If you prefer lazy rivers over whitewater rapids, then this story isn’t for you. However, if you love an adrenaline rush, try rafting in the spring when the waters are high. Adventure travel has a cousin and it is achievement travel. If rushing through whitewater rapids is on your to-accomplish list, then Wisconsin’s Peshtigo and Wolf rivers should both be on your radar. Spring is the time, when some rapids reach Class IV status. Translation: Look out for rocks and drops, and sharp maneuvers may be needed. [caption id="attachment_2257" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Peshtigo River riffles[/caption] The Peshtigo River State Forest offers 25 miles of river and more than 9,000 acres of forest, making it a natural gem of Marinette County. Here’s a little tidbit: It was established in 2001, making it Wisconsin’s newest state forest. And here’s why it should be on every paddler’s list: It is the Midwest’s longest continuous whitewater rapids. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the short Roaring Rapids section of the Peshtigo River, Farm Dam Landing to Boat Landing #12, is for skilled paddlers only. [caption id="attachment_2256" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Dalles of Wolf River[/caption] The Wolf River is another waterway that earns “premier” status among paddlers. Its path tracks 240 miles north to south, from Forest County to Winnebago County. A super-rugged 37-mile upper stretch between Lily and Big Smokey Falls is not for rookies. [caption id="attachment_1922" align="alignright" width="330"] Eagle Harbor Inn[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1920" align="alignleft" width="262"] White Gull Inn[/caption]                     After a wild day on either river, head to a peaceful B&B in the adjacent Door County, separated from Forest and Marinette counties by another body of water, Green Bay. Enjoy White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, a historic coastal village with a natural harbor that separates it from Peninsula State Park , and Eagle Harbor Inn, who are proud to be part of the landscape of picturesque Ephraim. You can also find a complete list of Door County Inns on the WBBA website.  

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

  Here in Wisconsin, we love all four seasons, and that includes the frosty offerings of winter. Candlelight cross-country ski events are a peaceful way to embrace the snow, while fat biking on frozen lakes produces a more adrenaline-spiking high.

As antidote to the hustle and the bustle of the season, try a candlelight cross-country ski in Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources maintains a master list of those events going on around the state into March: http://dnr.wi.gov/calendar/events/parks/index.asp?caudience=Candlelight.

Let’s take a quick look at January gatherings: [caption id="attachment_2184" align="alignleft" width="271"] Bowman's Oak Hill Garden Cottage Bed[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2190" align="alignright" width="300"] Country Comfort at Valley Springs Farm[/caption]                 The Jan. 6 ski, hike and snowshoe at Mirror Lake State Park near Wisconsin Dells is sure to be serene just like the setting itself. Spend the night at Bowman’s Oak Hill B&B or Valley Springs Farm B&B to continue the quiet vibe. [caption id="attachment_1621" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Getaway at the Honeybee Inn[/caption] On Jan. 20 there’s a candlelight hike at the Horicon Marsh in Horicon, a natural treasure in the state. There will be candlelit trails, a roaring bonfire, owl talks, and crafts. Reserve a suite at the Honeybee Inn B&B and be enveloped in luxury. The breakfasts are phenomenal too. [caption id="attachment_2188" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An Evening at the Stewart Inn[/caption] Then, on Jan. 27, Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau hosts a candlelight snowshoe hike. After being inspired by the natural beauty of the park, you’ll be inspired by the stunning workmanship of the Stewart Inn arts & crafts mansion. Now, if you’re into biking in the warm weather months and looking for a way to extend your season, give fat tire biking a whirl. Cruise on soft snowy terrain or take to frozen lakes for a twist on two-wheeling. [caption id="attachment_2111" align="alignright" width="284"] Fat Tire Winter Biking[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2186" align="alignleft" width="285"] Snowshoe Group with Bay Point Inn[/caption]                 In Newport State Park on the Door County peninsula, the two-mile bike trail loop provides scenery and a workout. Relax after your ride at Bay Point Inn in Egg Harbor, where the accommodations will remind you of a European vacation villa on the water. [caption id="attachment_2192" align="aligncenter" width="371"] Crystal River Inn Winter Night[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2191" align="alignright" width="291"] Winter Lights with Green Fountain Inn[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2182" align="alignleft" width="300"] Apple Tree Lane B&B Through the Snow-Covered Trees[/caption]                   The third annual Fat Tire Bike Race in Waupaca is set for January 27, coinciding with their annual Pond Hockey Classic tournament which runs all weekend. Whether a rider or spectator, there’s a room waiting for you at Crystal River Inn B&B, an 1853 farmstead set on the banks of the Crystal River that is Travel Green Wisconsin certified. Nearby inns also include Apple Tree Lane B&B, where the elegant parlor's cozy wood stove invites you to sit a spell around her warmth, and the Green Fountain Inn, with decor and furnishings reminiscent of the grandeur of the 1920s.  

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?