# 16 in 2005 APRIL 29 and BEYOND !

By Gary Knowles

garysgetaways@aol.com

PASS IT ON....If you enjoy this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up! It's an easy way to get more out of Wisconsin. Catch the live report Friday mornings at about 6:12 AM (on 1-7 at 5:40AM!) on WMTV 15 Madison. Thanks and remember -- The Weekend Starts Today!

CONTENTS

1. FREE - WISCONSIN PORTS GUIDE
2. FREE NEW 2005 GREEN LAKE Visitor Guide
3. FREE 27 WISCONSIN COMMUNITY GUIDES
4. VISIT - NEW The Heidel House Getaway Store
5. FREE – NEW - CHEESE COUNTRY GUIDE
6. NEW FREE – MADISON GUIDE Spring & Summer 2005
7. NEW FREE – BAYFIELD GUIDE
8. NEW FREE – ASHLAND & BAYFIELD COUNTY GUIDE
9. NEW FREE – MADELINE ISLAND GUIDE
10. NEW FREE - 2005 WISCONSIN SPRING-SUMMER GUIDE
11. FREE - GREAT WIS BIRDING & NATURE TRAIL GUIDE
12. NEW-FREE – WISCONSIN RAPIDS AREA GUIDE

Anyone else out there ready to deep six the AOL “service”? Last week the AOL wunderkind decided that my emails are spam – so they now block my mailings to you. Even after an hour of live in-person discussion I’m left with a stupid work-around system that takes an extra 20 minutes to get this e-mail formatted and shipped out. Arrrrrrrggggghhhhh! Time to get outa town for a while! See you out there!

DON’T FORGET THIS ADVICE: I suggest you ALWAYS PHONE AHEAD BEFORE YOU GO. Reservations are a must if space is limited ...and often required. Don't assume anything! Event organizers change plans, times change, classes fill, and lots of things can conspire to get you to somewhere only to find something was canceled. Or everything. So if the event is important to the trip...--Call in advance.

Have a great weekend!

Fireside Dinner Theater 800/477-9505.
(Jefferson Co.)
1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson WI
Located on Bus Hwy 26 at the south edge of Fort Atkinson. (Jefferson Co.)
800.477.9505
www.firesidetheatre.com

SPEAKING OF MUSIC....

THRU - Jun 5 Milwaukee/Degas Sculptures: You know his paintings, but there's another dimension to Degas - The Third. Degas Sculptures presents a rare opportunity to view in a single exhibition all 73 bronze sculptures by the great French Impressionist master, Edgar Degas (1834-1917). Milwaukee Art Museum 414/224-3200. (Milwaukee Co.)

THROUGH - Jun 5 Madison/Luminations: Sue Gilgen, a local fiber artist, will display her creations inspired by Wisconsin flora and fauna. Instead of paints and brushes, she uses fabric and thread to sew her art together in a quilt-like fashion. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Sundays, 11am-5pm. 608/246-4550. (Dane Co.)

THROUGH - Jun 5 Madison/Don Reitz: Clay, Fire, Salt and Wood: Born in 1929, Don Reitz is recognized as one of the most important and influential ceramic artists of this century. He has pursued a life-long investigation of salt and wood firing of his ceramic pieces in order to preserve the energy and freshness of his artistic marks and gestures. Finding that the texture and unpredictability of salt-firing suited his work, Reitz almost single-handedly revived this neglected technique, and through long experimentation developed a range of colors and surface effects previously unknown in salt-firing. Juggling and manipulating the variables in each firing, Reitz is a virtuoso who relishes knowing what he can control and what he cannot, and his work maintains a fine balance between technical mastery and improvisation. Elvehjem Museum of Art 608/263-2246. (Dane Co.)

THROUGH May 31 Port Edwards/Quilts by Janna Zimmerman of Green Bay: Alexander House. Opening on April 1st. 5-8pm 715/887-3442. (Wood Co.)

