When slushy roads make the rush hour even more slow and painful than usual and the forecast calls for 100 percent chance of early morning shoveling, the long Wisconsin winter can seem like a drag.
You might be counting down the days until spring, but don't let it discourage you. Think of it this way, you've still got plenty of time left to get out of town and enjoy the more beautiful and fun-filled aspects of the season. Here are a handful of reasons to pack up the family, the friends or just that special someone and experience winter's wonderful advantages.
Forest Moon Bed & Breakfast
12546 W. County Hwy OO, Hayward, (715) 638-2529
forestmoonbb.com
It's a rustic, wood cabin with cozy rooms with vaulted ceilings and log walls, and homemade breakfast brought to you by hosts Carol and Lenny. Looking for outdoor adventure?
The famous Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Trail is only one mile away. Guests can ski, hike, bike and snowmobile right from the back door, and the inn is close to the numerous shops and restaurants in Hayward, Cable and Seeley.
The French Country Inn
W4190 West End Rd., Lake Geneva, (262) 245-5220
frenchcountryinn.com
What was formerly an old European-style hotel has been restored into a
charming wooded 33-room retreat featuring several winter activities,
including ice skating, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, ice fishing,
sledding, skiing and snowmobiling. Complimentary breakfast is included.
Old Rittenhouse Inn
301 Rittenhouse Ave., Bayfield, (715) 779-5111
rittenhouseinn.com
Maybe your idea of a mid-winter getaway doesn't involve snow boots or long underwear. The private cottage at the historic inn is perfect for just the two of you with a wood-burning fireplace, wet bar, king bed, double-seating jacuzzi tub and private bath with a shower. Soft, fuzzy robes are provided for use during your stay. If you feel the urge to leave, the Bayfield Winery has wine tastings and wonderful winter views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.
Seth Peterson Cottage
400 Viking Dr., Reedsburg, (877) 466-2358
sethpeterson.org
It's not exactly your typical Northwoods cabin. This Frank Lloyd
Wright-designed cottage is a work of art that's just as beautiful as
its view of Mirror Lake. You'll need good luck getting in during
summer, but snow lovers will enjoy the 20 miles of sculpted
cross-country trails surrounding it. The cabin sleeps up to four
people.
Wild Eagle Lodge on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes
4443 Chain O' Lakes Rd., Eagle River, (715) 479-3151
wildeaglelodge.com
This lodge is nestled in the woods that line the world's largest chain
of freshwater inland lakes. The year-round outdoor activities are
endless for the whole family, and winter is an especially fun time to
visit. From the miles of snowmobiling trails, to snowshoe rentals to
the dense forest pathways perfect for cross-country skiing, you're sure
to tire out only to return to a warm fireplace or whirl pool. If you
happen to plan your trip over Feb. 20 and 21, you'll be there for Klondike Days, a family-oriented event featuring turn-of-the-century activities.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
