midwest doper advice needed

2ndLaw, you are an inspiration and a role model. Anyone who advises a pooch-friendly anniversary is a stellar human being.

Afterthought…I still think Starved Rock is your best bet for overall atmosphere, amenities and romantic potential, but if you’re more city-oriented, either Madison or Milwaukee, WI are nice.

Of course Madison is a university town, but it’s very pretty and has the expected range of nice restaurants, etc.

Milwaukee is neat, too; some nice museums, tours, etc. We stayed in a renovated historic hotel near the theater and arts district. It was also within staggering distance of Mader’s, an incredible German restaurant with the best damned beer list around. This place takes beer seriously; it isn’t a “nouveau brew” wannabe. Since you’re interested in home brewing, it might ::koff!:: offer some inspiration.

Veb

thanks for all the replies everyone…seems to have changed the wifes opinion of the SDMB, not sure if thats good or bad :smiley:

right now we are looking at some Wisconsin sights, including Door County, or maybe Lake Geneva (suggested by a work colleague) or some other places …driving distance is a major factor…

Starved Rock seems nice, not sure what there is to actually DO there (well besides the obvious, get yer heads outta the gutter you deeves) besides hiking etc…

My sister & her family spend a couple of weeks of their summer vacation by driving around eastern Wisconsin. IIRC, Door County was where they went to look at lighthouses. While you’re in Wisconsin, drive down Lake Michigan to Racine and have some kringle (that’s a Danish pastry, AFIK only available from Racine) for me!

For a day of unusual and unsettling adventure, I highly recommend The House on the Rock. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes (lots of walking) and leave your notions of good taste at home.

I second Door County, though it is a bit of a drive from Iowa. Stop for dinner at The Inn at Cedar Crossing in Sturgeon Bay to revitalize your soul. Best food on the peninsula.

Ah, Jeff, those Racine kringles are to die for! We get 'em shipped here every Christmas through the Rotary Club. Cream cheese…::slobber!::

We had an long-time family friend in Racine (IIRC, she’s in Madison now) and would stop at O&H for a half-dozen Kringle every time we visited her. I know O&H Bakery will ship virtually anywhere, and so will another bakery whose name has slipped my mind.

The cherry cream cheese is my favorite, followed by chocolate and turtle (as in chocolate & nuts). My whole family loves the pecan.

BTW, I’m not sure which but the owners of one of Racine’s kringle bakeries are cousins of the Clinton’s. They were once featured on the front page of the Washington Post, making kringle.

quick followup…

we have lined up critter sitting…so it looks like Door County is the destination…thanks for all the nice input