# 5 in 2005 Feb 11 and BEYOND !

S.S.F.W.

Something Special from Wisconsin

We’re proud to announce that GarysGetaways newsletter is now a certified member of the "Something Special from Wisconsin" marketing campaign.
To learn more about the other fine products and participants go to
http://datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/ssfw/

CONTENTS

1. FREE - WISCONSIN PORTS GUIDE
2. FREE WISCONSIN CENTRAL COAST
3. FREE 27 WISCONSIN COMMUNITY GUIDES
4. VISIT - NEW The Heidel House Getaway Store
5. FREE – NEW - CHEESE COUNTRY GUIDE
6. FREE – MADISON GUIDE
7. FREE – BAYFIELD GUIDE
8. FREE – ASHLAND & BAYFIELD COUNTY GUIDE
9. FREE – MADELINE ISLAND GUIDE
10. FREE – NEW - 2004 WISCONSIN FALL-WINTER GUIDE
11. FREE - NEW - GREAT WIS BIRDING & NATURE TRAIL GUIDE
12. NEW FREE – PLAY Place The State Game on-line
13. NEW-FREE Visit California Guide Book

What a line-up of events, shows, sports and getaways! If you haven’t seen SWING ON A STAR yet at the Fireside, don’t miss it! And this weekend don’t miss the big Winterfest celebrations at Green Lake and Kohler. Looking ahead, March 4-5 will be an Antiques Roadshow style event at Rittenhouse in Bayfield. Make your plans early and enjoy the best Wisconsin has to offer!

The weekly reminder—I suggest you REMEMBER….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.

See you on the other side of the snow drift!

# 5 in 2005 Feb 11 and BEYOND !

  SWING SWING SWING!  

NOW THRU FEB 27, 2005
Fort Atkinson

  The Fireside Theater

  "Swing on a Star"

Get back to the time of Greatness! The time of Sinatra, Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Marx Brothers, Abbott & Costello, Jimmy Dorsey – Glenn Miller. SWING WAS KING! This is a new, original extravaganza that will thrill theater goers of all ages. Fireside has assembled its own Live BIG BAND for the show which includes outstanding professional Wisconsin musicians

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....

  John Chimes  

If you love New Orleans style 'natch'l blues you should go see John Chimes. On his way to becoming a Madison Music Legend....
He has brand new CD out “Fork in the Road"
every Fri-Sat: Louisianne's / Middleton 6:30-9:30p (blues piano)
every Wednesday: Fitch's Chophouse / Fitchburg 5:30-8:30p (blues piano)
2/20 sunday: John Chimes w/ the Gumbo Ya-Yas @ Dancing Grounds Cafe (Allen St.)130-3:30p (folk/blues)
2/24 thursday @ Concourse Hotel 9-Midnight (blues piano)

---

***John's latest CD "Fork in the Road" is now available at Borders-w and Barnes & Noble

THRU MARCH 6 West Bend/The Graceful Envelope Exhibit: Organized by the Smithsonian, the exhibit features 135 stamped, canceled, and Postal Service delivered envelopes that not only combine calligraphy and philately, but are miniature works of art in their own right. 300 S 6th Ave. Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 1-4:30 pm. 262/334-9638. (Washington Co.)

January 29 - April 23 Wausau, Wisconsin
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
700 N. 12th Street PH-715-845-7010 Web: www.lywam.org
Always FREE Admission
"William Morris: Myth, Object, and the Animal"
Morris pushes the physical and chemical possibilities of glass to create life-size black ravens, handsome deer heads, and other objects that suggest themes of mythology, archaeology, and the animal kingdom

THRU END OF MARCH

Ice Castle - Eagle River
Every winter, community volunteers working with the local fire department of Eagle River build a magnificent ice castle. The frozen masterpiece, made from more than 3,000 ice blocks, is illuminated with dozens of colored floodlights. This spectacular palace is also lit every evening throughout the winter season (1-800-359-6315)

