Craneberries, what’s now cranberries, oh my! I just recently learned that Wisconsin is known for cranberries. I suppose if I had paid attention, I would have realized this sooner, since the cranberry is the state fruit. And who knew all those Ocean Spray cranberry commercials were from the central Wisconsin area. So, being the science and need to know a thousand facts kind of nerd, I went in search of cranberry knowledge. I ended up in the heart of cranberry land known to others as the Wisconsin Rapids area. There is a 50 mile Cranberry Highway that guides you through the most concentration of cranberry marshes in the whole world. This central area is the perfect soil for growing cranberries due to the glacial geology and minerals left behind during the Ice Age.
So, I will not share all thousand facts of cranberries with you here, not the intent of this post, but if you do want to know more, definitely come visit for a long weekend.
I got here late Friday morning, walked around the Trumpeter Trail in Sandhill Wildlife area for about seven miles, which right now, only the walking path is open. The area is so peaceful and quiet, and much undisturbed, so many butterflies and flowers to be seen (lupine, hawkweed, the endangered Karner Blue butterfly) along with an occasional black squirrel, rabbit, or if you are lucky a bison or two. Yep, Sandhill Wildlife area has a small herd of bison! You can learn more about that on their website (not going to give you a thousand facts about bison here).
After that, drove around the Cranberry Highway that takes you through Babcock, Nekoosa, Port Edwards, and back near Wisconsin Rapids. Just search on Cranberry Highway and you will find the route. The cranberry beds are just starting to grow this time of year, but in a few weeks will blossom with a white crane-looking flower, then in late September to early October will turn into the red fields that you see in the commercials.
After being outside all day, I finally made it to my settling place for the night. A magnificent, wonderful bed and breakfast simply named Le Chateau The Manor. The word manor does not do it justice. The rightful title is mansion, the John Arpin Mansion to be exact. This 1889 Queen Anne Victorian has been restored, and the current owners, Faye and Bill lovely and meticulously devote their heart to making “family” feel comfortable with all parts of their stay. Faye can tell you so much of the history of the mansion, of the area, and of the cranberries, just as if you were a part of her family. Bill can tell you the pains of maintaining such a home with such caring in every “honey do list”. The mansion has many guest’s rooms from suites to single rooms for a solo traveler such as myself who stayed in the Chickadee Room. They do have an anniversary suite though, if you are wanting a romantic getaway with your significant other. In fact, I met a beautiful couple from Milwaukee who were celebrating their 28th year.
Saturday started off early with a 13 mile run alongside the Wisconsin River. Just had to walk across the street to pick up the bike/running path. Ran up the calm part of the river, then back down to the dam and onto the rapids part of the river. So soothing, if you like running that is.
Got back just in time for a homemade breakfast of fresh fruit yogurt, spinach/mushroom quiche, with some blueberry French toast. All served with cranberry juice and if you had room after that, some cranberry cookies left over from the night before.
After breakfast, decided since I walked seven miles Friday and ran 13 this morning, I would take it easy and enjoy some local shopping and exploration. Headed out to Rubi Reds, which is a cute little cranberry shop not too far from Le Chateau Manor, and highly recommended by Faye. A cute little town indeed. In fact, while I was buying some cranberry gifts for a few friends and family members, Faye walks in. You need cranberry tea, Rubi Reds has it. Cranberry liquor or wine; a yes to that. Cranberry soap, yes. And thank goodness they ship!
Onto the town of Rudolph for some cheese, because you know Wisconsin is most famous for cheese, so let’s go check it out. I saw the action of cheese curds being made. No, they are not the remnants of cheese gone by, they are actually made into small chunks/curds on purpose. Fascinating! I will not get into the thousands details about cheese curds, but just visit the Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company and see for yourself. I even took a picture of the curd vat, and it said, “Cheese”. Okay, okay, I know that was a cheesy joke!
Nearby the curds is a wonderful garden of healing built by Father Philip Wagner starting back in 1927. Father Wagner had been sick for a long while and prayed for healing. Before healing even came, he vowed to build a testament to the healing powers of God now known as The Rudolph Grotto Garden. Plan to spend a bit of time here, as there is so much to take in with the life of Jesus and his beloved mother Mary. So much to marvel at with each stone that is place in the making of bridges and Ebenezers and even a cave. While the gardens are one price for the public to roam, the cave does ask for an additional $3 donation. Might I suggest to donate that money, as for me, that is where true healing and peace was felt. I will not share what is inside the cave, but I pray that you will venture in and hopefully come out feeling blessed.
And course, for those of you who are not all about the nature, but maybe just want to know where to shop or eat. Well, I can only tell you of my experience, of which I ended up in the Call It New/Call It Antique shop. One side is all about the antique taste for shopping while the other side is more of a thrift store. I love going into antique shops with never a mind to buy anything. This antique shop went on and on and on with so many booths and unique items; and that was the first floor. Yes, there are three floors to boggle the mind, and believe me, after a few hours of looking at everything, my mind was boggled. Did not leave empty handed either!
Now, the day is closing and evening is setting in, so what better way than to have a delicious meal near the river side. Found my way to the Anchor Bay Bar and Grill, well, because I love anchors, so why not. Best decision as the river is literally in the front yard, where boats could dock for some grub and a drink. Enjoyed my meal on the outdoor patio under the beautiful rays of sun.
Sadly, my last night approaches, so I head back to Le Chateau Manor for a night cap…of cranberry cookies that is. Tonight, Faye also made some chocolate peanut butter cookies. So delicious! I sat out on the wrap around deck overlooking the river to enjoy my last night of peace and much needed getaway.
Sunday, I awake to yet another wonderfully homemade breakfast. I don’t want to leave as the real world will soon be upon me, but for one last moment, I sit and take in all that is Wisconsin Rapids, and bid adieu to a much needed and healing vacation.
Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:
Alli L
For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook