ECO-ELEGANT B&BS IN WISCONSIN

11-08-2010

STAYING AT AN ECO-ELEGANT B&B IN WISCONSIN IS A FEEL GOOD EXPERIENCE
MADISON, Wis. (Nov. 8, 2010) — It would be difficult to argue that the B&B industry in Wisconsin has done more for historic restoration than any other lodging segment. Or, that the state’s B&B association with its library of cookbooks has done more to inspire home chefs than any cadre of culinary institute-trained pros. Now it seems the B&B industry is poised to lay claim to a new style of travel — eco-elegant — by pioneering green practices that complement the vacation experience. A stay at one of these “eco-elegant” B&Bs is not only a wonderful relaxing getaway but travelers can also feel good knowing their innkeeper makes stewardship of the environment a priority in every aspect of their business.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has come up with its list of the Top 10 inns that wow with their eco-conscious vibe and luxury amenities, with five honorable mentions and “one to watch for” rounding out the list. All these properties are certified by the Department’s Travel Green Wisconsin voluntary certification program which awards points for water conservation, recycling, wildlife conservation and energy efficiency, but also includes in the tally points for employee and guest education.

“Wisconsin has a long legacy of land stewardship programs like Travel Green Wisconsin,” said Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble. “The state’s B&Bs were among the first to sign up for certification, which immediately helped jumpstart the program.” Trumble went on to say that these inns, by their very nature, allow for a charge-ahead approach to green travel. “For the most part these are small, independently owned B&Bs where the owners live on-property and make it their mission to act on their convictions.”

What stands out among these inns isn’t so much their Travel Green Wisconsin point totals, although they are impressive, but it’s the inventiveness of the innkeepers in defining “green” in their own way, whether it’s offering silent sports so guests can tread more lightly on their corner of the world, in-season breakfast menus that make full use of the innkeeper’s own organic farming methods, or retrofitting conventional cars for vehicles run on oil. There’s also a sensibility among the innkeepers that they are doing well by their guests when they work to preserve the history and culture of the community, whether that’s recommending a local organic restaurant or directing guests to the best hiking trails on the outskirts of town. It all adds up to feel good travel.

Top 10 Eco-Elegant B&Bs

1.	Pinehurst Inn, Bayfield, www.pinehurstinn.com Their Green Story: A most eco-elegant accommodation for travelers to the northern tip of Wisconsin, this inn earned the highest score of any Travel Green Wisconsin certified business. The innkeepers here, Steve and Nancy Sandstrom, take a comprehensive approach to sustainable operations at their historic property and they do their part to protect the Lake Superior basin too. They even drive their own bio-diesel vehicle, converting oil they source from local restaurants to fuel all on their own. According to Nancy Sandstrom, “Every purchase we make is thoroughly researched to make sure it uses less energy, provides better comfort and has a long life cycle.” Of Special Note: Their 2003 addition — a freestanding “garden house” with guest suites — was built using all eco-friendly and sustainable materials. A full-service spa on the lower level makes use of organic products as well. Innkeepers’ Recommendations for Other Green Businesses Around Town: The inn packages adventures with Dreamcatcher Sailing and Wolfsong Dogsledding. For lunch, Big Water Café & Coffee Roasters is a sure thing.
2.	Journey Inn’s John Huffaker and Charlene Torchia Photo courtesy of John Huffaker Journey Inn, Maiden Rock,  www.journeyinn.net Their Green Story: This eco-retreat near the Great River Road offers guests a soul-pleasing escape in a natural setting. Built in 2006 on 66 acres of prairie and hilly woodland, there’s ample opportunity for biking, hiking and birding. Bikes and snowshoes provided courtesy of the inn. There’s even a labyrinth on the back acreage surrounded by hills, giving it a very contained feeling. More than 20 solar collectors help heat the inn, the beds are organic, each room has its own private patio or deck, and the food is indicative of the owners’ support of the Slow Food Movement and their local CSA. Of Special Note: Husband and wife innkeepers John Huffaker and Charlene Torchia bring their special skills to the table, with Huffaker a psychologist who offers life coaching and Torchia a massage therapist who provides in-room treatments. The couple also hosts workshops and retreats at the B&B. Innkeepers’ Recommendations for Other Green Businesses Around Town: The owners arrange for food tours to local organic farms and an organic cheese factory, gathering food along the way that is then used in a cooking class taught by a local chef. In nearby Stockholm, the Stockholm General sells local cheeses and wines and A to Z Farm, the inn’s CSA farm, has a Pizza Night every Tuesday night when they sell their famous all-organic pizza.
3.	Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, Door County,  www.theblacksmithinn.com Their Green Story: A longtime member of both the Door County Land Trust and Green Fund, this B&B is a Select Registry property, meaning it’s very luxurious while still being green. Joan Holliday owns the inn with her husband Bryan Nelson, and she says many of their guests “come from urban areas and enjoy parking their car and leaving it there, availing themselves to the bikes we provide, or just walking everywhere since we’re right in the village.” Of Special Note: Complimentary kayaks are offered to take advantage of this setting, often described as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Innkeepers’ Recommendations for Other Green Businesses Around Town: Restaurant Saveur with its South American influences. Wild Tomato, a café at the entrance to Peninsula State Park where they make a special pizza featuring all local ingredients.
4.	Arbor House, An Environmental Inn, Madison, [Back to Press Releases Main]   TRAVEL RESOURCES Copyright © 1996 to 2018 The Traveler's Journal | All Rights Reserved | Contact Us