THROUGH March 13 Madison - Overture Center

In Good Company: An Exhibition of Artworks by the 2004 Wisconsin Arts Board Visual Arts Fellows James Watrous Gallery of the Wisconsin Academy, Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison, WI

Opening Reception: Friday, January 28, 5-8 pm in the James Watrous Gallery. Opening remarks by Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton.
Gallery Talks by Participating Artists:

• Nancy Mladenoff, Friday, February 4 at 5:30 pm
• Susan Dupor, Friday, February 11 at 5:30 pm (a sign interpreter will be present)
• Terese Agnew, Sunday, March 13 at 2 pm

February 10: An Evening with Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Joe Ely and Guy Clark
Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., Madison
Don’t miss this incredible evening of music featuring four of today’s favorite stars all on one stage! This performance is sure to be unforgettable. Reserved tickets are $55 and $45 plus applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased at Overture Hall Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone 608.255.4646 or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Feb 10 - Feb 13 La Crosse/La Crosse Area Boat, Sport, and Travel Show: Travel and sports show. 608/789-7400. (La Crosse Co.)

Feb 10 - Feb 13 West Allis/NARI Spring Home Improvement Show: 300 home improvement and remodeling exhibitors will display information on the newest products, trends, and services for the home in more than 600 booths. In addition, there will be several free-standing room displays created by association members featuring a variety of designs and products. Wisconsin Exposition Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park 414/771-4071. (Milwaukee Co.)

Feb 11 - Feb 12 Minocqua/Cruiserfest: Lighted snowmobile parade on Lake Minocqua, Friday night with a bonfire to follow. Everyone welcome. Sat: pancake breakfast, craft show, silent auction, brat & chili feed, radar runs, and area dealers on hand with demo rides. Lake Minocqua and downtown Minocqua 800/446-6784. (Oneida Co.)

February 11th and 12th, Friday and Saturday, Green Lake, WI.
Green Lake's Winterfest Celebration
A Fisheree starts on Friday at noon and ends Saturday at 3 p.m. Top off Friday night by dancing the night away at the annual Winterfest Dance at the Goose Blind. The crowning of the Winterfest Queen will also take place Friday Night.Visitors can also take advantage of special activities on Saturday in Deacon Mills park. Fun winter events include an ice carving competition, ice bowling, ice golf, a volleyball tournament, a medallion hunt, fishing seminars, helicopter and carriage rides. But don't forget to participate in the other games for the young and old alike, a baked bean contest and live entertainment. Food and refreshments will be available.
For more information please call 800-253-7354 or e-mail info@visitgreenlake.com.

Feb. 11-13, Wausau

Special Olympics Wisconsin Winter Games

This state championsship competition challenges eligible Special Olympic athletes in cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, speed skating, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Volunteers are welcome. (1-800-552-1324, 608/222-1324)

February 11-13: Wisconsin Public Television Garden Expo
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
Tradition says that love blooms on Valentine’s Day, as do the plants, ideas and hands-on projects that are a part of the 12th annual Garden Expo taking place this weekend at Alliant Energy Center! This annual event offers 425 exhibitors and more than 60 educational seminars and 28 demonstrations on gardening, lawn and landscaping topics. Visitors may also enjoy a variety of other hands-on workshops for an additional nominal fee.

Feb 11 - Feb 13 Oshkosh/Home & Garden Show: Area home builders and suppliers annual show and sale of home building and remodeling ideas. Free antique appraisals on Saturday from 10am-2 pm. Sunnyview Expo Center Fri: 4-9pm; Sat & Sun: 10am-5pm. 920/235-2962. (Winnebago Co.)

Feb 11 - Feb 13 West Allis/Milwaukee Musky Expo: Wisconsin State Fair Park Fri: 2-9pm; Sat: 9am-6pm; Sun: 9am-4pm. 800/884-3247. (Milwaukee Co.)

