Justin Trails Resort
Sparta, WI
July 5th - 8th, 2017
With summer officially under way after the Fourth of July the Red Chair was ready to get to it! Spending a few days at the Justin Trails Resort was just where the Red Chair wanted to be and couldn't have been more excited. Innkeepers Don and Donna were fantastic hosts and the three had a blast finding unique locations to photograph Red. First off Red just had to meet the resident llamas, Dusty and Rusty, who gladly accepted Red's delicious treats in exchange for a pat. Next it was onto wandering the grounds to see the "Little House on the Prairie" Log Cabin, "Paul Bunyan" log cabin and the Elegant Barn where many couples have said their "I dos" followed by exploring the multipurpose grassy walking trails and the Big Brother Disc Golf Course. Red loved exploring this farm turned resort, Red could tell this place was something truly special. The Red Chair spent the days lounging on the outdoor swing while watching the birds, challenging guests to rounds of disc golf, and walking along the trails while spending the nights sitting by the bonfire and stargazing. What a relaxing few days of sunshine in Sparta, Wisconsin.
Fountain Chateau Bed & Breakfast Inn
Hustler, WI
July 1st - 4th, 2017
Red began its grand sightseeing tour through Juneau County at the newly renovated, historic Fountain Chateau Bed and Breakfast in Hustler, Wisconsin. A traveler's haven in this quiet and historic town, that sits among rolling hills and beautiful bluffs. The Red Chair felt it was just a great spot to refresh and renew the spirit. Upon arrival Red explored the eight unique rooms that each reflected the cultural ambiance of travel, art, music and literature. Finally, Red decided upon none other than fellow Bostonian, Ralph Waldo Emerson's suite. One detail the Red Chair really appreciated when it was on a tour of the property was that the Fountain Chateau Bed and Breakfast has a ramp and elevator to make the inn handicapped friendly! Red learned that Hustler, WI is surrounded by Amish Country and while Red was out and about exploring over the few days it loved seeing the horse drawn buggies trotting down the country road. There are so many attractions to choose from and Red wanted to see them all! First stop was to the Wisconsin National Guard Museum located at Volk field, Camp Douglas. It is housed in one of the former Officer's Quarters built in the late 19th-Century. It also hosts a large air park with many former Air National Guard air-crafts from several states, as well as artillery, helicopters, and tanks formerly of the Wisconsin National Guard. A monument to American Indians serving in previous military actions greets you as you enter the museum. Next it was onto exploring more of the outdoors of central Wisconsin. The Red Chair headed to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge that hosts a variety of habitats ranging from savanna, prairie, wetland, and forest on 44,000 acres. They also have a new Visitor Center where you can taking in sights and sounds of the refuge in the exhibit hall and visit with friendly staff to find the right hiking trail for you. The refuge is home to over 230 bird species and a wide variety of wildlife located in Necedah, WI. Last stop of the day was to the Burr Oak Winery read all about it here. The next day Red and the innkeepers of the Fountain Chateau Bed and Breakfast headed to Mill Bluff State Park to enjoy the spectacular view of the park's mesas, buttes, and pinnacles. Mill Bluff is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and it even has a pond with 2.5 acres of white sand beach available for public swimming! After the Red Chair headed to the Omaha Bike Trail. This 12.5 mile bike trail runs between downtown Camp Douglas and Elroy, passes through the village of Hustler and features an 875-foot-long tunnel built in 1876. This tunnel was built by having one crew working from one side and a Chinese crew working from the other end to meet in the middle after working around the clock using torches and gas lamps. The county-owned and maintained the Omaha Trail connects from Hustler to Elroy with the world famous Elroy-Sparta Trail and the 400 State Trail. After hearing about the inn's annual Valentine's Day special with romantic dinner for two with an in-house harp concert by a local harpist, the Lutefisk & Lefse Buffet in November that features lutefisk, lefse and many other Norwegian specialties, as well as their annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Red would just love to come back to experience these unique events and explore a little more!
