There is no place like your warm, cozy home in your favorite easy chair in the dead of winter, right? But let's face it, too much time inside can make you stir-crazy. Cabin-fever usually sets in just about now, even for the most hearty Wisconsinites. When your efforts to beat those winter blah's at home have been exhausted by finishing that good book, putting the last piece of the puzzle together, or completing that home-improvement project, then we have some terrific remedies to help cure those winter blues. We have winter activities!

Wisconsin does have some beautiful, picture-perfect winter days. You know the kind... when the sparkle of the sun shines on the newly fallen white snow, making everything look like magic glitter. We feel the best way to beat the winter doldrums is to get outside and enjoy this winter snow globe. We have perfect suggestions on where to go and what to do to enjoy some memorable winter activities. Whether the tried and true sledding (Spoiler alert: You don’t have to be a kid to indulge in this one) and skiing or a new winter activity like fat-tire biking or snowshoeing. A Wisconsin B&B getaway is just the ticket... staying at home and having to shovel is not what we have in mind when we say, go out and experience the Wisconsin winter wonderland! 

 

         Apple Tree Lane B&B, Waupaca                                                                 Crystal River Inn, Waupaca

With a resort community like Waupaca, located in Central Wisconsin, there are plenty of winter sports for you to enjoy in and around the city.  Among the favorites, is  cross country skiing, snowshoeing , or fat tire biking on the many trails throughout Hartman Creek State Park. Just north of Waupaca, in Iola, you will find 6.5 KM of lighted trails at the Iola Winter Sports Complex, which also features ski jumping and Nordic Combined. Nearby, in Wild Rose, Nordic Mountain has fantastic tubing hills and downhill skiing! You can ask any Waupaca innkeeper for ideas and recommendations to suit what you're looking for when it comes to getting out and about this winter. The innkeepers at Apple Tree Lane B&B, Crystal River Inn, and Green Fountain Inn are the experts in Waupaca.

 

Eagle Centre House, Eagle

Eagle Centre House B&B in Eagle is located very near the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest and Lapham Peak, which has miles of snow shoe and cross country ski trails as well as snowmobile trails in the area. The many lakes scattered around make for great ice fishing spots. About 20 minutes away from the inn is Alpine Valley Ski Resort in East Troy. Don't forget to also check out the sledding hill right on the property of the Eagle Centre House B&B!  After a day of chilly winter activities, head back to the inn where the wood burning stoves add heat, ambiance, and romance in the "tap" room and the ladies parlor.

 

Hidden Serenity B&B, West Bend

Speaking of the Kettle Moraine, Hidden Serenity B&B in West Bend is located adjacent to the Northern Kettle Moraine, which offers incredible cross country skiing, snow shoeing and down-hill skiing. Just 10 minutes away from the inn, you'll also find Sunburst - a fun, family-orientated ski, snowboard, and tubing area located north of Milwaukee. Sunburst offers 77 acres of pure winter fun with skiing, snowboarding, and the world's largest tubing park with over 40 runs. They offer 12 runs with the longest being 2,600 feet. Or, tap into your inner child and build a snowman, or two or three or...!

 

Stewart Inn, Wausau

The top skiing resort in Wisconsin is just five miles from the Stewart Inn, located in Wausau. Granite Peak offers 75 runs, a 700-foot mountain, two high speed lifts, and skiing mid-November through early April. They also offer groomed cross country skiing trails (9 mile recreation and Sylvan Hills) and tubing. After a day on the hills, relax in style with a nightly wine & cheese reception and a gourmet breakfast the next day, all included with every stay at Stewart Inn!

Don't forget, you can always find a list of more member inns that participate in or offer Snow Sports experiences under the "Area Experiences" tab of our website.

After a day of winter activities, you will look forward to heading back to your warm and welcoming Inn and enjoying a hot chocolate or glass of wine, asking the innkeeper for expert recommendations of the best restaurants and evening activities and then knowing your luxurious accommodations will be waiting for you upon your return. And, don't forget, you won't have to shovel!

 

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

  Here in Wisconsin, we love all four seasons, and that includes the frosty offerings of winter. Candlelight cross-country ski events are a peaceful way to embrace the snow, while fat biking on frozen lakes produces a more adrenaline-spiking high.

As antidote to the hustle and the bustle of the season, try a candlelight cross-country ski in Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources maintains a master list of those events going on around the state into March: http://dnr.wi.gov/calendar/events/parks/index.asp?caudience=Candlelight.