Feb 12 Dodgeville/Candlelight Ski & Walk: Ski or walk a trail lit by glowing candlelight. Enjoy a bonfire and hot drinks afterwards. Trail starts at the Cox Hollow Beach. Governor Dodge State Park 6-9pm. 608/935-2315. (Iowa Co.)

Feb 12 Racine/Gallery Night: Downtown Racine: With over a dozen galleries participating, Gallery Night is a wonderful opportunity to leisurely explore Racine's impressive arts district. Discover original paintings, prints, ceramics, photography, sculpture, jewelry and much, much more. You'll find something for every style and taste. Racine Art Museum will offer extended hours and reduced admission. Downtown Racine 6-9pm. 262/619-3218. (Racine Co.)

Feb 12 Stoughton/Candlelight Ski: Lake Kegonsa State Park from 6pm-9pm. Lake Kegonsa State Park. 6-9pm on second Saturday of winter months. No fee for event but must have sticker to enter park. 888/873-7912. (Dane Co.)

Feb 12 Chilton/Evening Showshoe Hike: Ledge View Nature Center will be open the evening of February 12 only for guided snowshoe hikers. Take a naturalist-guided hike in the night hush. Learn some constellations if the sky is clear, and warm up with hot cider in the nature center afterward. Snowshoe rental included in fee. If snowcover is inadequate, a boot hike will be led. Call for snow conditions. Ledge View Nature Center 6:30 pm 920/849-7094. (Calumet Co.)

Feb 12 Elkhart Lake/Valentine's Weekend: Surprise someone special with our Valentine's Day Dinner. Enjoy a lovely hors d'oeuvres reception and delicious five-course dinner while the Elegant Gypsies perform Valentine favorites. The Osthoff Resort 800/876-3399. (Sheboygan Co.)

Feb 12 Green Lake/Antiques Faire & Sale: The Green Lake Antiques Faire & Sale is held in conjunction with the Green Lake Winterfest in the 1938 Art Deco City Hall. Green Lake City Hall 920/294-3511. (Green Lake Co.)

Feb 12 Sheboygan/Candlelight Ski/Hike: Cross-country ski or hike by candlelight. Almost 200 tiki torches will light your way. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace; refreshments available in the heated shelter building. Kohler-Andrae State Park 6-9pm. 920/451-4080. (Sheboygan Co.)

Feb 12 Bayfield/Blue Moon Ball: A black tie and vintage dress prom for adults featuring the music of the Big Woods Big Band. Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion 7-11 p.m. 800/447-4094. (Bayfield Co.)

Feb 12 Egg Harbor/Candlelight Horseback Ride: Enjoy a romantic candlelit horseback ride through Door County's winter landscape, then warm up by our fire with hot cider. Ride begins at sunset and lasts 1.5 hours. Horses for riders of all abilities. Reservations required. Kurtz Corral 920/743-6742. (Door Co.)

Feb 12 Hayward/Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie: Annual 25K cross-country ski race. Awards in 25 classes, plus the top three men and women. Telemark Resort Start time is 11am. 715/634-6456. (Sawyer Co.)

Feb 12 Lac du Flambeau/Winter Fun Day: This is a day for the family to get out and enjoy winter by ice skating, sledding, going on wagon rides, watching ice fishing demonstrations and drinking hot chocolate and eating hot dogs. 603 Peace Pipe Rd. 715/588-3346. (Vilas Co.)

Feb 12 Luck/New World Championship Snowshoe Races: 11th annual races with distances of 5K, 10K and Wisconsin's only snowshoe 20K half-marathon. Top competitors from across the country. Luck Golf Course Racing starts at 10am. 715/472-8231. (Polk Co.)

