Some B&B Myths Die Hard

A recent post by writer Andrew Knowlton, (aka “The Foodist”) at Bon Appétit magazine had us shaking our heads and tsk-tsking. Try as we might in the B&B industry to dispel myths, some food writers simply haven’t  gotten the message. So, first read his post here, then continue with our blog. It’s all so not true! Here in Wisconsin, nearly 100% of B&Bs have private baths and not just any baths but spa-like baths – the White Lace Inn – Sturgeon Bay  and  Canyon Road Inn - Turtle Lake are perfect examples. You don’t have to eat with other guests, although many travelers like the experience. Just choose an inn that provides in-room breakfast like the Otter Creek Inn of Eau Claire, where you’ll customize your own breakfast (and dining time) from their menu.   Or, choose the communal table set-up at Pickwick Inn of East Troy. Curfew, shmerfew….there is no such thing. Same goes for rigid check-in times. Who needs a mini-bar when most innkeepers provide free beverages (unless of course you prefer to pay for water). Many offer complimentary libations and snacks in the evening too. Who wouldn’t love the Wisconsin wine and cheese tasting at Cold Spring Inn, Hubertus…from their own vineyard! To borrow from the line in that Oldsmobile TV spot, this is not your grandmother’s B&B. [caption id="attachment_1174" align="alignright" width="210"]Breakfast at the Otter Creek Inn is as individual as you are: choose your entree, sides, and beverages and schedule delivery to your guest room door so that you may enjoy breakfast-in-bed or at the private table in your guestroom. Breakfast at the Otter Creek Inn is as individual as you are: choose your entree, sides, and beverages and schedule delivery to your guest room door so that you may enjoy breakfast-in-bed or at the private table in your guestroom.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_450" align="alignleft" width="192"]Largest Shower, View of Lake, Canyon Road Inn, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin B&B Canyon Road Inn – Turtle Lake just may have one of the largest showers of all B&B’s in Wisconsin, at 8’ long . . .and with a view of the lake, too.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1173" align="aligncenter" width="144"]Perfectly paired wine & cheese awaits guest enjoyment at Cold Spring Inn's complimentary welcome gathering. Perfectly paired wine & cheese awaits guest enjoyment at Cold Spring Inn's complimentary welcome gathering.[/caption]      

Tennis Terms Applied to Wisconsin B&Bs part 2

Winner: An unreturnable shot. B&B version: Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn - Belleville just won the prestigious 2012 Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor. [caption id="attachment_789" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn, Belleville[/caption] Mini-break: Server loses a point in a tie-break. B&B version: Escaping midweek and taking advantage of the great promotional packages at Door County Inns like: Inn at Cedar Crossing & Sawyer House B&B both of Sturgeon Bay, and Trollhaugen Lodge - Ephraim. [caption id="attachment_786" align="alignright" width="570"] Inn at Cedar Crossing (left), Sawyer House B&B (center) both of Sturgeon Bay; Trollhaugen Lodge B&B, Ephraim (right)[/caption] Anticipation: Receiver anticipates where the next ball will land. B&B version: Anticipation is half the fun of your B&B getaway.  Plan all the things you want to do by perusing the appropriately titled Things to Do section of our site. Nice return: Receiver hits a strong return. B&B version: If you love a particular B&B, by all means do return.  At the Albany House B&B - Albany, an impressive 65% of their visitors are return guests. [caption id="attachment_782" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Albany House, Albany[/caption] Nice touch: Usually refers to a deft drop shot. B&B version: SevenOaks - Lake Geneva, offers its guests heated floors and heated towel bars to warm your soft, fluffy towels which we think is an especially nice touch. [caption id="attachment_790" align="aligncenter" width="524"] SevenOaks, Lake Geneva[/caption]  

Second serve: Second chance to get serve in. B&B version: In addition to breakfast, the Westphal Mansion Inn B&B - Hartford offers an evening wine and cheese reception for their guests.

[caption id="attachment_781" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Westphal Mansion Inn B&B, Hartford. Their complimentary "Wine & Cheese Social Hour" is available daily from 4:00-5:00pm.[/caption]

Guys Like B&Bs Too – Part II

Here are five more inns that have a vibe that’s guy-friendly.  And while we worked on this list with a guys’ getaway in mind, there’s nothing to say you can’t take your favorite guy for a weekend getaway to one of these B&Bs, just the two of you. 1.  If you’re into bicycling, then rent out the Fountain Chateau B&B in Hustler, where the Omaha Bike Trail connects right next door to the inn.  Guys can bike all the way to Elroy and the world-famous Elroy Sparta Trail as well as the 400 State Park Trail.  The innkeepers are happy to serve an evening meal of your choice too. 2.  The “Golf Till You Drop” package at the Westphal Mansion Inn in Hartford offers golf at surrounding courses including Erin Hills, home of the U.S. Open in 2017. Upon return, the guys can enjoy a free wine and cheese social to be followed in the morning with a four-course homemade breakfast and another round of golf. 3.  For guys who regularly attend the EAA air show in Oshkosh, you can rent out the entire floor Turret Royale Suite which sleeps seven at the Franklin Street Inn. Welcome cookies and a large home-cooked full breakfast are never turned down. 4.  Play a little pool on the pool table in the clubhouse, then watch the big game on a large-screen TV at the Lake Orchard Farm B&B in Sheboygan located right on Lake Michigan.  They also have on-site golf with golf carts included, no charge. 5.  Justin Trails B&B in Sparta has a “Handy Person Special.”  Work for four hours cutting down trees and removing weeds on the inn’s disc golf course and cross-country ski trails in exchange for $50 per night lodging in a cabin. [caption id="attachment_501" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Clubhouse Pool Table, Lake Orchard Farm B&B, Sheboygan"][/caption]     [caption id="attachment_500" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="Kettle Hills Golf Course, near Westphal Mansion, Hartford"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_499" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""Handy Person Special" Justin Trails B&B Resort, Sparta"]Mancation at Justin Trails[/caption]
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