It's that time of year, after the busy rush of the holidays, when romance is on the hearts and minds of many.  Want to know the best places to stay in Wisconsin for a little bit of romance?  We have exactly what you're looking for!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, making this the absolute perfect time to plan a romantic getaway in Wisconsin. When looking for romantic and cozy lodging for the occasion, you'll find that our collection of Bed and Breakfasts is exactly what you had in mind.

Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast member Inns vary greatly in their style, locations, and offerings, but one thing they do have in common is that they are one-of-a-kind, and offer the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Not only that, but our Innkeepers are experts in genuine Wisconsin hospitality, and their quality accommodations will be the foundation of any great romantic getaway in Wisconsin. Next time you're looking to find that perfect romantic getaway, we urge you to seek the unique and book a room at one of the best places to stay in Wisconsin today!

6 Great Places For a Romantic Getaway in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is an incredibly romantic state. It's hard to go wrong when choosing a destination in Wisconsin, but we've put together a list of 6 of Wisconsin's most romantic towns worth visiting. Each of these towns house at least one of our incredible member Inns for cozy lodging at the end of a perfectly romantic day.  Where will your next romantic getaway in Wisconsin be?

Hudson

The River town of Hudson, Wisconsin has grown increasingly popular as a place for a romantic getaway in Wisconsin. The St. Croix River serves as the scenic backdrop to this beautiful town, which houses a trendy downtown and a variety of delicious restaurants and great shops. Popular activities to do here include hot air ballooning over the scenic river valley, and visiting Willow River State Park and Willow Falls.

For lodging, we recommend the Phipps Inn, a beautiful Victorian house in the St. Croix River Valley. It's close to restaurants, shops, and a romantic stroll along the river. 

Cedarburg

The town of Cedarburg, just outside of Milwaukee, is a popular place for a romantic getaway in Wisconsin. There are great wineries in the area, including the Cedar Creek Winery, along with wine's favorite pairing, great cheese. Spend an afternoon tasting a piece of Wisconsin, then visit the only covered bridge left in the entire state, before finishing up in the historic downtown of Cedarburg.

For lodging, we recommend Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast, a romantic Inn nestled in the woods just outside of Cedarburg. They house an on-site spa and have access to the sensational Kettle Moraine Forest.

Baraboo

If you love going on adventures together, we can't recommend the Baraboo region enough. Baraboo is located near Devil's Lake State Park, which is open year-round and perfect for the adventurous couple. There are plenty of other great parks and trails in the area, perfect for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and hiking and birdwatching throughout the remainder of the year. 

For lodging, we recommend the Inn at Wawanissee Point, an adults-only Inn nestled at the top of a picturesque 42-acre estate, or the Ringling House, a unique and historic home built by Charles Ringling, one of the founders of the famous Ringling Brother's Circus. 

Eau Claire

Renewing your relationship and reigniting your spark is easy in the town of Eau Claire. The town of Eau Claire is a romantic city with an extensive trail network and parks system, several breweries to enjoy, great dining like The Informalist and the High Shores Supper club, along with a variety of shops to browse. Afterward, curl up in front of a fire and enjoy sweeping views of the Chippewa Valley from your lodging. 

For lodging, we recommend The Inn on Lake Wissota, located just minutes from downtown Chippewa Falls, and a short distance away from everything Eau Claire has to offer. 

Bayfield

In Bayfield, you'll find a quaint harbor town where you can do as little or as much as you want for the duration of your stay. Sit back and soak up the harbor views, meander through the town's many shops, take a ferry ride to Madeline Island, or canoe or kayak in warm weather.

For lodging, we recommend the Old Rittenhouse Inn, a historic house that offers on-site dining, a wide variety of accommodations, and scenic views of Lake Superior. 

