Nestled in the heart of Shawano, Wisconsin, lies a hidden gem that captures the essence of local history and crafts: Twig’s Museum and Gift Shop. Stepping through its doors is like stepping back in time, where the rich tapestry of Shawano’s past unfolds before your eyes.
Twig’s Museum and Gift Shop Shawano, WI
We spent a few days hiking and re-exploring the area surrounding Northstar Casino Mohican in Bowler, Wisconsin over the past few weekends. During our days exploring I wanted to include a place where we could stop that would be fun for my husband to try gluten-free food and/or beverages. When I called ahead, Twigs informed me he could taste-test all their products.
General Information
| General: | Museum, gift shop, and sampling bar |
| Address: | 920 S Franklin St, Shawano, WI 54166 |
| State: | Wisconsin |
| County: | Shawano County |
| Google Map Location: | Google Map |
| Cost: | FREE |
A Journey Through Time
Twig’s Museum is not just a place to visit; it’s an experience. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by a nostalgic ambiance that transports you to days gone by.
The museum’s collection is a testament to the area’s vibrant history, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of Shawano and its inhabitants.
As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll learn about Shawano’s indigenous roots, its early settlers, and the industries that shaped its growth. From logging and farming to the rise of tourism, each display offers a glimpse into the lives of those who called Shawano home throughout the years.
Images From Our Trip
Sun Drop Girl
Sun Drop, like many other brands, has used various marketing strategies over the years to appeal to different demographics and create memorable advertising campaigns. One notable aspect of Sun Drop’s marketing is the use of a character known as the “Sun Drop Girl.”
5 Interesting Facts About Sun Drop
- Southern Roots: Sun Drop is a citrus-flavored soda that originated in Missouri, United States, in the 1940s. It’s popular in the southern regions of the United States.
- Caffeinated Citrus: Sun Drop is known for its high caffeine content, providing a more significant energy boost compared to other citrus sodas.
- Unique Flavor: Its flavor is often described as more intense and tangier than other citrus sodas like Mountain Dew or Sprite, with a distinct lemon-lime taste.
- Variety: Sun Drop comes in various versions, including regular, diet, and cherry-lemon flavors.
- Community Involvement: The brand has been involved in various community events and sponsorships, particularly in the areas where it’s most popular, fostering a strong sense of local connection.
Images From Visit
Neon signs featuring various designs, including electric guitars, have been used in advertising for Sun Drop over the years.
Sun Drop is popular in many parts of the Southern United States and Midwestern States, including Wisconsin and Western Minnesota.
Beautiful collection of Sun Drop signs ranging from 1951 – 1990’s.
Sun Drop was marketed in several Southern states under names such as “Sundrop Golden Cola” or “Golden Girl Cola.” The slogan underneath refers to the caffeine content.
- Sun Drop green can/label, 64 mg caffeine per 12 fl oz can
- 105 mg caffeine per 20 fl oz bottle
- Diet Sun Drop (white can/label has 68 mg caffeine per 12 fl oz can
- 114 mg caffeine per 20 fl oz bottle
2002 Sun Drop introduced a caffeine-free Sundrop to their brand.
The top yellow Schweppes soda crate is when Sun Drop was owned by Cadbury Schweppes 1989 -early 2000’s.
NASCAR Sponsor
The Sun Drop soda brand has sponsored various NASCAR drivers and teams over the years.
In the 1970s until the early 1990s, the drink was promoted in the American South by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. His son Dale Earnhardt Jr. was also sponsored by Sun Drop in the late model series in 1993.
Dale Earnhardt Sr., a legendary figure in NASCAR history, drove a Sun Drop-sponsored car for a brief period during the 1982 season. This sponsorship arrangement was short-lived, lasting only for a handful of races. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was known for driving the No. 15 Sun Drop Chevrolet in select races during the 1982 NASCAR Cup Series season.
His son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., also had a connection with Sun Drop, as he drove a Sun Drop-sponsored car in a limited number of races during the late 2000s and early 2010s
Sun Drop Recipes
Twigs Soda & Seltzer Tasting
They have a tasting room on site. You can sample Twig’s products they have available that day for free. Then you can purchase the flavors in their onsite gift shop.
During the winter you can watch Live Bottling Monday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm In the summer, Live bottling is Tuesday-Friday and select Saturdays
Website
5 Interesting Facts About Twig’s Soda
- Small-Batch Craft Soda: Twig’s Beverage Inc. is a craft soda company based in Michigan, USA, known for producing small-batch, artisanal sodas.
- Natural Ingredients: Twig’s sodas are often made with natural ingredients, including pure cane sugar and real fruit flavors, setting them apart from mass-produced sodas with artificial additives.
- Unique Flavors: Twig’s offers a variety of unique flavors, ranging from classic root beer and cream soda to more unconventional options like black cherry, blue raspberry, and sarsaparilla.
- Local Presence: While not as widely distributed as major soda brands, Twig’s has a loyal following in Michigan and surrounding areas, where consumers appreciate its commitment to quality and flavor variety.
- Environmental Consciousness: Some craft soda companies, including Twig’s, emphasize environmental sustainability in their production processes, using recyclable materials and minimizing waste wherever possible.
Historic Advertising
Cool Old Ice Cream Parlor Sign: Ideal Ice Cream Parlor, located in Shawano, Wisconsin, opened its doors in 1931. It had been serving the local community and visitors alike with its delicious ice cream treats for many decades. Over the years, Ideal Ice Cream Parlor had become a cherished establishment in Shawano, offering a wide variety of ice cream flavors and classic parlor ambiance.
More Vintage History
Vintage memorabilia from the soda industry and dairy industry.
Dad’s Root Beer: Dad’s Root Beer was introduced in 1937. It was created by Ely Klapman and Barney Berns in Chicago, Illinois, and quickly gained popularity as a classic root beer brand. Dad’s Root Beer is known for its creamy and smooth flavor, and it remains a beloved brand among root beer enthusiasts to this day.
Plan Your Visit
If you find yourself in Shawano, Wisconsin, be sure to carve out some time to explore Twig’s Museum and Gift Shop. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the local culture, Twig’s offers a delightful experience that will leave a lasting impression.
So why not step off the beaten path and discover the charm of Twig’s Museum and Gift Shop? Whether you’re seeking knowledge, inspiration, or a bit of local flavor, you’ll find it here, nestled among the treasures of Shawano, Wisconsin.
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Northstar Casino & Campground
