It's officially SPRING!

Anticipating what’s soon to come, we’ve tapped our member inns for those with SPRING in their name. Cold Spring Inn (Hubertus) is surrounded by 80 acres along the Oconomowoc River. Hiking trails, tennis courts, and a cozy fire pit invites cool evening relaxation, perhaps with a glass of their own boutique wine. Valley Springs Farm (Reedsburg) - at this tranquil farm setting, each spring and summer, sand-hill cranes nest in their pasture and welcome folks with their morning call- we don’t think you’ll object! Wellspring B&B (West Bend), a CSA farm, is an agritourism destination where guests can participate in educational opportunities such as cooking classes, organic gardening, & food preservation workshops. [caption id="attachment_1556" align="aligncenter" width="300"]A true farm-to-table experience at Wellspring B&B. A true farm-to-table experience at Wellspring B&B.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1555" align="alignright" width="225"]Valley Springs Farm - kids are welcome! Valley Springs Farm - kids are welcome![/caption] [caption id="attachment_1553" align="alignnone" width="200"]A recipe for relaxation - Cold Spring Inn's own boutique wine and locally sourced cheese. A recipe for relaxation - Cold Spring Inns own boutique wine and locally sourced cheese.[/caption]

A Tale of Two Inns

Have you noticed – on this website’s home page, “Featured Bed & Breakfasts” shows 2 ever-changing B&Bs. The 2 inns caught my eye - how different – how unique – each is! River’s Bend Inn (Mayville - near the Horicon Marsh) is a gracious English Country Manor. The equally gracious innkeeper, Jayne, has quite a history too – as a high fashion model in New York and as a regular date of John F. Kennedy. Jayne likely was told she should write a book, so she did, and it is a fun summer read:  The River’s Bend. The second featured inn, Thunder Valley Inn Resort, is one mile from WI Dells, yet a ‘world’ away – a Scandinavian world, that is! Pet friendly Wee Hus is a cozy cottage snuggled next to the Farm House. Most rooms in the Swedish House and Farm House have an extra bed or two for children … schedule a visit to the inn’s dairy farm or a hands-on bread baking session. [caption id="attachment_1492" align="alignright" width="251"]Thunder Valley Inn Resort ... dairy farm tours, Sunday Farmer's Market,  Threshing Farm Suppers - a meal and entertainment with all the Ole and Lena jokes you can eat! Thunder Valley Inn Resort ... dairy farm tours, Sunday Farmer's Market, Threshing Farm Suppers - a meal and entertainment with all the Ole and Lena jokes you can eat![/caption] [caption id="attachment_1491" align="alignleft" width="300"]River's Bend Inn, once a Victorian mansion with a wrap-around porch, now an English Country Manor. Guest rooms have a view of the river, thru typical English diamond-grid windows. River's Bend Inn, once a Victorian mansion with a wrap-around porch, now an English Country Manor. Guest rooms have a view of the river, thru typical English diamond-grid windows.[/caption]

Warm up with us – Week 5 B&B Getaway Giveaway

It just gets better: this week, 3 B&B's are awarding 2-night stays in our facebook contest.  The 3 inns serve up generous amounts of hospitality and history, balanced with modern amenities and cultural venues. The Lamppost Inn of Fort Atkinson, where you can dress the part in vintage clothes, is a few blocks from the Fireside Theatre.  Eagle Centre House B&B (Eagle), an authentic replica of an 1846 Greek Revival stagecoach inn, pairs the warmth of wood-burning stoves & fireplaces with the comfort of air-conditioning…it’s near Old World Wisconsin Outdoor Living History Museum.  Pedal’rs Inn (Wales) is where innkeeper Dee’s award-winning breakfast (yes – in our Innkeeper Cook-off!) starts your day of biking or visiting Lunt & Fontaine’s Ten Chimneys estate.   Lamppost Inn dress-upEagle Centre House exterior  Pedal'rs Inn bed chamber 4