Sturgeon Bay, Door County

Door County has long been considered one of the best places to enjoy a romantic getaway in Wisconsin.  Disconnect from your every day, and let the rural atmosphere and natural beauty of Door County whisk you away. There are plenty of wineries, breweries, and a distillery for you to enjoy when you want to. Old fashioned supper clubs, fireside dining, and fine dining establishments beckon you. Explore lighthouses by day, and marvel in the magic of a Door County sunset come evening. 

For lodging, we recommend either The Scofield House, an elegant Victorian home that offers an easy walk to downtown Sturgeon Bay, or the White Lace Inn, nestled in a quaint neighborhood in the historic heart of downtown Sturgeon Bay. 

Find the Most Unique Places to Stay in Wisconsin

Sometimes, the perfect romantic getaway means finding someplace with endless adventures for you to enjoy together. At other times, it means finding a romantic cabin or room somewhere beautiful and spending an entire weekend together indoors.

If you're looking for the best and most unique places to stay in Wisconsin, you've come to the right place! No matter how much or how little of Wisconsin you end up seeing while here, we know time spent at any of our Bed and Breakfasts will be both romantic and memorable.

To find the best deals, specials, and packages, you should always book your getaway directly on the website of the property you're interested in. Come visit us this winter, and let us show you how to sweep your loved ones off their feet. Book your stay at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today, and discover for yourself why we offer the most unique places to stay in Wisconsin. 

 

 

Did you know that not all wedding venues are created equal? How about a B&B wedding experience! It should come as no surprise that Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days, and February the most popular month, to get engaged. Think charming inns, quiet breakfasts, manicured gardens, and bedrooms with ensuite baths appointed with high-end linens and comfy featherbeds. Sound nice? We have a few ideas for you!

 

Westby House Inn, Westby

At Westby House Inn in Westby, several Wedding Packages are offered when planning your wedding. Begin your happily-ever-after in one of the most unforgettable all-inclusive Wisconsin wedding venues with a beautiful indoor or outdoor wedding at Westby House Inn. Their charming and historic inn is the perfect venue for intimate weddings with its historic charm and elegant tenor. They also cater to loving couples who want to elope and get married without the fuss, muss, stress, and expense that goes along with formal weddings. They provide an Officiant for your marriage ceremony, whether it is a traditional non-denominational ceremony, a secular ceremony, or a simple signing ceremony. You can also renew your vows and say "I do!" all over again.

 

Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield

Each year, Bayfield’s Old Rittenhouse Inn, and its historic Le Chateau property, are home to many unique and beautiful celebrations including wedding ceremonies, bridal showers, groom’s dinners, and banquet receptions. Both romantic Wisconsin wedding venues create a “home base”, providing not only accommodations, but places for family and the wedding party to gather while preparing for the festivities surrounding these events. Whatever your wish, let their experienced Wedding & Events Director assist you with the planning and handle the behind the scenes work to ensure the worry-free event you deserve.

 

Is small & intimate more your style? The Katherine Holle House in Watertown provides wedding packages for 2 - 30 people. Whether you are looking for just a venue, or a full package including food, music, decorations and someone to perform the ceremony, they work with local caterers, florists, photographers, videographers and bridal shops to make your event memorable.

 

Willow Pond Bed, Breakfast, & Events, Weyauwega

Willow Pond Bed, Breakfast, & Events in Weyauwega specialize in weddings. Willow Pond has been the site of weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations for over ten years. From the rehearsal dinner the night before, through the ceremony, and even the honeymoon, the variety of services offered is enough to take much of the stresses of planning away. Whether outside under the gazebo, surrounded by willow trees, pond and waterfalls, in the beautifully restored barn, or elsewhere on their expansive property, they strive to make your event everything you dream it can be!

We're only scratching the surface of possibilities for couples! Want more wedding venue ideas? You can search for B&Bs that offer just what you need on our website under "Find An Inn" and "For Weddings".