Bowman's Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast
Wisconsin Dells, WI
June 28th - 31st, 2017
Although the first official day at Bowman's Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast started off as a rainy one, the second day was just perfect! The Red Chair awoke to an amazing aroma wafting in from the kitchen. Breakfast consisted of gourmet pancakes with lemon sauce, sausage, and raspberry rhubarb cobbler, YUM! Innkeeper Laurie had so many plans for the Red Chair but before the offsite adventures, Red wanted the grand property tour and Innkeeper Russ gladly obliged. Beginning at the front entrance, they then moved onto the interior which included the Oak Hill common room, where all are welcome to spread out and enjoy a movie or use the inn desk, and red quickly subbed in for the original desk chair for a picture. Red's favorite spot was the next room, the sun porch with its many windows! It could just imagine how nice this room would be in wintertime with the fireplace going and the scenery covered in white. Moving on it was time to take a break with some delicious lemonade on the deck and take a moment to enjoy the lovely view of trees, birds and flowers all around. Next it was onto checking out Aunt Geri's cottage, that had a great view of the organic vegetable garden as well as the lovely yellow sundrops. Another picture worthy moment for Red was under the grape arbor and in the background is Bowman's Garden Cottage, another secluded retreat of peace and quite. Walking a little more, Red learned that Bowman's Oak Hill is the proud owner of a 1973 Argosy by Airstream and what is even better is that Red got the chance to stay in it! After the tour Red was ready for lunch and Innkeeper Laurie knew just the place, Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty. After what was an enormous lumberjack lunch, Red felt that it was time to try to work off some of those calories and Innkeeper Laurie took Red to Chimney Rock near Friendship, WI. It was a 20 minute hike up the bluff from the road but with all of the surrounding nature the time flew by. The view from the top was just outstanding and totally worth the hike! Next on the itinerary was a local Duck Tour that reminded Red of the ones back home in Boston. This WWII amphibious army vehicle built in the 1940's brought the Red Chair all over land and lake, while throughout the ride Red learned all about the local history. While the Original Wisconsin Ducks showed Red the lower Dells, Innkeeper Laurie suggested the Upper Dells boat tour to explore the other half! The last stop in the area was to the HH Bennett Studio, read more about that stop here. Red's visit was as usual just too short of a stay but no worries Red is determined to come back again soon, there were too many water parks Red was unable to visit this time around!
Valley Springs Farm Bed & Breakfast
Reedsburg, WI
June 24th - 27th, 2017
The Red Chair LOVED the opportunity to experience the "simple country pleasure" found here at the Valley Springs Farm Bed and Breakfast. Meeting Don and Dorothy Harms, lifelong farmers who welcome guests to their dairy and beef farm to relax in the scenic countryside, was such a pleasure for our Red Chair. The farm and the Harms family has such a unique history and it just fascinated Red to learn that this farm has been in the family for over 135 years! Red received the VIP, behind the scenes tour and learned quite a bit about the day to day chores in caring for cattle. Along with meeting wonderful new hosts Red also made quite a few friends of various ages and species, as you can see in all of the pictures below! Red had the chance to bottle feed a calf, watch a cow being milked, and meet the other farm animals face to face. On the second day the Red Chair awoke to the delicious smell of a homegrown breakfast and gourmet coffee. This place is just so special with the mix of woodlands, pastures, rolling cropland, wetlands and the abundance of wildlife, it made strolling around the property visiting the gardens and orchards such an incredibly pristine experience. The great thing is, is that Valley Springs Farm Bed and Breakfast might be this vast farm but it is also conveniently located to many various recreational, cultural and culinary activities! On the last day Red got the chance to explore Reedsburg and included Harvest Park, a tribute to art and agriculture, biked on the 400 trail, known for all seasons of biking, x-country skiing and hiking, and learned all about the rich history and collections of days gone by at the Pioneer Log Village. Next it was onto dinner at the Touchdown Tavern where Red met the famous red piano. This red piano has made annual appearances during the Fermentation Fest, which celebrates live culture in all its forms. What a whirlwind visit but boy was it fun for our favorite red chair!