Think Green - Warm Up with Us – B&B Getaway Giveaway

Think GREEN … not what’s deep under the snow or St Paddy’s Day, but “traveling green”.  Innkeepers are doing their part to protect our environment while you enjoy a getaway in comfort and style.  Think earth-friendly cleaning & laundry products and a breakfast that supports local farmers – or features juicy tomatoes right from the inn’s garden. WBBA is honored to have as members Pinehurst Inn (Bayfield) which earned the highest score, and Artha Sustainable Living Center (Amherst) at #2 in Travel Green Wisconsin’s certification program. And, you can win a 2-night stay at either inn by entering our facebook contest!  On a final note, about 40 B&Bs throughout the state have earned their Travel Green certification. [caption id="attachment_1407" align="aligncenter" width="230"]Travel Green in eco-elegance at Pinehurst Inn located in Bayfield. Travel Green in eco-elegance at Pinehurst Inn located in Bayfield.[/caption]  

Warm up to Winter

Let's begin our tour of Wisconsin's winter activities in Neillsville, located in the heart of Wisconsin with over 120,000 acres of public access forest land.  From O'Neill Manor, you can choose to cross country ski or snowshoe up O'Neill Creek located just out the Manor's back door into beautiful forest land and end up on their privately groomed trails, or head out onto the many outstanding public trails located 15 minutes from the Manor.  Want to try down hill skiing, tubing or snow boarding? Then, Bruce Mound is the place for you.  Snowmobiling trails abound using the public ATV trail system.  Innkeeper Julie can even put together a traditional sleigh ride for you.  And, she's conveniently posted these activities with links for more information right on their website.  Bundle up! [caption id="attachment_1345" align="alignright" width="300"]Sleigh bells ring ... snow is glistening. Sleigh bells ring ... snow is glistening.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1344" align="alignleft" width="270"]A blanket of snow is the foundation for just about every winter sport in Neillsville.  O'Neill Manor is the place to start and end  your fun in the snow. A blanket of snow is the foundation for just about every winter sport in Neillsville. O'Neill Manor is the perfect place to start and end your fun in the snow.[/caption]

Wisconsin B&B Getaways For Last-Minute Types

Usually leaving things to the last minute is a recipe for, well, you know the saying.  But not always, as evidenced in this list of Wisconsin B&Bs who offer last-minute getaway packages.  And by last-minute, we mean you can even call the day you want to stay. We also like the category of specials called “off season,” knowing the discounts and good values listed here might be just the permission one needs to break up this long winter with a welcome change of pace. Time to pack your overnight bag.   [caption id="attachment_1078" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sturgeon Bay's Scofield House invites you to enjoy the quiet season in Door County ... hmm, immediate seating anyone? Their 2 night stay, Friday & Saturday, in any whirlpool room comes with an additional discount thru April 30.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1074" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Want to be on the "A-list"? Receive weekly unpublished last minute specials at Bayfield's Old Rittenhouse Inn, available exclusively to email subscribers (sign up at rittenhouseinn.com). Then, you could be in this spacious third floor King suite, once the home's ballroom, featuring the original tongue and groove wood interior, a seating area with a double-sided fireplace, and a massive window seat with sweeping views of Bayfield, Lake Superior, and the Apostle Islands.[/caption]

Just Hear Those Sleigh Bells Ringing…

[caption id="attachment_992" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides Nov 24th through Jan 31st!
Listen to the sleigh bells ring while a team of Percheron pulls you on a party sleigh across forty beautiful wooded acres. Just the sleigh ride is worth the visit...but add thousands of Christmas lights to an evening sleigh ride and it'll be a night to remember! Liz at the Stagecoach Inn, Cedarburg, welcomes back rosy-cheeked guests after their Paradise Ranch Sleigh Ride.[/caption]  

You’re singing the song right now, aren’t you?  It’s a heartwarming ditty that never gets old.  The imagery of being “snuggled up together like two birds of a feather” is sweet, admit it.  And what’s not to love about a winter scene that reminds you of a “picture print by Currier and Ives.”  If you’re yearning for a sleigh ride, then a winter getaway to Token Creek Eco-Inn, the Parsonage, Franklin Victorian, or Stagecoach Inn should be on your 2013 winter to-do list.  And that line that goes “There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy, when they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie”…well, you’ll get that at these inns too.