 

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

    We really can’t help ourselves when it comes to fall and food. After all, Wisconsin is tops in cranberry production and cheesemaking, to say nothing of potatoes, corn, apples, beer, and more. So it seemed only right to dedicate a story to the cornucopia of innkeepers whose cooking talents are top-notch. While mere mortals may dabble in cooking and baking, our innkeepers are gods and goddesses of the kitchen. Which, of course, means an incredible food experience when you stay at a Wisconsin B&B. Here are some of our picks for “top chef.” [caption id="attachment_2676" align="aligncenter" width="384"] Bowman's Oak Hill Wild Rice Cranapple Bake[/caption] When innkeepers get together for a cook-off, you can be certain they will put their best foot forward. At Bowman's Oak Hill B&B in Wisconsin Dells, innkeeper Nancy Bowman was a grand prize winner for her Wild Rice Cranapple Bake. Here's what you need to do for this delicious breakfast treat: Number of Servings: 4 generous or 8 side dish sized portions Baking Time: 30 minutes Baking Temperature: 350°F Ingredient List: 1 ½ c. cooked Wild Rice ¾ c. raw oatmeal 2 large red apples ¾ c. dried Cranberries ½ c. raisins ½ T. cinnamon ½ c. chopped nuts (you can use either walnuts, pecans or a mixture of the two) 2 c. milk ¼ c. brown sugar ¼ tsp salt 2 T of butter Preparation: In large bowl Mix: rice, oatmeal, thinly sliced apples (Not peeled), cranberries, raisins, cinnamon and nuts. Heat in microwave oven until hot: Milk, brown sugar, salt and butter Mix into rice and fruit mixture. Put into buttered 2 qt. casserole. Cover and Bake @ 350°F for 30 minutes How served / presentation: Garnish with: A dollop of low fat vanilla yogurt and drizzle of pure Wisconsin Maple Syrup. For my meat lovers I add a side of sausage with whole grain English muffin. This recipe makes 4 generous servings or 8 side dishes to be served with an egg dish and sausage. [caption id="attachment_2709" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Dinning Area of Fountain Chateau B&B - Hustler[/caption] Suzanne Soltvedt of Fountain Chateau B&B in Hustler was also a winner in a cook-off for her Wild Rice Pancake, Cranberry Delight. This recipe may look long, but with homemade chutney, cran-raspberry syrup, and browned sage butter, it is well worth the time and care for this delicious delight: Number of Servings: 8 Necessary Utensils: 1 large sauce pan, 2 small saucepans, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, strainer, grater, paring knife, griddle and small fry pan Ingredient List: Whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, eggs, honey, buttermilk, olive oil, orange zest and orange half. Water, sugar, cranberries, apples, vinegar, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves. Cran-raspberry juice, sugar, light Karo syrup. Unsalted butter, sage leaves, chicken broth Preparation: Pancakes: 1. In a large sauce pan place ½ cup wild rice in 2 cups boiling water and cover; cooks in about 45-55 minutes but check the water doesn’t cook dry. 2. To make the pancakes, place 2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 tsps. baking soda, ½  tsp baking powder, in mixing bowl.  Add 2 eggs, 2 tbls. Honey, 2 ½ cups buttermilk, 2 tbsp. Olive oil and mix 3. Add 1 ¼ cup cooled wild rice 4. Add the zest of one orange grated 5. Add 1 cup minced craisins or raisins or dried cherries Mix until moistened; place about ¼ cup of batter on hot griddle; turn when top bubbles. Continue until all the batter has been used. Chutney: 1 cup water ¾ cup sugar ½ tsp. Cinnamon ¼ tsp. Ginger ¼ tsp. Allspice 1/8 tsp. Cloves 1/2 cup vinegar ½ cup craisins or raisins 1-16 oz. Package of cranberries or 2 cups 1 cup apples, peeled, cored and diced Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes Cran-raspberry Syrup 1 ½ cup cran-raspberry juice 1 ½ sugar ¾  cup Karo syrup Bring to a boil for about 10 minutes Browned Sage Butter 5 T. Unsalted butter 15-18 sage leaves broken into small pieces ¼ c. low sodium chicken broth Heat the butter on high heat in a frying pan.  