This summer, it's time to gather up all of those friends and family from near and far to plan the perfect girlfriend getaway. Imagine a weekend together filled with pampering, togetherness, and of course plenty of fun. That's what girlfriend getaways are all about, and Wisconsin's finest Bed and Breakfasts can help.

Whether you're looking for an itinerary packed with plenty of fun, or something a little more laid back where the focus is simply on being together, you'll find it in Wisconsin. Our member Bed and Breakfasts are located all over the state, and are often rated as some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin.

Whatever it is you choose to do, a girlfriend getaway is bound to help you and your closest friends create memories that will last a lifetime. Start your search by browsing through our member Inns. It's time to quit dreaming about a vacation, and time to just make it happen. Book your girlfriend getaway to Wisconsin today!

The Best Girlfriend Getaway is in Wisconsin

In a state as diverse and beautiful as Wisconsin, it's easy to plan a girlfriend getaway that will make every member of your group happy. We recommend you spend your girlfriend getaway off the beaten path, in the smaller, vibrant communities of Wisconsin. Here are a few ways to do exactly that:

Sip & Swirl Your Way around Wisconsin

There is no shortage of good wineries and breweries in Wisconsin. You can spend days traveling around the state sipping and tasting your way through many of them. While the titan's of Wisconsin's brew scene, Pabst and Miller are still around, the brewing scene in Wisconsin has seen tremendous growth at the local level. In most cities, you can now find at least one microbrewery. Visiting these microbreweries and getting to know their towns and regions is an excellent way to experience the best of Wisconsin. We wrote a recent blog about some of the top breweries to visit in Wisconsin.

The state's wineries are just as exciting. Visiting a few of these gems during an afternoon or two is the perfect compliment to a girlfriend getaway. There are over 100 wineries, but some of the lesser-known and worthwhile stops include Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in Prairie du Sac, Belle Vinez Winery in Hudson, Chateau St. Croix Winery in St. Croix Falls, Cambridge Winery, DC Estate Winery in Beloit, Staller Estate Winery in Delavan, and Lewis Station Winery, the state's first craft winery, located in Lake Mills. 

Get Outside and Be Adventurous

Whatever part of the state you find yourself in, you'll find an incredible range of outdoor activities to enjoy. For example, try the Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes area of central Wisconsin. It's breathtakingly beautiful and fit for the most adventurous of groups. Maybe you want to try your hand at some fun water activities, such as Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUPing)? You can even throw a little yoga in for fun! Or maybe you and your girlfriends want to rent a pontoon boat and head out on the lakes for the day? Cool off and take a swim at one of the sandbars along the way. 

SUPing in Waupaca isn't the only way to enjoy the water in Wisconsin, either. The Northwestern part of the state is known for its rugged shoreline along Lake Superior, while the Northeast boasts nearly 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan. Both areas are ripe with rivers and lakes to explore, too. But for a tranquil trip down some of the most scenic stretches of river in the state, you can't beat staying in the Driftless Region in the southwestern part of the state. Here, you'll find the gently meandering waters of the Kickapoo River near Ontario, to name but one. At night, the quiet countryside of the Driftless region is perfect for stargazing and enjoying time together around a bonfire. These experiences and more can be had at select Bed and Breakfasts in Wisconsin. 

Another hidden gem of Wisconsin is the ruggedly beautiful town of Wausau. You can get adventurous at their acclaimed Whitewater Park, take to the hills of Rib Mountain State Park, or spend some time browsing their incredible museums in downtown, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Other great places to hike or take nature walks around the state include Wildcat Mountain State Park near Ontario, Devils Lake State Park near Baraboo, Governor Dodge State Park just outside of Madison, the northern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest near West Bend, and Horicon Marsh near Horicon.

If biking is more your speed, head over to the Elroy-Sparta Trail near Sparta. It is a former railway that turned to a multi-use trail in the beautiful Driftless Area. Other great cycling trails include the La Crosse River State Trail, the Great River State Trail near La Crosse, and the Sugar River State Trail in Southern Wisconsin near New Glarus.

