Going Extreme For Less

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Contact: Susanne Thiede-Barnet, 608-242-8895

Going Extreme For Less
Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers thrill seekers the best extreme activities in the Midwest

(April 27, 2010)—For years the territory of rebels and danger-seekers, “extreme” sports are becoming mainstream. With snowboarder Shaun White now the proud owner of two Olympic gold medals, sports that were once regarded as counter-cultural are attracting wider audiences. Thanks to their “outdoorsy” culture, pristine waters, and great extreme sports facilities, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are home to some of the best thrills in the Midwest.

Diving Wazee Lake
Located in Black River Country, Wazee Lake is among the best diving locations in the Midwest, and presents a challenge for any diver. The 355-foot plunge to the bottom of Wazee Lake makes it the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin.

For a truly extreme experience, dive during the winter! Ice divers cut holes in the thick surface ice and descend to an otherworldly realm. Wearing a wetsuit to fend off the cold, you’ll explore Wazee’s depths, traversing massive boulders and shear walls. Visibility, which is an impressive 30-40 feet during the summer months, is even better during the winter.

Wazee Lake’s depths hide the remnants of the former Jackson County Iron Mine, whose closure in 1983 shut off the pumps that kept the mine from filling with water. A series of circular haul roads wind around the pit where divers often find artifacts like chains, pipes and iron shovel teeth.

New to diving? The Wazee Sports Center is on-site and caters to divers of all experience levels. The Center will provide you with all the equipment and training you’ll need to get started.

Nearby Black River Falls offers great lodging, dining and a variety of shopping retailers—everything you need for the perfect diving adventure.

Skateparks
Skateparks offer a great vacation asset for families looking to engage teens while the rest of the family pursues other activities. Best of all, most skateparks are free! Here are several of Wisconsin’s best:

Middleton’s Quarry Park — This 10,000-square-foot facility is designed for skateboard and rollerblade use. The park is open from mid-March to December and includes a pyramid, rails, and a four and six-set.

Boulder Junction Skatepark — Accessible by bike path, this community park includes a skatepark with a bank, quarterpipe, and three-sided pyramid in between. The park also includes a grind box and flatbar.

Rhinelander Skatepark — This Northwoods skatepark offers skaters three quarters of three-, four-, and eight-feet tall, and a ton of rails.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Camping
The popularity of television shows like “Survivorman” and “Man vs. Wild” demonstrate the ongoing fascination Americans have with self-sufficiency and surviving in the wilderness. Although these shows tend to feature their hosts in rather remote and exotic locales, some of the most untouched wilderness areas are located within a day’s drive of the Midwest’s largest population centers.

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park protects the largest track of old-growth hardwood forests outside of the Adirondacks. And while park regulations would prevent you from hunting rabbits with sharpened sticks or building your own wigwam out of hemlock boughs, the vast acreage of completely untouched forests gives the wilderness camper a real test of their skills.

Black bear, white-tailed deer, beaver, wolf and moose live in these woods, which maintain a character that hearkens back to a time long before white settlement of the region. Numerous streams and waterfalls give you a chance to test your water purification skills. And the views – this is arguably one of the most beautiful places you’ll find anywhere. Gaze out over Lake Superior, ponder the blue waters of the Lake of the Clouds and spend your nights counting stars in a sky completely devoid of manmade lights. Wilderness camping doesn’t get any better than this.

Get complete information on the Wazee Lake diving experience – visit www.blackrivercountry.net.

For more information on visiting Middleton, Boulder Junction, and Rhinelander, visit www.visitmiddleton.com, www.boulderjct.org or www.explorerhinelander.com.

Learn more about visiting the Porcupine Mountains at www.porcupinemountains.com.

For more information about these and other Wisconsin destinations for extreme sports, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Geocaching Takes Wisconsin By Storm

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Contact: Susanne Thiede-Barnet, 608-242-8895

Geocaching Takes Wisconsin By Storm
Hobbyists discovering new caches and contests in West Bend and throughout Northwoods

(April 27, 2010) — Geocaching offers vacationers a fun and inexpensive excuse to get outdoors. This relatively new hobby is a high-tech treasure hunt whose participants use GPS devices to locate hidden containers called geocaches and share their experiences online. Around the world, geocaching is enjoyed by participants of every age. The sport encourages support for the environment and community involvement.

With huge events, hundreds of caches, and plenty of woodlands, the opportunities have never been better for Wisconsin-bound geocachers. Three hotspots for this “game of high-tech hide and seek” are the City of West Bend and the Northwoods towns of Rhinelander and Boulder Junction.

West Bend
Known as the “Geocaching Capital of the Midwest™,” West Bend is home to a massive geocaching event each summer. An hour from Milwaukee and less than two from Chicago and Madison, West Bend’s $1,000 Cache Ba$h™ is the perfect way to get involved in geocaching. The Cache Ba$h™ is Wisconsin’s first-ever “Mega Event.”

This year’s event (August 13-14^th) features an entire weekend of adventure: family friendly activities like a mystery and night caching, Geogolf, a pancake breakfast, beginners’ classes and much more. More than 450 caches are spread within a seven-mile radius. For the competitive geocacher, the West Bend Cache Ba$h™ prizes are among the region’s richest — $500 goes to the first place finisher.

Geocachers in West Bend also enjoy the community’s award-winning Museum of Wisconsin Art, the West Bend Sculpture Walk, and other attractions.

The Rhinelander Area
A virtually untouched wilderness filled with caches — that’s what the Rhinelander Area offers. With more than 80 caches in the area ranging in difficulty, geocachers in this Northwoods paradise have tons of choices.

The “Osprey” cache is among the area’s most challenging and rewarding, and requires crossing rolling hills along the edge of a cedar marsh. The cache is positioned with a wonderful view of the home waters of an annually returning pair of Osprey. Many Rhinelander caches are part of the Northwoods Treasure Hunt, and offer special prizes to diligent geocachers.

The best place to start is with the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce maintained caches, which are positioned throughout Rhinelander’s downtown and also in nearby Oneida County Forest and various county recreation areas.

Boulder Junction
Like its neighbor to the south, Boulder Junction offers geocachers a pristine wilderness waiting to be explored. More than 50 caches can be found in the Boulder Junction area, ranging in difficulty and accessibility. Boulder Junction’s abundance of lakes and woodland trails make geocaching in the area especially enjoyable.

One of the more unique caches in Boulder is “Fire Break,” located on Marsh Road (also known as “The Flats”), which serves as a man-made firebreak for the town of Boulder Junction. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a beautiful afternoon hike to the springs of North Creek to find the “Spring to the Springs” cache. A cache with an historical flair is “Old Boulder Tower.” Located near the town’s 84-foot-tall fire tower, which was built in 1932, this cache is accessible to the adventurous geocacher by hiking from a nearby road.

