All right, fellas (ladies too), I know romanticism doesn't always come easy, but we're here to help. We (with the help of our friends at Something Special from Wisconsin) have come up with some romantic date ideas to check out with your significant other. And we won't even tell your S.O. you had help - you're welcome.
1. Devils Lake Lavender Cafe, Spa, Farmstay Motel
Devils Lake Lavender Company is the perfect romantic getaway, complete with a Medical Spa, cafe and Midwest Farmstay Motel. It's located in a beautiful setting just one mile west of Devils Lake State Park - a gorgeous atmosphere for couples to relax in.
2. Trout Springs Winery
What better drink of choice for a romantic getaway than wine? And what better wine than a local one? Trout Springs Winery is owned by husband and wife duo Steve and Andrea DeBaker and offers every variation of wine you can imagine. Visit the tasting room in Greenleaf as a romantic date and order a bottle to be shipped to your address.
3. Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association
Plan a romantic getaway right here in Wisconsin with the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association. There's a quality, affordable bed and breakfast in every region of the state, and if you don't have time for a getaway now, purchase a B&B Gift Card to redeem later at any Wisconsin B&B Association member Inn.
4. Vetro Winery
Yep, more wine. This family's tradition of winemaking began in Sicily more than 125 years ago and was passed down through generations. Vetro Winery continues to thrive in the quaint, relaxing country setting in Jefferson. Take your better half for a wine tasting or order wines and customized gift boxes for delivery.
5. Peninsula Players Theater
While the theater is always a classic date destination, this one is nestled in the woods and under the stars. As the warmer months approach, pick out one of the five shows coming to Peninsula Players Theater this summer and enjoy.
6. Bauer-Kearns Winery
You can never have too much wine. OK, I suppose you can. But variety is the spice of life, and Bauer-Kearns Winery adds to our wine variety. Ted and Helen Kearns' winery is located just 4 miles northeast of Platteville, and free tastings are conducted during open hours or by appointment, and tours are also available.
7. The Edgewater
The Edgewater in Madison hosts live music every Saturday during the summer. Live music, beautiful sunsets and drinks ... not a bad date if you ask me. Stay tuned at theedgewater.com for the live music lineup.
8. Door Peninsula Winery
Plan a romantic getaway to Door County, and make sure to stop at Door Peninsula Winery while you're there. The winery has been around for 40 years and has the largest selection of wines in Wisconsin, set in a picturesque location. Try 45 different wines at the two tasting bars, or order a bottle (or two) on the website.
What are your favorite romantic date ideas in Wisconsin? Share with us on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
1. Devils Lake Lavender Cafe, Spa, Farmstay Motel
Devils Lake Lavender Company is the perfect romantic getaway, complete with a Medical Spa, cafe and Midwest Farmstay Motel. It's located in a beautiful setting just one mile west of Devils Lake State Park - a gorgeous atmosphere for couples to relax in.
2. Trout Springs Winery
What better drink of choice for a romantic getaway than wine? And what better wine than a local one? Trout Springs Winery is owned by husband and wife duo Steve and Andrea DeBaker and offers every variation of wine you can imagine. Visit the tasting room in Greenleaf as a romantic date and order a bottle to be shipped to your address.
3. Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association
Plan a romantic getaway right here in Wisconsin with the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association. There's a quality, affordable bed and breakfast in every region of the state, and if you don't have time for a getaway now, purchase a B&B Gift Card to redeem later at any Wisconsin B&B Association member Inn.
4. Vetro Winery
Yep, more wine. This family's tradition of winemaking began in Sicily more than 125 years ago and was passed down through generations. Vetro Winery continues to thrive in the quaint, relaxing country setting in Jefferson. Take your better half for a wine tasting or order wines and customized gift boxes for delivery.
5. Peninsula Players Theater
While the theater is always a classic date destination, this one is nestled in the woods and under the stars. As the warmer months approach, pick out one of the five shows coming to Peninsula Players Theater this summer and enjoy.
6. Bauer-Kearns Winery
You can never have too much wine. OK, I suppose you can. But variety is the spice of life, and Bauer-Kearns Winery adds to our wine variety. Ted and Helen Kearns' winery is located just 4 miles northeast of Platteville, and free tastings are conducted during open hours or by appointment, and tours are also available.
7. The Edgewater
The Edgewater in Madison hosts live music every Saturday during the summer. Live music, beautiful sunsets and drinks ... not a bad date if you ask me. Stay tuned at theedgewater.com for the live music lineup.
8. Door Peninsula Winery
Plan a romantic getaway to Door County, and make sure to stop at Door Peninsula Winery while you're there. The winery has been around for 40 years and has the largest selection of wines in Wisconsin, set in a picturesque location. Try 45 different wines at the two tasting bars, or order a bottle (or two) on the website.
What are your favorite romantic date ideas in Wisconsin? Share with us on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.