The Official Site for the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association

Franklin Street Inn, LLC

The award winning Victorian Franklin Street Inn in Appleton, WI begins its 16th year. We aim to go beyond your expectations to guarantee a pleasurable stay.  We want to thank our guests for voting the inn to receive the following awards as top 15 in the USA through Arrington Publishing:  2003 & 2004 Best Near A College or University, 2005 Best Holiday Getaway, and 2006 Best Inn to Recommend to Others. In 2008, our inn was voted "Best B & B in the Valley" by the locals in the Post Crescent competition.  In 2009, we were honored to be interviewed and photographed in two magazines.  Our inn and Judy & Ron, the innkeepers, were featured several times on "Living with Amy" on the daily Fox 11 morning show.

The Rhodes, Lawrence, Franklin, and Turret have been decorated with great attention to detail. Whatever amenities you value most in your bed and breakfast experiences, just look for it here because we have it: private baths, top notch beds with feather pillows, robes, hair dryers, cable TV, VCR, CD players, internet access for business travelers, and comfortable sofas and easy chairs. Enjoy an on site massage. Pamper yourself in the suites with a jacuzzi or beside its fireplace. Enjoy the antique décor throughout the house because it combines the elegance of the nineteenth century with the amenities of the twenty-first. Your reservation includes a full scrumptious breakfast served in our formal dining room or in your suite. Complimentary beverages and welcome treats are provided. Guests also enjoy relaxing on our wrap around porch or by the parlor fireplace. These excellent B&B amenities and accommodations, which you will experience at the Franklin Street Inn, far surpass those of typical hotel lodging.

Our romantic Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is a unique place for your next getaway, celebrating an anniversary or your honeymoon. Guests also travel to the inn for murder mystery dinners, red hat pajama parties, scrap booking events, Victorian teas, small weddings, showers, business meetings and retreats. Our inn is just steps from the Museum at the Castle, Appleton Art Center, Lawrence University, City Park, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, fine restaurants, and shopping. Combine your stay here with a short drive to the Fox River Mall, golfing, Green Bay Packer games, EAA, or Door County.     

This Queen Anne inn, approved by Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association, is nestled in a charming historic neighborhood. The home was built in 1898 for William Rhodes, who, according to history, was a grocer on College Avenue. W.W. Delong, was the architect for this Victorian home. On your visit to the inn, drive by three other look-like Delong homes all with turrets. He included a double air space principle by building a double vestibule at the front entrance. The original oak pocket doors, beautiful open and grand oak staircase, lovely birds-eye maple hardwood floors, window seats, high ceilings, oriental rugs, leaded and stained glass windows, and old chandeliers give you the warm feeling of other times. All of the home’s character is still maintained even as a bed and breakfast. The original dining room built in china cupboard displays our china collection beside the swinging maid’s door. Now located in what was the maid’s bedroom, our largest bathroom can be enjoyed by Lawrence Room guests. The back stairway for the maid, years ago, is where our guests can now enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks from the inn’s refrigerator. We will provide you with a historical walking tour for our neighborhood. Special noted buildings: Edna Ferber’s home and Temple Zion, circa 1890, is where Houdini’s father was the rabbi.

We, your hosts, Judy and Ron Halma welcome you to enjoy the beauty and warmth of our turn of the century Victorian with authentic period décor. We have the best of years gone by combined with today's modern conveniences for your special enjoyment. Open our door for charm and hospitality!