Learn more about the 2010 West Bend Cache Ba$h™ and register your team at www.westbendcache.com.

Get information for planning your geocaching trip to Rhinelander by visiting www.explorerhinelander.com.

For complete trip planning information for Boulder Junction, visit www.boulderjct.org.

Boulder Junction and Rhinelander are both part of the Great Northwoods Treasure Hunt. Find special caches at www.northwoodsgeocaching.com.

For additional information about the growing popularity of geocaching in Wisconsin, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Wisconsin Restaurants Worth the Trip

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Wisconsin Restaurants Worth the Trip
Off the beaten path culinary choices offer unique and flavorful “foodie” experiences

(April 27, 2010) — The “Foodies” are coming! Whole families are shopping farmers’ markets weekly. Husbands are perfecting Julia Child’s Bouef Bourguignon recipe. Culinary shows on television are enjoying a renaissance. With their unique, lifestyle-altering culture, “foodie” vacationers are also on the rise. Wisconsin, with its vibrant summer harvests and multitude of food-conscious restaurants, tops many lists. While vacations are rarely built around a single meal, here are a few that might just be worth the trip.

Boulder Junction classics — Headwaters and The Outdoorsman
Known for snowmobiling, camping, and its well-earned moniker, “Musky Capital of the World®,” Boulder Junction is also among the best places to sample the taste of the Northwoods.

Opened in the 1930s, Headwaters Restaurant has been serving up traditional American fare with a twist for decades. Headwaters gets high marks for consistently tasty, well-priced dishes and a friendly atmosphere. Locals rave about the nightly Fish Fry, where the chefs long ago discovered the perfect balance of golden crispy batter and flaky fish. The Baked Haddock is also a favorite. Take in the sights and sounds of the woods while enjoying your meal on the wraparound deck or warm your feet next to one of Headwaters’ fireplaces.

The Outdoorsman’s chefs/owners Amy and Steve Wheeler bring more than 30 years of combined hospitality experience to your table. Regulars agree that the Outdoorsman’s steaks and burgers are among the best they’ve ever had. Be sure to start off your meal with the invigorating summer Butternut Squash Soup—local food aficionados have been after the recipe for years! The chefs procure many of their ingredients locally.

The Outdoorsman also specializes in breakfast. Texas French Toast and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes highlight a morning menu that samples the best of American fare.

Prescott’s southern cooking at The Boxcar
Just 25 miles south of the Twin Cities, Prescott, WI is home to one of the more unique dining experiences along the Wisconsin Great River Road. Although it’s thousands of miles from the Deep South, The Boxcar Restaurant serves up some of the best Southern cooking anywhere. The Pulled Pork sandwich is so authentic it might make you wonder if The Boxcar wasn’t rafted up the Mississippi! The Boxcar’s barbecue dishes, topped with the restaurant’s own special sauce, come highly recommended. The delicate Pecan Pie with just-melted ice cream tops off the perfect meal.

Despite its reputation for consistently great home cooking, The Boxcar’s menu is ever changing. This March visitors will enjoy a new patio and taste the fruits of nearby farms, as the owners begin to source much of their menu from nearby growers. The Boxcar also plans to smoke and cure its own meats.

Situated at the confluence of the Mississippi River and the St. Croix Riverway, Prescott is the oldest community in Wisconsin. Before you eat, enjoy a stroll through the historic downtown, dating to 1839. Visitors can also take in the majestic views from the 400 ft. high bluffs along the waterfront.

Middleton’s best little Italian Ristorante — Vin Santo
Middleton’s fine dining scene is one of its major draws, helping the “Good Neighbor City” retain its high marks year after year on the list of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live.” While Middleton stalwarts Fitzgerald’s and Louisianne’s ETC continue to draw much of the “foodie” crowd, Vin Santo’s owners Gregg and Clarissa Edwardsen have been delivering arguably the best Italian in the area since 1998.

Vin Santo is nestled in the heart of downtown Middleton. Named after “The Wine of the Saints,” Vin Santo’s cozy, comfortable atmosphere makes for the perfect romantic night out. But it’s the food that sets Vin Santo a cut above the rest. Knowledgeable staff, led by its local owners, selects ingredients from area producers and offers five specials a night.

Fresh bread, a dish of seasoned olive oil, and glasses of hearty, flavorful Tuscan red wines will start off your perfect dinner. The secret, as in all Italian cooking, is in the sauces, which Vin Santo’s chefs prepare each morning. The Conchiglia al Diavolillo, with its blend of gulf shrimp, chicken breast and hearty Italian sausage simmered in a garlic-butter sauce, remains a perennial favorite.

For more information on Headwaters, The Outdoorsman, and Boulder Junction, visit: www.boulderjct.org.

Find more restaurants along the Wisconsin Great River Road at www.wigreatriverroad.org.

Get more information about Vin Santo and other Middleton restaurants, go to www.visitmiddleton.com.

For more great Wisconsin dining destinations, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Learning On The Go: Trips That Bring Science and History to Life

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Contact: Susanne Thiede-Barnet, 608-242-8895

Learning On The Go: Trips That Bring Science and History to Life
The Midwest’s best opportunities for hands-on learning can be found in Wisconsin

(April 27, 2010)—Engaging kids in learning has always been a teacher’s (and parent’s) challenge. Thanks to a variety of exciting learning-focused stops near great Wisconsin destinations, that engagement can happen even on vacation.  Check out some of the best places to keep you and your kids learning.

The Kovac Planetarium
Located in the Rhinelander Area, the Kovac Planetarium is one of Wisconsin’s greatest wonders. It holds the distinction of being only the fourth globe-style planetarium ever built — and it’s truly a sight to behold. Most incredibly, it is the work of one man — Frank Kovac — who designed and built it himself over the course of 10 years.

Visitors will be treated to a 90-minute experience in which they’ll see the complete rotation of the night sky as it would appear through a 24-hour period. The Kovac Planetarium is open year-round by reservation only, and accommodates up to 25 people. It’s a truly incredible experience — and one you probably wouldn’t expect to find in the woodlands of northern Wisconsin.

The Horicon Marsh International Education Center
In March 2009 the Horicon Marsh International Education Center in Dodge County opened, providing visitors with brand new facilities, space and exhibits. The marsh is truly a majestic place. With educational programming appropriate for any age, a day spent learning about the Horicon Marsh is sure to stay with you.

Visitors get their first glimpse of the cattails from the spectacular Marsh Viewing Area in the brand new Education Center building. Programming is offered to the public each weekend and includes marsh history, bird and ecology-focused hikes, and kid-centered events. You’ll find it easy to spend an afternoon at the marsh. Enjoy the five miles of trails through woodlots, prairies, and the strange and beautiful marshlands. With more than 300 species of birds, the marsh is one of the top birding sites in the upper Midwest. During your visit you might also try canoeing, biking, and fishing.