[caption id="attachment_996" align="aligncenter" width="143"] Madison-area inns Token Creek Eco-Inn (DeForest) and The Parsonage (McFarland) recommend Rocking Acres for winter sleigh rides and warm season carriage rides to horse riding lessons. Cornerstone Carriages offers tours of downtown Madison and custom private tours at a location of your choosing.
Jean at Token Creek adds: "Hot chocolate and a warm fire are here to greet you after your ride too!"[/caption] [caption id="attachment_995" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Horse drawn sleigh rides through the scenic countryside on a group or private tour can be arranged for guests at the Franklin Victorian in Sparta, with the Red Ridge Ranch. Innkeeper Jennifer says "be sure to bring your camera!". Peruse the pictures back at the B&B, while you're warmed by the fireplace or whirlpool.[/caption]

Wisconsin B&B Cookbook in Good Company

Ever heard the expression, “You’re judged by the company you keep.”  Well, this most recent review of new and noteworthy cookbooks puts the new Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association cookbook among some of the most admired brands in cooking, like Epicurious.com and Cook’s Illustrated and the New York Times.   We’re thrilled for all the innkeepers who submitted recipes for this, our 8th edition cookbook.  With 260 recipes from 90 innkeepers, we think you've just found the perfect gift for the foodies in your circle of family and friends!          

A Quality (Certified) Christmas Gift

Think about the best “gift givers” you know.  They’re probably very good at making mental notes throughout the year as to what friends and family members enjoy, admire and desire; they’re usually quite creative; and they never scrimp on quality.  That list item – quality – is especially important to all of us at the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association.  We’re the only quality-certified group of our kind in the state, and every one of our member inns has passed a detailed inspection to be considered for membership.  So, if you’re thinking about gifting a Wisconsin B&B getaway to someone this Christmas (our gift certificates are good at all member inns), we thought you’d appreciate knowing that the “quality” part of the gift is all wrapped up! [caption id="attachment_957" align="aligncenter" width="300"] How to get the grandkids for a weekend? Gift your kids with a B&B getaway ... they'll toast your thoughtfulness.[/caption]

A new map for Bikers & B&B goers

Last week we shared with you that Madison was just rated the fifth most bikeable city in the United States. Finding scenic bike trails throughout Wisconsin is easy too … it's deciding which one to ride that's tough.  A trip thru tunnels and countryside?  A spin on an urban riverfront trail?  Nearly flat rail trails or a rolling forest trail? Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for its thousands of miles of on & off road bike trails & scenic paths, and we’re a leader in converting rails to trails. We make it easy for you to B&B&B - that's Bed & Breakfast & Biking, of course.  Our bike trail map shows the asphalt or crushed limestone trails (no roads) that are accessed within 10 miles of a B&B city.  Of course, many bike trails are just a few blocks from a B&B.  Your innkeeper will be delighted to recommend the best routes. [caption id="attachment_662" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="The Interurban Trail links Mequon, Cedarburg, and Port Washington over a 30 mile route. How convenient for bikers that American Country Farm (Mequon), Stagecoach Inn and Washington House Inn (Cedarburg), and Port Washington Inn (Port Washington) are on this trail."][/caption]

