Hotel at a Glance: The Fenway House Hotel

Before retiring to your room at The Fenway House Hotel, you can sip a nightcap of heady scotch or local wine in the onsite lounge. The next morning, wake up with a mug of locally roasted joe from the lobby coffee bar. Keep your eyes peeled for historical details: the building was constructed in 1918 with sturdy stone, brick, and terrazzo floors.

• Onsite restaurant: Select options include a $10 credit toward dishes such as Wisconsin grilled-cheese sandwiches and blackened salmon. Thirsty? Grab a local brew—there are seven on tap.
• Get some rest in rustic, individually appointed rooms; some feature stained glass, rich wooden paneling, and skylights.
• Keep in touch with friends and family via the hotel’s WiFi.
• Upgrade your stay to a junior suite with a hot tub ($10/night) or a two-room suite with a hot tub ($25/night).

Fennimore, Wisconsin: Small Town East of the Mississippi River

You could walk from one end of Fennimore to the other in about 40 minutes, though the town’s two kid-friendly museums provide ample distraction along the way. The first is the Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum, located in a building reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century depot. Climb aboard its narrow-gauge 1907 locomotive and take a ride on a working miniature railroad flanked by scale buildings and a water tower. The other attraction is the Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum. For just a few dollars, you can see a collection of antique dolls, trains, and circus memorabilia from around the world dating as far back as the 1800s. The exhibits include Star Wars action figures and Toy Story displays from the personal collection of Jeff Pigeon, a Pixar animator.

About 30 miles away, the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers converge in Wyalusing State Park. Here, picturesque wooded bluffs rise roughly 400 feet above the river banks. Hike or cross-country ski through this dramatic landscape, or paddle along the 6-mile canoe trail. You may see hawks soaring or mink darting amid the hardwood forest and wetlands.

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