THROUGH- June 12, 2005- Wausau
"Richard Thompson: Seasons of Light" and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Painting a Story"
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Two painting exhibitions tell stories of cherished real places and of a make-believe world down a rabbit hole in the hands of artists Wisconsin artists Richard Thompson (1914-1991) and Diana Lakes. In "Seasons of Light" forty paintings by Impressionist Richard Thompson depict the glories of Wisconsin's lakes, fields, and forests. Each canvas creates a sense of place, whether it's early morning on a fishing stream, a barn peeking through sun-dappled, blossom-clad apple trees, or a flock of Canada geese making their way across a cornfield. "Seasons of Light" bears testimony to Thompson's fascination with nature's daily and seasonal cycles.

The eccentric characters from Lewis Carroll's children's classic inspired Madison artist Diana Lakes's "Painting a Story." Starting with Alice's first encounter with the tardy rabbit to her waking up from the dream that transports her to Wonderland, Lakes distorts the distinction between reality and dreams and even allows her painted scenes to overflow from the canvas onto the picture frame.

Franklin & 12th Street, Wausau, Wisconsin
Always Free Admission 715-845-7010 www.lywam.org

Apr 27 - Apr 30 Wisconsin Rapids/"A Wind Between the Houses": Local Community Theatre production of this True-to-Life family story line that will have you laughing one minute & smiling through tears the next. Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre 7:30pm 715/421-0435. (Wood Co.)

April 30: Around the World Children’s Fair
Warner Park, Madison
Over 40 University of Wisconsin-Madison and Madison-area international organizations will play interactive games and teach Madison's youth about their culture and organization! Children can learn how to write their name in African languages, enjoy traditional Mexican dances from other children, play soccer in our soccer clinic and enjoy many other cultural activities! There will be door prizes and kids can take pictures with Bucky Badger and the Madison Mallards mascot. Parking is located right next to the Recreation Center.

April 30: 2005 Crazylegs Classic
Madison
The Crazylegs Classic Run, an annual fundraiser for UW Athtletics, begins at the Capitol Square on Saturday;
April 30. The 8K run course follows the shore of Lake Mendota (a 2K walk course is also available), ending at Camp Randall Stadium. Everyone is invited to Camp Randall for a post-race celebration, featuring live music, food and Bucky Badger himself!

April 30: Home Buyers Fair
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center,
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
The purpose of the Home Buyers Fair is to provide a one-stop-shopping for potential home buyers to learn about the home buying process programs available and financial assistance. Sponsored by the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County.

April 30: Martial Arts Extravaganza
Marriott Madison West, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton
Over 20 candidates from all over southern Wisconsin will attempt to earn their Black Belts at this event. The testing process starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. Don’t miss this ultimate test of physical, mental, and emotional endurance!

April 30-May 1: Garden Art & Antique Show
Catfish River Arts & Antiques, 154 West Main St., Stoughton
Join Catfish River Arts & Antiques to celebrate spring during its annual Yard and Garden Art and Antique Show. Featuring quality antique garden fixtures along with incredible works for your yard and garden by local artisans including Demetra Saloutos, Lakeside Pottery, Brady Lueck, and Aaron Howard. Reception Friday April 29 from 7:00pm-9:00pm.

April 30-May 1: Madison Symphony Orchestra: Mahler Symphony No. 8
Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., Madison
In the most anticipated installment in John DeMain's Mahler cycle, a mammoth ensemble takes the stage for the composer's stunning "Symphony of a Thousand." The lush orchestration—one of the most comprehensive in symphonic history—ambles through musical themes of enlightenment, redemption, wisdom and love. A group of fine soloists also joins the MSO for this vocal tour-de-force.

April 30: Karla Bonoff with Kenny Edwards
Stoughton Opera House, 381 East Main St., Stoughton
One of the great troubadours, Karla Bonoff writes and performs music that has become the very definition of a great generation in music. A talented musician herself, Karla has been performing and writing music since the late 1960s. Even if you haven’t heard Karla perform, you may have heard one of her many hit songs, which have been recorded by such well-known artists as Linda Rondstadt and Wynonna Judd. Joining her for the performance will be long-time friend and former Bryndle band-mate Kenny Edwards.