The North Lakeland Discovery Center
There may be no better way to appreciate the natural wonders of Wisconsin than a visit to the North Lakeland Discovery Center. The Center is located in the middle of beautiful Vilas County, and makes for a great day trip.

Situated on a tranquil 63-acre site in the heart of lake country, the Center offers some of the best public ecology programming anywhere. If your family enjoys hands-on learning, look no further.

Each week the Center’s staff offers great lessons and events designed for visitors to the Northwoods. You might enjoy a guided snowshoe hike where you’ll hone your wildlife tracking skills, bring the kids for a special wolf pup program to learn about these predators, or join a Center naturalist for an exploration and history lesson on the backwaters of the Manitowish River. Looking to strike out on your own? The Center maintains a 20-kilometer trail system fit for mountain biking, hiking, and cross country skiing.

The Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center at Freedom Park
Scenic views, a great chance to see bald eagles and falcons, and the unique stories of a historic part of America are highlights at Freedom Park. Nestled above the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers in Prescott, Wisconsin, Freedom Park is a great place to begin your tour of this region, or of the entire Wisconsin Great River Road.

Step into the past through the unique stories of the people who called this region home: the brave pilots of steamboats that brought people, products and ideas from New Orleans to the Twin Cities, the Dakota people who lived in the area for centuries, and the first immigrants who made a living through fishing and boatbuilding. While you’re here, be sure to take a stroll along Freedom Park’s trails, keeping an eye out for the birds that call the Prescott area home. From May to October enjoy local honey, bread and fruits and vegetables at the on-site farmer’s market. Other events are held throughout the year.

The Rhinelander Logging Museum
Located deep in the Northwoods, The Rhinelander Logging Museum is an authentic logging camp where visitors go back to a simpler time. True to its 1870’s roots, the Rhinelander Area camp includes a bunkhouse, cook shanty and a blacksmith shop. Each of the camp’s buildings is meticulously recreated, and offers visitors the chance to see what life was like for the adventuring souls who worked on the edge of early American civilization.

Museum visitors will see many of the tools and equipment used by early loggers, including a steam hauler and the massive steam engine that ran the narrow railroads with logs. As one of the driving forces behind the U.S. economy in the 19^th century, Rhinelander’s logging past will introduce you to an exciting era.

Visit www.explorerhinelander.com for more information about Rhinelander Area attractions such as the Kovac Planetarium and the Logging Museum.

For more information about the Horicon Marsh and Dodge County, visit www.dodgecounty.com.

Get complete details about Vilas County nature opportunities at www.vilas.org.

Find more interesting attractions along the Wisconsin Great River Road at www.wigreatriverroad.com.

For additional information on any of these destinations and other historic and scientific activities, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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A Real Road Trip

The old-fashioned family road trip is alive and well along the Wisconsin Great River Road 

If you’re looking for a great road trip—one full of beautiful scenes, interesting people and places and lots of opportunities for memorable experiences—look no further than the Wisconsin Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Running for 250 miles along the Mississippi River on Wisconsin’s western border, the Wisconsin Great River Road has the distinction of being the only designated National Scenic Byway in the State of Wisconsin. And with numerous scenic overlooks, wildlife refuges, historic markers and unique river towns, it is arguable the best drive in the Midwest.

What sets the Wisconsin Great River Road apart from other byways is the fact that the Mississippi River is a working waterway, full of boat and barge traffic. At viewing stations located in Alma, Fountain City, Trempealeau, Genoa and Lynxville, you can watch riverboats pushing barges through the enormous locks. And on the rail lines running along the river, almost 100 trains a day pass through the river corridor, carrying miles of cars loaded with freight.

Each of the 33 river towns are linked by the Wisconsin Great River Road could be destinations in their own right. Places like Potosi, Prairie du Chien, Onalaska, La Crosse and Pepin were home to some of the earliest European settlers in the area. Historic sites include Stonefield in Cassville, Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien and the Freedom Park Great River Road Interpretive Center in Prescott.

A dozen scenic overlooks provide some great views of the river and the surrounding countryside. And all along the way, you’ll stumble on historic markers, interesting shops, one-of-a-kind museums and excellent trails.

The Wisconsin Great River Road journey can take between two days and one week, depending on how much you want to explore.

An audio tour is available for the entire route 250-mile route. It’s a great way to really connect with what you’re seeing as you drive. Learn more about the Wisconsin Great River Road and download the free audio tour at www.wigreatriverroad.org.

Rusk County’s Incredible Rivers

Four wild rivers offer great canoeing and kayaking, fantastic fishing and a variety of recreational options

Like most northern Wisconsin counties, Rusk County is home to a number of lakes—a total of 250 lakes in county, to be exact. But the true stars of this sparsely populated region of northwest Wisconsin are the rivers.

The Chippewa, Flambeau, Jump and Thornapple rivers of Rusk County offer some of Wisconsin’s best paddling, birdwatching, fishing and wilderness camping. Each of the four rivers has its own unique properties. But what all of the rivers have in common is quality—miles of undeveloped banks, great fishing, numerous camping opportunities and excellent public access.

For a straight-forward paddling trip, the Flambeau River is the perfect option. It’s among the most beautiful of all of Wisconsin’s rivers and features a number of well-documented and mapped paddling routes. As the river flows towards Ladysmith, paddlers will find many excellent places to camp.

One of the best kept secrets in the Midwest, the Jump River is not only one of the best paddling experiences, it’s also one of the cleanest riverways in North America. Solitude seekers looking to get away from the sights and sounds of civilization need to take a trip down the Jump River. The stretch from Highway 73 to Sheldon offers 9 miles of natural beauty. Clean banks of river-rounded stones invite you to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

The Chippewa River is the king of Northwoods rivers, big and brawny, with deep bends that hold monster musky. An exciting paddle is from the Hwy D bridge in Exeland down to Imalone—an 11-mile stretch with lots of fast water and great fishing. Walleye and bass fishing can be excellent on this section of the Chippewa.

The Thornapple River is truly wild, twisting and turning through remote forests and wetlands. If you’re looking for great birdwatching and wildlife viewing, this is the river for you. Be sure to check local conditions before embarking on your trip—the Thornapple River is prone to low water during periods with little rain.

A complete paddling guide for the Flambeau River is available, as well as a floating map with selected routes on several Rusk County waterways. To order a map and get more information on Rusk County’s rivers, visit www.ruskcountywi.com.

Don’t Tell the Kids It’s Good For You

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Don’t Tell the Kids It’s Good For You
Easy, affordable, kid-friendly—these Wisconsin attractions are perfect for kids of every age

(April 27, 2010)—Researchers have found that family memories—particularly memories of family vacations—are an important facet of psychological well-being throughout our lives.

