Multi-Destination Getaway: The Driftless Area [caption id="attachment_1794" align="aligncenter" width="300"] WI Driftless Region[/caption] Taking a page out of European travel, why not plan a trip that takes you to multiple destinations instead of just staying put. The Driftless Area in the southwest part of the state, with its deeply carved river valleys untouched by glaciers, would be a great place to give it a try.

If you’re looking for a stateside getaway that carries the same types of discoveries you’d expect to find on a multi-destination European holiday, we bring you the Driftless region of Wisconsin. The last continental glacier bypassed this area, giving it its distinctive terrain of deeply carved valleys and the largest concentration of cold water streams in the world. The earliest inhabitants of this southwest corner of the state were Native American Mound Builders. Today the region is home to hundreds of artists who take inspiration from the hills and valleys and the Kickapoo River and mighty Mississippi. [caption id="attachment_1795" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Driftless Region in Wisconsin offers a variety of choices for bike riders, from rugged mountain trails to challenging on-road routes to constructed bike trails.[/caption] Bird migrations are a mainstay in the spring, farmers’ markets abound, and mountain biking is plentiful. And you can forget malls, as independent boutiques and Amish goods define the shopping experience here. As for places to rest your head, there’s the Tritsch House B&B in the Mississippi River town of Alma. It’s a Queen Anne house hugged by river bluffs. Walnut Ridge Log Cabin Guest House in Platteville offers two handcrafted log cabins set on six wooded country acres. [caption id="attachment_1797" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Westby House Inn, Westby, WI[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1796" align="alignright" width="300"] Walnut Ridge Log Cabin Guest Houses in Platteville, WI[/caption] Four Gables B&B in La Crosse is listed on the National Register and serves guest a four-course country breakfast. The Westby House Inn & Restaurant in Westby has a rich history, but it is the inn’s modern amenities that are a pleasing point of difference. They also serve lunch and afternoon tea. The Driftless Region is a unique part of Wisconsin's geography.  An area where visitors will find a wide variety of places to explore.  The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association member Inns in the Southwest region of Wisconsin are also plentiful, each one of them unique in their own way.  With a little research, we are confident you will find one that suits your personality.  We always like to remind our readers that all WBBA members are licensed, inspected and insured.  So rest asured, you will get a good night's sleep when you stay at a WBBA B&B, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated the next morning.  Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

We promised to pass along more innkeeper recommendations on nearby hiking trails and here they are! First we invite you to explore the trails close to the Eagle Harbor Inn, in Ephraim. Right in Ephraim there is a path that wanders through the town and up the bluff down small quiet back roads past all kinds of summer cottages and year around homes. The Bay of Green is never far from view. In fact at many places along the way it’s possible to dip your toes into that bay. There is a route that is mapped it takes a couple of hours. But, it is possible to walk small parts of the route at a time.   Also located close by is one of the best state parks in the state, Peninsula State Park. There are trails for all skill levels and they vary in length as well. The park is loaded with so much to see.  If those are trails too traveled for your taste there is Newport State Park a mere a 20 minute drive north. There you’ll find more secluded and rugged trails on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Also Whitefish Dunes State Park is located south of Jacksonport. Along with miles of trails over sand dunes and into the thickly wooded areas of the park, there are dunes along the shore for picnicking and sunning while you try to brave the icy cold waters of Lake Michigan.   A little further south in Appleton Judy Halma of the Franklin Street Inn shared with us that guests often enjoy hiking the Heckrodt Hiking Trail-76 acres of forested wetland, 3+ mile trail system allows access without getting your wet feet, located less than 5 miles from the inn.   Nearby in Oshkosh, Brayton B&B recommends The Wiouwash State Trail is a rail trail just a few short blocks from the inn. Its name is derived from the first two letters of the four counties it traverses: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano. The trail is used by walkers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers during the winter months. The trail is split into two sections. The northern section runs from Aniwa to Split Rock. The southern section runs for 21 miles from Oshkosh northward to Hortonville and offers opportunities for biking, walking, jogging and bird-watching.  As it traverses the countryside, the southern section of the Wiouwash passes through a number of interesting natural habitats. Segments of the trail run through prairie and wetlands, attracting hundreds of species of birds, including sandhill cranes. The trail also crosses Dagget’s Creek, the Rat River and Black Otter Creek. It’s a scenic and relaxing journey, whether you’re on foot or two wheels.  That's all for now! Stay tuned for Part 3 for more hiking recommendations!   [caption id="attachment_1246" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Heckrodt Hiking Trail in Menasha offers great views of the diverse life in the wetlands.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1247" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Peninsula State Park[/caption]

There’s nothing quite as sweet as the sound of birds chirping. It’s that harbinger of spring that melts even the grumpiest soul. [caption id="attachment_1096" align="alignright" width="300"] Great bird watching opportunities await at the Horicon Marsh. Stay at the nearby Honeybee Inn B&B, Horicon.[/caption] Did you know that right from our web site you can access nearly 300 birding sites around the state plus nearby inns? Take a gander and get that spring getaway on the calendar.

Did we really see some trees budding?  We know we’re not imagining the birds chirping like crazy.  February in Wisconsin is not what it used to be!  Perhaps it’s not too early to start thinking about a Wisconsin B&B getaway that includes a little bird-watching.  We catalogued 300 – yes, 300! – birding areas around the state, cross-referencing nearby B&Bs.  So get ready for some hiking, as it may come sooner than you think. [caption id="attachment_428" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="No matter the season, spotting a Cardinal is always a delight. Thanks to the Speckled Hen Inn, Madison, for the photo."][/caption]