Explore the Door

[caption id="attachment_1910" align="aligncenter" width="325"] Cana Island Lighthouse[/caption] It’s a county, a peninsula, and one of the state’s most popular tourism spots. If you’ve never been to Door County, then let’s rectify that right now. Along with sand dunes, sailing, arts and culture, it’s also home to more B&Bs than any other county in Wisconsin. Think of it as the Cape Cod of the Midwest.

The Door County peninsula is a summer playground like no other in the state. It’s known for its 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and Green Bay, kayaking in the shadows of the bluffs, thousands of acres of cherry and apple orchards, wineries, a handful of state parks, art galleries, and 11 historic lighthouses. In other words, it’s magical. Adding to the magic are 10 B&Bs dotting the county. Let’s start at the county line and work our way up the peninsula. In Sturgeon Bay:

  1. Scofield House is a 1902 Victorian with six guestrooms. Reserve the entire third story which has been transformed into a single luxurious suite. [caption id="attachment_1912" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Schofield House[/caption]
  2. White Lace Inn has 18 guestrooms and nearly all have their own fireplace. The inn staff has hosted more than 1,300 weddings, so you know it’s for romantics at heart. [caption id="attachment_1913" align="aligncenter" width="450"] White Lace Inn[/caption]
  3. Inn at Cedar Crossing is an 1881 historic building in the city’s downtown historic district. Step outside to shops, galleries and museums. [caption id="attachment_1914" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Inn at Cedar Crossing[/caption]
  4. Garden Gate B&B is just two blocks from downtown, where you’ll find the Maritime Museum, Third Avenue Playhouse, bistros and boutiques. [caption id="attachment_1915" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Garden Gate B & B[/caption]

In Bailey’s Harbor:

  1. Inn at Windmill Farm is a restored turn-of-the-century Dutch farmhouse in a pastoral setting with windmill and orchard. There’s even an art gallery and antique shop right on the property. [caption id="attachment_1917" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Inn at Windmill Farm[/caption]
  2. Blacksmith Inn on the Shore is on the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula, making it the ideal setting to unwind to the sound of the seagulls or stay active with a kayak adventure. [caption id="attachment_1918" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Blacksmith Inn[/caption]

In Egg Harbor:

  1. Bay Point Inn boasts some spectacular water views that go very nicely with the European vacation villa feel of the place. [caption id="attachment_1919" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Bay Point Inn[/caption]

In Fish Creek:

  1. White Gull Inn is the peninsula’s oldest operating inn and hosts a traditional fish boil, complete with cherry pie for dessert. [caption id="attachment_1920" align="aligncenter" width="450"] White Gull Inn[/caption]
  2. Juniper Inn, located on a high bluff overlooking a juniper meadow, is an easy bike ride from Peninsula State Park. [caption id="attachment_1921" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Juniper Inn[/caption]

In Ephraim:

  1. Eagle Harbor Inn is laden with amenities, including an indoor current pool, sauna, and fitness room, to say nothing of the gourmet breakfast served garden-side plus free beach chairs to plop down on Ephraim Beach. [caption id="attachment_1922" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Eagle Harbor Inn[/caption]

While in Door County this summer: Make a point to visit The Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey’s Harbor, celebrating 80 years of preserving some of the peninsula’s most ecologically diverse lands. Then whet your whistle at Shipwrecked Brew Pub in Egg Harbor – at 20 years, it is Door County’s oldest microbrewery.  The Door County peninsula allows you to watch a sunrise and a sunset over the water without leaving the county.  There is such a variety of things to do and see, there are thousands of acres of orchards, you can explore art galleries, pick fresh cherries, sip on local wines and brews, rent a canoe or kayak to paddle along the bluffs, hike the five state parks or tour 11 lighthouses.  No matter what you’re looking to get out of your vacation, our innkeepers will help you to seek that unique experience in Door County. As we like to remind all of our readers, all member inns of the WBBA are licensed, inspected and insured, so, rest assured, you will get a tranquil night's sleep, WBBA Seek the Unique

Are you Ready to Seek the Unique?

