# 6 in 2005 Feb 17 and BEYOND !

S.S.F.W.

Something Special from Wisconsin


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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

Hello Again
EVENTS
FREE AND SPECIAL
  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
>> ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER (Sign On-Sign Off)


  Hello Again...  

People who are planning events ask me how to get people to come to them. The answer? After building in as much fun as possible, one of the best things you can do is give your event a great name that arouses curiosity. This week how could you resist “We Gotta Get Out of This Place: Veterans' Perspectives on the Music of Vietnam,” The Hinder Binder”, “The Graceful Envelop Exhibit”, “Return to Route 66”, “The Railway Snow Train,” Klondike Days,” “Sheep Shearing for Spectators” or “The Midwest Cream Cheese Competition” ? You cant resist wanting to know a little more. How could you hear about those events – and not want to go take a peek? You can’t. See you there.

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.

OK, we’ll see you at the sheep shed, on the caboose or dipping your finger in the cream cheese bucket! Have fun!

  Gary Knowles  

# 6 in 2005 Feb 17 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 Wednesday: Fitch's Chophouse / Fitchburg 5:15-8:15p (blues/jazz piano)
every Fri-Sat: Louisianne's / Middleton 6:30-9:30p (New Orleans piano)


  TASTE THE AWARD WINNING BEERS  

AND NEW SODAS!
Thurs - Fri-Saturdays 11a.m., 1 and 3 PM
TOURS - TASTING - GIFT SHOP
The Joseph Huber Brewery - Monroe, WI
Huber Brewery Tours are Thurs. Friday & Saturdays at 11, 1 and 3 pm. Cost is just $2.00 for those over 14 and free to those 14 and under when touring with a paid parent or guardian. And, yes, you DO get to sample the product! 608-325-3191
www.HuberBrewery.com

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.)

THROUGH- 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
All gallery talks will be held in the James Watrous Gallery.
For more information, contact gallery co-director Martha Glowacki at 608/265-2500, mglowacki@wisconsinacademy.org.

THROUGH - Mar 20 Neenah/Return to Route 66: Photographs of the Mother Road. Bergstrom-Mahler Museum Tues-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun 1pm-4:30pm. 920/751-4658. (Winnebago Co.)


Feb 17 - Feb 20 West Allis/Milwaukee RV & Camping Trailer Show: Recreational vehicles and accessories including RVs, motor homes, travel trailers and camping units as well as tow vehicles, resorts, and campgrounds. Wisconsin Exposition Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park. 800/884-3247. (Milwaukee Co.)

February 17: We Gotta Get Out of This Place: Veterans' Perspectives on the Music of Vietnam
Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St., Madison
Drawing on interviews with veterans and the musicians who made the music, Vietnam veteran Doug Bradley and UW Professor and music writer Craig Werner will look at the role music played in the lives of Vietnam veterans during and after the war. They will also examine the differing meanings songs took on in Vietnam and in the U.S. and the interaction of diverse types of music. The lecture begins at Noon.

February 18: Habib Koite and Vusi Mahlasela in concert
Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St., Madison
Malian superstar Habib Koite, “praised by everyone from Joan Baez to Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne” (Los Angeles Times), performs in the Wisconsin Union Theater on Friday, February 18. Opening is Vusi Mahlasela, “the Bob Dylan of South Africa.” The show is followed by a dance party, free to ticket holders. Tickets start at $18. UW-Madison students tickets are only $10 each. For more information, call the box office at 608.262.2201.

Feb 18 - Feb 19 Madison/WIAA State Boys Swimming & Diving: UW-Madison Natatorium 800/373-6376. (Dane Co.)

February 18-20: Zor Shrine Circus
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
Don’t miss this amazing circus performance that will surely leave your family in awe! Appearing at the annual production of this beloved family-owned circus will be elephants, tigers, acrobats, aerialists and, of course, clowns

February 18-21: President's Day Weekend Sale
Johnson Creek Outlet Center, 575 W. Linmar La., Johnson Creek
Make plans to check out all the fantastic deals during Johnson Creek Outlet Center’s annual President's Day Sale. Shoppers will find extraordinary savings from participating stores including: Carters, GAP Outlet, Mikasa, Old Navy Outlet and more.

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. This will be the 30th year for Snow TrainTM, a unique and unforgettable train ride experience. Enjoy Mid-Continent's seven-mile, 50-minute round-trip ride on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railroad, through a Winter Wonderland at the foot of the Baraboo Hills. All cars are heated by steam heat or coal-fired stoves.

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 - Feb 20 Fond du Lac/Fond du Lac Boat Show: Area's largest boat show with nearly 100 boats for fishing, skiing, and pleasure. Fairgrounds Fri 3pm-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. 920/921-8349. (Fond du Lac Co.)

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

February 19: Guess How Much I Love You Performance and Meet the Artist Series
Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., Madison
The acclaimed Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia comes to Madison to present Guess How Much I Love You, a heartwarming story based on the award-winning book by Sam McBratney. Don’t miss this enchanting performance staged with large, colorful puppets. After the performance, plan to attend an informal discussion with company members.

Feb 19 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 19 La Crosse/State Pom & Cheer Competition: 300 Harborview Plaza. 608/789-7400. (La Crosse Co.)

Feb 19 Manitowoc/Manitowoc Jaycees Beer Lover's Brewfest: Sample beers from state-wide micro breweries 5-9 pm 920/374-0998. (Manitowoc Co.)

Feb 19 Manitowoc/Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra: "In Sweet Music Is Such Art". Concerts begin at 8 pm at the Capitol Civic Centre except Sat, Dec 18, Handel's Messiah that takes place at the First Presbyterian Church 502 N 8th St. 920/793-2027. (Manitowoc Co.)

Feb 19 Crivitz/Torchlight Night Tour & Bonfire: A mile of torch-lit X-C trail with bonfire including hot dogs and refreshments. Ski free; open to the public, all ages. Kirby Hill Trail System 715/854-7540. (Marinette Co.)

Feb 19 Rib Lake/Hinder Binder Cross-Country Ski Race: Racing includes a 13K classic, an 8K high school race, and a 23K freestyle race. 715/427-3579. (Taylor Co.)

Feb 19 Sayner/Annual Chamber Ice Fishing Tournament: Held on Plum Lake from 6am-4pm with registration at South Plum Lake public boat landing. Fish to be judged on length with ties broken by 1st registered. Entry fee required. Concessions provided by Plum Lake Volunteer Fire Department at the Sayner Community Building. Held from 6am-4pm 888/722-3789. (Vilas Co.)

Feb 19 Sturgeon Bay/IceScape: Artists carve massive blocks of ice into whimsical works of art. Awards judging at 2:30pm; you can vote in the popular People's Choice Awards. Downtown 9am-4pm. 920/743-6246. (Door Co.)

February 19: Monona Terrace Community Open House
Monona Terrace® Community and Convention Center, One John Nolen Dr., Madison Enjoy a free-guided tour of the building at Noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Guides reveal how Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture is expressed in dramatic open spaces, circular forms and breathtaking lake views.

Feb 19 Oshkosh/Bering Strait: It's country, it's bluegrass, and it's got an amazing story to go with it! In their hometown of Obninsk, Russia, a music teacher chose his best students and brought them together in a band to play bluegrass music. They were still children, but had extraordinary musical talent and became well known. They began to travel the world, charmed audiences wherever they went. As teenagers; they found themselves in America, where they signed a contract with a record label. Success was around the corner, until they got caught in a web of music business intrigue that led to four years of bouncing from one label to another. The band members grew into adulthood, thousands of miles away from their families and faced the possibility that everything they had worked for would disappear. It's the story of these remarkable young people, who have moved from Russia to Nashville, and have been featured on 60 Minutes. 100 High Ave. 7:30 p.m. 920/424-2350. (Winnebago Co.)