Ringling House Bed & Breakfast
Baraboo, WI
June 20th - 23rd, 2017
After driving down the winding and picturesque roads of Baraboo Bluffs, along the Baraboo River Valley and into the city of Baraboo, Red arrived at the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast where Innkeepers Julie and Stuart welcomed the Red Chair to their beautiful yellow and white 1901 colonial revival. Red enjoyed the tour of the property and learned Baraboo is not only home to the Baraboo Bluffs and fast moving Baraboo River, it was once home to the world renowned Ringling Brothers Circus. From 1884 through 1918, Baraboo was the winter quarters for the circus where they underwent repairs, act upgrades and a bit of rest. Of the five brothers who started the circus, three of them built mansions in Baraboo. Today only two mansions still exist, the Charles Ringling House, Ringling House Bed and Breakfast or "Big Yellow" was built by Charles Ringling, one of the founding members of the Ringling Brothers Circus. He sold is house to his brother Henry Ringling around 1917. The mansion remained in Henry Ringling's family until Julie and Stu purchased it in 2015 and converted it into a bed and breakfast. The one acre estate in the middle of Baraboo has four buildings on the property including the main house, carriage house, barn and mother-in-law cottage. Most of the woodwork, stained glass, hardwood floors and decorative plaster ceilings are original to the house. After a great nights sleep, Red awoke to the aroma of coffee wafting through the air. After ascending the grand stairway Red wandered into the dining room where it found an incredible breakfast waiting on the original quarter sawn oak table and chairs from the Henry Ringling Family. After breakfast Red moved to the front porch to finish its coffee where Red marveled at the circus wheel table followed by a stroll around the gardens. Once Red was ready to take on the day, the innkeepers decided Red's first stop should be a visit to the Circus World Museum. The winter quarters for the Ringling Brothers Circus was housed in many buildings along Water Street in Baraboo. Now this area is owned by the Wisconsin State Historical Society and is where Circus World Museum resides. Alongside Circus World, is the Baraboo River Walk which is actually part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. While walking along Red could hear the Baraboo River Rapids which once powered seven different mills with its fast flow. It also makes a great spot for kayaking! A little ways down the River Walk Red encountered a large metal prehistoric looking bird sculpture by Dr. Evermore, fitting along this Ice Age Trail. Red learned there is also an art park along Highway 12 with is home to many more large sculptures by Evermore. As Red continued walking along in Gem City, it couldn't help but admire all of the incredible murals painted and each one has a smaller reading that says "Painted by the people of Baraboo". Each one depicts items that highlight Baraboo, it was one of the Red Chair's favorite parts about Baraboo, WI. Not far from the murals was the city square, complete with a picturesque historic district, thriving local shops, restaurants and a courthouse clock tower. While downtown Red popped into the International Clown Hall of Fame where Red met Greg DeSanto, a former Clown College professor and now runs this museum. Red learned all about clowns, clown cars, clown makeup and props that day! The next stop was a tour of the Al Ringling Mansion and Museum, which of course Red had to see since it is only other mansion from the Ringlings besides "Big Yellow". Last stop of the day was to the Al Ringling Theater, donated by Al Ringling to the city of Baraboo in 1915. Recently restored to its full beauty in the French baroque style, Red just fell in love with the inside of the theater. Coincidentally, this theater houses Henry Ringling II's original usher uniform from opening day at the theater back in 1915. Henry inherited the "Big Yellow" Ringling House after his mother's passing and became manager of the Al Ringling Theater as an adult. Red loved all of the connecting family history about Baraboo, WI! Not only did Red learn the meaning of why Baraboo, WI is nicknamed Gem City (due to the pink granite hills that surround Baraboo in the shape of a diamond) but Red found it also is a "gem" in so many other ways. For a small town, it abounds with art displays, music, theater, museums, outdoor recreation, community cooperation, and natural beauty. "Gem City" may have more meaning when it pertains to what goes on in this little city, that with what surrounds it.