Apr 29 Green Lake/Thrasher Opera House: George Winston: Piano soloist. Most noted for his seasonal-themed trilogy of albums - "Autumn" (1980), "Winter into Spring" (1982), and "December" (1982). His newest Grammy nominated album, Night Divides the Day - The Music of The Doors, features 13 solo piano versions of some of The Doors' best known songs. 7:30pm. 888/441-0140. (Green Lake Co.)

Apr 30 Appleton/Appleton Boychoir's Spring Concert: Fresh off their performance at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis the Ambassador Choir will lead this concert followed by the Concert Choir and the wonderful Repertoire Choir. The concert will conclude with all the boys joining together in song - nearly 200 strong! These young singers will send you into summer rich with musical memories. Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. 7:30 pm 800/236-6673. (Outagamie Co.)

Apr 30 Manitowoc/Sheboygan Ships & Shipwrecks: Bill Wangerman will engage us with thought-provoking stories of ships that were built and lost in the Sheboygan vicinity. Wisconsin Maritime Museum 1:30 pm, Riverview Room 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Apr 30 Hartford/Ozark Jubilee: This hilarious show is packed with "Hillbilly Humor", a variety of country standards, bluegrass and gospel music. Don' t miss this new and exciting show. Schauer Arts & Activities Center 3pm & 7:30pm. 262/670-0560. (Washington Co.)

Apr 30 Pewaukee/Pewaukee River Run: Canoe race down the Fox River from Pewaukee to Frame Park in Waukesha, a 6-mile paddle. Starts from Wisconsin Avenue, Pewaukee Reg at 6:30am, race time 8am. 262/695-1492. (Waukesha Co.)

Apr 30 Portage/Festival of Flowers: [PDF details] Get into spring with this festival and enjoy shopping downtown! Master gardener programs, local greenhouse sales, plant swap, cooking demonstrations, floral arrangement demonstrations, sidewalk chalk drawings, face paintings, bake sale and food stands. Downtown 608/745-1861. (Columbia Co.)

Apr 30 Oshkosh/Club Swing: From the frenetically paced opening of Benny Goodman's "Bugle Call Rag" to the show's blockbuster finale featuring Louie Prima's "Sing, Sing, Sing," Five by Design celebrates the swing movement from 1937-1955. Whether listening to Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine" or Spike Jones "Cocktails for Two," Five by Design's "Club Swing" personifies American popular culture during the swing era. Set in a nightclub stolen right out of a vintage movie, Club Swing features five singers and a big band. I've watched the audiences respond to this show, and it's a delight for all generations! 100 High Ave. 7:30pm 920/424-2350. (Winnebago Co.)

Apr 30 Stevens Point/Portage County Cultural Festival: Celebrate the cultural diversity of Portage County with delicious ethnic food, arts and crafts, and upbeat music and entertainment from many cultures. No admission, free parking. Emphasis on children's hands-on activities. Stevens Point Area High School 10am-5pm 715/341-1525. (Portage Co.)

Apr 30 Tomah/ABATE Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet: Motorcycle show and swap meet, accessories and concessions. Tomah Recreation Park 10am-5pm 800/948-6624. (Monroe Co.)

