When business takes you to the south side of Madison, how about a ‘reverse commute’? Rather than fight traffic from downtown lodging to your destination, try a pleasant 15-minute drive from a B&B in Belleville, Verona, Stoughton, McFarland, or Cambridge. At the Cameo Rose (Belleville), innkeepers Gary & Dawn say: “Early breakfast options, evening wine and snacks, and free WiFi are just a few of our amenities, along with 120 private acres to explore with 4 miles of mowed hiking trails. The Badger State Trail is an easy hike from our door and a perfect route for your morning or evening walk/run.  Paoli’s fabulous dining/shopping is just 5 minutes away.  Escape to the country and make your business a pleasure!" [caption id="attachment_1468" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Your final appointment of the day - breathing in the fragrant flowers, listening to the flowing water, relaxing in the gazebo ... at Cameo Rose Inn, Belleville.[/caption]

So often we tout the bike trails in Wisconsin and suggest ideas for biking between B&Bs. Time to give some due to the other two-wheeled form of travel – motorcycling. We just learned that seven communities in the region of western Wisconsin known as the “driftless area” - an area untouched by glaciers and the drift deposits left by glaciers, and notable for deeply carved valleys - have banded together to promote “Cycle Driftless Destinations.” The seven cities are Sparta, La Crosse, Black River Falls, Hillsboro, Tomah, Onalaska and Trempealeau, and they’ve pooled resources to produce an area map showing five interconnected routes that circle through the back roads of the region. Sounds like a wonderful way to while away a weekend. Of course, lodging will be required and that’s where our lovely Wisconsin B&Bs come into play. We recommend a stay at the Franklin Victorian B&B in Sparta for starters, where they offer inside secure motorcycle storage. There’s also Grapevine Log Cabins and Justin Trails B&B. In La Crosse, choose between two inns which are both listed on the National Historic Register – Four Gables B&B and Wilson Schoolhouse Inn. On to Onalaska, where the Lumber Baron Inn offers water views of Lake Onalaska, or you can opt for a farmhouse getaway at Rainbow Ridge Farms. Happy (motor) cycling.

 

Last year – decided lack of snow in Wisconsin.  This year – enough snow to keep snowmobilers, skiers, snowshoers and snowman builders incredibly happy.  The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions report  is up and running and we dare say it’s getting tons of hits every day, to match the tons of snow blanketing the landscape here.  These are especially pretty conditions for those who favor state parks for winter workouts. [caption id="attachment_1049" align="aligncenter" width="201"] You'll stay warm with a snow-shoe trek in the freshly-fallen snow blanketing Wisconsin. B&Bs near city parks, state parks, or with their own trails, just may welcome you back and chase away any chill with a piping hot mug of cocoa![/caption]  

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!          

Oh, there are B&B myths aplenty out there, but the trifecta has to be beds/bath/privacy.  Let’s elaborate. First, the beds - they are not old and squeaky.  That myth seems to persist because there are lots of historic inns in Wisconsin.  Just remember, historic does not equal old and squeaky. Next, the bath - B&Bs have private baths.  No shared bathrooms anymore.  Looking for a spa-quality designer bath?  Try Westphal Mansion Inn B&B in Hartford, Speckled Hen Inn in Madison, or The Roost B&B in Appleton. Finally, privacy – innkeepers do not make their living hovering.  You will be left alone.  Whether that’s at breakfast, on the front porch hammock, in the library, watching a movie, strolling the gardens…well, you get the picture. Whew, we feel better now, and hope you do too! [caption id="attachment_560" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Roost features five comfortable, contemporary suites and rooms for the leisure or business traveler, each equipped with luxurious bedding, fireplaces, air-jet whirlpool tubs, private baths and other amenities."][/caption]