Inn at Wawanissee Point
Baraboo, WI
June 16th - 19th, 2017
The Red Chair Travels landed in Baraboo, Wis., to experience the Baraboo Range from the Inn at Wawanissee Point bed and breakfast. This geologic wonder commonly called the Baraboo Bluffs or Baraboo Hills is an ancient rock outcropping of Baraboo quartzite spanning 144,000 acres and 25 miles, blanketed by 55,000 acres of oak, maple and basswood forest, the largest tract of its kind remaining in the upper Midwest. The Inn is at Wawanissee Point, an opening atop the Range’s eastern, southern face, 800 feet above the Wisconsin River and Lake Wisconsin valley. The American Ho-Chunk Indians named this overlook with its 36-mile vista Wawanissee (wah-wah-NEE-see), meaning beauty or beautiful. Like others, Red found itself breathless amid the mesmerizing view before trekking through this outdoor recreation hub. Back at the Inn Red rested on the Baraboo quartzite stairway—rock only found in Baraboo—in the prairie-terrace garden with the southern vista before seeing Devil’s Lake State Park, seven miles west of the Inn. This 10,000-acre park is where during the last Ice Age’s Wisconsin glacier met a final force, the Baraboo quartzite bluffs—about 1.6 billion years old, older than the Rocky Mountains and Himalayas—and enveloped the hills, damming this river gorge to form the 360-acre lake, which about 3 million people visit annually. Innkeepers Dave and Trudy Holdener’s friend, nature adventurist, photographer and writer Derrick Mayoleth carried Red past the Bird Effigy Mound, along the park’s south shore, up through the southern terminal moraine and rocky bluff face that formed one end of the lake, to reach Devil’s Doorway, one of the park’s most iconic rock formations atop the 500-foot cliffs that surround the spring-fed lake. (Thankfully Red isn’t afraid of heights.) The quartzite’s pink and purple hues are from iron oxide hematite and other impurities in the rock. Red couldn’t leave before trying paddle boarding; you can rent these at the park besides other crafts! For contrast Red next hiked into the sandstone gorge adjacent the park, Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area, an anomaly in the Range with a unique micro-climate that caused this to become the state’s first protected natural area, a designation more protective than a park. Here Red cooled all four feet in the cold, hard-water stream at the base of the 100-foot cliffs where numerous rare and endangered species live, and one can easily see more geologic history. This natural area abuts the Inn’s 42 wooded acres laced with private trails where Red could hear some of the 135 species of breeding birds that inhabit the Baraboo Range, thus designated an Important Bird Area. Red rested beside an ash-stump carving of a sandhill crane in the Inn’s island garden, but during its stay Red actually was able to see an inhabitant pair feeding its young in the field adjacent Wawanissee Point. Red relaxed during the evening wine-and-cheese hour in the Inn’s Indigo Lounge watching sundown paint the valley view with an estate glass of what else…red from the nearby Wollersheim Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the country in its 44th year of production. Because Red only saw a sliver of the renown Baraboo-area attractions, Red rode in the Inn’s limo to the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast where he learned about Baraboo’s extensive circus history and culture.
