Good Morning, Fitchrona! This week it’s clear that it’s no coincidence that Honey Barrel is making its debut in Verona the same week we raise a glass for World Whisky Day—clearly, the universe agrees it’s the perfect time to celebrate bourbon, bold flavors, and brand-new beginnings.

The Focus is the highlight of your Monday morning - something you can enjoy in under 5 minutes with your coffee!

Let’s fill our cups ☕!

-Liv - Fitchrona Focus Founder

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Coming Soon to Verona: Honey Barrel Opens May 21

After months of preparation, Honey Barrel is almost ready to open its doors to the public this Wednesday, May 21. This cozy, high-end bourbon and cocktail bar—located at 160 Keenan Court, STE 1, Verona, WI—is set to become a new favorite for whiskey lovers and cocktail fans alike.

So, what is Honey Barrel?
It’s a welcoming, upscale bar designed for lovers of whiskey, cocktails, and good conversation. Specializing in Old Fashioneds and curated whiskey flights (yes, Old Fashioned flights are a thing here), Honey Barrel offers nearly 100 different whiskeys, a tightly curated cocktail menu, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just “Old Fashioned curious,” you’ll feel right at home.

• What makes their Old Fashioneds special?
  These aren’t your average drinks. Honey Barrel treats Old Fashioneds as an art form, offering both classic and inventive takes crafted with balanced flavors and premium spirits.

• Soda in cocktails?
  Only in the Brandy Old Fashioned — just like Grandma used to make it, with muddled fruit, sugar, and soda. Everything else is spirit-forward and thoughtfully crafted.

• Food options?
  Patrons are welcome to bring their own food or have it delivered. The bar also sells a few snacks and occasionally hosts food trucks (keep an eye on their socials for updates).

• Non-alcoholic options?
  Yes! Honey Barrel offers two expertly designed zero-proof cocktails and even rotates in a THC-infused seltzer for a different kind of buzz (21+ only).

• Beer and seltzer?
  You bet. In addition to cocktails and whiskey, Honey Barrel stocks a small but curated list of beer and seltzers, including local favorites.

• Why do the cocktails look so good?
  It’s the ice. Honey Barrel uses crystal-clear cubes from Wisco Ice Co., a local venture started by a State Line Distillery bar manager and cocktail consultant who now supplies premium ice to over 20 bars and restaurants across Madison and Milwaukee. This slow-melting ice isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional. It controls dilution and temperature to elevate the flavor and character of every drink, making each pour a premium experience.

Grand Opening: Wednesday, May 21
Address: 160 Keenan Court, STE 1, Verona, WI
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Follow them on instagram, facebook or checkout their website.

Calling All Local Musicians: Make Music Verona Needs You!

Are you a local musician ready to be heard? Now’s the time to claim your spot in Make Music Verona—a citywide, free celebration of music happening on June 21. Whether you sing, strum, spin, or stomp, this event is for everyone and anyone who loves making music. Use the Make Music Verona matchmaking site to find a venue, connect with fellow performers, or register your own gig.

This solstice celebration includes interactive music-making for all ages, a "Pedal & Play" musical bike route (including a 5.5-mile ride to The Riley Tavern), and live shows all day long—capping off with evening sets at Lake Louie Brewing and Paddy Mac’s.

Don’t wait—sign up now, get your set locked in, and be part of the sound that fills Verona on the longest day of the year.

Free Fitchburg Pickleball Skills & Drills – May 24 & More!

Looking to get active this summer, meet new people, or sharpen your pickleball game? Fitchburg is offering four FREE Pickleball Skills & Drills sessions, starting with a high-intermediate clinic on Saturday, May 24 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at McGaw Pickleball Courts 6–8.

This session is led by instructors Jim Halberg and Mike King where you'll work on:

• Dinks, serves, returns, and volleys

• Soft game strategies and confident serving

• Footwork, positioning, and game play tactics

-Location: McGaw Park Pickleball Courts
-Date: Saturday, May 24
-Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
-Ages: 18+

Mark your calendar for upcoming free sessions (experience levels TBD):

• Tuesday, June 18

• Friday, June 28

• Tuesday, July 16

Reserve your spot here!

Have questions? Reach out to Jim Halberg directly.

Want to support the local pickleball scene? The McGaw Pickleball Advisory Committee (MPAC) is looking for volunteers! MPAC helps maintain courts, organize events, and grow the Fitchburg pickleball community. Email Shelley Reynolds at [email protected] to learn more.

HAPPENINGS

🗓️ - Check out FitchronaFocus.com for full event details and to see all events!

• Monday, May 19th

  • 🌱 1:30 pm - Free online gardening Q&A @ UW Madison Division of Extension Horticulture

  • 🍺 4pm - Industry Night @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🍺 6 pm - Bingo Night @ Stone Porch Alehouse

• Tuesday, May 20th

  • 🎨 6:30 pm - Creativity Unleased (4 Week Workshop) @ Slate Blue Studios 

  • 🍺 7 pm - America’s Pub Quiz Trivia @ Hop Haus

  • 🍺 7 pm - Quizmaster’s Trivia @ Lake Louie Brewing

• Wednesday, May 21st

  • 🌱 3 pm - Verona Downtown Farmers’ Market

  • 🎨 4 pm - Sip & Support Village of Oregon Art Fair @ The Wine Reserve

  • 🚲 5:30pm - E-Bike Capital Brewery Bike Club Ride (12-18 miles) with Capital E-Bikes @ Capital City Brewery

