Wisconsin Weekends for Lovers
1. Washington Island
Washington Island is as far North as you can go and still be in Wisconsin. Approximately 7 miles off the west coast of Door County, in a land once inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians, this six-by-five mile island rests in an area playfully nicknamed “North of the Tension Line”. To get here, you’ll have to make a safe passage across a body of water called Death’s Door (or Port des Mortes, as the early French settlers called it) but the trip is worth the bouncy 30-minute ferry ride. You can bring a rental car, bike or go on foot. And while everything you need is within walking distance, consider transportation if you want to experience the entire shore-hugging road that circles 30-square miles.
You won’t find a more tranquil place in the entire Midwest. Life is slow and enjoyable – so if time seems to stand still, it’s not your imagination. You won’t find big night clubs, tour buses or huge crowds here. The only thing that might wake you up in the morning is Mother Nature herself. There are motels, inns, B&Bs and private homes to suit every budget, but they fill up fast. Early planning is the key to the best choice of price ranges. The town itself is very small, with a population of only 700. The town boasts more than 100 small businesses including a hardware store, grocery store, recreation center, swimming pool, library, gas station, several taverns and a great little selection of restaurants. Both emergency & clinic care are readily available, so those with chronic medical conditions need not worry.
Don’t forget to swing by the Washington Island Farm Museum for a glimpse at early pioneering life. And if you enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, biking, skiing, snowmobiling and hiking – check out Rock Island State Park, Schoolhouse Beach, Sand Dune Beach, Red Barn Park, Jackson Harbor Ridges and Percy Johnson County Park. Maps and directions are provided at most establishments and local residents are more than happy to set you off in the right direction if you get lost.
2. Justin Trails Resort and Cabins
Located in Monroe County, the lazy green countryside of western Wisconsin, Justin Cabins will have you in the heart of an area known as the Bicycling Capital of America. Of course, you don’t need to go biking. In fact, after you see the inside of your cabin, you might not even venture out to see the shops & delights of the historic town of Sparta. This remote escape is first-class luxury all the way. Even in the dead of winter, your breakfast will be carried through the snow and delivered piping-hot to your cabin door. Everything is fresh, made from scratch and cooked up especially for you and yours. You’ll definitely want to keep this place in mind for those extra-special occasions.
The hardest choice in this neck of the woods will be selecting the right cabin for you. First, there’s the 1920’s Foursquare House, also called the farmhouse, which once belonged to the owner’s grandparents. It was constructed in a traditional American-style first developed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with a floor plan once sold by Sears Roebuck. There are 4 suites, two of which are en suite and all feature individual controls for heat and a/c. The huge Maple tree outside gives the whole house a “Walton’s” kind of feeling.
The other cabins are completely private. They include the Paul Bunyan, which sleeps up to six and features a gas fireplace, skylights, a balcony over a garden and a wood shake roof. The Granary was once used to store barley, rye, oats and wheat. Now it’s a beautiful cozy cabin featuring a queen size bed and two twins, a corner fireplace, a whirlpool tub and Amish-bent hickory rockers. The Little House on the Prairie is a solid hand-built retreat made of Jack Pine and assembled like a Lincoln Log cabin. The interior is breath-taking, with warm twinkling lights year-round and a large whirlpool in the loft. You’ll enjoy a queen size bed and two twins on the first floor, but the most delightful pleasure is a small window in the loft that allows you to watch the snow falling while cuddling in the hot tub.
As far as activities go, you can enjoy an on-site massage, bird-watching, golfing, a hike around the pond or a stroll through more than 10 miles of trails, a cookout, and, of course, biking and x-country skiing.
3. The American Club
It’s the Midwest’s only AAA 5-diamond resort and it’s located in the town of Kohler, in the heart of Wisconsin. This small town is home to the Kohler Company, a world-renowned family business. Everything in Kohler is done with class and a stay at The American Club is nothing short of heaven on earth for lovers. If you’ve been saving your pennies for a rainy day, this club will have you doing a rain dance. Your best bet is to select an escape from an inclusive getaway package. Romantic retreats are available year-round. Packages include two nights for two guests, dinner for two, a 50-minute massage for each, complementary wine served with The American Club keepsake flutes, Kohler truffles and even a long-stem rose for the lady. You’ll also have access to a private health and fitness club, an unmatched water spa featuring an incredible glass-enclosed rooftop deck with a whirlpool, fireplace and lounge, and tea served daily with cardamom cookies in the American Club library.
Guests can expect to feel very pampered. You and your partner will enjoy the baby grand piano echoing down the halls as you walk the grounds. Pop into the Horse & Plow restaurant for a fresh salad, sandwich, or one of the 90 regional beers in stock. You can also wander into the Immigrant Winery to experience a European-style wine cellar. To get the most out of your experience, try to book your weekend around Kohler’s famous Food & Wine Experience. It’s a free 3-day event in late October offering demonstrations, seminars and wine-tasting by renowned chefs and vintners. The tasty samples of cheese and wine will surely spoil your dinner. The event always includes live music and lots of window shopping. Other events to try to schedule for are the Holiday Market, A Celebration of Chocolate, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check with the hotel for details.
