Photo by Lowlands Group
What Wisconsin lacks in warmth during the winter it makes for in comfortable, cozy locales brimming with stick-to-your-ribs food, roaring fires and hot beverages.
Best Place to Warm Up After Ice-Skating: The Icehouse at The Edgewater
After gliding and twirling around the ice rink at Madison’s historic Edgewater hotel, thaw out at The Icehouse, a neighboring food hall serving casual fare like cheese curds and locally-brewed beers. theedgewater.com
Most Luxurious Winter Escape: The American Club
As the only five-star hotel in Wisconsin, Kohler’s The American Club is outfitted with luxurious amenities that shine during winter: snug-yet-spacious suites, an antique greenhouse offering coffee and espresso, seasonal treatments at Kohler Waters Spa and a plush sitting room readied with an ever-burning fire in the fireplace. americanclubresort.com
Best Chalet for Food & Fun: Leinenkugel’s Mountain Top Lodge at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Even if you’re not hitting the slopes at Grand Geneva, Leinenkugel’s Mountain Top Lodge still provides the perfect chalet experience with a fire, hot spiked libations (try the Jack Daniel’s and hot cider) and crystal-clear ski-hill views. grandgeneva.com
Best Wintry Views: Canoe Bay
Located 35 minutes from Ladysmith, this adults-only resort is a wintertime oasis. On 300 acres, Canoe Bay boasts a lodge, cottages and tiny houses, all beautifully appointed and basking in the scenery of majestic trees and icy lakefront views. canoebay.com
Best Warm Beverages: Door County Coffee & Tea
Door County Coffee & Tea’s welcoming storefront in Sturgeon Bay is famous for its season-specific flavors. Don’t miss the Gingerbread Spice Latte or the Door County Chocolate Cherry Gourmet Hot Cocoa. doorcountycoffee.com
Best Rustic Ambiance: The Stable Grill at Quivey’s Grove
Built in the 1850s, the Stable Grill at Fitchburg’s Quivey’s Grove has had a long history. As the more relaxed dining option on the property, you can grab a pint and a Friday fish fry as you enjoy the rough-hewn wood décor and warm atmosphere. quiveysgrove.com
Best Place to Read and Grab a Bite: Arcadia Books
A bookstore and a café? Arcadia Books in Spring Green brings together the best of both worlds. Order a comforting meal at the counter (we recommend the grilled cheese) then settle in with a brand-new book. readinutopia.com
Most Unique Winter Experience: The Lux Domes at Café Benelux
We bet you haven’t experienced winter like this before. On the rooftop at Milwaukee’s Café Benelux, you’ll find six heated Lux Domes, and “luxe” they are indeed. These stylish domes seat eight, serve chic eats and sell out quickly—be sure to check the website for availability. cafebenelux.com/luxdomes
This article originally appeared on experiencewisconsinmag.com in February 2019. The contents of this article were checked for accuracy when it was published; however, it’s possible some of the information has changed. We recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the destinations, attractions or restaurants mentioned in this article.