MIGHT MAKE INTERESTING READING Virginia Postrel recommends this book. (I'm giving Virginia a piece of the action on each purchase through here. Price comparison not yet available.)

Author Steve Kurtz reports,

Sure, the populous states had plenty of places, that was bound to happen. But the in-between states were always mysteries. One state might be a washout while the next was amazing. For example, Minnesota was a disappointment, but Wisconsin more than made up for it.

Did he find my favorite, Steve's Cheese in Denmark, Wisconsin?