Apr 30 Warrens/Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center Spring Craft Show: Crafters and artisans from the Tomah, Warrens, Wisconsin Rapids areas display their work. 204 Main Street. 9am-4pm 608/378-4878. (Monroe Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Brodhead/Green County Depot Days: [PDF brochure] County-wide celebration of its railroad heritage. Displays, music, tours of restored railroad depots, speeder car rides, refreshments, and more. Events are held throughout the county. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. 888/222-9111. (Green Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Brookfield/Civil War Days: Dressed in period attire, men, women and children camp on the grounds (rain or shine), ready themselves for battle and while away their time. Visitors can mingle with the re-enactors, observe military drills and marches, and watch Civil War skirmishes and battles. Sing-a-longs and children's games are part of the activities. "Sutlers" (merchants) will sell Civil War-era merchandise. Worship services will be held Sunday morning. Dousman Stagecoach Inn 10am-4pm 262/781-6385. (Waukesha Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Fort Atkinson/Jefferson County Art, Antiques and Gallery Crawl: Jefferson County is a treasure trove of antiques and art -- the perfect place to relax and spend time meandering through the lovely countryside and quaint towns. During the annual Art, Antiques and Gallery Crawl more artisans than ever display their wares for the public - fine art, photography, jewelry, stained glass...you name it, you'll find it here. Many area dining establishments are joining in as well, showing off their culinary arts. Throughout Jefferson County Daily hours: 10am-5pm. All shops and studios are open on Art, Antiques and Gallery Crawl weekends. 888/733-3678. (Jefferson Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Horicon/Marsh Melodies-Native American Heritage: [PDF brochure] An authentic buck skinners camp, a live archeological scientific dig, various activities and a tour of prehistoric effigy mounds. Horicon Marsh Area. 920/387-7860. (Dodge Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 West Bend/Pieces of the Past Quilt Show: Features over 200 judged quilts + Vintage Quilt display, special theme category, and ongoing demonstrations. Washington County Fair Park. 10am-4pm. 888/338-8666. (Washington Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Marshfield/Heart of Wisconsin Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show: Free admission. Dealers, displays, speakers, kid's activities. Marshfield Senior High Fieldhouse Saturday - 10am-5pm., Sunday - 10am-4pm. 715/387-8782. (Wood Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Mishicot/Remember Mom The Old School: In honor of our mothers, visit the Old School Gifts in Mishicot , WI. 25% off any one item. Mishicot 920/755-4460. (Manitowoc Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Oshkosh/African Violet Show: Annual judged African Violet show with about 100 exhibits. African violets and companion plants available for purchase. St. Josaphat's Church 920/426-3764. (Winnebago Co.)

Apr 30 - Oct 22 Princeton/Princeton Flea Market: One of the largest weekly outdoor flea markets in Wisconsin. Enjoy food, shade and great friends. Saturdays, 7am-3pm. 920/295-3877. (Green Lake Co.)

April 30-May 1
Spring Open House at Botham Vinyards
The event is scheduled for 1 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with free guided tours that include a bottling demonstration at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

April 30 - May 1, 2005
BUTTERNUT POLKA MUSIC FEST

Butternut Area Park
Sat. 12 p.m.-12 a.m. , Sun. 11 a.m. church service, music 12 noon - 8 p.m. 715-769-3551/3611

Apr 30 - May 1 St. Croix Falls/Family, Home & Sport Show: Four shows running concurrently at one location: a deer hunting classic, demonstrations, an ATV pull, and a kids pedal tractor pull. Polk County Fairgrounds. 715/483-1690. (Polk Co.)

Apr 30 - May 1 Tomahawk/Leave-No-Trace Trainer and Backpacking: Learn "Leave-No-Trace" wilderness ethics by way of practical application on an overnight backpacking and camping adventure. Treehaven Registration due April 22, 2005. 715/453-4106. (Lincoln Co.)

May 1 - May 31 Door County/Festival of Blossoms: Thousands of acres of cherry and apple blossoms, millions of daffodils and tulips, and countless wildflowers in the meadows. Experience the lighthouse walk, shipyard tours, garden and wildflower hikes and artist's open studios and galleries. 800/527-3529. (Door Co.)

May 1: Madison International Speedway Season Opener
Madison International Speedway, 1122 Sunrise Rd., Oregon
Home of Wisconsin's fastest half-mile oval! Rich Bickle Jr. will return to Wisconsin's Track of Champions for the thrilling season opener on Sunday, May 1.

May 1 Chippewa Falls/Boat Swap and Outdoor Extravaganza: Attendees can buy and sell new and used boats, campers, fishing and gardening equipment. Casting contest, outdoor quiz, boat safety information and "shore lunches" round out the event. Downtown 10am-4pm 715/723-7858. (Chippewa Co.)

May 1 Green Bay/George Winston: Pianist George Winston performs. 117 S. Washington St. 7pm 800/895-0071. (Brown Co.)

