The #DWcrew loves bed and breakfasts ... so much that we recently aired an entire episode about them. If you've never stayed at one, you are seriously missing out. From Victorian to farm, historic to contemporary, they come in all styles. Ready to seek the unique? Here are just a handful of the state's exceptional B&Bs:
Honeybee Inn Bed & Breakfast (Horicon)
Kicking our B&B tour off in Dodge County, Honeybee Inn and Breakfast is tucked away in Horicon just blocks from Horicon Marsh and Wild Goose State Trail. During the wintertime, enjoy an Epicurean breakfast served in the dining room by candlelight. Visiting during the summer? Sit back and relax on the wicker veranda. Don't forget to say hello to their friendly greeter: Inn dog, Rocky, a Cockapoo.
Inn at Pine Terrace (Oconomowoc)
I love me some good ol' history and Oconomowoc's Inn at Pine Terrace has quite the backstory. This three-story mansion - also called "Mon Bijou" (translation: My Jewel) - was built in 1879 and modeled after the design of a French nobleman's castle near Vienna. It is lovely and lavish and claims a renovated interior, hand-carved woodwork, exquisite furnishings and superb wall coverings. The home has been host to some pretty prominent folks including Mark Twain, several American presidents and many of the nation's beer-brewing elite, including the Miller, Anheuser, Busch and Pabst families.
Inn at Wawanissee Point (Baraboo)
First, let's discuss the Inn at Wawanissee Point's captivating location: It's situated atop a pristine, 42-acre, wooded estate in the nationally renowned Baraboo Hills. The moment you walk through the grand doors of this stunningly beautiful home, you're greeted first by the innkeeper and then by a 180-degree, panoramic view of the Lake Wisconsin valley. On a clear day, you'll even spot the state's Capitol dome in Madison 45-plus miles away. This bed and breakfast is also conveniently located adjacent to Devil's Lake State Park and Devil's Head Ski and Golf Resort and is just a short drive from several other wonderful destinations such as Wollersheim Winery, Mirror Lake State Park, International Crane Foundation, Ho-Chunk Casino, Circus World Museum and American Players Theatre.
Lake Orchard Farm Retreat (Sheboygan)
If you're all about a unique, authentically Wisconsin experience, Lake Orchard Farm Retreat in Sheboygan is perfect. On one side of the property is an on-site nine-hole golf course. On the other side, is the magnificent Lake Michigan. But the views indoors are just as impressive: Here you'll find four luxurious rooms, a clubhouse with a bar and pool table and much more. Stroll the wonderful farm and take in all of the seasonal recreational opportunities like hiking, snowshoeing, golf and more.
Old Rittenhouse Inn (Bayfield)
Making our way to the top of the state, we find ourselves at the doorstep of the Old Rittenhouse Inn in the charming little town of Bayfield. This B&B is home to 20 distinctive and incredibly unique guest rooms. Take in every detail because the décor in each room is awe-inspiring. You know what else is tremendous? Old Rittenhouse Inn's on-site dining at their award-winning restaurant. These meals are divine. The inn is also located just blocks from Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands so don't leave Bayfield without squeezing in some time for sailing, boating, swimming, fishing and more.
The Livingston Inn (Madison)
The Livingston Inn in Wisconsin's capital city is not only a unique place to stay but also an important landmark in the history of Madison: Two of the city's first mayors - William T. Leitch and Moses R. Doyon - lived in the house from 1857-1881 and 1881-1902, respectively. You'll feel as regal as ever when you experience this gorgeous bed and breakfast and its nine fireplaces, 11-foot first-floor ceilings, daily maid service, lake access and stunning architectural details throughout the historic home.
On the hunt for more unique bed and breakfasts? Search for your favorite at WBBA.org.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
Honeybee Inn Bed & Breakfast (Horicon)
Kicking our B&B tour off in Dodge County, Honeybee Inn and Breakfast is tucked away in Horicon just blocks from Horicon Marsh and Wild Goose State Trail. During the wintertime, enjoy an Epicurean breakfast served in the dining room by candlelight. Visiting during the summer? Sit back and relax on the wicker veranda. Don't forget to say hello to their friendly greeter: Inn dog, Rocky, a Cockapoo.
Inn at Pine Terrace (Oconomowoc)
I love me some good ol' history and Oconomowoc's Inn at Pine Terrace has quite the backstory. This three-story mansion - also called "Mon Bijou" (translation: My Jewel) - was built in 1879 and modeled after the design of a French nobleman's castle near Vienna. It is lovely and lavish and claims a renovated interior, hand-carved woodwork, exquisite furnishings and superb wall coverings. The home has been host to some pretty prominent folks including Mark Twain, several American presidents and many of the nation's beer-brewing elite, including the Miller, Anheuser, Busch and Pabst families.
Inn at Wawanissee Point (Baraboo)
First, let's discuss the Inn at Wawanissee Point's captivating location: It's situated atop a pristine, 42-acre, wooded estate in the nationally renowned Baraboo Hills. The moment you walk through the grand doors of this stunningly beautiful home, you're greeted first by the innkeeper and then by a 180-degree, panoramic view of the Lake Wisconsin valley. On a clear day, you'll even spot the state's Capitol dome in Madison 45-plus miles away. This bed and breakfast is also conveniently located adjacent to Devil's Lake State Park and Devil's Head Ski and Golf Resort and is just a short drive from several other wonderful destinations such as Wollersheim Winery, Mirror Lake State Park, International Crane Foundation, Ho-Chunk Casino, Circus World Museum and American Players Theatre.
Lake Orchard Farm Retreat (Sheboygan)
If you're all about a unique, authentically Wisconsin experience, Lake Orchard Farm Retreat in Sheboygan is perfect. On one side of the property is an on-site nine-hole golf course. On the other side, is the magnificent Lake Michigan. But the views indoors are just as impressive: Here you'll find four luxurious rooms, a clubhouse with a bar and pool table and much more. Stroll the wonderful farm and take in all of the seasonal recreational opportunities like hiking, snowshoeing, golf and more.
Old Rittenhouse Inn (Bayfield)
Making our way to the top of the state, we find ourselves at the doorstep of the Old Rittenhouse Inn in the charming little town of Bayfield. This B&B is home to 20 distinctive and incredibly unique guest rooms. Take in every detail because the décor in each room is awe-inspiring. You know what else is tremendous? Old Rittenhouse Inn's on-site dining at their award-winning restaurant. These meals are divine. The inn is also located just blocks from Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands so don't leave Bayfield without squeezing in some time for sailing, boating, swimming, fishing and more.
The Livingston Inn (Madison)
The Livingston Inn in Wisconsin's capital city is not only a unique place to stay but also an important landmark in the history of Madison: Two of the city's first mayors - William T. Leitch and Moses R. Doyon - lived in the house from 1857-1881 and 1881-1902, respectively. You'll feel as regal as ever when you experience this gorgeous bed and breakfast and its nine fireplaces, 11-foot first-floor ceilings, daily maid service, lake access and stunning architectural details throughout the historic home.
On the hunt for more unique bed and breakfasts? Search for your favorite at WBBA.org.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.