February 12: Valentine Candy Workshop
Madison Children's Museum, 100 State St., Madison
This is the perfect opportunity for kids to make a special Valentine’s Day ornament or decoration out of different types of Valentine candy! The workshop will run 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

February 12: Valentines in Paradise
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
Time to put on that gorgeous cocktail dress or perfect suit for a Valentine’s Day in Paradise. Enjoy romantic music, sweet treats, and slow dancing in the splendor of Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the tropical Bolz Conservatory. Presented by WTUX Radio and Mid-West Family Broadcasting. Tickets are $20 in advance. Proceeds benefit Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

February 12: An Evening With Groucho
Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St., Stoughton
Come celebrate the madness and music of the one, the only…Groucho! Award winning Actor, Director, and Playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced musical comedy. Through classic one-liners, anecdotes and songs Ferrante brings Groucho to life and back on the stage. Opening Night Reception for Members following the performance. 7:30 p.m.

February 12: Spring 2005 Fly Fishing Opener
Marriott Madison West, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton
Don’t miss an event especially made for fly fishing enthusiasts! The day will include indoor casting, fly tying demonstrations and lessons, commercial exhibitors with the latest tackle and gear, raffles, prizes, an auction, and featured guest speaker Jack Dennis. 9:00 a.m.–6:45 p.m.

FEB 12 – Kohler - Free

WINTERFEST IN WINTER WONDERLAND

Ice carving contest, warm kettle cookoff, snowshoe clinic, dog sledding demo, wine sipping and chocolate tasting – Complimentary valentine carnation atr Art Novell (while supplies last)PH: 920-459-1713

Feb 12 Wisconsin Rapids/Winter Feast: Thanksgiving type feast with live music and dancing Knights Of Columbus Hall 4pm - 8pm 800/554-4484. (Wood Co.)

Feb 12 - Feb 13 Appleton/Sleigh Rides at the Nature Preserve: Take an old-fashioned horse drawn sleigh ride through the Preserve. Listen to the sleigh bells and take in the sights and sounds of winter as Duke and Prince (Belgian Draft Horses) pull the sleigh through the prairies and forest of the Preserve. Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve 11am-4pm. Reservations required, (call ahead). 920/731-6041. (Outagamie Co.)

Feb 12 - Feb 13 Green Bay/WSA Snocross Worldwide Championship: The World Snowmobile Association's Oneida Bingo & Casino Ultimate Lambeau Leap Snowcross Worldwide Championship event held in Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Sat-9am; Sun-10am. Gates open both days at 8am. 800/895-0071. (Brown Co.)

Feb 12 - Feb 13 Schofield/Wausau Antique Show: Fifty quality dealers with furniture, pottery, dolls, sports memorabilia, jewelry, silver and more. Crystal and china repair, clock and photo restoration. DC Everest High School Fieldhouse Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. 715/355-5144. (Marathon Co.)

Feb 12 - Feb 13 Wisconsin Rapids/Rapids Mall Spring Craft Show: Annual Spring Craft Show. Two days of handmade craft items in wood, floral, fabric and much more. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm 715/421-3500. (Wood Co.)

February 12-13: Sleigh Rides
McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg
Bring the family and take an enchanting sleigh ride through a white winter wonderland; or bring that special someone for a romantic pre-Valentine’s Day treat. Please call 608.274.6413 for more information. Noon-3:00 p.m.

February 13: International Festival
Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., Madison
Celebrate the cultures of the Madison community with the 24th annual International Festival from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the Overture Center. Enjoy over 25 free performances, a craft bazaar featuring artisans selling clothing, crafts and jewelry, and purchase a variety of ethnic foods from around the world.

Feb 13 Madison/Arboretum Walk: Winter Birds: Cardinals may be singing, chickadees and nuthatches changing their tunes and woodpeckers drumming. Discover how our feathered friends have been doing this winter. UW Madison Arboretum 1-2:30pm. 608/263-7888. (Dane Co.)

Feb 13 Madison/Peking Acrobats: The largest and most prestigious troupe of its kind, these rigorously trained gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers leave audiences spellbound by the graceful athleticism of their ancient folk art. Overture Center for the Arts 3pm. 608/258-4141. (Dane Co.)

Feb 13 Mercer/Ice Fishing Jamboree-Mercer Lions Club: Ice Fishing contest on Grand Portage Lake at Carow Park. Prizes for the largest and smallest fish, raffles, food and beverages in the pavilion. Grand prize $200, 2nd Place $100, 3rd Place $50, 4th Place $25. $100 for the largest legally caught fish. Need not be present to win. Grand Portage Lake, Carow Park on County J 11am-5pm. 715/476-2389. (Iron Co.)

Feb 13 Chilton/Snowshoe Hikes: Guided snowshoe hike. Discover what's going on in the quiet white woodland and fields. Snowshoes and cross-country skis are available for rent within the park by late December. Ski trails are groomed after major snowfalls. Call for snow conditions. Includes snowshoe rental. If snowcover is inadequate, a boot hike will be led. Ledge View Nature Center 1 p.m. 920/849-7094. (Calumet Co.)

Feb 13 Oshkosh/An Evening with Groucho featuring Frank Ferrante: An award-winning actor, director, playwright in a nostalgic night of hilarity. Grand Opera House 920/424-2350. (Winnebago Co.)

Feb 13 Sheboygan/Family Sundays: New multi-arts experience engages all the senses. Every family member may explore a variety of visual arts media firsthand in a workshop unique to each event before sitting down to a delightful performance. Performances feature artists from our eight-county region. All workshops will run from 12:30-1:30pm, performances from 2-3pm. John Michael Kohler Art Center All workshops begin at 12:30pm. Performances begin at 2pm. 920/458-6144. (Sheboygan Co.)

Feb 13 Winneconne/Wine on the Wolf: The premiere social of the season. A fun-filled afternoon including wine/beer samples, cheeses, snacks & entertainment provided by Sonny's Swingin' Sensations. Proceeds benefit "Building the Way-Winneconne Area Youth". Tickets in advance - $12.00 available at the Fin n Feather or at A Walk Thru Time. $15.00 at the door. Includes a door prize entry. Fin N Feather . 2-4pm 920/582-0348. (Winnebago Co.)

Plan Ahead!?

Tuesday, February 15th 12:15 PM

Wisconsin State Historical Museum on the Square - Madison
"The Apple Branch Site"
Join Kent Dickerson, Archaeological Field Coordinator for the Museum Archaeology Program at the Wisconsin Historical Society, for a look at archaeological investigations at the Terminal Middle Woodland site in Lafayette County. From 1992 through 2001 the Museum Archaeology Program conducted a series of investigations at a pre-contact Native American site, known as the Apple Branch site (47 Lt-224). This work was done on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation prior to improvements along state highway 81. Come and learn how these investigations determined that the Apple Branch site represents a Millville Phase campsite dating to about AD 500. $2.00 suggested donation Call 608-264-6555 for more information, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

Feb. 18-20, North Freedom

Mid-Continent Railway Snow Train

Make tracks for North Freedom to enjoy the winter forest scenery aboard a historic train as it travels through the Sauk County countryside into the Baraboo bluffs. The Snow Train has been a popular February event since 1976. Passenger trains offer coach, first-class, caboose and dinner excursions. (1-800-930-1385)

Feb. 18-20, Westby

Snowflake International Ski Jumping Tournament

This ski jump championship attracts participants from more than 11 countries. World-class jumpers soar 300 feet through the air as they jump Timber Coulee, a 114-meter hill – the same size hill used for jumping events in the Winter Olympics and one of only four of its size in North America. More than 50 participants – young and old, novice as well as Olympic caliber – will compete. Spectators can park along the outrun and see ski jumpers on each of the hills from the warmth of their car and listen to jump results broadcast on a local radio station – loudspeakers announce the results of each jump as well. (608/634-3211)

February 19, 2005 (changed from January 8, 2005)
Lucky Lure, Butternut Lake

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Ice fishing contest, winter games, sleigh rides, shilly shanty contest, fireworks, prizes and more. Fun for all ages. E-mail: millerj@butternut.k12.wi.us 715-769-3434 / 3215

Feb. 19-20, Eagle River

Klondike Days

The 15th annual Klondike Days, the nation’s largest winter rendezvous, features dog and horse weight pulls, the Great Northern Lumberjack Competition, chain-saw log carvings and dog-sled rides for the kids. The entire rendezvous is held in an authentic 18th century voyager encampment erected by re-creators in authentic clothing reflecting the time period. More than 15,000 people attend this two-day event each year. (1-800-359-6315)

Feb. 24-26, Cable to Hayward

32nd Annual Subaru American Birkebeiner

Now in its 32nd year, the Subaru American Birkebeiner is the nation’s largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon – approximately 51 kilometers from Cable to the town of Hayward – and draws thousands of cross-country skiers from all over the world. The “Birkie” is also an International Ski Federation Marathon Cup event, one of only eight in the world. Skiers interested in a shorter course can register for the Kortelopet, the 23-kilometer sister race with a finish line at the Telemark Resort. Other events, including short distance sprints for both elite and citizen skiers, The Jr. Birkie, a competitive race for 10-15 year olds, a children's and a 10-kilometer noncompetitive ski events, begin Feb. 19. (1-800-USA-BRKE, 715/634-5025)

MARCH 1 – Tuesday - FREE
"Future Shock: Is Madison Ready for the New Economy?"
Rebecca Ryan on Creative Economy and Madison
Mar. 1, 7-9 p.m., Overture Center Richard Florida made the “creative class” a buzz phrase, and supposedly Madison has the cultural and recreational amenities young workers seek. But do we have enough jobs to keep them? How can partnerships with Milwaukee and Chicago turn this region into a bigger player? Nationally-renowned management consultant Rebecca Ryan will talk about our challenges and in a free presentation at the Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street in Madison. Ryan’s talk will take place in the Wisconsin Studio and is a presentation of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters as part of its Academy Evening series. No tickets or registration are required, but seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Rebecca Ryan, a nationally-renowned spokesperson for Gen X professionals, is the founder of Next Generation Consulting. She has been named a “Woman of Influence” by the Business Journal and a leading “change agent,” according to Fast Company Magazine. She is author of the “Hot Jobs Cool Communities” report. Contact: Barb Sanford, publicity and events manager, 608/263-1692 ext. 13, bsanford@wisconsinacademy.org OR Joan Fischer, associate director, 608/263-1692 ext. 16, jfischer@wisconsinacademy.org

Tuesday, March 1st 12:15 PM
"Wisconsin's Frontier Farm Breweries 1830's - 1880's"
Wisconsin State Historical Museum on the Square - Madison $2.00 suggested donation

When Wisconsin was still a territory, newly-arrived immigrants brought with them their customs and traditions. One important custom, especially for Germans, was how to brew beer. These early settlers soon discovered that Wisconsin's landscape provided frontier farmers with all the resources and ingredients needed to produce fine ale and lager beer. Join author Wayne Kroll in taking a close look at a part of Wisconsin history that has remained unknown until now. The presentation will mainly cover what has recently been found at many farm/brewery sites from the earliest settled areas of Wisconsin. The program promises to present many surprises! Call 608-264-6555 for more information, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

MARCH 4-5 Bayfield WI
TREASURE with Pleasure!
Antiques Weekend & Appraisal Fair

The Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin, gateway to the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, is combining the excitement of an antiques treasure hunt with the pleasures of an exquisite Victorian gourmet getaway.

The Antiques Weekend and Appraisal Fair set for Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, 2005, will appeal to every person who loves poking through estate sales and antique stores looking for treasure, to those who want to learn the secrets of buying beautiful pieces that are likely to increase in value and to those who enjoy great wines, gourmet dining and spectacular surroundings.

