Valentine's Day offers us a chance to reconnect with that special someone in our life.  A day set aside for Valentine's Romance is just what we all need at this time of the year.  It seems as if we've just made it through the hustle and bustle of the holidays, rushing here and there, trying to spend time with as many family members and friends as possible.  Thank goodness Valentine's Day offers us a chance to slow down, an opportunity to spend some much needed time with the one we love the most.  Life gets so busy with the day-to-day chores of getting things done, it's difficult to set the time aside to build and strengthen those relationships that are most important.  The question is, what to do to make the time special, get to a place where you can really have a quiet conversation just the two of you; time to reconnect.  No interruptions from the kids, no text messages on your phone, and no Social Media drama to interfere with your Valentine's Romance getaway. The first place to start is with a reservation at one of the premier WBBA member Bed & Breakfasts.  Depending on your schedule, you can take some time to make a trip to your favorite spot, or, explore a new area of Wisconsin to create some memories for the two of you. Memories are what bind us together, they are what creates the "Us" and the "We".   Many of the Inns are offering a Valentine's special or package, if not, chances are they offer a Romance Package.  No two inns offer the same package, but chances are flowers, wine and chocolates are involved, and who wouldn't want to start the evening out like that? Can you play hooky for the day?  Grab your sweetheart, jump in the car and escape the demands of this week's to-do list, even if it's just for one day.  Put those cell phones on do-not-disturb (WBBA inns offer wi-fi for those who need to stay "connected") and head for the hills, or maybe just the other side of town, depending on where your favorite B&B is located!  This will be one of the best spent vacation days you have ever taken! So, after you check-in to the B&B, the innkeeper gets you all settled, you've devoured the wine & chocolates, what to do next? There are plenty of options.  The obvious is a romantic dinner for two, but be sure to plan ahead for this one, you will need reservations, no matter where you are. A great Wisconsin Supper Club is an iconic way to create the Valentine's Romance you're looking for. If you're not sure what the best restaurant is in the area, consult your innkeeper, he or she will have plenty of information about just the type of dining you're looking for. If you don't want to deal with having dinner in a crowded restaurant, how about a movie? You could head to the local theater and catch one of the recently released movies on the big screen, or, consider bringing you're favorite romantic comedy on video to the B&B.  Check with the innkeeper to make sure they have a DVD/video player in the room.  Some Inn's have smart TV's so you can connect to your favorite streaming channel.  If the Inn doesn't have that technology, check out this article on how to connect a laptop to a television.  How often do we get to sit down with our most special loved one and watch a movie uninterrupted?  Another Valentines Romance memory created. After dinner or the movie, (or both), you've returned to the B&B, exhausted from the busy day, the wonderful meal and the delicious bottle of wine.  Now it's time to unwind and relax.   [caption id="attachment_1195" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bath Sommelier - Honeybee Inn, Horicon.[/caption]   There are so many of the WBBA member Inns that have fireplaces whirlpool tubs, jacuzzi tubs, soaking tubs, whatever you like to call it, it's a finishing touch for a Valentines Romance memory that shouldn't be missed. Soaking in the tub then snuggling by the fire, the perfect way to ignite those smoldering passions. We can't talk about a Valentine's Romance getaway at a WI B&B without mentioning breakfast.  So many of the WBBA innkeepers have a passion for cooking.  Breakfast in your room could be an option for you, check with your innkeeper to find out availability and any additional charges.  Breakfast in your room is always tempting, but sometimes it's worth it to venture out of your room and experience breakfast in the dining room.  First of all, there's not telling who you'll meet.     Wisconsin B&B's get plenty of international travelers.  It's possibly you could have breakfast with someone from Norway, Australia, or Reunion Island.  One glance at the guest book when you check in and you will notice entries from folks across the globe.  No matter where you have breakfast, either in your room or with the other guests in the dining room, the innkeeper is sure to serve up something special, just for you. Don't be afraid to seize the opportunity to create a Valentine's Romance getaway for just the two of you.  The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association members can offer a wonderful home base for you to reconnect with your sweetheart.  Be sure to book your room today and Seek the unique!        

