# 8 in 2005 MARCH 4 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

DON”T MISS IT: One of the great events of the weekend is MONDAY! Warren Nelson and some of the Big Top Musicians are doing a free jam & concert at the Concourse Hotel from about 8-Midnight. FREE. This may be the only place that lists it. Stop in and get a taste of some outstanding music.

NOW 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.

Ok see you soon!

# 8 in 2005 MARCH 4 and BEYOND !

NOW Thru MAY 15

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 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

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

Mar 4 - Mar 5 La Crosse/Monster Truck Show: Join us as the ground rumbles to the spectacular, car crushing Monsters. Show times are 8pm each night. La Crosse Center. 608/789-7400. (La Crosse Co.)

Mar 4 - Mar 6 Elkhart Lake/Big Band Gala: Dance away your winter doldrums and swing into spring at The Osthoff Resort's Big Band Gala. Capturing the splendor of the enchanting Big Band era are legendary melodies from the Howard Schneider Band and the internationally-renowned Jan Garber Orchestra, conducted by Al Anderson. Weekend includes: two evenings in a finely-appointed suite, Friday evening welcome reception and ballroom dancing, Saturday afternoon dance instructions, a Saturday evening reception and five-course plated dinner followed by ballroom dancing, and a scrumptious Sunday breakfast buffet. $425 per couple, plus tax and gratuity, space is limited. The Osthoff Resort. 800/876-3399. (Sheboygan Co.)

March 4-6: MABA Home Products Show
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
Madison Area Builders Association brings you this three-day event, which features educational and informational exhibits of home products and services.

Mar 4 - Mar 6 Tomahawk/Study of Wolves: This three-day course provides a comprehensive study of wolves. Ecology, natural history and wolf management are covered in lectures and multimedia presentations. Hands-on demonstrations of wolf track casting round out the weekend. Treehaven. 715/453-4106. (Lincoln Co.)

Mar 4-6 Milwaukee/Greater Milwaukee Auto Show: Check out the new car and truck models. An annual family event. Midwest Airlines Center Call or check website for hours. 414/908-6000. (Milwaukee Co.)

Mar 4 - Mar 6 West Allis/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Golf Plus Show: The largest golf show in Wisconsin highlights every aspect of the game from the newest equipment to individual instruction given by WPGA Professionals, plus fun activities and contests. Wisconsin Exposition Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park Fri 1-8pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm. 800/884-3247. (Milwaukee Co.)

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

Mar 5 Bayfield/Mt. Ashwabay Cup Race: 21st Annual downhill ski races. Starts at 1pm. 715/779-3227. (Bayfield Co.)

Mar 5 Brule/River View Loppet: 12K and 25K freestyle, 12K classic and 5K youth cross-country ski races on the After hours Ski Trail through the beautiful Brule River State Forest. Brule River State Forest Race starts at 10am. 715/372-5678. (Douglas Co.)

Mar 5 Cable/World's Longest Weenie Roast: Children's activities, radar runs, bon fires, and longest Weenie roast. Lakewoods Resort. 800/255-5937. (Bayfield Co.)

Mar 5 Minocqua/Cabin Fever Day: Bring your entire family for a fun-filled day of activities at the Waters of Minocqua. Swim in their waterpark, watch movies, have your face painted, play games?.you can do it all at Cabin Fever Days. Don't miss out on all this fun! Price to be determined. The Waters of Minocqua 800/446-6784. (Oneida Co.)

Mar 5 Ogema/Timm's Hill Trudge: Snowshoe race/walk on a 3.5-mile or 7-mile course. Registration fee - $30. High Point Village 9am start. 715/767-5287. (Price Co.)

Mar 5 Chilton/Sturgeon Fest: Dinner, awards, raffle held at Laughrin's Kloten Oasis. Kloten Oasis 6pm - 11pm 920/439-1899. (Calumet Co.)

Mar 5 Manitowoc/An Evening to Wine Down: A wine, beer, cheese, and chocolate tasting social. Manitowoc Elks's Club Begins at 7pm 920/684-5575. (Manitowoc Co.)

Mar 5 Manitowoc/Kewaunee's U.S.S. Pueblo: John Robillard of Kewaunee Fabrications, L.L.C. will lead a discussion of the U.S.S. Pueblo, a shop built in Kewaunee and captured by North Korea in 1968. The ship still remains in North Korea's possession to this day. Wisconsin Maritime Museum 1:30 pm 866/724-2356. (Manitowoc Co.)

Mar 5 Sparta/Monroe County Historical Society Arts & Crafts Show: 200 exhibitors. Sparta High School 9am-3pm. 800/354-2453. (Monroe Co.)

Mar 5 Madison/Kodo's One Earth Tour: The athletic and powerful Kodo drummers have stunned and captivated audiences around the globe with the thunderous vibrations of traditional Japanese drumming. "Clad in sweatbands and loincloths, they are like percussionist kamikazes," writes the Village Voice. Overture Center for the Arts 8pm 608/258-4141. (Dane Co.)

Mar 5 Wisconsin Dells/Spring Carnival/Mardi Gras at Christmas Mountain: Ski events, live music, and fireworks at dusk! Christmas Mountain Village 608/254-3971. (Columbia Co.)

Mar 5 - Mar 6 Ashland/Ice Fishing Contest on Lake Superior: Ashland. 800/284-9484. (Ashland Co.)

