Seek the Unique... July 2013
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Greetings!
We often tout the bike trails in Wisconsin; now it's time to show the motorcyclists some love with a list of favorite inns to motorcycle to. Plus, the cherry harvest in the state is underway, which naturally begs for a cherry recipe. Care to feed your artistic soul? We have recommendations for that too.
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Freedom to Explore
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Photo: Innkeeper Dean Herriges of
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Motorcycling and B&B travel have an undeniable appeal to people who like the freedom to explore life. If you fall into that category, how about some insider tips on the best Wisconsin inns to motorcycle to, starting with the Franklin Victorian B&B in Sparta. There you'll find indoor motorcycle storage to park your bike after a full day touring the rolling hills and taking in the river views of the driftless region of the state. The innkeeper, Jennifer Dunn, recommends the website www.DriftlessDestinations.com as a wonderful resource for motorcycle routes and maps. The owners of Victorian Dreams B&B in Lodi tout the bluffs in the area as a great backdrop for your ride. You can also take the Merrimac Ferry across the Wisconsin River and head over to Devil's Lake State Park. Garage storage at this inn too. Finally, the innkeepers at the Eagle Centre House B&B in Eagle, Riene Wells Herriges and Dean Herriges, claim there's no better motorcycling in Wisconsin than in the Southern Kettle Moraine. And to put their money where their mouth is, so to speak, they're giving away a stay for two - so all you motorcyclists and anyone else who loves B&Bing, click here to enter. While a guest at Eagle Centre House B&B, you'll want to explore the 20 acres surrounding the inn that is in Conservancy to protect the native prairie plants. Old World Wisconsin is across the road and features heirloom gardens and prairie remnants, another great find. By the way, Riene offered this photo she titled "Our Vintage Ride" - it's a picture of Dean and their 1991 Harley Electra-Glide Sport. Bikers can appreciate other vintage rides at the local biker haven, Knucklehead's Bar.Congratulations to last month's Getaway Giveaway winner, Denise Senn, for winning a one night's stay for two at Victorian Rose B&B in Muscoda!!
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Historic Sites Worth Seeing
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Given we have so many fine examples of historic inns among our membership, we have a soft spot for Wisconsin historic sites that are former homes, like the Black Point Estate home and gardens in Lake Geneva, one of the finest example of Queen Anne architecture and intact collections of Victorian furnishings in the Midwest. In a twist, stay at the modern At the Lake House B&B, built in 2010. Historic site Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien also gives you a chance to experience Victorian life at the estate of one of Wisconsin's most prosperous families. The historic Neumann House B&B, circa 1850s, is our recommendation of where to stay when visiting Villa Louis.
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Feast Your Eyes on Juried Art Festivals
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Photo: Art in the Park - courtesy of
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While we always provide a recipe or two to satisfy your taste buds, here's something to feed your creative side - a rundown of select juried art festivals in Wisconsin with links to inns in the area. One of northeast Wisconsin's top competitive juried fine arts exhibitions takes place at The Trout Museum of Art in Appleton, July 31 to August 4 - the Franklin Street Inn (whose innkeepers provided this tip) is just five blocks from the museum. From the owners of the Inn at Wawanissee Point, a modern villa-style B&B in Baraboo, comes an endorsement for the Summer Art Classic Fine Art Festival, set for August 10 on the courthouse lawn in the city's historic downtown square. This juried fine art event attracts artists from throughout the Midwest who display and sell their work in a range of mediums including paintings, fiber, glass, ceramics, sculpture and wood under the towering trees surrounding the old courthouse. And here are more to consider: The American Accents: A Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts, August 10, set along the Rubicon River in Hartford; Arts on the Square, August 16-17, taking place in the downtown city square in Waupaca; The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts, August 17-18, at Fowler Park in Oconomowoc; Taste of Portage Market Fair, August 24, in downtown Portage; and the Wade House Arts and Crafts Fair at the Wade House Historic Site, in Greenbush near Plymouth and Sheboygan.
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A Cheery Cherry Report
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Last year was a bust for the state's cherry growers, this year they're harvesting a bumper crop. From Pine Grove Park B&B in Reedsburg, this recipe for Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis with Almond Cr�me. As an aside, our newest cookbook has an entire section dedicated to special dietary recipes.8 oz. frozen or fresh pitted cherries ⅔ cup sugar, divided � tsp fresh lemon zest 4 egg yolks (save whites) 6 Tbsp gluten-free allpurpose flour 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup heavy cream � tsp salt Almond Cr�me � cup sour cream � cup heavy cream � cup sugar � tsp almond extract Preheat oven to 375�F. Mix cherries, ⅓ cup sugar and lemon zest in abowl. Let stand. Blend remaining ⅓ cup sugar and egg yolks with anelectric mixer until ribbon forms. Blend in flour, vanilla and cream.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites and � teaspoon salt for about 30 seconds until foamy. Add the egg whites to the batter and blend with the electric mixer until incorporated. Butter a 10-inch round baking dish. Pour the cherry mixture in the bottom and spread around. Pour the batter over the top and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. For the almond cr�me: In a food processor, blend the sour cream, heavy cream, sugar and almond extract until thickened. Add a dollop to each serving. Yield: 4 servings. Click here to view a printer friendly .pdf version of this recipe.Thanks for reading the July issue of "Seek the Unique!" You're unique. Stay that Way. Kris Ullmer, Administrator Wisconsin B&B Association Phone: 715-539-9222 Email: [email protected]
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