One of the most interesting and unique features of the Crystal River Inn Bed and Breakfast is that they have a beautiful labyrinth right on their property in the short grass prairie.  This is a seven circuit labyrinth consisting of prairie grass and flowers.  This style of classic labyrinth dates back thousands of years and has offered many the opportunity to find self reflection and meditation.  Innkeepers Deb and Robert offer a guided labyrinth walk and talk for guests to come and learn about what makes the labyrinth so special.  The Red Chair found walking the labyrinth each morning was a great way to start the day!

The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Aviation Museum is a unique museum that displays historic, antique and experimental aircrafts.  The EAA brings in almost one million people to Oshkosh the last week in July each year.  Red wanted so badly to catch a ride on one of the experimental aircrafts. Some though were just too big for Red to jump in so Red had to stay put on the floor next to some of the other historic planes in the museum.  It was truly fascinating learning the history and importance of these aviation inventions and it was a stop Red highly recommends to others who find them selves in Oshkosh, WI.

Innkeepers of the Franklin Street Inn made sure that the Red Chair  spent time down by Fox River riverfront at Lutz Park to learn all about and view the unique locks.  The Fox River and its locks system are the only available network for transporting large quantities of commercial goods prior to the railroad.  Once the locks were opened, the area economy boomed, and 24 steamers per week came to port in Appleton by 1857.
The Red Chair also learned about the power of the river and the various dams built in the area to harness the power from the river. Appleton became a national leader in developing hydroelectric power for incandescent lighting to local homes and businesses. The Vulcan Hydroelectric Central Station boasts several first, including the first commercially successful electric trolley system, which operated in Appleton from 1886-1930. 
Red took some time to read about the history of the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway that linked Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. The Waterway allowed boats to bring new settlers, as well as manufactured goods, more readily to Appleton and the Fox Valley region as well as other parts of Wisconsin. Narrow steamboats were specially built to navigate the river’s narrow and often overgrown channels back then. 
Red loved visiting Appleton and learning all  about the Fox River and its locks system as well as other firsts in hydroelectricity and the many influences the Fox River has had on Appleton and the Fox Cities.

Late April in Manawa, WI and the Red Chair is all about being outside and loving the longer days full of sunshine!  While staying at the Lindsay House Bed and Breakfast, innkeepers Judy and Tim suggested Red check out the nearby Wolf River, Little Wolf River Walking Trail and the Pat Wade Memorial Trail.  Wolf river offers all kinds of fun activities from fishing to kayaking and canoeing, plus in the summer whitewater rafting is available!  The walking trails offer several miles of walking trails that wind through the beautiful areas in and around Manawa.  For our Red it was a great opportunity to enjoy the spring weather and get to experience an exciting new place.