As soon as it gets hot, add the sage leaves and swirl to coat. Keep cooking until the butter turns brown and the sage leaves begin to turn brown. Immediately remove from the heat. Hollow out an orange half How served / presentation: Place two pancakes on plate Fill the hollowed out orange with chutney Fill a small pitcher with cran-raspberry syrup – serve on the plate Drizzle browned sage butter over pancake   [caption id="attachment_848" align="aligncenter" width="357"] Lindsay House B&B - Manawa[/caption] Owner of the Lindsay House B&B in Manawa, Judy Trull, was recently featured on Living With Amy with Fox 11 - she whipped up her recipes for Panetonne French Toast & Dreamscicle Scones. Take a peek at the recipes and the segments of the show below: Panetonne French Toast with Cinnamon Cream Syrup Dreamscicle Scones   Innkeepers at Jay Lee Inn in Elkhart Lake, Garden Gate B&B in Sturgeon Bay, and Hamilton House B&B in Whitewater have all had recipes published in the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast cookbook, as well as many other innkeepers across the state! Here's a sample of what they offer: [caption id="attachment_2695" align="aligncenter" width="366"] Jay Lee Inn - Elkhart Lake[/caption] Jay Lee Inn: Swedish Flop 1 cup butter, divided 2 cups flour, divided 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp water 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup flour - shouldn’t this be deleted? 3 eggs Chopped nuts and/or shredded coconut Confectioners’ Sugar Frosting: ¾ cup powdered sugar 1 heaping Tbsp butter 1 heaping Tbsp Crisco ½ tsp vanilla extract 2 Tbsp milk Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut ½ cup of the butter into 1 cup of flour and mix to make coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons water over the flour mixture and blend quickly with a fork. Roll or pat out dough into two long strips (about 10–12 inches) on an ungreased cookie sheet. Combine 1 cup water and the remaining ½ cup butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the vanilla. Remove from heat and beat in the remaining 1 cup flour, stirring by hand with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Spread the dough over the pastry strips and bake 55–60 minutes, or until lightly browned. (It will flop at this point.) Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with frosting. Sprinkle with your choice of nuts, coconut, or sprinkles. For the frosting: Mix together all ingredients, adding just 1 tablespoon of milk at first. Add additional milk to make frosting of desired consistency. [caption id="attachment_2696" align="aligncenter" width="377"] Garden Gate B&B - Sturgeon Bay[/caption] Garden Gate B&B: Brunch Strata 3 cups sliced mushrooms 3 cups chopped zucchini 2 cups fully cooked ham, cubed 1½ cups chopped onions 1½ cups chopped green peppers 2 garlic cloves, minced ¹/³ cup vegetable oil 3 8 oz. pkgs cream cheese, softened ½ cup half & half cream 12 eggs 4 cups day old bread, cubed 3 cups (12 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, ham, onions, green peppers and garlic in oil until vegetables are tender. Drain, pat dry and set aside. In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and cream until smooth. Beat in eggs and stir in the bread, cheese, salt, pepper and vegetable mixture. Pour into 8 individual ramkin dishes. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35–40 minutes or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. [caption id="attachment_2697" align="aligncenter" width="402"] Hamilton House B&B - Whitewater[/caption] Hamilton House B&B: Breakfast Meatloaf 1 lb. ground chicken 1 medium Granny Smith apple, grated 1 medium onion, grated 2 cups plain stuffing croutons (I like Pepperidge Farm) 2 large eggs Parsley, thyme, and rosemary Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray pie pan or loaf pan with cooking oil. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Press evenly into pan. Sprinkle top with parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Bake for 50–60 minutes until browned. Cut into wedges and serve— good warm or cold. Variation: Can be made with any combination of ground chicken, pork, or veal.   [caption id="attachment_2701" align="alignleft" width="283"] Old Rittenhouse Inn - Bayfield[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1920" align="alignright" width="178"] White Gull Inn - Fish Creek[/caption]               Did you know that many Wisconsin B&B have chefs on staff? Inns such as Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, where they showcase the regional harvest of the Bayfield Peninsula and offer cuisines that are organically grown and locally raised, or White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, where they use only the freshest of produce and other ingredients, preparing each meal carefully to order, are just a couple of examples of inns that showcase their top-notch culinary skills. Now, if all that has made you hungry, jump to our expanded recipe section in this enewsletter and get cookin’ yourself!  

