A new map for Bikers & B&B goers 31 May 2012, 12:15 pm
Last week we shared with you that Madison was just rated the fifth most bikeable city in the United States.
Finding scenic bike trails throughout Wisconsin is easy too … it’s deciding which one to ride that’s tough. A trip thru tunnels and countryside? A spin on an urban riverfront trail? Nearly flat rail trails or a rolling forest trail?
Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for its thousands of miles of on & off road bike trails & scenic paths, and we’re a leader in converting rails to trails.
We make it easy for you to B&B&B – that’s Bed & Breakfast & Biking, of course. Our bike trail map shows the asphalt or crushed limestone trails (no roads) that are accessed within 10 miles of a B&B city. Of course, many bike trails are just a few blocks from a B&B. Your innkeeper will be delighted to recommend the best routes.
Madison Continues to Rack Up Bike-Friendly Honors 24 May 2012, 12:55 pm
Madison was just rated the fifth most bikeable city in the United States by Bike Score, a quantitative measurement of locations based on availability of bike lanes and infrastructure, hilliness, amenities and percent of people who bike to work. Check out the “heat map” that shows areas best for biking in green and those areas not so accommodating in orange and red. It would be fitting to stay at a Travel Green Wisconsin certified B&B when in Madison if you’re there to bike, don’t you agree? There’s a nice trio to choose from: Annie’s B&B, Speckled Hen Inn, and Token Creek Eco-Inn.
Carry On the Craft Beer Week Celebration 24 May 2012, 12:36 pm
Did you quaff a glass of your favorite Wisconsin craft beer last week?
Then, technically, you were doing your part to celebrate American Craft Beer Week, which puts the spotlight on America’s small and independent craft brewers, recognizing their contributions to American culture. As B&B owners, we feel a certain kinship with these brewmasters – we’re all artisans of our trade, value being independent, and live life to the fullest. Mind if we recommend a few of our favorite craft beers? When staying at a B&B in the Milwaukee area, take a tour of Lakefront Brewery and try their “Wisconsinite” brew, a weiss-style beer made with Wisconsin-grown ingredients including a new native Wisconsin yeast strain believed to be the only North American-grown yeast in commercial use today. When in Stevens Point, take a tour of the Stevens Point Brewery and then make a point to try a seasonal Nude Beach Summer Wheat. To really tempt you, click on this link to all the microbreweries in the state.
Follow Water Street from your accommodations at A Victorian Swan on Water in Stevens Point to the Point Brewery ... its a pleasant walk of about 8 blocks. Relax in the 2-person sauna or sip a "Nude Beach" brew while relaxing on your balcony.
Musings on Fishing, Food and Father’s Day 18 May 2012, 3:45 pm
Fishing season is officially underway in Wisconsin, which is music to anglers’ ears. If you’d like to give the sport a try, take advantage of the free statewide fishing weekend June 2-3. Then, if you’re hooked, purchase a fishing license online. Just for fun, we did a search for B&Bs that serve a full breakfast (translate that to hearty, homemade and satisfying) and tout their proximity to fishing. More than 100 inns matched the search criteria. Which led us to think – what if you slipped those search results inside one of our Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association gift certificates and presented to Dad for Father’s Day. As far as Father’s Day gifts go, seems like the catch of the day to us!
At the Mecan River House B&B in Coloma, a river does run through it! Trout fisherman can walk right down to the Mecan River, a #1 trout fishing stream that runs length of the property, with many DNR newly created holes for trout to gather. At the end of the day, relax with complimentary beverages / wine.
Class A Baseball in Wisconsin 17 May 2012, 4:42 am
Janesville's Scarlette House, is in the heart of the Court House Hill Neighborood - the entire area is on the National Register. And, 25% of Wisconsin'sNational Register homes are in Janesville. Walk to antique shops and restaurants ... and of course, make the Scarlette House your home-base for taking in Beloit Snapper games!
Our Milwaukee Brewers are beloved here in Wisconsin, but we also have an affinity for the Class ‘A’ clubs – namely the Appleton Timber Rattlers (the Class A affiliate of the Brewers) and the Beloit Snappers (the Class A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins). Their games are not only a bargain, they’re great fun and you get to see the stars of tomorrow. For Rattlers’ games, stay at The Roost B&B or Franklin Street Inn. If you’re taking in a Snappers’ game, try the Scarlett House in nearby Janesville.