The Livingston Inn
Madison, WI
June 12th - 15th, 2017
Red enjoyed a fun-filled visit to Madison, Wisconsin, home to the state capital and UW-Madison as well as its fantastic host, The Livingston Inn. Apparently, no visit to Madison is complete without a visit to the iconic Memorial Union Terrace on the shores of Lake Mendota and so that is just where Red went. Known for its unique chairs and a hangout for UW students and alumni, Red enjoyed the views and felt welcome among the other chairs at the Union. Inside the Capitol, Red visited the State Capitol building, and took time to enjoy an exhibit about the building’s history. With history in mind, Red heard about Madison’s recently restored ball park, Breese Stevens Field. Red marveled at the old brick walls and was impressed by the new turf field. Red asked some friendly neighbors about the field, and they said they enjoy coming here for bodegas, concerts, and cheering on one of the best ultimate Frisbee teams in the country, the Madison Radicals. The summer outdoors in Madison beckoned and Red traveled on to Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, free and open daily, and promised to return in the colder months to check out the conservatory. Inspired by seeing nature, Red heard wonderful reviews about the UW- Madison Arboretum and was not disappointed upon spending time among the 1200 acres of flora and fauna native to this area of Wisconsin. Tired after a long day, Red returned to The Livingston Inn and spent the evening relaxing in the back garden with a nice glass of wine before setting out to enjoy the outstanding dining and arts scene in this welcoming downtown area of Madison.
Christmas House Bed & Breakfast
Racine, WI
May 30th - June 3rd, 2017
After hearing all kinds of wonderful things about the Christmas House Bed and Breakfast in Racine, Wisconsin, the Red Chair decided that it was time to visit for itself! The charming Christmas House Bed and Breakfast was built in 1893 and Red learned it has had quite an interesting history as well as many of the decorative pieces you will find here. The location was just perfect, as it is within walking distance to Lake Michigan as well as downtown, where Red found many great places to eat, unique shops, creative art and local history at the museum. Spending time at the Christmas House Bed and Breakfast was just what the doctor ordered! Red loved lounging on the porch with the Inn's resident pups and taking long luxurious bubble baths. One day, Red took a ride in a wagon to downtown for Racine's First Friday. Here Red visited the local museum, Jo-Don Farms, a local farmer's market and moseyed around in the park. Red spent one whole day furthering its education at the University of Wisconsin Parkside, but ultimately the call to continue its travels was just too strong and so Red left the learning to the students. It was a wonderful stay and Red was sad to say goodbye to such caring hosts, but the Red Chair will be back again someday!
Pedal'rs Inn Bed & Breakfast
Wales, WI
May 25-30th, 2017
Over Memorial Day Weekend, Pedal'rs Inn Bed and Breakfast hosted the Red Chair Travels along with the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association. The Red Chair had the best time thanks to so many people including, St. John's Northwestern Military Academy, Downtown Waukesha, the Village of Wales, and the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Red's days were full of adventures, from exploring Bradford Beach, to walking along Fox River Bridge and Dam, to admiring the local guitar art, greeting the Bronze Fonz, to biking along the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. By night Red lived in luxury at the Pedal'rs Inn Bed and Breakfast and was entranced by Innkeeper Dee explaining the long standing history of this beautiful area and just how Pedal'rs Inn received its unique name. The weather could not have been more perfect, what a way to being the summer season in Wisconsin! The Red Chair will definitely be back again some day.
Hidden Serenity Bed & Breakfast
West Bend, WI
May 22nd - 25th, 2017
Venturing into the woods, the Red Chair arrived at Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast on a gorgeous May day. Hidden Serenity is tucked in a forest north of West Bend, Wisconsin and surrounded by hiking trails with plenty of lush wildlife to view, as well as a pickleball/sport court. (Pickleball is a sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, which Red found to be extremely fun although tough when you don't have arms!) Venturing out beyond, the Red Chair explored the beautiful Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest (read more about this day trip here), made a stop at the “big pond” - Lake Michigan, and took in some of the finest Wisconsin art. Indoors Red enjoyed billiards, relaxing in the spacious common areas talking with other guests, spending private evenings in Red's well-appointed room and lets not get Red started on the amazing, hot gourmet breakfast each morning!
After breakfast that first morning, Red had a special invitation to visit the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary right across the street from it's host, Hidden Serenity. With a chance to see huge elk, a cougar, wolves, many deer, bison and so many more animals, Red had decided to get up close and personal with the resident bears, Lewis and Clark. The bears seemed curious, so Red stayed on the other side of the fence to be safe. These were big bears! Red commented how nice it is to have this world-class zoo just across the street!