May 1 La Crosse/Amadeus: Full of envy and hatred, Salieri sets off against the heavenly genius of his rival, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Wickedly funny and darkly glorious. Tony and Oscar Award Winning Play. Toland Theatre April 22-23 & April 28-30, 7:30pm. April 24 & May 1, 2pm 608/785-8522. (La Crosse Co.)

May 1 Oshkosh/Gallery Walk: Sample creative arts of the city with an evening stroll through downtown galleries. Downtown. 6-9 p.m. 920/235-0649. (Winnebago Co.)

Tuesday, May 3rd 12:15 PM - Suggested donation-$2.00
"A Smelter's Life: The Life and Times of the British Hollow Lead Smelter, Grant County, Wisconsin"
The British Hollow Smelter was buffeted by the rise and fall in the price of lead, management and ownership changes, and by the ebb and flow of the national economy through the 1880s. Join John H. Broihann, State Archaeologist for the Wisconsin Historical Society as he discusses how archaeological and archival investigations at this site reveal evidence that the smelter could have been constructed as early as 1838. The smelter was primarily a family business having a minimum of seven owners or operators who were related. This smelter is unique in physical layout and in other aspects of its construction. It is typical, however, in many respects to other smelters that operated in the Upper Mississippi Valley lead and zinc region during the early and middle years of the nineteenth century.
Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703.
Call 608-264-6555 for more info, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

May 7, 2005
3rd Annual CRAFT & TREASURE SALE
Phillips Municipal Building 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Over 50 booths with a wide variety of items for sale including crafts, bakery, food items, antiques, plants, and many, many others. Sponsored by American Legion Post Auxiliary. There are others sale locations as well.
E-mail: northwoodsartist@webtv.net ; Website: www.phillipswisconsin.org
715-339-4029

Just for Kids
Saturday, May 14th, 2005 10:00AM - 11:30AM $7.00/child ($5.00/child for WHS members)
Folk Expressions Workshop: Paint a Wooden Fish Decoy
Join us for this program aimed for children ages 8-13. Participants will learn the basics of painting a wooden fish decoy, and make one to take home. Call 608-264-6567 to register, or register at the door.
Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703.
Call 608-264-6555 for more info, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

HIDDEN PRAIRIE RENDEZVOUS

Dover (east of Phillips)
9 a.m - 4 p.m. Portrayal of this area before the 1840s. Woods walk, hawk & knife, black powder shoot, primitive bow shoot, fire starting, fry pan tossing, kids games; Provided: Secluded camping, portable toilets, fire wood, water, Tin Tipi area, early setup; $15.00 Camp Fee; traders welcome; E-mail: dashack@centurytel.net; cty75210@centurytel.net; grandpawii@centurytel.net
Website: http://home.centurytel.net/Ogema-port/.
715-767-5807

May 13-15, 2005
NORTHWOODS PLAYERS SPRING MUSICAL
Phillips High School Auditorium
Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2 p.m.; advance ticket prices: $6.00 Adults; $5.00 Students/Senior Citizens, $4.00 for children under 12; tickets are $1.00 more at the door. E-mail: nwpglor@pctcnet.net ; Website: www.northwoodsplayers.com; www.angelfire.com/musicals/nwp.
715-339-3908

Tuesday, May 17th 12:15 PM – Suggested donation- $2.00
"Swedes, Norwegians, Danes* And Americans"
History Sandwiched In -
In Swedish author Wilhelm Moberg's great immigrant saga, The Last Letter Home, as Karl Oskar faces forward toward his new land, his wife, Kristina, looks back over her shoulder at her old home in the old country. A hundred and fifty years later, as we look at our land and at the land of our ancestors, what do WE see? Who are we, immigrants of immigrants' children from the old country? Can we go home again? Is that 'old country' still there, or is it changed beyond all of our parents' and grandparents' recognition? Are there immigrant strengths and risk-taking genes we have inherited? Through poems, stories, and photos, this discussion will look at connections with the past and the present, the American Upper Midwest, and Scandinavia. Join Carolyn Wedin who has returned "home" to the northwest Wisconsin woods after thirty-five years of teaching in universities in the United Stated and abroad.
Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703.
Call 608-264-6555 for more info, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