Loving This New Kind of Honeymoon

Loving This New Kind of Honeymoon If you’re one of those who said “yes” over the holidays or Valentine’s Day, we have some ideas for an adventure honeymoon, a trend that’s on the rise and that we happen to love. [caption id="attachment_1783" align="alignnone" width="300"]She Said Yes! She Said Yes![/caption]

The mere mention of the term “bed and breakfast” often elicits thoughts of “romance and relaxation,” meaning ideal for proposals, elopements, small wedding ceremonies, anniversaries, and vow renewals. But for honeymoons, more and more couples are booking adventure getaways to celebrate this most happy moment in their lives. [caption id="attachment_1784" align="alignleft" width="300"]Justin Trails Resort Paul Bunyan Cabin Justin Trails Resort Paul Bunyan Cabin[/caption] If you’re a twosome with your heart set on an active honeymoon, here are four Wisconsin inns we think you’ll fall in love with, starting with Justin Trails Resort in Sparta. This inn calls a 200-acre parcel of rolling hills home. You can play disc golf on their course, hike, bike the nearby Elroy-Sparta trail, and tour the farm. Oh, one more thing, they “upscaled” a barn into an elegant wedding venue, in case you’re still deciding where to say your “I do’s.” Canyon Road B&B in Turtle Lake is tucked back in the woods and sits on a sparkling little lake. Fish off the pier, help yourself to a canoe, and hike and golf in the area to your heart’s content. A nice handful of winery and brewery tours in the area could make for an enjoyable day itinerary too. [caption id="attachment_1785" align="alignright" width="300"]Canyon Road Inn Binoculars Canyon Road Inn Binoculars[/caption]   Inn at Pinewood in Eagle River is that quintessential Wisconsin northwoods destination. This log cabin-style resort, originally built in the 1930s as a hunting and fishing lodge, is situated on a private lake so do a little kayaking, swimming, and, of course, fishing. Devote one day to hiking and biking the Nicolet National Forest, just two miles from inn. [caption id="attachment_1786" align="alignnone" width="300"]Inn at Pinewood in Eagle River, WI Inn at Pinewood in Eagle River, WI[/caption] Our fourth recommendation is Blacksmith Inn On the Shore on the Shore in Door County. [caption id="attachment_1789" align="alignright" width="300"]Blacksmith Inn On the Shore Breakfast on the Balcony Blacksmith Inn On the Shore Breakfast on the Balcony[/caption] As the name states, it’s located right on the shore of Lake Michigan in a little burg known as Baileys Harbor. This area of the state is made for adventures, like hiking the Ridges Sanctuary nature preserve, biking the scenic trails, doing a little lighthouse sightseeing, and kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing on the big lake. [caption id="attachment_1788" align="alignleft" width="300"]Couple Paddleboarding Couple Paddleboarding[/caption] Every newlywed couple wants their honeymoon to be as unique as they are.  Relaxation and romance allowed after that much adventure!  The B&B's in the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association would love to help you create that unique experience.  A great reason to plan a B&B getaway, where innkeepers are your ultimate concierge to all things local.  Another important item to point out, WBBA members are licensed, inspected and insured.  So rest assured, you will get a good night's sleep when you stay at a WBBA B&B, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated the next morning.  Are you ready to Seek the Unique?WBBA Seek the Unique              

Warm Up With Us – WIN A 2-NIGHT B&B GETAWAY

Have you ever dreamt of sleeping in a castle? No need to travel far – the Inn at Pine Terrace was modeled on the design of a French nobleman's castle near Vienna. Built in 1879 by wealthy Chicagoans as their summer residence, the Inn is one of the last and largest of the mansions still standing in Oconomowoc; it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  If you’re a fan of hand-carved woodwork and exquisite wall coverings (Bradbury & Bradbury), your senses will be saturated.  If you’re not a fan – you’ll become one! Innkeepers John & Ruth’s list of “some of the breakfasts we love to cook” include Pecan Stuffed French Toast, San Diego Eggs, Apple Panakuchen…accompanied by starters like citrus fruit salad, baked apple, or flowered orange with fruits. And, the stunning Sun Room is the perfect spot to warm up with us this winter.  The Inn at Pine Terrace’s 2-night stay is our first prize to be awarded in the WBBA & Discover Wisconsin partners contest.  Entering is easy with this link: http://on.fb.me/1ifaKCp [caption id="attachment_1357" align="aligncenter" width="286"]Yes - this is Wisconsin! The Inn at Pine Terrace is modeled on a castle in Vienna. Yes - this is Wisconsin! The Inn at Pine Terrace is modeled on a castle in Vienna.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1358" align="alignleft" width="260"]One of the 11 guest bedrooms. One of the 11 guest bedrooms.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1359" align="alignright" width="300"]Feel the warmth, picture yourself in the aptly named Sun Room at the Inn at Pine Terrace. Feel the warmth, picture yourself in the aptly named Sun Room at the Inn at Pine Terrace.[/caption]  

What’s the #1 Reason to B&B?