March is a time of year that leaves many of us longing for spring, and in Wisconsin, we still have a number of weeks before those warmer temperatures grace us once again and entice us to spend more time outdoors.  This is when cabin fever can be at its worse.  The ski hills do a great job of making snow for the downhill skiers and snowboarders.  But for those of us who prefer to stay on a more level plane, March's weather in Wisconsin can be tricky and many times there may not be enough snow for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.  Let's face it, it's been a long winter and most of us are ready to do more than go for a walk in the neighborhood or visit the mall to get out and about and feel rejuvenated.  Fortunately, Wisconsin has much to offer in the way of indoor activities, and most of the time we don't need to look much further than our own backyard. Visit a local museum, what a better way to find out about our local and state history than to visit a museum. With a quick search on the internet I discovered Wisconsin has over 420 museums.  The list is long and varied, you are sure to find one that suits your interest. Here are a few out of the ordinary that may peak your interest and be worth getting in the car to go visit. The Chocolate Experience Museum in Burlington, WI is free to the public during regular business hours.  What's not to love... a free tour (they do ask for a donation) and chocolate!! Burlington’s Chocolate Experience Museum exists to educate visitors about the history of chocolate and the part it plays in the world, improve the local economy and economic stability for Burlington as a tourism destination. Did you know Harry Houdini was from Appleton, WI?  The History Museum at the Castle has an exhibit, AKA Houdini which lets you experience some of Harry Houdini's tricks of the trade through hands-on activities. It is great fun for the whole family! See why the world renowned magician called Appleton his hometown. And we can't talk about Wisconsin without mentioning cheese.  Monroe, WI has the National Historic Cheesemaking Center. Enter ….”an era that was, that will never be again” as you step inside the Imobersteg Cheese Factory, restored and located on our campus, where each year on the second Saturday of June a 90 pound wheel of Swiss cheese is made right before your eyes, as it was done over 100 years ago. Check out the local Center for the Arts, Wisconsin communities are doing a wonderful job of bringing in exhibits, entertainers and artists to their area.  You can see an up-and-coming comedian, a musical, an orchestra, or the ballet.  They have art exhibits, magicians, and choir concerts. The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls has a wide variety of activities scheduled for March, which includes 2 exhibits, ​Industrial Art and Design, and GEMS: Contemporary Metalsmiths and Art Jewelers in Menomonie, a community choir concert, the music of Simon and Garfunkel, and TV Town: A Midwest Musical Comedy. The Grand Theater in Wausau has quite a range of entertainment scheduled for the month.  Get The Led Out on March 2 is committed to recreating the magic of Led Zeppelin in all its depth and glory, Get The Led Out features six talented musicians playing all of the classic hits!  42nd Street, March 21, tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the star breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star.  "Symphony on the Rocks", March 25, is VIC FERRARI and 26 of the best classical and pop musicians from the Midwest. This is the first Symphony in North America to perform with iPads only! You see all musicians working together, not hiding behind a conductor or a music stand. Dine at a Supper Club What could be more Wisconsin-like than having dinner at a Wisconsin Supper Club?  Did you know there are over 350 of them in this state? And, they even have a website to help you find the nearest one, Wisconsin Supper Clubs. Supper clubs are a dying breed, which is sad, because we’ve turned to quick food from chain restaurants rather than supporting these great places. Take a night off from cooking, get gussied up, and head to one of our great Wisconsin supper clubs. Book a stay at a luxurious B&B One more wonderful thing about Wisconsin is the hospitality of the innkeepers at our Bed and Breakfasts. Did you know there are more than 120 B&B's listed on the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association's website? No matter the weather, you will find a Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast to be warm and inviting.  It is the perfect place to start your March adventure, you might find a roaring fire in the common area where you can enjoy a glass of wine or hot cocoa with other guests, or maybe your room will have it's own fireplace and even a Jacuzzi tub where you and your loved one can relax in a warm bath.  A delicious home-cooked breakfast will be made just for you with plenty of hot coffee and juice to get you going.  Our innkeepers are a wealth of knowledge of local activities, so if you don't have an itinerary planned for the day, they will be able to help with suggestions of interesting things to do in the area that fit your interests.  There is an abundance of activities in Wisconsin during the month of March, and you are sure to find an unique adventure close to a Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast.