Blog at Port Washington Inn – Milwaukee-Area B&B

“Love is in the “Frigid-aire” so grab your sweetie to celebrate Valentine’s Weekend during the 36th Annual Winter Festival; “Romancing the Snow” in Historic Cedarburg, Wisconsin, February 13 & 14. So, don’t be stupid, cupid…wend your way to romantic Cedarburg and be our funny valentine.”

For all the details visit: http://www.cedarburgfestivals.org/winterfestival.html

All events are open to the public and most are free.
Info: 262-377-9620 or 888-894-4001
Saturday 8am – 10 pm
Sunday 8 am-3 pm

Stay at the Port Washington Inn and add a Lake Michigan view to your Valentine’s weekend while saving 30-40% on your stay! Port Washington, only 9 miles from Cedarburg, offers a variety of locally owned restaurants plus a chocolate shop (The Chocolate Chisel) and a wine making shop (From Vines to Cellar), Bernie’s Meat Market, and stunning views of Lake Michigan!

Located only 10 miles from Port Washington Inn, Riveredge Nature Center is a favorite with our guests who are looking to enjoy time in the great outdoors. Miles of groomed cross country ski trails, other trails designated for snowshoeing, plus various workshops and special programs are among the opportunities available. Set along the Milwaukee River in the town of Newburg, Riveredge is ‘far from the madding crowd’. Bring your camera to capture photographic memories of your time there. Check out their website at www.riveredge.us

Note: cross country skis and snowshoes can be rented from Laacke and Joys in Mequon (www.laackeandjoys.com)

Before you conclude that ‘rustic roads’ are a clever title for ‘unimproved roads’, take a look at Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads program, initiated in 1973. For “those who prefer a road less-traveled, Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads have provided hikers, bikers, and motorists a peaceful escape into some of the finest four-season scenery the Midwest has to offer”. Thirty years later, the 100th rustic road was designated bringing the total designated miles over 500 with 54 counties of the state.

Pictured below in Ozaukee County, a team of horses proceeds down Hawthorne Road (2 miles long). Lined with oak, maple, and weeping willow trees, it is the only gravel road in the city of Mequon.

Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads guides are always available when you stay at the Port Washington Inn. Many of our guests venture west to Monches Farm and Holy Hill which are part of a natural kettle area with several rustic roads including portions of St. Augustine Road, Monches Road, Emerald Road, Shamrock Lane, and Donegal Road (12+ miles in total). Northwest in Sheboygan County near the Kettle Moraine State Forest is Rustic Road County S (2.4 miles), very near the Wade House State Historic Site and the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum.

Yesterday was an idyllic day to enjoy a stroll around the yard where so many blooms are fragrancing the air. White shrub roses, weigela, bridal wreath, climbing hydrangeas, and iris are in bloom and the pagoda dogwood branches are laden with creamy blooms later to become clusters of dark blue berries. The ninebarks and rock soapwort (rubra compacta) compete with each other for best of show as guests pull into the offstreet parking area in back. As summer solstice fast approaches, we marvel once again at Mother Nature's ability to transform the barrenness of the winter months to this abundance. Truly we are meant to embrace this beauty, taking time to smell the roses!

Storm clouds move out over Lake Michigan

Originally uploaded by port_washington_inn

Dramatic cloud formations have given photographers ample photo ops this year! On Sweetcake Hill we watch the clouds advance, usually from the west, then move out over Lake Michigan. This photo captures the duality of storm and clearing, the lake water a reflection of the sky. It is not unusual here within the course of a day to experience clear skies and full sun, puffy white clouds turning to dark grey ones, rain or fog or simply overcast skies followed by a serene sunset and starry moonlit night. One of us prefers blue skies and the other prefers dramatic clouds……..and we can each be happy part of most every day!