Wisconsin B&Bs Call for a Vote – Doilies or No Doilies 10 May 2012, 10:04 am
We’ve been on a mission lately to dispel misconceptions about B&B travel, and that includes the myth that all inns are old or old-fashioned. To that end, we bring you “Doily Decision 2012.” Cast your vote – pro-doily (perfectly apropos for those who favor sophisticated, historically significant inns) or no-doily (contemporary styling all the way, and there are lots of inns like this too) – at our facebook page . The polling closes May 29, with the final tally to be announced June 1. By voting, your name will also be entered in a drawing for a gift basket filled with items that faithfully represent today’s B&B experience, with myth-busting treasures like spa robe, high-end pillow, artist-created coffee mugs, iPod, and a $150 gift certificate good for a getaway to the member B&B of your choice!
Floating An Idea for a Spring Getaway 7 May 2012, 11:14 am
Have you ever gone whitewater rafting? In Wisconsin, now’s the time, as spring is when the rivers are high with meltwater and spring rains. We recommend the Peshtigo River, which offers a nice, long stretch of active whitewater. Inns located in north-eastern WI include Lakeside B&B in Florence and Inn at Pinewood in Eagle River. The Wolf River has Class II and Class III rapids, great for experienced paddlers looking for a rush. Crandon’s Courthouse Square B&B and Marinette’s Lauerman House Inn, M&M Victorian Inn and Riverside Manor B&B are closest to outfitters along the Wolf.
The Trifecta of B&B Myths 3 May 2012, 4:02 pm
Oh, there are B&B myths aplenty out there, but the trifecta has to be beds/bath/privacy. Let’s elaborate.
First, the beds – they are not old and squeaky. That myth seems to persist because there are lots of historic inns in Wisconsin. Just remember, historic does not equal old and squeaky.
Next, the bath – B&Bs have private baths. No shared bathrooms anymore. Looking for a spa-quality designer bath? Try Westphal Mansion Inn B&B in Hartford, Speckled Hen Inn in Madison, or The Roost B&B in Appleton.
Finally, privacy – innkeepers do not make their living hovering. You will be left alone. Whether that’s at breakfast, on the front porch hammock, in the library, watching a movie, strolling the gardens…well, you get the picture.
Whew, we feel better now, and hope you do too!
Which Wisconsin City Was Named the Most Romantic in America? 20 Apr 2012, 1:32 pm
La Crosse, Wisconsin is known for its state parks, dynamite bike trails and cruises on the mighty Mississippi. And for being the most romantic city in America. This sweet honor was bestowed by Redbox, the movie rental company, based on the number of romantic comedy DVD rentals from the city. Looking for a La Crosse B&B getaway that has romance written all over it? Try the Wilson Schoolhouse Inn, an old school house that rents to one party only, so you’ll have the entire inn to yourself. The Four Gables B&B is on the National Register of Historic Places, with suites furnished with couples in mind. In nearby Onalaska, the Lumber Baron Inn, also on the National Register, will make you feel like the royal newlyweds with their afternoon high tea, plus all the bedrooms have views of Lake Onalaska. We’re thinking a B&B weekend in La Crosse could be a great anniversary gift to the one you love, hint, hint.
Steeped in tradition, The Lumber Baron in Onalaska near La Crosse has been serving the Victorian tradition of Afternoon Tea for over a decade. Sandy works her magic, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience - from your very first sip of our secret Tea blend tea, right through to her freshly baked biscuits served with heavy cream and strawberry preserves.
B&Bs That Believe Earth Day is Every Day 19 Apr 2012, 12:12 pm
We have an especially soft spot for Earth Day (it’s April 22) here in Wisconsin. Maybe it’s because the force behind the first Earth Day was Wisconsin’s own Senator Gaylord Nelson. Or because of our state’s proud farming heritage (you can even stay at a B&B on a working farm) and abundant natural resources. Here at the Wisconsin B&B Association, we have another reason to support Earth Day in a big way – it’s because B&Bs were among the first tourism businesses in the state to step up and be Travel Green Wisconsin certified when the voluntary certification program launched some five years ago, and our lodging segment remains a pioneer yet today in the state’s green movement. If you’re looking for a B&B getaway that will allow your eco-conscience to rest easy without giving up the amenities you love, then choose from any of our Travel Green Wisconsin certified inns. You’ll have nearly 40 to choose from! Happy Earth Day everyone.
Rainbow Ridge Farm B&B, your country farmhouse getaway, is just a stones throw from La Crosse. The comfortable, serene atmosphere at Rainbow Ridge Farms will renew your spirit while you take a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. And, for a different kind of hustle, visit their 'baby animal due date' calendar!