The next morning Red headed over to Lake Michigan, specifically Port Washington. Red found this darling marina town very welcoming as it meet two pirates near the lake. Red found a spot to gaze out on the water, watch the sailboats float by and enjoy the breeze. Red watched the seagulls wait for the fishermen to clean their catch and discovered that many charters go out from here and many more fishermen fish right off the docks.
On the way back to Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast, Red made a very worthwhile stop in West Bend at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA). Red felt right at home with some the dazzling art such as the Glass globe sculpture in this uniquely shaped building. Among the other fine works displayed here, Red found himself mesmerized by the works of Carl von Marr, a Wisconsin-born artist who studied in Germany in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Red sat and took in The Flagellants, by von Marr. A huge oil painting spanning 13’11” x 22’9”, Red gazed at the lifelike scenes that told a story of long ago. So real and so intriguing.
Then it was time to head back to Hidden Serenity, tucked away in the woods. Red found the stay here very peaceful, yet when it wanted to find some adventure there was plenty nearby which made it a perfect location to explore from! Goodbye hills and kettles of the Kettle Moraine and on to the next adventure.
After breakfast that first morning, Red had a special invitation to visit the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary right across the street from it's host, Hidden Serenity. With a chance to see huge elk, a cougar, wolves, many deer, bison and so many more animals, Red had decided to get up close and personal with the resident bears, Lewis and Clark. The bears seemed curious, so Red stayed on the other side of the fence to be safe. These were big bears! Red commented how nice it is to have this world-class zoo just across the street!
The next morning Red headed over to Lake Michigan, specifically Port Washington. Red found this darling marina town very welcoming as it meet two pirates near the lake. Red found a spot to gaze out on the water, watch the sailboats float by and enjoy the breeze. Red watched the seagulls wait for the fishermen to clean their catch and discovered that many charters go out from here and many more fishermen fish right off the docks.
On the way back to Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast, Red made a very worthwhile stop in West Bend at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA). Red felt right at home with some the dazzling art such as the Glass globe sculpture in this uniquely shaped building. Among the other fine works displayed here, Red found himself mesmerized by the works of Carl von Marr, a Wisconsin-born artist who studied in Germany in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Red sat and took in The Flagellants, by von Marr. A huge oil painting spanning 13’11” x 22’9”, Red gazed at the lifelike scenes that told a story of long ago. So real and so intriguing.
Then it was time to head back to Hidden Serenity, tucked away in the woods. Red found the stay here very peaceful, yet when it wanted to find some adventure there was plenty nearby which made it a perfect location to explore from! Goodbye hills and kettles of the Kettle Moraine and on to the next adventure.
Honeybee Inn Bed & Breakfast
Horicon, WI
May 17th - 21st, 2017
The Red Chair Travels spent a wonderful four days in the city of Horicon, Wisconsin and stayed at the Honeybee Inn Bed and Breakfast. Each day was perfection. Every morning the Red Chair awoke to scrumptious breakfasts baked by Innkeeper Barb, who has quite a few Wisconsin State Fair Blue Ribbons under her belt for her baking. After that it was off to explore what makes Horicon, Wisconsin such a unique community. Stopping at the Horicon Marsh Visitor's Center, Red learned all about how glaciers formed this area and created the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. This 32,000 acre marsh offers a stopping ground to almost 300 species of birds, making this the Midwest's top birding spot. With it only being eight blocks from the Honeybee Inn Bed and Breakfast, it was incredibly easy to go back and visit over and over again. Each time Red explored a new area or just sat and watched the world go by. What a relaxing and peaceful way to be. The Red Chair will definitely be back again someday!