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

 

  [caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="441"] Cranberry Bog[/caption] Fall and food are the perfect pairing in Wisconsin. Plan your getaway around the state’s various food “capitals”, and be sure to enjoy a mouthwatering homemade breakfast at your favorite B&B too. [caption id="attachment_1889" align="alignleft" width="300"] Dreams of Yesteryear in Stevens Point, WI[/caption] When talking about food capitals this time of year, we have to kick it off with cranberries. Wisconsin produces more of this tart fruit than any other state. There is even a designated “Cranberry Highway,” a self-guided drive that stretches for nearly 50 miles along century-old cranberry beds from Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens, and between Pittsville and Nekoosa. Stay at Dreams of Yesteryear in Stevens Point where excellent restaurants, quaint downtown shops, a fabulous brewery tour, a picnic by the river, museums and more await you within easy walking distance. You can also visit Tuft’s Mansion in Neillsville where the area offers numerous opportunities for a unique vacation experience such as many craft and antique shops. [caption id="attachment_841" align="alignright" width="237"] Stewart Inn in Wausau, WI[/caption] The soil and climate in central Wisconsin, more specifically Wausau, makes it one of the best places in the world to produce ginseng. In fact, 95% of the ginseng in the U.S. is grown here. This root must grow for four years before it can be harvested. Don’t wait that long to visit Stewart Inn, a beautiful Arts & Crafts mansion in downtown Wausau serving both a nightly wine and cheese reception and a gourmet breakfast.   In Bayfield, cool temperatures and moist air, courtesy of Lake Superior, make it prime apple growing country. After picking apples, and squash and pumpkins too, put your feet up at eco-friendly Pinehurst Inn B&B where you’re surrounded by pine trees and gardens, and romantic Old Rittenhouse Inn where the the fall colors are best viewed right from the expansive front porch. [caption id="attachment_1991" align="alignleft" width="224"] Cherry Tree[/caption] Cooler spring months and a unique soil composition on the Door County peninsula provide just the right growing conditions for cherries. At this time of year, dried cherries are a real treat. Similarly, it’s a treat to stay at any of the 10 inns there, including White Lace Inn, Scofield House B&B, Inn at Cedar Crossing, Garden Gate B&B, White Gull Inn, Inn at Windmill Farm, Eagle Harbor Inn, Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, Bay Point Inn, and Juniper Inn.     [caption id="attachment_1994" align="alignright" width="239"] Christmas House B&B in Racine, WI[/caption] Racine is “America’s Kringle Capital.” Not familiar with Kringles? They’re the distinctive oval-shaped flaky pastry treat brought to Wisconsin by Danish immigrants in the mid-19^th century. Make the Christmas House B&B, a historic downtown landmark, your home away from home while there. Sheboygan has been called the “Bratwurst Capital of the World.” Be sure to nosh on a sausage or two while visiting the area, with Tauscheck’s B&B in nearby Plymouth serving as your host. Monroe is the “Swiss Cheese Capital of the U.S.,” and you can have your cheese and eat it too at the nearby Albany House in Albany, a circa 1908 country house in the heart of the Swiss and Amish communities in the region. [caption id="attachment_782" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Albany House in Albany, WI[/caption] Finally, if you are a fan of horseradish, then head to Eau Claire, where Silver Spring farms has been growing the hot and spicy condiment ingredient since 1929. Then cool your heels at Inn On Lake Wissota in neighboring Chippewa Falls. [caption id="attachment_1995" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Inn On Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls, WI[/caption]

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

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]