May 2005 - TBA
25th Annual WOOD TICK RACES
Oxbo Resort, Park Falls
It all started 24 years ago in the bar at the Oxbo Resort, now known as the Wood Tick Racing Capital of the World, when a gentlemen named Dick Kuhnert wondered what to do with the many wood ticks emerging from their sleepy winter hibernation. Plucking a tick off of his arm, Dick placed it on the bar and watched as it sped around. Thus, the idea of the Wood Tick Race was born. Although the first year only drew a handful of racers, this event has grown annually and now hundreds of contestants vie for the title of Wood Tick Racing Champion. Although the founding father of the Wood Tick Race, Dick Kuhnert, is no longer with us, his tick judging gavel has been handed down to his son, Randy Kuhnert. Randy has attended Wood Tick Judging School and studied his father's notes from past races and will be ready to officiate once again at this year's race. Come out and see this amazing race or take a shot at being the lone survivor. The entry fee is $1 per tick and the lone surviving tick sponsor takes home the entire entrance fee pot. Registration of ticks begins at 2:00 p.m. and race begins at 4:00 p.m. E-mail: oxbo@pctcnet.net ; Website: www.oxboresort.com .
715-762-4786

Author's Workshop Series:
Saturday, May 21st 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - $40 ($35 WHS Members)
Preserving War-time Correspondence -
***( registration required by May 17th -)*
This workshop focuses on the importance of preserving war-time correspondence. Morning speakers will examine the topic using examples drawn from previous collection and publishing projects of the WHS press. Afternoon speakers discuss items, such as manuscripts and artifacts, that museums and archives are interested in preserving and the relevance of these materials to recent conflicts. Featured speakers: Kathy Borkowski, Kristin Foster and Helmut Knies for the Wisconsin Historical Society and Gayle Martinson and Bill Brewster form the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Workshop registrants will receive a box lunch, a copy of the book Voices from Vietnam, and a DVD of Wisconsin Public Television's Wisconsin World War II Stories.
Cost is $35/WHS member; $40/non-member
Registration and payment due by May 17th at (608) 264-6566 or museum@whs.wisc.edu MasterCard and VISA accepted.
Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703.
Call 608-264-6555 for more info, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

5th Annaul SPRING WALLEYFEST
Wild Goose Resort, Pub & Grill, Park Falls On the Pike Lake Chain (includes Pike, Round, Amik & Turner Lakes); register at Wild Goose Resort, Pub & Grill; tournament is Saturday 6 a.m. - 12 noon & 3 - 9 p.m., Sunday 6 a.m. - 12 noon; 2 men/women per boat, 50 boats only (limited); entry fee includes continental breakfast & steak lunch.
E-mail: mothergoose@centurytel.net
Website address: parkfallswi.com/wildgooseresort
715-762-3566

MAY 22 – Madison -- Art League to Offer Art & Architecture II
100 Wisconsin Avenue is Venue for May 22nd Tour
The Art League will offer docent-led tours of condominium homes on the Capitol Square. This year’s tour, Art & Architecture II, will feature homes at “100 Wisconsin Avenue,” a project of the Mullins Group and one of Madison’s most highly acclaimed new commercial/residential developments. As the only new development offering residences directly on the Square, 100 Wisconsin Avenue features exceptional views of the Capitol Building, Lake Mendota, and Lake Monona. Each of its 45 condominium homes is unique in size, layout, and materials. This is due to the fact that each owner selected and worked with his or her own builder and designer to create an architecturally distinctive home from the building’s structural bones. In this year’s Art & Architecture tour, two of the participating owners are themselves interior designers, and a third is a respected painter and sculptor.

The unique small-group format used in Art & Architecture tours allows participants time to study the interior and architectural designs of the homes, as well as any of the artworks. Art League members, museum members, and other volunteers stationed in each home are available to describe the genesis and development of the collections, and discuss individual artworks and architectural details. Art & Architecture II will take place on Sunday, May 22, with tours offered at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm, and a Patron Reception at 6 pm. The ticket price is $50 for the tour alone, and $100 for the tour and reception. Funds raised through Art & Architecture II will benefit the exhibitions and education programs of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. For more information about Art & Architecture II, or about joining the Art League, call the museum at 608.257.0158 x 231.

