We’ve been on a mission lately to dispel misconceptions about B&B travel, and that includes the myth that all inns are old or old-fashioned.  To that end, we bring you “Doily Decision 2012.”  Cast your vote – pro-doily (perfectly apropos for those who favor sophisticated, historically significant inns) or no-doily (contemporary styling all the way, and there are lots of inns like this too) – at our facebook page .  The polling closes May 29, with the final tally to be announced June 1.  By voting, your name will also be entered in a drawing for a gift basket filled with items that faithfully represent today’s B&B experience, with myth-busting treasures like spa robe, high-end pillow,  artist-created coffee mugs, iPod, and a $150 gift certificate good for a getaway to the member B&B of your choice!  

Admire or Retire?

Trash or Treasure?

While many of our guests were reaping the benefits of the record-breaking warm temperatures in March, like being able to play golf earlier than usual or hop on the bike for a round-trip exercise boost, the maple syrup producers were hard at work, tapping the trees weeks earlier than usual. Thought you’d like to know that Wisconsin ranks No. 4 in maple syrup production, just behind Vermont, New York and Maine. Will maple syrup yields be down because of this wild weather? There’s a good chance of that. But do not fret, our innkeepers are on top of this, and will make sure pancakes and waffles get their share of maple-y goodness. Plus, there’s always the fruit topping alternative once the orchards and farms start producing here, which could be earlier than you think! Here’s a recipe from Brayton B&B in Oshkosh for Crème Brulee French Toast with Streusel Topping, served with strawberry jam, no maple syrup required. 

Crème Brulee French Toast with Streusel Topping
Plan ahead as this dish needs to refrigerate overnight; Makes 4 Servings 

1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons corn syrup
1 loaf cinnamon bread
5 large eggs
1 ½ cups half & half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
CRUMB TOPPING
¼ cup brown sugar
½ stick butter
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup chopped pecans

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil. Stir frequently. Pour the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Layer the bread over the glaze, 2-4 slices high, making them fit the pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, and vanilla until combined. Pour over the bread, cover, and chill overnight.

The following morning: Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the crumb topping; sprinkle over the baked French toast. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Serve with strawberry jam.

Locally sourced, freshly made, hearty, gourmet, lively conversation, savor-in-your-room ... that's what makes breakfast at a B&B a better way to start your day.

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.

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.

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.

Then there are inns whose historic exterior belies their modern interiors.  Examples include Lauerman House Inn – Marinette, Tritsch House – Alma, and Wilson Schoolhouse Inn – LaCrosse. 

If you like modern, don’t rule out a B&B.

The Lauerman House in Marinette is a circa 1910 Colonial Revival mansion. The 7 spacious rooms are unabashedly contemporary - and the dining is gourmet.

Try your hand at a game of pool on the 8-foot Olhaussen pool table at the Tritsch HouseB&B in Alma. You'll find a nice mix of period rooms with beautiful woodwork paired with modern amenities.

Go back to school ... and this time, relax in Scandinavian-modern furnishings in an historic schoolhouse that welcomes small groups. The Wilson Schoolhouse Inn, LaCrosse, pairs contemporary comforts - even a full kitchen - with the historic schoolhouse architecture.