Feb 19 Sheboygan/Stefanie H Weill Center: The Collingsworth Family: Gospel music performance. 2pm & 7pm. 800/246-9324. (Sheboygan Co.)

Feb 19 Sheboygan/Wisconsin Singers: The exciting University of Wisconsin Singers bring their show to South High School. City and area high school groups also perform. Admission. South High School. 920/457-9495. (Sheboygan Co.)

Feb 19 Oregon/Sheep Shearing for Spectators: Learn how wool, one of the oldest fibers used by mankind, is produced and harvested. See the shearing process, an explanation of wool types and colors, care of wool and how it is transformed into various articles. Held in the sheep barn. A-Z Farm 9am-4pm. 608/835-5553. (Dane Co.)

Feb 19 - Feb 20 Beaver Dam/Midwest Cream Cheese Competition: An earthquake of cheese - A Cheese Quake - is about to fall upon the great dairy state! Join dozens of women (and men) for a fabulous cream cheese lover's weekend with a brand new event to Beaver Dam. Three competitions including 1) The Ultimate Cheesecake Contest, 2) Greatest Cream Cheese Dip Recipe, and 3)Best New Cream Cheese Dip Recipe. Physical entry is due on Feb. 19th. Beaver Dam Mall 10 am-5pm 920/887-8879. (Dodge Co.)

Feb 19 - Feb 20 Madison/Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale: Don’t miss 70,000 square feet of the Midwest's biggest and most beautiful model train layouts in Z, N, HO, S, O and G scales, classic toy trains, and historical exhibits and railroad videos! Browse over 300 tables of model train merchandise including tools, railroad collectibles, videos, models, books, clothing and artwork. Kids will enjoy building a giant wooden train layout or running a model train. 70,000 sq ft of the best model railroad layouts, clinics & historical exhibits in the Midwest. 300+ vendor tables featuring model train merchandise, toys, hobby supplies, tools, clothing, artwork, books, videos, railroad antiques & collectables. Alliant Energy Center 9am-5pm. 608/835-3148. (Dane Co.)

Feb 19 - Feb 20 Hortonville/Annual Snowmobile Softball Tournament: Softball played on snowmobiles! Food, beverages, shelter. Fun family event! Weather permitting. Outagamie Conservation Club Games start at 9am both days. 920/757-6253. (Outagamie Co.)

Feb 19 - Feb 20 Weyauwega/USSA Snowmobile Races: Fast sleds and top drivers in this USSA-sanctioned event. Fairgrounds. 920/867-2500. (Waupaca Co.)

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)

February 19-26: 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials—Curling
Madison Curling Club, 4802 Marsh Rd., McFarland
Madison’s long history with the sport of Curling will be highlighted as men and women’s teams will compete for spots at the 2005 World Curling Championships and the 2006 Winter Olympics. 2/19-2/24: $5/day at the door. 2/25-2/26 (Semi-finals and Finals): $8/day at the door. Discounted weekly pass available at the door.

Feb 19 - 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.)


Plan Ahead!?

...It has to be easier than planning BEHIND?


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 5, 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. 715-769-3434

Saturday, March 12th
Wisconsin History - Family Style
Free admission!
Join us for a day of hands-on-history, music & crafts for the whole family! Drop in for one or all of these three programs: Why History Matters? 10am - 3pm
Join in a hands-on program for kindergarten age and up to explore a broad range of historical themes and the important connection between the past and present. The program lasts 60 minutes and visits multiple exhibit spaces. Ribbon Appliqué History Bag 10am - 4pm
Drop by the activity area and decorate your own ribbon appliqué bag to take home. Wiscon- Sing Performances at 1pm and 2pm
Enjoy a 50-minute multimedia program of songs and scenic slides of Wisconsin's vibrant history. The interactive program encourages audience participation with sing-along slides. Folk musician David HB Drake has received many awards, including Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award - Family Music Artist of the Year 2001. All events take place at the Wisconsin Historical Museum located at 30 N Carroll St, on Capitol Square in Madison. Call 608-264-6555 for more inofrmation, or visit our website at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum

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