Make the most of your vacation time with the family this summer. Here are some outstanding travel opportunities for families looking to create lifelong memories and have some fun. Best of all, these are affordable, easy travel ideas that both kids and grown-ups will enjoy.

Wyalusing State Park
What’s the best view in Wisconsin? Well, there are arguably several great views—and most of them are in Wyalusing State Park on the Wisconsin Great River Road. The park overlooks the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers and the vast river-bottom forests and wetlands between Wisconsin and Iowa.

More than 20 miles of trails loop their way through the park, providing a variety of views of the visually stunning mosaic forested islands, weedy sloughs and open water. The landscape you’re seeing at Wyalusing State Park is the same view the French explorers Marquette and Joliet saw when they first saw the area more than 300 years ago.

Old Courthouse Museum
One of the best local history museums in the Midwest is located in West Bend. The Old Courthouse Museum tells the story of West Bend through exhibits and artifacts. It is housed in a building that dates to 1889 and is an excellent example of the Romanesque Revival architecture being built in the late 19^th-century. Inside, you’ll find hands-on activities and interactivities that tell the story of the region from the time of the glaciers to the Industrial Age.

Next door to the Old Courthouse Museum, you’ll find the Old Sheriff’s Residence & Jail.  This free museum is in one of the last remaining Sheriff’s residence and Jails in the United States. Built to be “escape proof” in 1886, this facility served as the county jail until 1962 when Washington County turned the use of the building over to the Washington County Historical Society. This museum is a favorite with young and old alike.

Paddling the Rock and Crawfish Rivers
Paddling can be a fun family activity, full of healthy exercise and great opportunities for seeing wildlife. But many families are daunted by the potential dangers of rapids, unpredictable currents and having to coordinate two vehicles—one at the put-in spot and one at the take-out spot. The Rock and Crawfish rivers, located in Dodge County, allow paddlers to avoid these obstacles.

The Rock and Crawfish rivers are typical of rivers in southeast Wisconsin—slow moving, lined with hardwood forests and teeming with fish and other wildlife. Because so many paddlers tend to seek out whitewater and rapids, these two rivers are often overlooked. But birdwatchers, anglers and wildlife photographers treasure these rivers’ gentle currents, varied scenery and close proximity to amenities.

These features also make the rivers ideal destinations for families who are paddling with young children. Launches are available at several points throughout Dodge County, including excellent launches at Astico Park and Harnischfeger Park on the Rock River. Canoe rentals are available in both of these county-run parks.

At most times of the summer, the currents on the Rock and Crawfish rivers are slow enough that paddling upstream against the current is no problem—which means families can put in and take out at the same location—no shuttling necessary.

Hiking the Land of the Glaciers
The Barron County portions of the The Ice Age Trail, located just north of Rice Lake, offer some of the best views of Wisconsin’s glacier-sculpted landscape. Informational signage and visual variety make these sections of the Ice Age Trail great for hiking with kids.

The trails feature the Blue Hills, which date back more than one and a half billion years. West of the Blue Hills, hikers will find the “Superior Lobe end moraine,” which is typified by lakes left behind by the receding glaciers. At various points along the Ice Age Trail, hikers will see sedge meadow wetlands, dense forests and small lakes. The various Barron County trail sections average about five miles, which is a good length for a morning or afternoon hike with kids.

Additional hiking is available near Rice Lake in the Blue Hills Trail System and the Cedar Side Trail, which runs for 4 miles along the Red Cedar River. Get out and enjoy the handiwork of the glaciers!

Northwoods Railroad History
Ladysmith, located in Rusk County is a Northwoods community that was built by two industries: logging and the railroads.

Luckily, the community has retained remnants of that history in a series of railroad exhibits located throughout the town. Visit Old Smoky, located on Lake Avenue and Highway 8, next to the IGA Grocery story. A Soo Line Diesel locomotive, Post Office Express Car, Passenger Baggage Car, First-Class Coach  and a caboose can be found on Highway 27, two blocks south of Highway 8.

Other interesting historic sites in the area include the Rusk County Historical Society, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the Bruce Historical Society Museum, open during the summer on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Get trip planning information for visiting Wyalusing State Park and other attractions on the Wisconsin Great River Road by visiting www.wigreatriverroad.org.

Find out more about West Bend at www.wbachamber.org.

Learn more about Dodge County paddling opportunities at www.dodgecounty.com.

For more Rice Lake trail opportunities, visit www.ricelaketourism.com.

And for information about Rusk County, visit www.ruskcountywi.com.

For more information on family-friendly travel options and other great Wisconsin family destinations, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Summer Birding Hotspots

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Contact: Susanne Thiede-Barnet, 608-242-8895

Summer Birding Hotspots
Wisconsin offers several great opportunities to see birds during the summer

(April 27, 2010)—Wisconsin is an outstanding state for birdwatching. With the Mississippi River Flyway on the west, the Great Lake on the east and a huge variety of habitats and protected wildlife areas in between, more than 300 species of birds spend some time in Wisconsin each year.

The largest movement of birds takes place in the spring and fall. But the summer provides a great chance to see species of birds who nest in Wisconsin. Here are some of the best and most unique birdwatching opportunities in Wisconsin.

Urban Birding
Just minutes from Wisconsin’s State Capital, in the bustling community of Middleton, you’ll find one of the best places to birdwatch in Wisconsin. The Pheasant Branch Conservancy is an oasis for birds and wildlife. It’s also a vital resource for the area’s lakes. Each day, the springs here produce more then 2.6 million gallons of water that feed Lake Mendota and three other large lakes in the Yahara River Chain.

Visitors to this pristine parcel of prairies, wet meadows, deciduous forests and freshwater springs will find ample opportunities for birdwatching. The mix of different habitats makes the conservancy a great home for a number of bird species.

Scenic overlooks or observation areas can be found along the East, West and South trails that run through the conservancy. Sandhill cranes are a common sight, as are several kinds of heron and all manner of prairie-loving birds, including Dickcissel, Bobolink, Henslow’s Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Harris’s Sparrow, Sedge Wren and Eastern Meadowlark.

Warbler Heaven
Some of the best woodland birding spots in the Midwest are in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Within the forest are a number of outstandingly preserved old-growth forest remnants that offer some of the best opportunities to see warblers.

One of the best warbler spots is the Trout Lake Conifer Swamp, located in Vilas County. It’s one of about a dozen unique State Natural Areas in the area protected by Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources.

The cedar, spruce, tamarack and balsam firs of this wet forest attract many species of warblers, including Nashville, black and white, Blackburnian, black-throated green, yellow-rumped and northern parula. The dimly lit forest groves, mosses, orchids and rare plants give you the sense that you’re in another world.

