Center of Attention
Many towns throughout Wisconsin have traditional town centers that grew out of time more so than a predetermined, comprehensive plan. As time marched on, they grew bit by bit until, almost by happenstance, they developed their own personality. The personality that in essence determined the personality of the town itself.
But what if it could happen in reverse? What if the personality of the town could influence what the town center looks and feels like? What if town planners could identify the current needs and wants of the townspeople and research what the future holds? And what if the planners could develop a business plan that delivers on everything they’ve uncovered?
Well, you might come up with a town center that looks and feels something like the Rome Town Center. No, looks and feels exactly like the Rome Town Center. Because that’s what’s happening right before our very eyes.
With a vision and a strategy, the Rome Town Center is methodically becoming a modern-day town center that ticks all the boxes. There’s something for everybody – commercial, residential, industrial, retail, entertainment, food and beverage, special events, walking paths and bike trails, and so much more.
At the heart of it all is the Town of Rome Park and Splash Pad. Here kids can run wild and then cool off as they frolic in gallons of spiraling water at one of the best splash pads in all of Wisconsin.
A few steps away is a magnificent gazebo which is big enough for a hoedown, should they ever want to have one, yet quaint enough for an intimate evening with some of the area’s best musical talent as it regularly plays host to Gather at the Gazebo.
Wrapped around the gazebo, on any given Friday throughout the summer, is the Rome Farmers’ Market. Here with just a sampling, you’ll find fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, jellies and jams, sweet kettle corn, hand-poured candles and handmade soaps, jewelry, baskets, pottery, fresh-cut flowers, wood crafts, and ridiculously good baked goods.
Speaking of ridiculously good baked goods, be sure to take home a slice of heaven from, get this, the Slice of Heaven Bakery located kitty-corner to the gazebo. But be warned, you’ll get hooked on the made-from-scratch goodness in every bite of every cake, pie, and muffin baked fresh every day.
The made-from-scratch theme continues at The Bison Trading Company – a unique shop that raises the bar for creativity, craftsmanship, and beauty in all things wood. Walk through the front door and the first thing you’ll notice is the care and attention given to each one-of-a-kind creation. From live-edge coffee tables to vintage lighting to hand-turned bowls and vases, Bison will truly amaze.
Not by accident, quality and authenticity is a central theme in the Rome Town Center. Like the quality meats and cheeses you’ll find at Rome Country Meats & Deli – opening their doors for the first time this fall. In addition to prime cuts of beef, chicken, and pork, their deli window will feature cold cuts, fresh salads, marinades, and sauces. Located directly across the street form Papa Bear’s Mini Golf, you can’t miss it.
Funny, Papa Bear’s is next on the list of quality experiences at the town center. Eighteen beautifully manicured holes, spread out among the pines, is the perfect setting for a family fun night, birthday party, or company outing. Don’t forget to reward yourself after a round with a twist of chocolate and vanilla soft-serve ice cream on a waffle cone.
Remember that old line that goes something like this; “My friend went to NAME A PLACE, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt?” Well, that’ll never happen when you bring them something special from The Gift Shoppe, one of the town center’s newest shops. Filled with unique novelty items and Wisconsin themed gifts, it’ll be easy to find that perfect something for everybody back home. Or maybe for yourself.
Here's a teaser. Coming next year is the area’s first nanobrewery, Up North Brewery. Initially brewing very small batches, they will have the opportunity to brew many different beers. As popularity grows, and it will, Up North Brewery will become a must stop for all beer lovers.
With so much already here, and so much more coming soon, you may even want to live, work, and even worship in the Rome Town Center.
So come for the day and play. Or come for a while and stay – at the Rome Away from Home Vacation Lodge. Or maybe even forever in one of the magnificent new Geneva Apartments.
The Rome Town Center (formerly Alpine Village Business Park) is located just west of Route 13 and south of Alpine Drive in Rome, Wisconsin.
For more information, visit; https://www.romewi.com/rome-town-center/
Written by: Lydell Capritta