Our visits to the State
-these have been confined to the western side of the state.
The first was within a circular tour starting in Toronto and going clockwise via New York – eastern Tennessee – St Louis – entering Wisconsin," The Badger State, at the Mississippi crossing at Dubuque. After our stay the journey continued, into Minnesota at Duluth, along the western edge of Lake Superior for 200 miles, re-entering Canada at Grand Portage/Thunder Bay. We finished the trip hugging the northern banks of Lakes Superior and Huron, pausing to visit the site of the Indian paintings inspiring "Hiawatha," back to Toronto.
A few years later we travelled along the Mississippi once more – by road and boat – from La Crosse (yes, it is where it all started!) up to St Paul and Minneapolis at the end of an anti-clockwise route through Manitoba, the Dakotas ,Wyoming and Nebraska. Our return to Minneapolis marked only the second occasion in all our travels where we had to seek assistance. A propane leak caused us to stay overnight in a motel in St Paul while it was fixed.
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We travelled in a 28ft Class C motorhome [7.2 L V10 - Ford Chassis] What to see in WIS? Well, for a start - |
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| Go Camping!
With more than 4,600 campsites in Wisconsin state parks and forests, the state offers an abundant supply of opportunities to get outside and experience nature. There are no National Parks in the state, but do visit - |
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The St Croix River (State Park) Bird watching, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking... those are just a few of the outdoor activities to be enjoyed in one of the state’s natural settings. Sites typically include road access, a fire ring and a picnic table and can be used by either vehicle or tent campers. |
| However, there are also backpack, walk-in, and canoe-in sites, sites with electrical hookups, and sites designed specifically for tents or vehicle campers. | |
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The only large lake in the state is Lake Winnebago (now where have I heard that name before?) |
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For full information on campgrounds, their location, facilities and price guide, contact Keith on:
silverstarusa@ntlworld.com
| Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield | |
| Sample gourmet meals and old-fashioned hospitality in a setting that's right out of the Victorian era. Perhaps the most well-known B&B in one of the most popular small-town vacation destinations in the Midwest, the Old Rittenhouse makes a great starting and ending point for each day of a long weekend reunion with friends. The time is right to book your late summer or early fall getaway, and if you need some extra incentive, how about the Red Wine Weekend? Packages include two nights lodging, full breakfast each morning, afternoon wine tasting seminar, and a six course gourmet dinner with wine served at each with the guidance of a knowledgeable weekend wine host. |
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| Farmer’s Markets Mouth-watering strawberries, the delectable crunch of fresh green beans, and most importantly to the children, the sweet scent of baked goods! All that and much more is available at Wisconsin’s Farmer’s Markets. |
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Wisconsin’s oldest winery, von Stiehl Winery (1-800-955-5208; www.vonstiehl.com) - offers tasting sessions of its award winning premium Wisconsin wines and a 30-minute tour of the old Ahnapee Beer Brewery, among the Federal List of Historic Landmarks, built in the 1860s and now the home of the winery seven days a week. |
| For a truly eclectic shopping experience, a trip to The Flying Pig (920-487-9902; www.theflyingpig.biz) is a must with its most unique combination of folk art, unusual greenspace (pictured) and a coffee and tea bar. If there's room in the vehicle at this point, check out the Ivy Cottage (920/487-7263) , a great spot featuring upscale home interior accents, and Gaslight Antiques (920/487-5705). |
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Take A Museum Tour
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From authentic natural history to downright unusual collectibles, Wisconsin offers a diverse selection of museums sure to fit any level of curiosity - and activity. In other words, these places cater to young people of all ages. |
"…and now for the weather forecast"
General weather statistics – try the site at www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/climate.php , choose an area or town for an up-to-date forecast - to 8 days ahead [top LHS of this page]– plus lots of other information.
Feel free to contact me for weather source in any area of the U.S.A. Keith Silvester