To get there from the Minocqua-Arbor Vitae-Woodruff area, go north on U.S. Hwy. 51 for 6 miles, then northeast on County M for 2 miles. The area is located just a quarter mile past the intersection with County N. The natural area lies northwest of the highway.

Redheads Galore
The Horicon Marsh in Dodge County is one of America’s great birding destinations. The northern half of the marsh is protected as a National Wildlife Refuge and is maintained for optimal habitat maintenance. The result is that nearly 300 species of birds either visit or live on the marsh at some point during the year.

Birders should begin their explorations in the refuge. The refuge was originally established as a nesting area for the redhead duck, which has flourished in the optimal habitat afforded by the marsh. Visitors to the refuge have a number of observation areas and trails to choose from, including the Horicon TernPike Auto Tour in the northwest quadrant of the marsh, just off Hwy 49.

A short drive or hike on the TernPike will take you to the floating boardwalk, where birdwatchers are afforded a water-level view of some of the best wetland birdwatching east of the Mississippi River. On a warm summer day, the sound of birds, frogs and insects is a roaring soundtrack. Mother Nature is thriving here.

Notable summer bird species include sora rails, bitterns, white pelicans, ruddy ducks and—of course—redhead ducks, to name only a few species. For good information on what types of birds are being spotted on the marsh when you arrive, stop by the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, located at the south end of the marsh between the communities of Mayville and Horicon.

Big Lake, Big Birds

Onalaska on the Mississippi River is one BIG birding destination. The Mississippi River is America’s most important bird migration corridor, providing a migration route for more than 40% of North America’s waterfowl. The Upper Mississippi, in particular, has some of the most outstanding birding opportunities in the world, in large part because of the series of pools created by the Lock & Dam system that runs from Minneapolis to St. Louis.

One of the largest pools and best for birdwatching is Lake Onalaska. At 7,700 acres, it is enormous. Out of the hundreds of species that can be seen during the spring and summer, the most impressive is by far the American white pelican.

The number of these giant birds—who can weigh as much as 30 pounds, with wingspans that reach up to 10 feet—have been going up over the past several years. Flocks of these graceful giants can easily be seen over the lake, rising and falling on air currents with in a kite-like style that is unmistakable. On the water, pelicans use a group feeding technique that involves herding fish towards the shallows and plowing through the water with their lower beaks submerged. It’s a sight you need to see to believe.

Dike 17
Black River Country is best known for its forests. The more than 200,000 acres of protected lands abound with trails and wildlife. Its location right off I-94 makes it a favorite outdoor escape for Minnesotans and Wisconsinites alike.

But this picturesque region of rugged pine forests also offers outstanding birding. One of the best locations in Black River Country is an area known as Dike 17. Located on the easternmost border of the forest along Settlement Road, this refuge area features an observation tower that overlooks a large flowage and several other wetlands. Sandhill cranes, shorebirds and waterfowl use the area during the spring and into the summer.

Kingfishers, heron, egrets and raptors are also common sights, as are a variety of songbirds that utilize the excellent upland habitat that surrounds the wetlands. But aside from the great birding, the area offers wonderful views of the beautiful Black River Country landscape. One visit and Dike 17 will probably be close to #1 on your list of favorite birding locations.

For more information on Middleton and the Pheasant Branch Conservancy, visit www.visitmiddleton.com.

Learn more about Vilas County and find additional natural areas by visiting www.vilas.org.

Get complete information about Dodge County and the Horicon Marsh by going to www.dodgecounty.com.

Find complete information for birding along the Wisconsin Great River Road by visiting www.wigreatriverroad.org.

And for trip planning information for Black River Country, visit www.blackrivercountry.net.

For information on these and other summer birdwatching destinations, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com

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Get Out Of Everyday and Into Art!

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Get Out Of Everyday and Into Art!
Wisconsin offers attractions, activities and events that help travelers relax, have fun and focus on creativity

(April 27, 2010)—For many travelers, vacations are about kicking back, relaxing and just tuning out. For others, travel is all about learning, experiencing and engaging in the places they’re visiting. Many travelers connect with the places they visit through art.

Whether you want to see great art, improve your own artistic skills or see beautiful landscapes that inspire you to create great art, these Wisconsin destinations are the places to be.

Art Immersion
If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the visual arts, West Bend is the place to go. Throughout Historic Downtown West Bend, visitors will find dozens of pieces of sculpture as part of the West Bend Sculpture Walk. In Regner Park, a Labyrinth Garden Earth Sculpture invites you to travel along its interwoven pathways. To clear your mind, take a stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, which follows the course of the Milwaukee River, providing wonderful waterscapes and idyllic scenery.

Once you’ve had enough outdoor art, head indoors to the Museum of Wisconsin Art. The museum is home to the largest collection of work by Wisconsin artists ever assembled. See paintings, drawings and sculpture by hundreds of Wisconsin artists, including the world’s largest collection of works by Milwaukee-born, Munich-trained painter Carl Von Marr. Less than an hour from Milwaukee, West Bend is one of southwest Wisconsin’s best kept secrets.

Northwoods Art
Northern Wisconsin is home to hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople. Woodworkers, weavers, potters, painters, fiber artists, photographers, metalworkers and glass-blowers—all call northern Wisconsin home. Many of these artists moved to the area for the very same reasons tourists flock to the area—the lakes, forests, abundant wildlife and a laidback way of life.

In an effort to share their work and talents, artists from Oneida, Price and Vilas counties have put together a series of art-related events, called Artists Interactive, including art classes, hands-on demonstrations and a number of exhibits to share their talents and work with visitors and residents. Events are scheduled throughout the region from May 1 through the end of the summer.

The classes and demonstrations are a fantastic way for travelers to learn some new skills and enjoy the natural beauty of the Northwoods. Art-loving visitors to the Northwoods should also check out the weeklong School of the Arts, held each summer in Rhinelander.

A Landscape Painters Paradise
In the mid- to late-1800s, the landscapes of Wisconsin’s Mississippi River region were among the most celebrated in the United States. Even though the majority of the country’s population still lived in the easternmost states, the citizens of the young nation took great pride in the natural beauty and spectacular vistas of the faraway places reported to them by explorers and travelers heading to the West.

Places like Lake Pepin, the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers near Wyalusing and Trempealeau Mountain were written about by everyone from William Cullen Bryant, Henry David Thoreau and Mark Twain. Colored engravings and prints of Mississippi River vistas hung in living rooms throughout the U.S. But by the late 1800s and early 1900s, as settlers began moving into the western states in great numbers, images and travel accounts of places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and the Rockies captured the imagination of Americans. The lush, placid landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River region were replaced by images of Crater Lake and Monument Valley.