Brayton Bed & Breakfast
Oshkosh, WI
May 2nd - 6th, 2017
Oshkosh may be a fun name to say but after the time the Red Chair spent here, it can now say that Oshkosh is even more fun to visit! Our hosts, the Brayton Bed and Breakfast, were incredible the entire time and made Red feel right at home in this beautiful and historic Creme City Brick Italianate B&B. The first day Red began by moseying around the garden and taking some time to wave to passers-by next to the Inn's sign on the front lawn. Red wanted to see what Oshkosh had to offer so Red and the Innkeepers took a walk along the wild side (just kidding) along the nearby river walk, stopping to take in the sights of the bike path and boats going by on the beautiful May afternoon. Menominee Park was a must see as well with Lake Winnebago stretching out 28.5 miles. Red thought it would be fun to go back to school and visit with all the college kids at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where Red met Austin who said he was just our man if we needed a study partner. Red got the chance to learn all about the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) to read more check out our blog here. Since it was too nice of a day to stay inside, Red had heard the tulips were in bloom at the Paine Art Museum and Gardens so it decided take a walk in the tulips and relax on the back lawn of the mansion. Oshkosh is well known for bringing many events to the city, so the Red Chair just had to make a stop at the friendly Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau and pick up a few brochures for the future. As the day was wrapping up, it was time to say good by to the wonderful innkeepers of the Brayton Bed and Breakfast. On the way out of town, Red asked to stop and take a picture by the welcoming Oshkosh sign. Such wonderful spring memories were made here in Oshkosh, WI! The Red Chair Travels cannot wait to return again soon.
Franklin Street Inn
Appleton, WI
April 28th - May 1st, 2017
The Red Chair headed to the Franklin Street Inn Bed and Breakfast, a charming Victorian inn full of comfort and elegance, for a wonderful long weekend at the end of April, 2017. The Red Chair checked in and relaxed in the parlor next to the crackling fire before retiring to the Franklin Grand Suite for the night. After a good night's sleep, Red Chair joined the other guests in the dining room for a full elegant breakfast. Red Chair then lingered over a freshly ground and brewed coffee from a local roaster and enjoyed the historic photos and original artwork throughout the inn. As the temperature warmed a little, the Red Chair found a chance to share adventures on the wrap-around porch with the innkeepers and other guests. The afternoon found Red exploring the City Park Historic District around the bed and breakfast. Red paused to admire many of the historic register homes in the beautiful neighborhood. Inn Keepers Keith & Lori provided the Red Chair with a walking tour map and descriptions to get the most out of the walk with City Park as one of the main points of interest. Red really enjoyed sitting by the City Park Fountain and although the fountain was not on due to the previous night's cool temperature, the sculpture of children playing together, entitled"The Ring", is certainly a beautiful centerpiece to the park. Upon returning to the Inn, Red Chair took a few minutes to enjoy the gardens and mural in the backyard at the Franklin Street Inn. Overall, Red Chair had a full but relaxing first day followed by a Friday night fish fry at one of the many great local restaurants. Over the next few days Red also spent quite a bit of time learning and exploring along the riverfront at Lutz Park on the Fox River. Read more about the Fox River here! Red had such a great time learning all about the history of this unique area and the innkeepers of the Franklin Street Inn were such wonderful hosts that it made it so difficult for Red to move onto the next stop!
Lindsay House Bed & Breakfast
Manawa, WI
April 23rd - 27th, 2017
In the heart of downtown Waupaca County, WI, sits a historic jewel called the Lindsay House Bed and Breakfast. The Red Chair knew right away that it was in for something special at this stop in Manawa, WI. The Lindsay House was inviting, comfortable, offered delicious breakfasts each morning and over all Red felt incredibly pampered through out this relaxing stay. From strolling around the grounds and gardens, sitting on the wrap around porch sipping tea and enjoying the view to exploring Manawa and learning all (and experiencing) why Manawa is also called Rodeo City! Walking and biking trails surround you, nearby wineries offer tastings of their delicious wines, exploring the Unionville Thresheree grounds, and plenty of scenic spots such as Bear Lake, offer a vista unlike anywhere else. The favorite part of Red's trip has to be gearing up in rodeo duds and checking out the home of the Mid-Western Rodeo, The Greatest Show on Dirt!