Don't Forget to add in some Shopping

We'd be remiss not to mention some of the top towns for shopping in Wisconsin. When you and your girlfriends are ready to do a little shopping, head to the Fox Cities. This collection of small towns is known as "Wisconsin's Shopping Place," and for good reason. The Fox Cities, which includes cities like Appleton, is in the northeastern part of the state.  It is made up of about 20 different small communities, each offering up a different mix of shopping. From large malls to quaint boutiques, you and your best girlfriends will have a wonderful time getting to know each of these wonderful Wisconsin communities. For other great shopping ideas, refer to Travel Wisconsin's guide to small town shopping around the state. 

Pamper Yourself at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

There are a number of spas around the state who put wellness at the forefront of everything they do. But many Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts make wellness a central part of their experience, too.  That's why we're among the best places to stay in Wisconsin! These Inns and the services they offer make getting pampered while on vacation even easier. Several Inns offer in-room massages and services, or they partner with local businesses or can refer you to local spas. Some even offer full wellness retreats and services so your girlfriend getaway can be focused exactly where it should be; on you and your friendships. 

Whether the focus of your girlfriend getaway is deep relaxation, wine and conversation, or finding the adventure of a lifetime, the state of Wisconsin and our member Bed and Breakfasts are here to help. Just as each region in the state has its own charms, so to do each of our lodging properties. A vacation in Wisconsin can be as interesting and unique as your group of girlfriends, and our innkeepers are here to help! Don't wait; book your girlfriend getaway to Wisconsin today!

Wisconsin breweries heritage is the stuff of legends. Records of the state’s earliest breweries date back to the 1830s when German immigrants brought their knowledge of brewing techniques to the state. The titans of beer – think family names including Pabst, Miller and Schlitz – helped Milwaukee earn the unofficial title as “the beer capital of the world.”

The wine landscape is nothing to sniff at either, unless you’re taking in the aroma of a fine Wisconsin wine made with cold-hardy grapes before enjoying a sip. Would you be surprised to learn there are 100+ Wisconsin wineries?

We mustn’t leave out distilled spirits either, as the craft cocktail craze is only gaining in popularity in Wisconsin and across the country. Let's take a look at just a small sample of the many local breweries, wineries, and distilleries across the state.

 

Valley Springs Farm B&B, Reedsburg

We'll start in Sauk County, which boasts several family-owned wineries and distilleries. Baraboo Bluff Winery & Driftless Glen Distillery are both located in Baraboo with Narrows Creek Winery located in Loganville. After visiting, make an experience out of it at Valley Springs Farm B&B in nearby Reedsburg, where you can escape to enjoy the tranquility of the farm.

 

Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn, Belleville

Cameo Rose Victorian County Inn in Belleville is centrally located to many microbreweries, distilleries and wineries. New Glarus Brewing Company, Bailey's Run Vineyard, and Hawk's Mill Winehaus are 15 minutes south in New Glarus; Wisconsin Brewing Company and Fisher King Winery are 7 minutes north. These are only a handful of the many wineries, breweries, and distilleries around the area. Let the innkeepers of Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn help you with suggestions and directions. Once your travels are done for the day, relax with beverages and sweet treats in this beautiful Inn.

 

Inn On Lake Wissota, Chippewa Falls

Inn on Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls is fortunate to be located within 5 miles of Leinenkugel's Brewery. They have been brewing beer for over 150 years. Take a tour and enjoy some of their seasonal beers in the lodge. Jim and Kurt, the founders of Chippewa River Distillery and Brewster Bros. Brewing Co., boast a friendship of 25 years. Jim and Kurt merged their professional experience and entrepreneurial spirit and successfully opened Chippewa River Distillery and Brewster Bros. Brewing Co. in downtown Chippewa Falls. That deserves a toast! River Bend Vineyard & Distillery, whether you like sweet, dry, red or white, River Bend is confident you'll love their award winning wines. Their debut line of Craftsman spirits are hand-made in small batches in a "grain-to-glass" distillery. Each step in the process is carefully controlled. From milling and mashing to fermenting, distilling and bottling... producing truly authentic spirits of the highest quality.