But those same scenes that so engaged American’s of the past are still alive and well today. Often, first-time travelers along the Wisconsin Great River Road are awe-struck by the incredible beauty of the area. From the numerous bluff-top overlooks, one gets a sense of the fertility of the soil and the rich variety of the landscape. For a beginner landscape painter or seasoned professional artist, overlooks like Buena Vista in Alma and Maiden Rock in Pepin County and natural areas like Potosi Point and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, provide diverse subjects for painting.

And if you’re preferred subject matter is picturesque village scenes, you’ve also come to the right place. Many of the buildings in the 33 river towns were built in the mid- to late-1800s.

Learn more about all West Bend has to offer by visiting www.wbachamber.org.

View video profiles of Northwoods artists and find classes, exhibits and demonstrations by visiting www.artistsinteractive.org.

For more information on scenic overlooks and other interesting sights along the Wisconsin Great River Road at www.wigreatriverroad.org.

For more information on these and other art-related activities and destinations in Wisconsin, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Grab a Big Slice of Serenity

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Grab a Big Slice of Serenity
These seven destinations give travelers the chance to recharge the mind, body and senses

(April 27, 2010)—Don’t settle for the same-old boring vacation. This summer, go on an adventure. Here are two of the Midwest’s best opportunities for a vacation that’s out-of-the-ordinary and doesn’t require a heavy investment—just time and a willingness to explore.

American travelers are increasingly aware of the health benefits that travel can provide them. To maximize the renewing benefits of their vacation time, many travelers are looking for places where they can truly recharge.

Here are some destinations that offer outstanding opportunities for meditation, contemplation and relaxation.

Lake of the Clouds
The Porcupine Mountains of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are timeless. The hills and ridges you see today are remnants of an ancient mountain range dating back more than two billion years. The old-growth forests that are protected by the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park represent the largest tract of old-growth deciduous forests east of the Adirondacks.

In an area renowned for profound natural beauty, it’s hard to pick one single place as the most beautiful. But Lake of the Clouds is a blue gem amid the ancient forests. It is perhaps the most photographed feature in the Porcupine Mountains region. No matter what the season, it is a truly inspiring. The best view of the lake and the surrounding hills is from an easily accessible boardwalk just off 107^th Engineers Memorial Highway.

Other serenity inducing sights in the Porcupine Mountains include dozens of waterfalls and 21 miles of sandy beaches on Lake Superior. Wherever you go in the Porcupine Mountains, you’re sure to find one thing—peace, quiet and natural beauty.

Peace in the Pines
The Rhinelander Area has long been a popular Northwoods destination, offering lakeside resorts, restaurants and shopping. It’s a great place for nature lovers to stay and stock up on supplies before heading out to the area’s vast wilderness areas, such as the Willow Flowage, Nicolet National Forest and Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

But just minutes from the Rhinelander Area’s bustling center, you’ll find a surprising piece of untouched wilderness. The Holmboe Conifer Forest is a 32-acre natural area that protects a beautiful section of old-growth forest along the south bank of the Pelican River. Visitors can walk trails through a variety of conifer species, from dark hemlock forests to towering white and red pine groves. Closer to the river, you’ll find black spruce and tamaracks.

It is an outstanding place for a morning walk when you’re in the Northwoods. And any time of the day, it’s a good place to just be still, listen to the sound of the river and enjoy the cool shade beneath the pines.

Wetland Wonderland
Dodge County’s Horicon Marsh offers tens of thousands of acres of protected wetlands to explore. It’s the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States.

The vast size of the marsh makes most people opt to experience the marsh via an auto tour or taking a pontoon boat tour from Horicon Marsh Boat Tours. But to really immerse yourself in the tranquility of this lush green wetland, hop in a kayak and start paddling.

The Horicon Marsh Boat Tours rents kayaks from their Blue Heron Landing at the south end of the marsh in the City of Horicon. A short paddle up the Rock River takes you to the marsh. From there, you can get lost—quite literally—in a maze of sloughs and channels. Birds are literally everywhere—from ducks and geese to redwing blackbirds and bank swallows. Surrounded by green cattail stalks and other lush aquatic vegetation.

Fantastic Felsenmeers
The Blue Hills region of Rusk County and the Rice Lake area offer a number of surprises, none more breathtaking than the felsenmeers.

A felsenmeer is quite literally a “sea of rocks.” The annual freeze-thaw cycle works its magic on surrounding rocks for thousands of years until you get a vast field of sharply broken rocks and boulders. Coming upon these formations, one is filled with the sense of being in a very special place.

If you’ve never heard of a felsenmeer, that’s understandable. They’re very rare in Wisconsin. In fact, there are only three. One that you can visit is the Rock Creek Felsenmeer, which is open to the public via the Felsenmeer Trail Loop.

Jump River – Magic Waters
One of the best kept secrets in the Midwest, the Jump River is not only one of the best paddling experiences, it’s also one of the cleanest riverways in North America.

For the solitude seeker looking to get away from the sights and sounds of civilization, a trip down the Jump River as it flows through Rusk County is unmatched. The stretch from Highway 73 to Sheldon offers 9 miles of natural beauty. Clean banks of river-rounded stones invite you to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

The deep pools of the river teem with fish—the secluded river receives very little fishing pressure. But the biggest catch for the adventurous paddler is the peace, quiet and pristine waters. It’s a mind-cleansing experience you’ll never forget. Stop by the Rusk County Visitor Center in Ladysmith for a waterproof river map and paddling information.

Black River State Forest – Another World
The Black River State Forest in Jackson County, Wisconsin, is a lot bigger than it looks on a map. The forest makes up about 68,000 acres of a wilderness area totaling nearly 200,000 acres.

What makes Black River Country so spectacular is that it sits along the border between the Driftless Area—a portion of southwest Wisconsin that didn’t get plowed smooth by ancient glaciers—and the rolling landscape that makes up the rest of Wisconsin. Sandstone rock formations, rugged savannahs of scattered oaks and yellow pine trees and fast-running brooks give the area an atmosphere that is unique in Wisconsin.

The protected lands of the Black River State Forest are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, from timber wolves to the rare Karner blue butterfly. Hiking trails that run through the forest are well planned, keeping you far from civilization and close to nature.

Onalaska – The Seven Bridges
To wrap up our list of seven great destinations to find serenity, we have the Seven Bridges of the Van Loon Wildlife Area, known by locals in Onalaska as the McGilvray Bridges.

Take a fifteen minute drive north from Onalaska’s giant sunfish sculpture and follow the Wisconsin Great River Road until you come to Amsterdam Prairie Road. Turn right and head north to a parking lot. From there, you’ll follow the trail to the first of a series of bridges.