Crystal River Inn B&B
Waupaca, WI
April 19th - 22nd, 2017
At the Crystal River Inn Bed and Breakfast in Waupaca, WI the Red Chair found such warm and welcoming hosts! This 1853 farmstead turned Bed and Breakfast sits on the banks of the Crystal River in the historic village of Rural. It sits next to certified wildlife habitat that features many different walking paths where you can admire the many different forms of life found here. Besides the wonderful property it sits on the Crystal River Inn Bed and Breakfast also provides a one of a kind, literally homegrown, scrumptious breakfast each and every morning. Items they can't produce themselves, they source locally. Innkeepers Deb and Robert brought Red along on one of their shopping trips to the Riley Crest Organic Farm where they get their eggs, bacon and maple syrup...Yum! On the way they stopped by the Hartman Creek State Park for a quick walk with the promise of coming back another day for a longer hike. Red found so many great shops and restaurants in Waupaca, but to be honest Red's favorite type of shopping were the many farmers markets, such as Turners. There is nothing like the fresh air full of delicious veggies and herbs! When leaving Red noticed a row of colored chairs sitting outside the hothouse and Red jumped inline for a quick picture. Red sure did fit right in! Oh it was such a wonderful and relaxing stay at such a great bed and breakfast, Red had such a hard time saying goodbye. Be sure to find yourself in the onsite labyrinth if you ever get the chance!
Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast
Chippewa Falls, WI
April 9th-13th
What a wonderful time to be in Wisconsin! The Red Chair was so excited to visit the Pleasant View Bed and Breakfast in Chippewa Falls for early springtime. This quiet retreat had breathtaking views, especially from their breakfast room, of Lake Wissota and the home made breakfasts were outstanding! On day one, Red awoke to a fresh, cozy blanket of white snow and thought, "What a perfect morning for a stroll". Red found daffodils making their way up from a winter of sleep and other signs of life emerging around the Pleasant View Bed and Breakfast. Throughout the rest of Red's stay there was plenty of downtime, yet there was always something to do when Red felt like exploring the nearby area such as visiting Irving Park with the iconic Band Shell and free zoo! Innkeepers of the Pleasant View Bed and Breakfast explained to Red that there were some fantastic wineries nearby and so they spent one whole day wine tasting at the Riverbend Vineyard & Winery, Autumn Harvest Winery, and the O'Neil Creek Winery. They were all so delicious! The Red Chair also visited Lake Wissota Golf and Events with its beautiful stone bridge, Leinenkugel's Brewery & Leinie's Lodge, and spent quite a bit of time exploring on the Old Abe State Trail. Read all about the Red Chair on the Old Abe State trail here. All in all it was a perfect stay at the Pleasant View Bed and Breakfast! From amazing accommodations and wonderful hosts to having so many great wineries, breweries, shopping areas and loads of history nearby, the Red Chair found its recent stay to be pure perfection in early springtime.
Phipps Inn Bed and Breakfast
Hudson, WI
April 4th-8th, 2017
The Red Chair's first stop of 2017 and first host in Wisconsin was the Phipps Inn Bed and Breakfast in historic Hudson. On the morning Red arrived at this beautiful Queen Anne Victorian B&B, Red was welcomed with the most lavish homemade breakfast and it was delicious! After a tour of the property, Innkeepers MaryEllen and Rich took the Red Chair on a short walk into downtown where there were so many great restaurants and shops along the water. What Red found really unique was that the Phipps Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the St. Croix River Valley, the most western part of Wisconsin and right across the river is Minnesota! A few days of hiking and exploring as well as plenty of rest and relaxation was just what our Red Chair needed. What a way to kick off the next leg of the Red Chair Travel journey!