Mar 5 - Mar 6 Madison/Fine Art and Craft Sale: Madison Weavers Guild Invitational 2005. Come and enjoy fabulous art work by talented artists. Items for sale include: fiber, ceramics, baskets, drawings, leather, jewelry, watercolor, paper-mache, metal, wood, art glass, mixed media, floor cloths, wearables, batik, garden sculptures, rugs, and table runners. Hilldale Shopping Center Sat: 9:30am-6pm; Sun: 11:30am-5pm. 608/231-2952. (Dane Co.)

March 5-6:
Wollersheim Winery Open House
Wollersheim Winery, 7876 Hwy 188, Prairie du Sac
Wollersheim Winery invites you to its annual Open House March 5 & 6, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Activities on both days include demonstrations on grapevine pruning and cooking with wine, as well as winemaker presentations, self-guided winery tours and wine tasting. The event also features the release of the estate-grown Prairie Blush 2004 wine.

MARCH 5 - Mar 20 Madison/Spring Flower Show: Welcome in spring a little early, with blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and forced branches of forsythia and other spring-blooming branches. Walk among English daisies, pansies, and lobelia as they offer a glimpse of what's to come. This exhibit will stimulate your imagination, and revive your memory of the beauty of spring. Olbrich Botanical Gardens 10am-4pm daily and 10am-5pm Sundays 608/246-4550. (Dane Co.)

MARCH 6

Mar 6 Alma/North American Film Premiere: Sold Out!
Mississippi: Mississippi tales of the last river rat. Come join the folks from the quaint river towns along the Upper Mississippi River in a grand celebration of the natural wonders of America's largest and grandest River. Alma High School Auditorium. 2pm 608/685-6209. (Buffalo Co.)

Mar 6 Sheboygan/Taste of Sheboygan: Booths laden with the culinary specialties of Sheboygan's restaurateurs will tempt everyone's taste buds. Sheboygan Armory 10:30am-3:30pm. 920/459-3317. (Sheboygan Co.)

Mar 6 Two Rivers/Woodland Dunes Folk Concert Series: Peggy Seeger is a Legendary folksinger and songwriter, March 6. Five Buck Hootenanny offers an evening of local and regional musicians, March 19. Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette are favorites that are returning to Woodland Dunes, April 9. 7pm concerts ,doors open at 6:30pm 920/793-4007. (Manitowoc Co.)

MARCH 7 – Monday Night -- MADISON Concourse Hotel FREE

LOS HOBOS – Warren Nelson and Big Top Chautauqua Musicians in Jam Concert at the back bar at the Concourse – FREE!! 8:30PM to Midnight

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!

MARCH 15
State Historical Society Museum
"The Culture of Irish Immigrants" A dinner lecture in the Taste of Wisconsin Traditions series. Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Tuesday, March 15 Location: Wisconsin Historical Museum on Capitol Square- 30 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703 View "Immigrant State" exhibit and enjoy a meal of corned beef and cabbage. Hear Victor Greene speak about Irish Imigration and the resulting popular theatrical and musical works of the late 19th and early 20th century. Book signing to follow. Cost: $19 ($17 WHS members) - must register by March 9th CAll 608-264-6566, or email museum@whs.wisc.edu www.wisconsinhistory.org

Mar 12 Janesville/Budding Artists Exhibit/Opening Reception: This year the Historical Society will display a selection of works from middle and high school students throughout the county. The artwork consists of paintings, metalwork, ceramics, weaving, photography, drawings, mixed media, and computer generated art. The annual exhibition fosters interest in the arts and provides a venue for talented area youth. The opening ceremony will be held at UW-Rock County, Hyatt SMith HAll, 2909 Kellogg Ave from 1-3pm, February 29, 2004 Rock County Historical Society. 608/756-4509. (Rock Co.)

March 19-20 - Plover, WI
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wisconsin River Woodcarvers 5th Woodcarving Show, Sale & Competition
Central Wisconsin's Largest Woodcarving Show. General public can view hand carved wood pieces created by carvers from the Midwest. Demonstrations through out the day. A special hands-on session on beginning carving available for youth. Wood carvings and food available for purchase. Raffle on site. Open to the public. Admission is $1.00 (12 and under free) Elizabeth Inn and Convention Center Hwy. 54 & I-39 - Plover, WI
Contact: Bill Kubisiak 715-344-2274 or Greg Wirtz 715-423-0471

THE WORLD OF TRAVEL --

European Travel Guidebooks for Dog Owners Are Introduced by Lillystravels – Newsletter
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18 / A Guidebook to Taking Your Dog to Paris, the first in a series of European travel guidebooks written for dog owners, is now available for purchase at www.lillystravels.com." Published by Lillystravels, the guidebooks provide dog owners with indispensable information for navigating a trip to Europe with dog in tow.
Written in the voice of Lilly, an English Toy Spaniel, the guides include relevant information for preparing to take your dog on a European trip, such as obtaining necessary health certificates, packing, and preparing for departure. Also provided is valuable location-specific information, such as dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, the name of a local veterinarian, and navigating public transportation.
Five additional guidebooks covering Rome, Florence, Milan and the Lakes, Tuscany, and Austria, will be available in early Spring 2005. Thirteen additional European guides are planned for 2005 and 2006.

An online newsletter, providing the latest information for dog travel and available by subscription, will also be available in 2005 at www.lillystravels.com.

For additional information , contact: Juli Feinberg, Lillystravels, 510-304-8665 or 925-296-0713 ext. 201, Fax: 925-296-0715, juli@lillystravels.com high resolution photo available at www.lillystravels.com. (press)

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