These bridges are not only interesting structures, they are important for their innovative engineering. The arch-truss design dates to the late 1800s and these bridges represent some of the last existing examples of the design.

The forest you walk through here is also special. It is part of the floodplain of the Black River before it flows into the Mississippi River. The bottomland forest supports a number of species of birds and other animals that depend on the intermittent flooding for survival. Several species of woodpeckers take advantage of standing dead timber to make their homes. The relatively rare Massasauga rattlesnake makes its home here as well, though few people ever see this small and elusive relative of Wisconsin’s timber rattler.

Each bridge along the trail gives you a chance to stop, reflect and take in the natural beauty of a place that has survived development and remains today a haven for plants and animals that need protected wilderness to survive. Don’t miss this incredible piece of natural serenity.

Get more information on the Porcupine Mountains at www.porcupinemountains.com.

Find more Rhinelander Area trails and attractions by visiting www.explorerhinelander.com.

Additional Dodge County birding information can be found at www.dodgecounty.com.

Learn more about Rice Lake at www.ricelaketourism.com and more about Rusk County at www.ruskcountywi.com.

Information on Black River Country trails, wildlife and other attractions can be found at www.blackrivercountry.net.

Trip planning resources for visiting Onalaska are available at www.discoveronalaska.com.

For more information on these peaceful places and other relaxing Wisconsin destinations, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Wisconsin Summer Travel Update – New for 2010

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Wisconsin Summer Travel Update — New for 2010

(April 27, 2010)—Updates and news about Wisconsin Travel Destinations

The National Mustard Museum is open in Middleton!
Taste, see and discover the fascinating world of mustard

The National Mustard Museum has relocated its collections to downtown Middleton. The fun and fascinating collection of mustards and mustard-related memorabilia is now open to the public.

Located at the corner of Hubbard Avenue and Parmenter Street in the heart of downtown Middleton, the museum features more than five thousand jars, bottles and tubes from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. You’ll have a chance to visit the Mustard Piece Theatre, sing the “Poupon U Fight Song” and shop for more than 400 varieties of mustard.

New Water Trails in Oneida County
Information now available on the area’s best paddling routes

When most people think of Oneida County, they think of lakes: lakeside resorts, clear-blue lakes and boating.

But the area’s wilderness rivers and undeveloped flowages also provide outstanding recreational opportunities, particularly for canoeists and kayakers.

To help visitors coming to the area find the best places to paddle, the Oneida County Tourism Council asked local paddling expert Andy Teichmiller at the Chequamegon Adventure Company in Minocqua and Shane Tulowitzky, at Mel’s Sporting Goods in Rhinelander, to come up with a short list of “must paddle” opportunities in the area.

Recommended put-ins and take-outs, as well as important hazard information, is now available for the Wisconsin and Tomahawk rivers, as well as the Willow Flowage. The information is included in the newest edition of the Oneida County Trail Guide and on www.oneidacountywi.com.

An Online Tour of Wisconsin’s Wineries!
Newly updated website offers a treasure trove of information on Wisconsin’s wineries.

The winemakers of Wisconsin want people to come and visit. To help people to learn what they can expect when they visit the 35 unique Wisconsin wineries, they’ve created an interactive website and winery tour booklet.

The new website features video profiles of each of the wineries. The video profiles allow wine-lovers a chance to learn about each winery’s offerings and meet the winemakers. The tour booklet, “The Wisconsin Winery Tour,” explains each of Wisconsin’s unique wine regions and provides trip itineraries to make travel planning easy.

Get information on the National Mustard Museum and Middleton at www.visitmiddleton.com.

Learn more about Oneida County’s trails at www.oneidacountywi.com.

To view the video profiles, order the booklet and find out more about touring Wisconsin’s wineries, visit www.wiswine.org.

For more information on any of these Wisconsin travel offerings or story ideas about other unique Wisconsin attractions and destinations, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Four Great Family Trips For Tight Budgets

Get Your Family On the Water

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Get Your Family On the Water
You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy the Midwest’s best waterways

(April 27, 2010)—Wisconsin is home to thousands of lakes, rivers and streams. For boat owners, summertime in Wisconsin is paradise. But you don’t need a boat to enjoy the waterscapes of Wisconsin. No need to worry about pulling a boat trailer or worrying about whether or not your outboard is going to start today. Here are some easy options for options for getting the family out on the water this summer.

The Little Everglades of the North
The Horicon Marsh in southeast Wisconsin’s Dodge County is beloved by birdwatchers the world over. And for good reason—nearly 300 species of birds spend time on the marsh each year. White pelicans, rare shorebirds, a huge variety of waterfowl and truly impressive flights of geese are common sights.

A great way for families to experience the Horicon Marsh is a guided pontoon boat tour from Horicon Marsh Boat Tours. Tour options include sightseeing tours, birdwatching tours and sunset cruises. Expert pilots offer a lifetime of experience navigating the marsh and provide interesting information about the plants and animals you’ll see. The winding river channels and dense cattail beds really are reminiscent of the Florida Everglades. Although the Horicon Marsh offers no chance of gator sightings, it’s a whole lot closer to home.

But the easiest way for getting the family on the water is the floating boardwalk, located along the Horicon TernPike Auto Tour, in the northwest corner of the Marsh. The boardwalk takes you out onto the marsh for a “water-level” view of the plants, animals and birds. There’s nothing quite like it in Wisconsin.

Take the Ferry
The charming river town of Cassville, along the Wisconsin Great River Road is known for is home to one of the few operating car ferries on the Upper Mississippi River. The first ferry operating out of Cassville dates back to 1833, making the Cassville ferry the oldest operating ferry service in Wisconsin.

The ferry runs seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During May, September and October, it runs from Friday to Sunday only. Kids will love the trip across the Mississippi River to Turkey River in Iowa.

Take a Northwoods Cruise
The Rhinelander area is home to Wisconsin River Cruises, offering sightseeing and sunset dinner cruises on the Wilderness Queen. The cruises take you along the Wisconsin River south of Rhinelander.

You’ll journey past densely wooded riverbanks and islands full of birds and wildlife. Bald eagles are common on this stretch of the river, and sunset cruisers are often treated to the sight of white-tailed deer coming to the riverside for a drink of water. If you’re looking for an convenient and relaxing way to enjoy some time on the water in the Northwoods, this is the way to go.

Best Beaches on Earth
Maybe boating isn’t what you’re looking for. Beaches are another great way to enjoy the water. Luckily, the best beaches on earth are only a short drive away for most Midwesterners.

When people think of the world’s best beaches, they instantly think of Hawaii or the Caribbean. But, the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to some of the cleanest, most pristine sandy beaches in the world.