  • 🖊️ 6 pm - Art Journaling with Katherine Simdon @ Dairyland Dessert Cafe 

  • 🍺 Biergarten at the Beach with Live Music (Girl Crush) @ City of Monona

  • 📖 6:30 pm - Read & Roam Collective (Must Register) @ Miggy’s Bakes

  • 🎵 7 pm - Live Music: Taylor Schereck @ Paddy Mac’s

• Thursday, May 22nd

  • 🌱 3 pm - 6:30 pm – Mount Horeb Farmers Market @ Evangelical Lutheran Church

  • 🌱 3 pm - 6 pm - Fitchburg Farmer’s Market @ Agora Pavilion

  • 🧶 3 pm - Queer (and Ally) Crafting Night @ Sow’s Ear

  • 🧘‍♀️ 4:30 pm - Gentle Yoga Flow - Yoga with Ellen ($12) @ Doundrins Distilling 

  • 🍸 5 pm - Chicken & Cocktails @ The Wine Reserve w/ The Roost Food Truck

  • 🐾 6 pm - Mosaic Paw Print Workshop @ Warm Belly Farms

  • 🍺 6:30 pm - America’s Pub Quiz Trivia @ Hop Haus

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - Live Music: Girl Crush @ Paddy Mac’s

• Friday, May 23rd

  • 🎣 Learn to Fish @ Lussier Heritage Center 

  • 🌱 Season Opening Date @ Spring Native Nursery

  • 🌭 Brat Fest (look for music lineup)

  • 🍺 4:30 pm - Outdoor Fish Fry @ Seven Acre Dairy w/ Working Draft Beer Company 

  • 🍺 5 pm - 7:30 pm – Gallery Showing with Christina Peterson @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🍺 6:30 - 9:30 pm – Euchre Night @ Delta Beer Lab 

  • 🎵 7 pm - Live Music: Bennett Gabriel Trio @ Virtuvius Coffee & Tea 

  • 🌱 8:30 pm - Karaoke Night @ Zafferano Ristorante

  • 🎵 Live Music - Sharona & Ray Ray @ Lake Louie Brewing

• Saturday, May 24th

  • 🧶 9 am - Stitch the Love @ Verona Maker Space

  • 🎵 10 am - Jazz Brunch @ Seven Acre Dairy

  • 🎵 1 pm - Live Music: Red Hot Horn Dawgs @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🎵 6 pm - Live Music: Long Gone Henry @ Bodihow Brewing Co

  • 🎵 7 pm - Live Music: Dawg Bones @ Paddy Mac’s

  • 🎵 8 pm - Live Music: The Jimmy’s @ Seven Acre Dairy

• Sunday, May 25th

  • 🎵 11am - 5:15pm – Bob Fest - Live Music @ Spring Green General Store 

  • 🍵 1 pm - 3pm – Tea on the Ice Age Trail (Table Bluff Segment) - Free @ 5510 Pine Road Cross Plains 

  • 🪡 2 pm - Beading Workshop @ Verona Marker Space

MAKER FEATURE

This week’s maker feature is Kristin - Owner & Artist of Hill Valley Workshop

Hi there, I’m Kristin and I’m the owner and artist of Hill Valley Workshop. Hidden Valley Workshop began as my side hustle while I taught middle school. After 23 years, I quit teaching and took my business full time. I’ve always had an artistic passion, and creating things that bring people joy is one of my favorite things! While I’ve explored lots of ways to be creative, Hill Valley Workshop has become my flower shop: creating arrangements and event florals using everlasting Sola wood florals. These are flowers made from a balsa-type wood, making them very thin and lifelike. I hand paint them and people cannot believe they aren’t real. I also hold workshops in my studio, where participants create arrangements for their home!

There are an upcoming workshops, on May 26, June 1, and June 7. Details and registration are found on my website in the shop section.

Check out her instagram @hillvalleyworkshop to stay up to date on up coming classes!

Know a local maker who should be featured - submit here!

CHECK IT OUT

This week’s business to check out is MSN Plant Collective.

MSN Plant Collective began as a dream rekindled. After raising two boys and running a successful gymnastics business, founder Stephanie Orkowski—who studied horticulture—asked herself once again, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” The answer: return to her roots and open a plant store. Nestled in the heart of Monroe Street, MSN Plant Collective offers a carefully curated mix of houseplants—from everyday favorites to rare finds.

But it’s more than just a shop; it’s a growing community space designed to spark curiosity, connection, and shared learning. Stephanie’s mission is to help people feel confident in their plant care journey, whether they’re new plant parents or seasoned collectors. We’re proud to be part of the vibrant Monroe Street neighborhood and love creating opportunities for community to bloom.

Come visit, find your next leafy companion, and connect with fellow plant lovers—you'll leave with more than just a plant.

Find all things MSN Plant Collective here.

NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL

This week’s neighborhood deal is at Doundrins Distilling!

Sip, Snap, and Score a Free Drink at Doundrins Distilling!

Now through the end of June, Doundrins Distilling in Cottage Grove is running a fun new promo: post a photo or video of yourself enjoying one of their cocktails, tag them on social media, and get a drink on the house!

Here’s how it works:

1. Order a cocktail at Doundrins

2. Post a photo or video of yourself enjoying it on any social platform

3. Tag Doundrins in the post

4. Show your bartender the post and mention the promo
   ☝️ Limit one free drink per person

Cheers to great drinks and even better selfies!

THANK YOU!

Thanks for reading the Fitchrona Focus today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone who can’t wait to check out Honey Barrel - Verona’s newest bourbon and cocktail lounge!

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