There are several schools of thought when it comes to flower gardens. On one end of the spectrum is the perfectly imperfect cottage-style garden. A wonderful example of this is the country garden at Apple Tree Lane B&B in Waupaca, where owner Kerri Thiel describes it as a "fun work-in-progress complete with a old white picket fence, antique bird bath, historic window frames and gates used as garden art, terra-cotta planters, and a few weeds!"

On the other end of the spectrum - the pristine gardens at Fanny Hill Victorian Inn in Eau Claire. Here you'll find three secluded gardens, perfectly manicured and ideal for celebrations or just wandering. There's even a 10-foot fountain spray in a pond, an impressive backdrop for photos. Oh, and add to that the spacious deck bedecked with wonderfully tended to potted plants and a beautiful view of the Chippewa River.

Photo: Bay Point Inn, Egg Harbor.

In greater numbers than ever before, B&B travelers want to know where their food comes from. At Bay Point Inn in Door County, the answer is simple: Right outside the back door. Innkeepers Myles and Mary Dannhausen have long been obsessed (their word) with gardening. Today their garden is an increasingly sophisticated enterprise, producing vegetables and fruits without the use of chemicals. They even have a "high tunnel green house" that allows for an extended season by protecting plants from the notorious early and late frosts on the peninsula. The couple has recently added a nice selection of heirloom tomatoes, and the peaches they serve come from 75-year-old family trees. Between their own gardens and their "buy local" efforts, these innkeepers are demonstrating that high quality and healthy alternatives can be offered even by small B&Bs. 

As long as we're on the topic of edibles, we thought why not provide a rundown of five of our favorite food festivals and the B&Bs nearby.

Bastille Days, July 11-14, Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee

Get your fill of French and Cajun cuisine at sidewalk cafes. There's even a 43-foot-tall Eiffel Tower replica to give you a taste a Paris culture without leaving Wisconsin.

B&Bs nearby: American Country Farm B&B & Cold Spring Inn 

To view all inns near Milwaukee, click here.

Port Washington Fish Day, July 20, Port Washington 

It's billed as the "world's largest outdoor one-day fish fry." So Wisconsin!

B&Bs nearby: Port Washington Inn & Isadora's B&B

Greekfest, July 27-28, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Madison

  This list alone will get you salivating: Traditional Greek-style roast lamb and chicken dinners, spanakopita, gyros sandwiches, Greek salads, honey puffs, baklava and Greek pastries. 

B&Bs nearby: Hotel Ruby Marie & Annie's B&B 

To view all inns near Madison, click here.

Brat Days, August 1-3, Kiwanis Park, Sheboygan 

Brat-tastic foods like Brat Jambalaya, Brat-B-Q and Brat on a Stick, in the city that claims to be the "Home of the Brat."

B&Bs nearby: Inn on Hillwind, Jay Lee Inn & Tauschek's B&B Log Home

To view all inns near Sheboygan, click here.

Sweet Corn Festival, August 15-18, Angell Park, Sun Prairie   

A whopping 75 tons of sweet corn are served during this weekend.  

B&Bs nearby: Fargo Mansion Inn & Token Creek Eco-Inn

Congratulations to Bob & Wendy Chady on winning May's getaway giveaway to Red Forest B&B, Two Rivers, on the shore of Lake Michigan.  Included is a kayak / canoe excursion. We'll also recommend pedaling some or all 14 miles of the Mariners - Rawley Point Trails, which has a paved asphalt/crushed limestone surface.

Rhubarb Cheesecake 

Photo: Victorian Rose B&B, Muscoda

1 cup + 2 Tbsp flour

 (divided)

1 ¼ cup  + 2 Tbsp sugar (divided)

½ cup (1 stick) butter

3 cups chopped rhubarb

2 pkgs (8 ounces each) cream cheese

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375°F 

In a medium bowl combine 1 cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar and butter. Mix until crumbly and pat into bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.

In a medium bowl toss together rhubarb ½ cup sugar and remaining 2 Tbsp. of flour.  Pour onto crust.

Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and ½ cup sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Pour over hot rhubarb in pan.

Return to oven and bake 30 minutes or until filling is set.

In a small bowl, combine sour cream, remaining 2 Tbsp. of sugar and vanilla. Spread over cheesecake while still hot.  Let cool completely and chill.  Makes 12 servings. 

 Click here to view a printer friendly .pdf version of this recipe.

You're unique. Stay that way.

Kris  

Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association (WBBA)

email: info@wbba.org | Phone: 715-539-9222