Stow the Phone

[caption id="attachment_1879" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Currier's Lakeview Lodge Currier's Lakeview Lodge[/caption] Silence is the new luxury travel, as in silencing your phone, turning off your laptop, even setting down the Kindle. Trade in all your tech devices for a distraction-free getaway to Wisconsin’s northwoods where simple pleasures like sleeping in at a favorite cabin-style B&B, swimming in a crystal clear lake, exploring forests on foot, and bonfires under the stars all reign supreme.

When visitors return to the same vacation destination year after year and generation after generation, you know they’re on to something good. And in Wisconsin, that “something good” is the northwoods, defined loosely as the upper half of the state, where tall pines, pristine lakes, and room to breathe are considered the pinnacle of luxury. Here are five inns that fit the bill for northwoods nirvana:

  1. Cobblestone B&B, Birchwood –  The innkeepers at this turn-of-the-century manor house invite summer vacationers to stroll down to the beach for a dip, or just hang out on the porch swing with a glass of lemonade in hand.
  2. Currier's Lakeview Lodge, Rice Lake – The lakeside views are the calling card for this B&B, given the inn is situated on a five-acre peninsula on the east shore of Rice Lake. Children and pets are welcome at this family retreat.
  3. Maxsell’s Restaurant & Suites, Florence – This historic waterfront inn on Fisher Lake has suites, of course, but also a restaurant and pub room. This place solves the question of where to take your significant for their birthday or your anniversary.
  4. Inn at Pinewood, Eagle River – This B&B, an original log house built in 1934, hugs the shore of private Carpenter Lake and it’s a favorite for romantics at heart.
  5. Canyon Road Inn, Turtle Lake – Private patios and decks overlooking the lake or woods seem tailor made for catching up on reading or napping, you choose.

[gallery columns="5" ids="1786,1866,1864,1882,1884"] There are so many ways to enjoy your time in the Wisconsin northwoods.  Maybe you like to spend an afternoon hiking on trails that lead you through the woods, surrounding yourself in the serenity of nature and the excitement of spotting the numerous wildlife; or maybe a peaceful afternoon on the lake, dipping a pole in the water, fishing for the many species of fish Northern Wisconsin has to offer.  There's always time to sit back in the lounge chair by the lake or on the porch, sipping an ice cold tea and reading your favorite book.  Whatever your preference, there is a WBBA Inn to suit your needs. Remember, all 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. WBBA Seek the Unique

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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              

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