bird of the Art Aficionado species.

It's the next day. We are doing part III of the house today, starting in the carousel room and going deeper.




This crazy room I remembered as my favorite at HOTR. A home-brewer or horse and buggy ride fan's most extravagant fantasy. I'm not going to explain, and neither do our crummy shots. You'll just have to let that description mentally marinade for a while.

A little sunlight and a break from the insanity was due. Here we are outside, looking up at the Infinity Room we were in yesterday.

 Not be be outdone, the men's restroom needed a bit of decoration too.

A whole section is dedicated to the circus.

Oh goodness, that was crazy. Luckily there is a zen reflective pool at the end to help digest the strange delights of HOTR. We counted many toads before the sit was done.

And that is the end of the photo documentation. It was a glorious odd weekend. Pictures are awesome, but ours never begin to capture all the giggles, snuggles, astonishment (and also rage and minor injuries) and joy that ensue on these trips. It seems our minds and our memory will have to do the heavy lifting again. Soooo happy we got to do a little trip with G&G Donut before the short summer was done. Miss you already!!