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

The Port Washington Historical Society (http://www.portwashingtonhistoricalsociety.org/) is making it ever easier for locals and tourists to interact with the history of Port Washington. Like a captivating book, Port Washington’s history is a ‘good read’ but especially inclines one to an on site investigation of the pre-civil war buildings including the 1860 Historic Lighthouse, now a museum that’s open weekends May-October.

A self-guided walking tour of prominent downtown historic buildings has been a favorite with guests of the Port Washington Inn, who are often attracted to the inn by its history.

In fact, the history of Port Washington Inn is connected to the German brewing tradition by George Blessing who built this home for his family when he moved to Port Washington from Chicago after purchasing the Port Brewing Company.

This past fall (2009) the Port Washington Wisconsin Historical Society featured all establishments that produced or served beers within Port Washington’s history. This event was attended by one of the Blessings’ grandsons who shared several stories of his Grandfather Blessing. This grandson has visited the Port Washington Inn several times and each time we are regaled with his memories of time he spent here with his grandparents and extended family.

As with any community, there were ‘movers and shakers’ who propelled Port Washington’s growth from a meager Lake Michigan harbor to a thriving center of trade and the county seat of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

The evidence is recorded in a ‘Homecoming’ Book published around 1908 in which are pictures and advertisements of significant businesses as well as prominent residences, the George Blessing home among them. A copy of this book was gifted to the inn by the Blessings’ grandson. The Port Washington Inn now has had several of the photos from the book professionally copied and framed; they are on display in the parlors.

Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur shutterbug, Port Washington Wisconsin offers opportunities galore. Follow this link http://www.ci.port-washington.wi.us/Photos/Gallery.htm to view pictures shared on the Port Washington Wisconsin website

When visiting Port Washington, the Port Washington Inn bed and breakfast on Sweetcake Hill gives you an atmosphere of serenity, elegance, and comfort in one of Port Washington’s historic homes built in 1903. Here the comfort quotient will have you believing you’ve traveled back in time to a less harried, more generous time and place. Here you may feel as though you’ve landed in the midst of a serene photo as the inn draws you into its quiet beauty.

Combining genealogy research and a leisurely vacation is easily accomplished when you make the Port Washington Inn your headquarters. The Ozaukee County Archives Research Facility is just three blocks down the hill in the restored 1907 Electric Interurban Depot building. There is direct link research capability with the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives and the National Archives Center. Located adjacent to the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, the center serves also as a rest stop, welcome, and information center for trail users.

From Upper Lake Park view Port Washington’s hidden beach below and,

if you are a beachcomber, you can make your way to this secluded beach

by way of the stairway installed in late 2009!

As the waves lap the shore, you’ll enjoy the ever-changing temperament

of Lake Michigan’s waters whose hues can range from azure to turquoise,

from soft opalescent at dusk to endless shades of greys on overcast days.

The waters of the lake echo the sky and the cloud formations traveling overhead

are remarkable, resulting in spectacular sunrises and sunsets!

Formations of geese fly in and out of the harbor,

ducks paddle the breakwaters, and gulls wheel overhead.

Enjoy strolling the beach and, as a guest of the Port Washington Inn,

take advantage of the beach blankets and towels

they are happy to supply for lolling on the beach!

Around the country, people will jockey for position to watch fireworks in celebration of July 4th. After 13 years as innkeepers of the Port Washington Inn, we tend to take for granted our ability to enjoy Port Washington’s fireworks from the comfort of the inn….or the front porch….or the lawn. We love our location and our guests do, too!