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park not only protects one of the largest old-growth hardwood forests in North America, it is also home to 21 miles of sandy, Lake Superior beaches. Although the water isn’t bathwater-warm, you’ll still find outstanding beachcombing, aqua-blue waters, wonderful scenery, campfires on the beach and the best stargazing on the planet.

Flambeau River Paddling
For a family paddling trip, Rusk County offers lots of options. The Chippewa River is the king of Northwoods rivers, big and brawny, with deep bends that hold monster musky. The Jump River is clean and free-running, unhindered by dams, coursing between rocky banks. The Thornapple River is truly wild, twisting and turning through remote forests and wetlands.

But for family paddling, nothing beats the Flambeau River. The Flambeau is among the most beautiful of all of Wisconsin’s rivers. With a number of well-documented and mapped paddling routes, you can select the perfect trip in relation to the ages of your traveling party and their paddling experience. As the river flows towards Ladysmith, paddlers will find a number of places to camp. Lodging in Rusk County is very affordable as well.

A series of detailed paddling maps is available for the Flambeau River as well as a floating map with selected routes on several Rusk County waterways.

For more information on the Horicon Marsh and lodging options in the area, visit www.dodgecounty.com.

Find complete information for traveling along Wisconsin’s only National Scenic Byway at www.wigreatriverroad.org.

Learn more about visiting the Porcupine Mountains at www.porcupinemountains.com.

Get more information on Rusk County’s rivers at www.ruskcountywi.com.

For more information on these boat tours and beaches and more great waterscapes in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Just Get in Your Car and Go!

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Just Get in Your Car and Go!
Destinations in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan create sample itineraries to help visitors plan the perfect trip

(April 27, 2010)—With the current economic downturn putting the pinch on household budgets across the U.S., a number of Wisconsin destinations have created sample itineraries promoting affordable attractions, activities and lodging options.

A sample itinerary tells prospective visitors with a concise overview of recreational options, top attractions and even places to eat. For the time-strapped head-of-household who’s in charge of putting together vacation plans, the sample itineraries are a great tool.

Research has shown that travelers are planning these vacations much closer to the actual travel date than in the past. Sample itineraries allow travelers planning their vacation to find out what a particular destination has to offer in a glance.

The most helpful itineraries are ones that include both indoor and outdoor activities and recreational options that suit a wide range of ages and interests. For example, Oneida County just published a sample itinerary that features fishing, a boat tour, paddling, bowling, golf and a visit to the Kovac Planetarium, as well as a list of rainy day activities. Their itinerary can be found online at www.oneidacountywi.com.

Another helpful feature of sample travel itineraries is cost planning. For travelers who are watching their budgets, itineraries provide a useful outline for planning lodging, dining, transportation and other trip costs. The very best sample itineraries will even give a total trip estimate up front, which helps travelers feel confident when making their travel selections.

The one-week itinerary just released by the resort community of Boulder Junction, clearly states estimated trip costs for a family of four and a couple, giving a cost range that they have found to be accurate surveys of their visitors. Boulder Junction’s itinerary can be downloaded at www.boulderjct.org.

Here are just a few other communities that have put together sample itineraries:

• Porcupine Mountains of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
• Rusk County, Wisconsin
• Vilas County, Wisconsin

For more information on these itineraries and other ways Wisconsin destinations are trying to create convenient and affordable vacation options to suit the changing travel-planning habits of today’s consumer, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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Curious, Eccentric and Downright Bizarre

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Curious, Eccentric and Downright Bizarre
Three Wisconsin attractions truly stand alone

(April 27, 2010)—There’s something in the water in Wisconsin that makes people want to follow their dreams, no matter how strange. Some of these dreams involve building museums and other exhibits that become fascinating roadside curiosities. Here’s three of Wisconsin’s most original and refreshing attractions.

World Mustard Mecca
There can be only one National Mustard Museum, and it turns out it’s located at the corner of Hubbard Avenue and Parmenter Street in downtown Middleton.

The man behind this one-of-a-kind mecca to mustard is Barry Levenson, an energetic man who will quickly convince you that mustard really is the condiment of kings. Visitors to the museum will see more than five thousand jars, bottles and tubes from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. If you have even the slightest interest in mustard, this place is going to fascinate you. If you’re a bona fide mustard lover, the National Mustard Museum will blow your mind.

In addition to tasting various mustards, visitors have a chance to see a movie at the “Mustard Piece Theatre,” sing the “Poupon U Fight Song” and shop for more than 400 varieties of mustard.

The first Saturday in August is the annual National Mustard Day, which is of course celebrated with all the gusto you’d expect from a National Mustard Museum. This year’s festivities occur on August 7, 2010. If you’re a fan of the yellow condiment, you won’t want to miss it.

As owner Barry Levenson likes to say, “Be prepared to be entertained!”

The Strange Frontier
In a region known for eclectic museums and roadside curiosities, the Fort Crawford Museum in Prairie du Chien on the Wisconsin Great River Road stands in a class by itself.

Equal parts frontier history and bizarre medical-history exhibits, it would take the most jaded roadside oddity aficionado not to be impressed by this museum. The combination of frontier artifacts and medical exhibits comes from the fact that the old Fort Crawford, which once protected this part of the American frontier, was home to Dr. William Beaumont, a famous medical pinoeer.

Dr. Beaumont served as an army surgeon at Fort Crawford from the summer of 1828 through the summer of 1832 and performed what today seems like very strange experiments on patients, the findings of which helped advance the scientific understanding of the human digestive system.

Other highlights of the museum include the iron bars from a prison cell that once housed the great Chief Blackhawk and important treaties signed by local chiefs and future American President Zachary Taylor. For fans of roadside curiosities, this is a must-see attraction.

The Little House Frozen in Time
Travelers along the Wisconsin Great River Road are used to seeing various museums and historic markers commemorating important moments in American history. This museum in Fountain City is significant because it captures forever a moment that—though quite shocking—is absolutely not history-book fodder.

In 1995, a giant rock came crashing through the roof and into the bedroom of this tiny home owned by Maxine and Dwight Anderson. Not wanting to test fate, they moved out. But today, the home stands just as it was—the television still on and the rock sitting smack dab in the middle of the master bedroom.

Admission to the home and even the souvenirs are all on the honor system—just leave the money you owe. And the cost to see this arguably interesting sight? Only $1. You and your travel companions can spend the rest of your drive on the Wisconsin Great River Road arguing about whether it was worth it.

Get more information on the National Mustard Museum and other Middleton attractions at www.visitmiddleton.com.

For more information about Prairie du Chien, Fountain City and attractions and other interesting things to see along the Wisconsin Great River Road, visit www.wigreatriverroad.org.

For more information on these and other unusual Wisconsin attractions and destinations, contact Susanne Thiede-Barnet at 608-242-8895 or Susanne@pilchbarnet.com.

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