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7 of Wisconsin's Most Romantic Towns

Whether you’re dreaming up some creative honeymoon ideas or just trying to spice up Wednesday night date night, Wisconsin has plenty to offer all you lovebirds! Read on for seven of the state’s most romantic destinations:

  1. BayfieldWhat I love most about Bayfield is that you can choose to do a lot or a little in this quaint harbor town. With a front row view of beautiful Lake Superior and a population of just 530, Bayfield is the perfect place to escape the chaos of city life and take delight in a dose of small town charm. Hop on a pair of bicycles and cruise past orchards or trek through the Chequamegon National Forest. Hit up the Wisconsin Lake Superior Byway for a truly spectacular road trip. Test your wildlife expertise at one of the many accessible birding sites in the Chequamegon Bay. For the more adventurous couple, kayak in and around the Apostle Island sea caves or hit the slopes at Mt. Ashwabay.
    Places to Stay: Artesian House B&B, Old Rittenhouse Inn, Pinehurst Inn
  2. Cedarburg

    Photo courtesy of Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce

    This casually elegant community is another hot spot for folks seeking a romantic escape. Take a stroll through Cedarburg’s historic downtown, stock up on goods at the farmer’s market on Friday morning and sample some vino at Cedar Creek Winery. Square away a few hours to explore more of the Big Mill—it’s home to the winery, a cafe, blacksmith forge and a handful of shops and galleries. (And might I add: I highly recommend seeing the mill around the holidays!)
    Places to Stay: Stagecoach Inn B&B, Washington House Inn, Sybaris Hotel (in nearby Mequon)

  3. Ephraim

    Photo by Mike Roemer

    Door County has long established itself as a vacation destination thanks to its Utopia-like quintessence. And when it comes to igniting a little romance on vacation, Ephraim is as alluring as it gets. For starters, the sunsets here are nothing short of magical. Rent a pontoon boat, cuddle up with your sweetie and witness one together. Secondly, Ephraim has Wilson’s, an iconic Door County ice-cream parlor (and hey, nothing says “I love you” like a yummy Wilson’s sundae).
    Places to Stay: Bay Breeze Resort, The Eagle Harbor Inn, Edgewater Resort

  4. Elkhart Lake

    Photo courtesy of Elkhart Lake Tourism

    Heading south to Sheboygan County, I’m a huge fan of the oh-so-romantic Elkhart Lake. You may decide to challenge each other on the greens at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club, pamper yourselves at The Osthoff Resort’s Aspira Spa or indulge in a few tropical cocktails at Barefoot Bay Tiki Bar. Outdoorsy duos will really appreciate Marsh Park, Tower & Wildlife area, where campsites, fishing piers, picnic areas and a boat launch are all awaiting your next night out with your love.

    Places to Stay:
    Osthoff Lake Resort, Victorian Village Resort

  5. Hudson

    Photo by Marnie Marie Photography

    This river town is an up-and-coming vacation hot spot. With the St. Croix River as its backdrop, it’s no wonder why more couples are spending their time together in Hudson. Browse American craft and fine art at Seasons on St. Croix, dine at one of Hudson’s many trendy downtown restaurants, get a wintry view of the city from above during the Hot Air Affair or spend a few hours taking in the scenic view that is Willow Falls. For the history lovers, take a stroll down Third Street, where you’ll discover a series of impressive historic homes that were built for town leaders and lumber barons in the late 1800s.
    Places to StayPhipps Inn B&B

  6. Lake Geneva

    Photo by Marnie Marie Photography

    No matter the time of year, Lake Geneva is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Consider visiting in the winter for horseback riding at Dan Patch Stables, ice-skating at The Abbey Resort or taking a picturesque ride through downtown, lakefront, and historic Maple Park District with Field Stone Farm Carriage & Pony. If visiting in the summer, you’ll want to explore the lake via Lake Geneva Cruise Line, head to Big Foot Beach State Park or sign up for a sailing lesson at Geneva Lake Sailing School. While in town, be sure to do a little stargazing from the nearby Yerkes Observatory and take in the unique Dancing Horses Show.
    Places to Stay: Baker House, Grand Geneva Resort, Lazy Cloud

  7. Spring Green

    Photo courtesy of Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce

    If you're looking for something a bit more whimsical, make your way to Spring Green in Sauk County. The renowned American Players Theatre, located on 110 rolling acres a few miles south of Spring Green, provides a unique ambiance thanks to the driftless area that surrounds this natural amphitheater. After you've taken a spin through the Frank Lloyd Wright® Visitor Center & Taliesin, do some underground spelunking at Cave of the Mounds in nearby Blue Mounds or discover eclectic exhibits and a fabulous view of rural Spring Green from the House on the Rock.

