This winter, live in a storybook for an hour as you glide on the snow trails behind a horse-drawn sleigh. Or take a mini vacation to a bed and breakfast tucked away in the woods to escape everyday realities. Whatever your fancy, treat yourself to a taste of the winter wonderfulness that Wisconsin has to offer.
Whether or not you are ready for winter, be prepared—it's right around the corner. Get this winter started out right by doing something to keep you occupied despite the wintry weather. Instead of moaning about the cold, take a chance to experience the wonderful Wisconsin winterland. There are many things to do, but this winter, try something out of the ordinary. Say for example, a warm and cozy stay at a bed and breakfast or a sleigh ride through the fresh snow-covered woods. Or why not even try a combo of the two?
Wisconsin is a perfect place to get out and explore. However, if you're looking for a relaxing getaway after finals or a place to hang out over winter break, a bed and breakfast is the perfect place to start. There is a vast array of options available in order to suit your desires for a tranquil getaway.
Sure, bed and breakfasts are what you think of when your parents go away for the weekend or a couple goes somewhere on their honeymoon. But in fact, bed and breakfasts are for anyone to use throughout the year. Bed and breakfasts are situated all over the state in various settings—including, but definitely not limited to, overlooking a body of water, nestled away in the forest, in a small town in the middle of nowhere or near lights of an urban center. The activities to do while away are just as endless. Based on the location of the bed and breakfast where you are staying, it can be near museums, art galleries, shopping centers, restaurants and even outdoor activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowmobile, fishing or hiking. The choice is ultimately up to you and how you define a relaxing time.
""Everyone has a favorite place they like to go to,"" said Valerie Davis, public relations representative for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. ""Bed and breakfast goers are generally already doing something, often to withdraw or relax in their own way. By nature, bed and breakfasts are non-planned.""
The Franklin Street Inn in Appleton, Wis. is the perfect place to get away for a few days. It is far enough away from the city, but close enough that you can still get your fill of city life. The antiquely decorated Franklin Street Inn offers several luxurious amenities such as private baths, cable TV, comfortable beds, delightful breakfasts and a wraparound porch complete with a fireplace. The Franklin Street Inn also offers on-site massages, murder mystery dinners and is just minutes from museums, shopping and fine restaurants.
Even if all you want to do this winter is escape from your dingy studio apartment or your annoying roommate for a couple days, a bed and breakfast is the perfect opportunity to sit in your room and relax or get out and investigate the area that you're staying in.
If bed and breakfasts aren't exactly what you had in mind for the weekend, or instead just want to take a short trip away from everyday life, think about trying a sleigh ride. Horse-drawn sleigh rides (yes, like those from the good ol' days) are all around state and ready to take you on a cruise through the woods or along the lakeshore to gaze at the stars. Depending on the size of your party, you can get sleigh rides that accommodate up to 30 people. Or if you prefer a cozy ride with just your special someone, they have cute little sleighs made especially for you. Some sleigh rides are destination bound and some are free course.
Park Place Coach and Sleigh is located in Edgerton, Wis., approximately 30 minutes away from Madison. Park Place Coach and Sleigh offers many different types of horse-drawn rides ranging from carriage rides to group sleigh rides for nearly any event imaginable, such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. For a ride in the brisk winter air, you're able to choose a ride in one of two sleighs. A Russian sleigh is perfect for a smaller group or a romantic ride with your sweetie, and bobsleighs are accommodating for large groups. When the ride is over, they have a delightful little party house with a roasting fire waiting for you to warm up in.
Either way, be sure to dress for the weather and bringing a blanket or four along probably wouldn't be a bad idea.
Check out our picks for the best bed & breakfast and sleigh rides around the state:
The Franklin Street Inn: 418 W. Franklin St.,
Appleon, Wis.
920-993-1711, http://www.franklinstreetinn.com/index.html
Harris Lake Bed & Breakfast: 6182 East Harris Lake Rd.,
Winchester, Wis.
715-686-2422, harrislakebb@centurytel.net
Apple Grove Inn: 85095 Highway 13,
Bayfield, Wis.
715-779-9558, kathy@applegroveinn.net
Mill House on Main: 203 E. Main St.,
La Valle, Wis.
608-985-7900, lynda@mwt.net
Park Place Coach & Sleigh: 617 Bingham Rd.,
Edgerton, Wis.
608-884-7585, http://www.myppcs.com/
Cabin Ridge Rides: 4271 220th St.,
Cadott, Wis.
715-723-9537
Swiss Shire Farm: 626 19th St.,
Chetek, Wis.
715-837-1102
Mustang Manor Riding Stables: N1085 Groeler Rd,
Fort Atkinson, Wis.
920-563-3232