Rittenhouse Innkeepers and lifetime antique collectors, Mary and Jerry Phillips will host the event. The Phillips’ will discuss the history of the historic inn and present exceptional examples from their extensive collection, including art glass, lamps, furniture, porcelain, silver and more!

The weekend begins with an introductory Friday night wine and appetizer reception at another of the Phillip’s restored Victorian Inns, Le Chateau Boutin. Following a full gourmet breakfast Saturday morning, participants will have the opportunity to share a personal antique or collectible. The “Show and Tell” will be both a fun and informative gathering as items will be identified, evaluated and appraised.

On Saturday evening guests will enjoy the Old Rittenhouse Inn’s famous five-course gourmet dinner. In addition to the fabulous food, the Phillips’ will reveal a box of “mystery” antiques from their private collection. They will also discuss how to fill your home and life with beautiful things that will significantly rise in value. Other topics include the next great collector values, how to care for your valuables, and insuring your keepsakes and heirlooms.

The Antiques Weekend and Appraisal Fair is a great way to meet new people who share an interest in antiques and collectibles. Weekend packages include Friday reception, lodging two nights, breakfast, antiques seminar and Saturday's dinner. Packages available starting at $425 per couple, plus tax and server gratuity. Space is limited. Visit www.rittenhouseinn.com or call 800-779-2129 for reservations.

For more information on this event or a free guide to the area please contact the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-447-4094 (or locally 715-779-3335) or e-mail the Chamber at bayfieldchamber@charter.net, and visit the web site at www.bayfield.org

March 13-20 Wausau, Wisconsin
Leigh Yawkey Woodson ArtMuseum
700 N. 12th Street PH-715-845-7010 Web: www.lywam.org
Always FREE Admission
"Fire & Ice: Glass Blowing @ the Woodson
A weeklong residency featuring "Aunt Gladys," a portable glass-blowing studio from Southern Illinois University. Public demonstrations every day (call or e-mail museum@lywam.org for specific times) as well as interactive opportunities for children and adults. This program is so hot it's cool!

FREE & SPECIAL !

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

2. WISCONSIN CENTRAL COAST - FREE GUIDE

   Bet you didn't know Wisconsin has a "Central Coast"! Complete with rare birds, great fishing, canoing, butterflys, camping, great golf courses, cranes and a variety of outstanding packages too good to resist. Visit the new website at www.wisconsincentralcoast.com or call The Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 2507 8th Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, 54494. Phone toll-free 1-800-554-4484 for a free brochure. You can also get there by visiting the web at www.visitwisrapids.com

3. 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 http://www.escapetowisconsin.com/modules/city/visitorsguide.php

4. 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 . Customers can choose from a wide variety of Heidel House room options, dining venues, getaway packages, cruises on the catamaran Escapade, resort amenities, area golf and other gifts. There are several easy to buy pre-set getaway packages or shoppers can go ala carte to “Build Your Own” personalized gift certificates.

   Shoppers can build as many certificates as they like and make just one payment for their entire “shopping cart” of certificates as they check out. The secure site accepts payment by credit card.

   “As far as we can determine, this ‘immediate delivery resort store’ is the first of its kind,” said General Manager Scott Krause. “It’s a real convenience to many of our guests but beyond that will be a ‘life-saver’ for some of us who put things off too long or forget to get a gift for someone.”

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

6. MADISON GUIDE – FREE 800-373-6376

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

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

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

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

11. 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.

12. FREE – NEW “Place the State Game” On-line
    Everybody’s an expert! Here’s a fun test of your geo-knowledge. Place the 50 states where they belong on the map. Go ahead – TRY IT! http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html

13. FREE – VISIT CALIFORNIA GUIDE - Visiting California has never been easier with the help of the California Travel and Tourism Commission's new 2005 Official State Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner. With its regional maps, fresh editorial format, photography, list of attractions and places to stay, visitors have all the information they need at their fingertips to book a California vacation. Guides are free and available by calling 877-CALIFORNIA or clicking to http://www.visitcalifornia.com/

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