Hotel at a Glance: Old Rittenhouse Inn

Housed in a well-preserved Queen Anne Victorian mansion built in the 1890s, Old Rittenhouse Inn bills itself as Wisconsin’s first bed and breakfast. The old-world ambiance is dialed up in the Landmark Restaurant, where guests dine amid vintage wallpaper and a grand fireplace. Executive chef Matt Chingo serves upscale American and French cuisine for dinner Thursday through Sunday; breakfast is served daily.

• Guest rooms: Rooms 1–4 feature queen beds and views of Lake Superior, while rooms 6–9 come with a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and king-size bed.
• Two-course gourmet breakfast: Offerings typically include fresh baked goods, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice, as well as more involved entrees such as Belgian waffles, stuffed cinnamon swirl French toast, and spinach and onion quiche
• Enjoy dessert or a bottle of wine from the Inn’s Room Service, which is available upon request.

Bayfield, Wisconsin: Gateway to the Apostle Islands

Northern Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—known as the Jewels of Lake Superior—sort of look like they’ve been airlifted in from the American Southwest. These stacks of red sandstone were battered into their craggy shapes by wind, water, and the retreat of glaciers after the last Ice Age. During the winter, explore the area by way of snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Bayfield, the main gateway to the islands, is a picturesque place to take an autumnal walk along Chequamegon Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for birds—hundreds of species live in the area. There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails within Chequamegon National Forest. 

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