 

Lake Ripley Lodge, Cambridge

Finally, there's Lake Ripley Lodge in Cambridge. Tyranena Brewery in Lake Mills is just minutes away from the B&B. There, you can enjoy their award winning brews at the brewery tasting room and bring a "growler" back to the lodge and enjoy a fresh brew! Capital Brewery in Middleton would be on the short list of stops to make on a brewery tour of the area. Lake Ripley Lodge is just a short Distance to Northleaf Winery and Lewis Station Winery. For those that want to stick close to the B&B, you can always check out Cambridge Winery and Dancing Goat Distillery right in Cambridge. 

We could go on and on about all the many breweries, wineries, and distilleries in Wisconsin! We've given you just a few examples of WBBA member inns that are on the Wine, Beer, & Distilleries Trail but there's plenty more. You can find a complete list of member inns on the trail on our website under the "Area Experiences" tab.

 

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

Victorian Elegance meets Contemporary Comfort at the Scofield House in Sturgeon Bay / Door County. Light through the beveled crystal and stained glass windows, highlights the hardwood floors inlaid with red and white oak, maple and cherry. While your ornately carved bed is antique, it cradles a comfy pillow-top matress; antique armoires conceal the electronics - to enjoy or ignore! You may even eventually leave the inn (after the hearty breakfast, of course) to visit Door County's scenic parks, award-winning wineries, and eclectic shops. "Where the joy of living is served daily" - words to live by for the innkeeeprs at Lindsay House in Manawa - as shown by this guest's Trip Advisor comment:  "I have returned to Lindsay House each year for the past five years; each time I am again surprised by Judy’s expertise in her breakfast presentation.”  We'll tell you more: showcasing local ingredients and Wisconsin products as much as possible, Judy & Tim offer culinary variety.  Breakfast starts with a fruit course - perhaps baked apples or a guest favorite, heavenly bananas.  To follow? Sweet pumpkin waffles with roasted pears, or a savory such as potato frittata. That is living ... joyfully! Enter to WIN a 2-night stay at one of these inns https://a.pgtb.me/qVSz88 [caption id="attachment_1389" align="alignright" width="270"] Here's a peek at how breakfast can start at the Lindsay House. Can you smell the warm apples and cinnamon?[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignleft" width="300"] Warmed by the fire In the Gazebo Room - you're in the perfect spot to start - finish? - that best seller you packed. Stay in, venture out, the Scofield House is in a quiet neighborhood, an easy stroll to dining and shops.[/caption]

Our bed-and-breakfast visitors have a taste for culinary tourism, which is why we decided to participate in the first ever Wine Dine Wisconsin tasting event, set for October 10-11 at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee.  There will be vintners, microbreweries and artisanal food producers there.  And we’ll have a booth too (with giveaways, of course, since that’s all part of our hospitality credo).  Our very own Pat Fischbeck, owner of the Speckled Hen Inn and the winner of our 2008 recipe contest, will take to the Chef’s Stage on Saturday morning to prepare her Wisconsin Breakfast Panini for the crowd.  There’s a price break if you order your tickets in advance.  For out-of-towners, Milwaukee-area B&Bs are listed here.  Two other culinary fests we recommend:

• Wisconsin Dells on Tap, part of Autumn Harvest Fest in Wisconsin Dells, will take place October 17.  More than 25 Wisconsin microbreweries participate in this tasting event, and there are food pairings from Carr Valley Cheese and the National Mustard Museum too.  To order advance tickets, click here.  
• The first Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival set for November 6 and 7 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.  There will be bus tours to cheese factories, seminars on the art of cave-aged and pasture-grazed cheeses, and a gala reception featuring 100 different Wisconsin cheeses.  Tickets for the cheese-a-thon are available by clicking here.