According to industry research, a whopping 87% of travelers head to B&Bs for romance. We love that! This time of year also brings to mind that famous quote from Lord Tennyson: "In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love." Let’s add woman’s too. At any rate, check out the romance packages offering by Wisconsin B&Bs and see which offer the highest level of compatibility with your idea of a romantic spring getaway. [caption id="attachment_1195" align="alignleft" width="300"]Bath Sommelier - the ultimate in a soothing bath in the privacy of your room, with a beautiful array of the finest spa soaps, lotions, homemade bath salts from the Dead Sea, and loofahs. Total relaxation emersion, with soy aromatherapy candles, specialty music CD, and sprinkle of bath rose petals around to delight you. Fresh flowers, a small tray of fruits and chocolate truffles, and a beverage of your choice will complete the experience. Honeybee Inn, Horicon. Bath Sommelier - the ultimate in a soothing bath in the privacy of your room, with a beautiful array of the finest spa soaps, lotions, homemade bath salts from the Dead Sea, and loofahs. Total relaxation emersion, with soy aromatherapy candles, specialty music CD, and sprinkle of bath rose petals around to delight you. Fresh flowers, a small tray of fruits and chocolate truffles, and a beverage of your choice will complete the experience at Honeybee Inn, Horicon.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1196" align="alignright" width="270"]Enhance your Romance - Two relaxing and invigorating one hour in room massages performed by a certified therapist to the soothing sounds of nature, enhanced by soft music for a quiet interlude from a busy and hectic day. Chilled bottle of champagne or sparkling juice in your room upon arrival, a rose bouquet, and box of Bernstein's chocolate truffles. Romantic dinner for two at the award winning Courthouse Pub Restaurant.  In the morning, a four course candlelight breakfast ... Westport B&B, Manitowoc Enhance your Romance - Two relaxing and invigorating one hour in room massages performed by a certified therapist to the soothing sounds of nature, enhanced by soft music for a quiet interlude from a busy and hectic day. Chilled bottle of champagne or sparkling juice in your room upon arrival, a rose bouquet, and box of Bernstein's chocolate truffles. Romantic dinner for two at the award winning Courthouse Pub Restaurant. In the morning, a four course candlelight breakfast ... Westport B&B, Manitowoc[/caption]

Travel Trends - Big Showers, More Freebies, B&Bs

Travel + Leisure magazine listed big showers, little tubs as one of the hot travel trends a few years back.  Wisconsin B&Bs that did this trend proud include Stewart Inn - Wausau with its huge double steam showers. Innkeeper Paul Welter notes “ Many of our guests are skiers, and they appreciate the soothing effects of steam on muscles and sinuses.  You can enjoy aromatherapy along with your steam bath by placing essential oils in a small receptacle in the steam outlet.”  Going beyond a room with a view,  Canyon Road Inn’s 8’ long shower with multiple body sprays has a great view of the lake.  You’ll indeed get the royal treatment in the Queen Bee Victorian room’s  4’ x 6’ shower at the Honeybee Inn – Horicon with a total of 9 heads & sprays. This year, Budget Travel predicts travelers will demand more amenities, like free bottled water and Wi-Fi.  Ha, the vast majority of Wisconsin B&Bs have been doing that all along!  In fact, Inn at Wawanissee Point – WI Dells, and Arbor Inn – Prescott take it one step further and provide free wine and cheese tastings in the evening... Cold Spring Inn-Hubertus does this too, using the wines produced from their own vineyard.  And here’s one travel trend for 2012 we especially like – TripAdvisor.compredicts more travelers will choose B&Bs this year than last. [caption id="attachment_451" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Soothing double steam showers at the Stewart Inn – Wausau have therapeutic results similar to hot water but use only a small fraction of the energy and water – a more eco-friendly way to relax."]Eco-friendly, therapeutic, double steam shower[/caption] [caption id="attachment_450" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Canyon Road Inn – Turtle Lake just may have one of the largest showers of all B&B’s in Wisconsin, at 8’ long . . .and with a view of the lake, too."]Largest Shower, View of Lake, Canyon Road Inn, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin B&B[/caption]
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