Saturday, May 28th, 2005
Crafting History: Making a Wisconsin Hat
10:00AM - 1:00PM Free with admission
This drop-in program is geared for children in grades K-3. No registration required. Participants will make a history based art project.
Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703.
Call 608-264-6555 for more info, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

May 29, 2005 – Tentative

To enter, fill out the online entry form. You’ll also get signed up to receive our monthly West Michigan Travel Tips E-newsletter. Drawing will be held July 31,2005. The West Michigan Tourist Association has been providing information to the traveling public since 1917. Their Carefree Travel Guide lists over 1000 places to stay and play throughout West Michigan all year long. To order your copy, log on to www.wmta.org or call at 616-245-2217.

FREE & SPECIAL !

1. Wisconsin Golf Guide
   For a free copy of the newest guide to all the public golf courses in Wisconsin, call the Department of Tourism at 1-800-432-8747 or visit travelwisconsin.com.

2. FREE-WISCONSIN HARBOR TOWNS GUIDE
   A colorful 44 page guide to all of Wisconsin's Harbor Communities. Free -- call 1-800-627-4896

3. NEW FREE – GREEN LAKE VISITORS GUIDE 2005
   –antiques, walking trails, fishing, golf, shopping, Boat tours. 1-800-253-7354 or info@greenlakecc.com

4. FREE 27 WISCONSIN COMMUNITY TRAVEL GUIDES - ONE STOP ORDERING -It's easy to get area guides for 27 major Wisconsin destinations...with just one request! The Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus has an easy to use order form. Go to www.escapetowisconsin.com/modules/city/visitorsguide.php

5. NEW – The Heidel House Getaway Store –
   GREEN LAKE, Wis. – Shopping for great getaways and “the person who has everything” just got easier thanks to a new On-Line Store set up by Heidel House Resort. SHOP IS OPEN OPEN 24/7
   The “shop” is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.heidelhouse.com/store.

6. NEW FREE CHEESE COUNTRY GUIDE -
   – Call for free guide at 1-888-222-9111

7. MADISON GUIDE – FREE 800-373-6376

8. BAYFIELD GUIDE – free- 800-447-4094

9. ASHLAND & BAYFIELD COUNTIES GUIDE 2005 – 800-264-9484 OR 800-472-6338

10. MADELINE ISLAND GUIDE – free 888-475-3386

11. FREE – NEW 2004 SPRING SUMMER- WISCONSIN RECREATION & TRAVEL GUIDES – Phone 1-800-432-TRIP or surf on over to www.travelwisconsin.com

12. NEW FREE – WISCONSIN BIRDING GUIDE & NATURE TRAIL: Lake Superior/Northwoods Edition This is the first of five highway-based viewing guides that includes driving directions, maps, bird descriptions and contact numbers for 87 northern Wisconsin bird spotting hotspots. It’s 72 pages, 6 by 11 inches and full color. Phone 1-800-432-8747 or go to www.travelwisconsin.com.

13. FREE – NEW “WISCONSIN RAPIDS AREA GUIDE!”
    This 2005 guide to the world’s most productive cranberry growing region features extraordinary drives through the marshes on ”The Cranberry Highway ® and information about events, attractions, lodging and recreation. www.visitwisrapids.com or phone 1-800-554-4484

14. NEW - FREE –Explore British Columbia’s Landscapes
    With a host of expansive ocean vistas, mountainous destinations, hip cities and charming towns, one might wonder where to begin when visiting the Canadian west coast this spring and summer. Well, ponder no longer. With two free 2005 BC Escapes guides shelling out the goods on packages and hotel offers; paired with Tourism British Columbia’s enlightening (and complimentary) Vacation Planner, Outdoor Adventure Guide and Approved Accommodation Guide, the sky and sea offer no limits when you call 1-800 HELLO BC (435-5622) or visit www.HelloBC.com

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S.S.F.W.

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Gary Knowles
487 Presidential Ln.
Madison, WI 53711
608-231-3884