    ...And let's face it, heading home from any vacation in Wisconsin sans cheese would be a major faux pas: To satisfy those curd cravings, don't forget to make a pit stop at Cedar Grove Cheese in nearby Plain.
    Places to Stay: Aldebaran Farm, Candlewood Cabins (in nearby Richland Center), DaleWood Retreat (in nearby Lone Rock)

Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. She hails from Evansville, where she was brought up in a family of seven in a small farmhouse outside of town. Some of her favorite memories include Lake Michigan fishing trips with her Dad, showing sheep at the Rock County Fair and buzzing around the farm on an ATV with her little brother. Watch Discover Wisconsin Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin’s outdoor block.

18 comments on “7 of Wisconsin's Most Romantic Towns”

  1. If you are looking for romantic places to stay in Lake Geneva, check out http://www.lazycloud.com. Very romantic with a double whirlpool with a view of the fireplace in every suite and room. Other amenities are candles, robes, a complimentary bottle of wine or champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. Check us out.

  2. For Spring Green, under places to stay you should also mention Hill Street B & B. We have stayed there once or twice a summer since 2001 when attending American Players Theater (which is minutes away). The home is beautiful, accommodations comfy, and the owners very informal and hospitable (good breakfast too). It is a few minutes' level walk from downtown Spring Green. I highly recommend it. [Note: written as a satisfied guest; I have no connection with the owners. Second note: the property is for sale, but until it is sold, the owners told me they intend to stay in business.]

    1. Hill Street B&B is sold.....private residence.....Usonian Inn.....Springs condos....both good places to stay in Spring Green area

      1. For all practical purposes this is accurate, but actually the owner has told me that it is still for sale as a b & b and will be rented by American Players Theater in 2015 for staff housing. So there is still some hope it will eventually reopen as a b & b, but yes, it is for the present closed.

  3. A great place to stay in Cedarburg is The Washington House Inn B&B. I have no affiliation to the B&B except that I got engaged there 16 years ago. I now live and have a business in Cedarburg.

  4. You can also take a ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island, take your car or bicycle over there- it's beautiful! You can take a tour of all the Islands by ferry also.

  5. Cedarburg is a wonderful day or weekend get-away. The bed and breakfasts are quaint and delightful. Shopping is fun. The Milwaukee River runs through part of downtown. There are several nice parks, a bike riding or walking off-street trail, and many delicious restaurants such as Cream and Crepe in the Woolen Mill, Settler's Inn, Vintage Cafe and The Anvil. Out and Out has great custard. The blacksmith shop has been closed for several years. It's now The Anvil Restaurant.

  6. Don't forget to visit the wonderful Phipps center for the arts in Hudson.
    Located on the St,Croix river, it is a jewel.

  7. Hudson offers truly unique boutique shops, unparalleled restaurants, art galleries and the historic Octagon House all set in the beauty of the St. Croix River Valley. Take in the Willow River State Park with four seasons of family fun activities. Hudson has it all.

  8. UW-Madison Continuing Studies is offering a weekend School of the Arts Oct. 11-12 in Spring Green. You can enjoy exploring the arts in one of these two-day classes: Watercolor: Painting Clouds and Water ; From Old Objects to New Art, and Writing Beyond the Self. Held in the Wright=designed Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center. See continuingstudies.wisc.edu/conferences/school-of-the-arts-spring-green/october.html

  9. Thimbleberry Inn which is now a "bed with a view" vs. a B and B is a wonderful place to stay just outside of Bayfield. Check it out on the web.

  10. My wife and I just spent a very quite weekend in Ephraim. We stayed at the Eagle Harbor Inn. It was wonderful. We enjoyed the Winter Carnivals in the area and visited the Door County Bakery, a must for anyone who visits the area.

  11. Mariah Haberman - the closest and bet places to stay for Spring Green, are still in Spring Green - you miss the opportunity to mention my historic architectural motel - The Usonian Inn LLC - cute as a button!! #springgreen #cohost #discoverwisconsin (oh, georaphy)

  12. Many things go into a romantic get-away. The right place, the right accomidations and activities, but most importantly the right person. Where would you go or take someone first?

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