Carry On the Craft Beer Week Celebration

Did you quaff a glass of your favorite Wisconsin craft beer last week? Then, technically, you were doing your part to celebrate American Craft Beer Week, which puts the spotlight on America’s small and independent craft brewers, recognizing their contributions to American culture.  As B&B owners, we feel a certain kinship with these brewmasters – we’re all artisans of our trade, value being independent, and live life to the fullest.  Mind if we recommend a few of our favorite craft beers?  When staying at a B&B in the Milwaukee area, take a tour of Lakefront Brewery   and try their “Wisconsinite” brew, a weiss-style beer made with Wisconsin-grown ingredients including a new native Wisconsin yeast strain believed to be the only North American-grown yeast in commercial use today.  When in Stevens Point, take a tour of the Stevens Point Brewery and then make a point to try a seasonal Nude Beach Summer Wheat.  To really tempt you, click on this link to all the microbreweries in the state. [caption id="attachment_641" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Follow Water Street from your accommodations at A Victorian Swan on Water in Stevens Point to the Point Brewery ... its a pleasant walk of about 8 blocks. Relax in the 2-person sauna or sip a "Nude Beach" brew while relaxing on your balcony."][/caption]
 
 
 
 

Class A Baseball in Wisconsin

[caption id="attachment_628" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Janesville's Scarlette House, is in the heart of the Court House Hill Neighborood - the entire area is on the National Register. And, 25% of Wisconsin'sNational Register homes are in Janesville. Walk to antique shops and restaurants ... and of course, make the Scarlette House your home-base for taking in Beloit Snapper games!"][/caption] Our Milwaukee Brewers are beloved here in Wisconsin, but we also have an affinity for the Class ‘A’ clubs – namely the Appleton Timber Rattlers (the Class A affiliate of the Brewers) and the Beloit Snappers (the Class A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins).  Their games are not only a bargain, they’re great fun and you get to see the stars of tomorrow.   For Rattlers’ games, stay at The Roost B&B or Franklin Street Inn.  If you’re taking in a Snappers’ game, try the Scarlett House in nearby Janesville.

Cooking Up Another Wisconsin B&B Cookbook

The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association has put out seven editions of its cookbook and each time it has sold out.  So thought you’d be pleased to know we’re whipping up edition No. 8.  This one will have a real emphasis on signature recipes – the ones guests ask for all the time.  And it will cover everything from soup to nuts or, more accurately, breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.  Right now it’s looking like we’ll have our new cookbook in time for holiday giving and entertaining.  Until then, enjoy the top vote getters in our statewide recipe cook-offs from years past.  [caption id="attachment_529" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Port Washington Inn's "Door County Cherry Bread Pudding" took first place honors at the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association's 2010 cookoff. Rita, owner-innkeeper-baker at the Port Washington Inn says: "We put the emphasis on quality ingredients and from scratch preparation… no shortcuts… you’ll taste the difference!" The inn's full breakfast is served buffet style so that guests can pick and choose and go back for more if they desire."]Port Washington Inn, winner 2010 Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast cook-off, Door County Cherry bread pudding, home baked breads from scratch[/caption]

Wisconsin Winery Tops at International Competition

Wine and cheese and B&Bs has such a nice ring to it.  Many of our member inns provide complimentary tastings in the evening, featuring Wisconsin artisan cheeses and Wisconsin wines.  Yes, that’s right, we have some incredible wineries in Wisconsin, including one that took top honors at this month’s San Diego International Winery Competition.  Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac was named 2012 Winery of the Year, beating out entries from Napa Valley and 13 countries.  What an especially nice honor during Wollersheim’s 40th anniversary year, although the vineyards there date back to the 1840s.  Take of tour of the historic buildings here – you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Europe – and allow time for tastings.  Then spend the night at a B&B in the Madison area or nearby Wisconsin Dells.    [caption id="attachment_508" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Savor the local flavor includes sampling locally produced wines at many B&Bs. With over 40 Wisconsin Wineries and over 150 WBBA member B&Bs, the pairings are nearly endless.  The Wine Cellar at Madison's Speckled Hen Inn is shown here."][/caption]

Warm Up with Soup (and Grilled Cheese)

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]  
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