I will be meeting my son's future in laws in North Carolina next week. I want to bring a hostess gift that represents Milwaukee or Wisconsin. It has to travel in a suitcase. I've thought of cheese and sausage. Any creative suggestions from fellow Milwaukeans would be appreciated.

Brewer's gear? Beer and/or glasses?

Wisconsin cheddar.

I had some 6 year in Milwaukee last week ... excellent.

Miller or Schlitz, but that's probably not a real great gift.

Cheese and sausage is obvious and not real exciting.

How about some wine from Door County or elsewhere? There's a winery (Wollersheim, I think) by Prairie du Sac. Or jam/jelly from Door County. I guess if it's going to be food I'd pick something other than cheese, unless you want to go out and find some artisan cheese.

Harley gear is definitely from Milwaukee, but unless they're into motorcycles it wouldn't mean much.

A gift certificate for a stay at a nice hotel or B&B in the Milwaukee area? Or a cruise on Lake Michigan? I would hope they'll travel up some time.

Craisins or dried cherries
Ambrosia chocolate
Mouse pad with a Wisconsin theme
Packer or Badger mugs, dish towels, pencils, etc.
Book with pictures of Wisconsin
Wisconsin cookbook

There's a store in Mayfair Mall called "Celebrate Wisconsin" where I've purchased gifts.

Frozen custard!

The last time I was at the gift shop in the Milwaukee Art Museum I saw clocks, stationary, books, mugs and other items in the Frank Lloyd Wright style.

They also have coffee table books of the beautiful museum. That type of thing would be my preference only because Leon's Custard won't travel well.

Laverne & Shirley.

A fart

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm heading out shopping and I feel better equipped! I like the Ambrosia chocolate suggestion and the wine and door county cherries/jam. Seeing I don't really know them I think edibles might be my bet option.

take smoked whitefish...they can't get it there or it will cost a fortune.

Can't believe no one mentioned this yet....a Cheesehead!

If you don't want to go full blown, there are a ton of options...cheesehead style: coasters, caps, key rings, you name it, even saw a cheese bra last week (stylishly worn on the outside of a sweatshirt...gotta love northern Wi.).

Anything with cherries from Door County - esp. cherry jam - so good! Also perhaps some wines from there too; or like pp mentioned - definitely some good cheese. What about a gift basket with an assortment of WI foods - cheese, jam, wine, etc.

Miller beer, of course. Best thing about it is that you won't have to carry that gift with you. Just pick up a six pack or a case when you get to NC!

When I travel I often bring my hosts Harley Davidson tee shirts, or something Harley. The black shirt with the big wings and logo is neat. For me it's been a well received gift.

Before this thread I would not have gotten the point about an H-D t-shirt. I've seen them from all over customized to local dealers, or whatever. H-D, Reading, PA, H-D Dubuque, Iowa, etc.

Im' not quite sure what you mean. I know you can get Harley stuff elsewhere, but Harleys are made in Milwaukee, which I'm sure you know, hence it's a "Milwaukee" item.

In the sky--lakes.
On the ground--snow.

I would suggest going to Brennan's in Brookfield- they have an excellent selection of gourmet cheeses. Combine that with a Harley shirt in a Miller ice bucket.