Let’s take a quick look at January gatherings: [caption id="attachment_2184" align="alignleft" width="271"] Bowman's Oak Hill Garden Cottage Bed[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2190" align="alignright" width="300"] Country Comfort at Valley Springs Farm[/caption]                 The Jan. 6 ski, hike and snowshoe at Mirror Lake State Park near Wisconsin Dells is sure to be serene just like the setting itself. Spend the night at Bowman’s Oak Hill B&B or Valley Springs Farm B&B to continue the quiet vibe. [caption id="attachment_1621" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Getaway at the Honeybee Inn[/caption] On Jan. 20 there’s a candlelight hike at the Horicon Marsh in Horicon, a natural treasure in the state. There will be candlelit trails, a roaring bonfire, owl talks, and crafts. Reserve a suite at the Honeybee Inn B&B and be enveloped in luxury. The breakfasts are phenomenal too. [caption id="attachment_2188" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An Evening at the Stewart Inn[/caption] Then, on Jan. 27, Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau hosts a candlelight snowshoe hike. After being inspired by the natural beauty of the park, you’ll be inspired by the stunning workmanship of the Stewart Inn arts & crafts mansion. Now, if you’re into biking in the warm weather months and looking for a way to extend your season, give fat tire biking a whirl. Cruise on soft snowy terrain or take to frozen lakes for a twist on two-wheeling. [caption id="attachment_2111" align="alignright" width="284"] Fat Tire Winter Biking[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2186" align="alignleft" width="285"] Snowshoe Group with Bay Point Inn[/caption]                 In Newport State Park on the Door County peninsula, the two-mile bike trail loop provides scenery and a workout. Relax after your ride at Bay Point Inn in Egg Harbor, where the accommodations will remind you of a European vacation villa on the water. [caption id="attachment_2192" align="aligncenter" width="371"] Crystal River Inn Winter Night[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2191" align="alignright" width="291"] Winter Lights with Green Fountain Inn[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2182" align="alignleft" width="300"] Apple Tree Lane B&B Through the Snow-Covered Trees[/caption]                   The third annual Fat Tire Bike Race in Waupaca is set for January 27, coinciding with their annual Pond Hockey Classic tournament which runs all weekend. Whether a rider or spectator, there’s a room waiting for you at Crystal River Inn B&B, an 1853 farmstead set on the banks of the Crystal River that is Travel Green Wisconsin certified. Nearby inns also include Apple Tree Lane B&B, where the elegant parlor's cozy wood stove invites you to sit a spell around her warmth, and the Green Fountain Inn, with decor and furnishings reminiscent of the grandeur of the 1920s.  

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

 

  [caption id="attachment_2062" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Green Fountain Inn, Waupaca WI[/caption] Tread lightly on the earth this season with a stay at an eco-certified Wisconsin B&B. There are 25 inns among our membership who are Travel Green Wisconsin certified, a voluntary certification that demonstrates a property’s commitment to eco-friendly best practices. Included on that list are city inns like Green Fountain Inn which is located on historic Main Street in Waupaca close to shopping, public beach, and park. There are also country estates like Canyon Road Inn nestled in the beautiful North Woods of Western Wisconsin and is the perfect getaway for all seasons. Now add in the 21 inns on the National Register of Historic Places, and you have another level of sustainability, keeping homes of historical significance from ending up in landfills while sustaining the links to local history and families. [caption id="attachment_1785" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Canyon Road Inn Binoculars[/caption]

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

Some might call it a classic combination – tomato soup and grilled cheese.  Of course, with it being Wisconsin, we always suggest making the sandwich using an artisan cheese.  Download the brochure of artisan cheese varieties and think about pairing two or three cheeses.  Then whip up this recipe for Italian Basil Tomato Soup from Green Fountain Inn in Waupaca and you will feel warm and cozy no matter what the mercury reading is outside.  Here’s one more idea: Search for B&Bs that offer rooms with fireplaces (wood-burning) and enjoy a warm-you-up breakfast made for you. Italian Basil Tomato Soup - makes 4 servings 1 pound Italian sausage 1 medium onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 (14.5ounce) cans diced Italian tomatoes 1(8 ounce) can tomato sauce 1/4 c basil, chopped 1/2 c lemon juice 2 TBL sugar 1TBL Worchestershire sauce 1 t salt 3/4 teaspoon hot sauce Heat a bit of oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over med-high heat.  Remove sausage from casings & crumble into the pot.  Add onion & celery and cook until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.  Add in the tomatoes and puree together using a blender (regular or immersion). Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low.  Cook just until heated.  Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and/or croutons. [caption id="attachment_361" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cooking Classes - a great inside activity for the winter - are held at the Green Fountain Inn, in Waupaca."][/caption]