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.        

We are proud to announce that Washington House Inn has been recognized as a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame winner!  The 'Hall of Fame' was created to honor those businesses that have earned a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years.  When you, the guest, take the time to share your experiences, you are assisting other travelers to find the B&B  Inn that is tailor made for their getaway. Set in a historic 1886 Victorian cream city brick building in Cedarburg, Washington House Inn is luxurious lodging within walking distance of historic downtown restaurants, shops, a local winery and brew pub and seasonal festivals.  Guests are pampered by the boutique hotel's thoughtful amenities, including warm flickering fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and steam showers, and a deluxe continental breakfast. Find your tailor made getaway at WisconsinBandB.com   [caption id="" align="alignright" width="255"] Historic charm blends perfectly with modern amenities at the Washington House Inn.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1514" align="alignleft" width="300"] Exposed stone walls hints at the Washington House Inn's 150 year history as the first hotel in Cedarburg. As additions of cream city brick were made to the wood frame structure, the hotel operated continuously.[/caption]

All traditions have a beginning - and we think this one bears repeating each year:  while you stay at Hidden Serenity B&B (in West Bend), hop in your car, drive across the street to the Shalom Wildlife Zoo (Wisconsin's Wildest Zoo) and pick out your annual Christmas tree. Plus experience the “Drive Thru at the Zoo” - you can view the resident wildlife from the warmth of your car and turn on your favorite Christmas music and sing along if you’d like! Innkeepers Chris & Sally take care of the details for you: this Holiday Tradition Package includes a Fraser Fir Tree, admission for two adults to the Holiday Drive-thru the Zoo, hand warmers, and hot cocoa in the wildlife gift shop. And, you'll remember your new holiday tradition with a special ornament. (Discover more holiday ideas here)  

We've often touted how Wisconsin B&B Association member inns do such a great job of sourcing locally for their breakfast menus.  Bet you didn't know they carry on with that commitment long after the first snow flies.  Indoor winter farmers’ markets offer a bounty of goodies for B&B owners and home chefs alike.  The Milwaukee County Winter Farmers’ Market at State Fair Park runs through mid-April, with area vendors coming together to offer shoppers a nice selection of root vegetables, artisan cheeses, honey, maple syrup, jam, meats, eggs and pastries.  Extend the warmth by spending the night at a B&B in the region.  The Oconomowoc Winter Farmers’ Market welcomes visitors with Alterra coffee, lots of baked goods, popcorn, pickled goods, winter greens and more.  Pair that with a stay at Inn at Pine Terrace – they have quite the following for their pecan stuffed French toast. The famous Dane County Farmers’ Market moves indoors to the Madison Senior Center, where the selection is diverse and delicious,  just like the B&Bs in the Madison area.  Here’s to good eating all year long. [caption id="attachment_1040" align="alignright" width="257"] Inn at Pine Terrace, Oconomowoc.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1038" align="alignleft" width="270"] Oconomowoc Winter Farmers' Market[/caption]

Here in Wisconsin, we never let winter get in the way of a good outdoor event.   Stay at a Wisconsin B&B and you’ll always know you have a warm, cozy bed and warm, homemade breakfast to come back to.  So here are our picks for some terrific outdoor fests for each weekend in February, with links to B&Bs in the area, starting with the 24^th annual Hot Air Affair in Hudson, February 1-3.  The weekend includes hot air balloon launches, a parade and geocaching.  The Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament will be held in Westby, February 1-2.  There’s the Sturgeon Stampede in Fond du Lac, February 8-10, with skating, broomball, ice bowling, and ice sailing.  The centerpiece of the Manawa Snodeo in Manawa, February 15-16, is the vintage snowmobile and motorcycle racing under the lights.  Rounding out the short month is the American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event in Hayward, February 21-23.  Also, feel free to take a gander at Travel Wisconsin's Snow Conditions Report and click on your favorite activity to see what the conditions are like. Feeling hardy?  We hope so. [caption id="attachment_1034" align="alignleft" width="216"] Ski Jump Tournament courtesy of the Westby House Inn, Westby.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1030" align="alignright" width="240"] Guest gears up for an afternoon of snowshoeing at Justin Trails B&B Resort, Sparta.[/caption]                 [caption id="attachment_1026" align="aligncenter" width="182"] Hudson Hot Air Affair[/caption]

There are 150 quality-certified inns in Wisconsin that are just calling out to you to get reacquainted with that explorerside of yours. And that means more than just staying at the inn.  It means getting out and taking in all that Wisconsin has to offer. [caption id="attachment_887" align="alignright" width="300"] Cobblestone B&B, Birchwood is a great place to relax after a day spent hiking or snowshoeing the nearby Ice Age Trail or skiing in the American Birkiebeiner.[/caption] Our B&B owners are pros at providing itinerary ideas, so ask away.  We also look the liberty of putting together some dandy tours built around wineries, microbreweries, artisan cheese tastings, biking, birding, and golf courses.  If eco-travel is as important to you as it is to us, then you’ll enjoy visiting these Travel Green Wisconsin-certified properties. We thought an overview by region might be helpful too. If an event is the nudge you need to escape for a few days, then let this events calendar be your guide. One last tip: Sign up for our enewsletter and get insider ideas delivered once a month. Now get out there! Wisconsin Public Radio's Whad 'Ya Know Quiz Prize Winners - redeem your Whad 'Ya Know gift certificate at participating B&Bs.