| Happenings |
Madison Parks Winter Fun
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
So are we in Madison Parks….but, alas, it doesn’t look like
any outdoor winter activities are in store for the winter
break/holidays. For now, while we wait for the true Wisconsin
winter weather to arrive, all of the outdoor ice rinks, cross
country ski trails, and sledding hills are closed. But, once
those temperatures start to drop and the snow starts to fly –
be sure to check out the Madison Parks winter activities
website. Learn about the rink openings, ski trail grooming,
best places to try out those new snowshoes, and the new
“Learn To” programs.
Madison Parks Winter website: http://www.cityofmadison.
com/parks/seasonal/winter/
Sign up for winter activities emails: https://my.cityofmadison.
com/
In the meantime, are you looking for things to do over the
Winter Break?
Are the kids bouncing off the walls during the winter break?
Let Madison Parks help!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave.
Admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory is included.
Admission is always free for Olbrich Botanical Society
members. Admission is free Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to
noon.
Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport
Drive-www.wpcrc.com (608) 245-3690
WPCRC provides a great space for you and your family to get
active and enjoy the winter break!
Parent/Child Playtime:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday (skip 12/26/11): 9:30am-12:
00 pm
This is a GREAT program for families looking for one big
playdate! WPCRC opens up the big gym for indoor riding toys
and a variety of dramatic play toys for parents and children to
enjoy together. WPCRC ID card and $5 admission fee
required (WPCRC ID card not required for first time users).
Call up your friends and have them meet you at WPCRC for
some fun! Ideal for children up to age 7. No registration is
required, however, parental supervision required.
WPCRC Open Gym Hours:
Gather up your friends and family for some basketball! Open
to ages 11+ (10 and under must be accompanied by an
adult). Daily admission fee and valid WPCRC ID card
required for all open gym times except for the Free
Middle/High School Open Gym on Mondays from 3:45-5:
30pm. There is no admission fee or ID card required! See the
website for list of open gym times or call 608-245-3690.
WPCRC Exercise Room:
The Exercise Room is the perfect place to work off those extra
holiday cookies. It is open to anyone 16+ who has a valid
WPCRC ID card. Madison resident admission rates are:
$1/youth, $4/adult and $2/senior.
Exercise Room Winter hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri: 8am – 9:45pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 6am – 9:45pm
Saturday: 8am – 7:45pm
Sunday: 11am – 5:45pm
WPCRC also offers times when the exercise room is free!
See the website for more details!
Child Care:
Childcare is available to parents/guardians participating in
programs, using the exercise room, open gym or utilizing
WPCRC. $2/hour per child for WPCRC customers Family ID
Card holders and annual membership. $3/hour per child for
WPCRC customers with a Family ID card only.
Parent/guardian must remain on site.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 5-8pm
Thursdays: 8:30-11:30am
Game Room:
The Game Room is available to all WPCRC ID card holders
at no additional charge. Shoot a game of pool (ages 12+),
enjoy a game of foos ball, play some video games on our Wii
or X-Box 360 or relax in the TV Room.
WPCRC now had a coffee bar and snacks – and FREE WIFI
available. Feel free to bring your laptop down, enjoy a coffee, a
muffin and take advantage of our free WiFi. Take a tour of the
building and stop at the front desk to sign your family up for a
membership at WPCRC.
Visit at www.wpcrc.com or you can contact the WPCRC
customer service staff at (608)245-3690 ext 0 for more
information.
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
So are we in Madison Parks….but, alas, it doesn’t look like
any outdoor winter activities are in store for the winter
break/holidays. For now, while we wait for the true Wisconsin
winter weather to arrive, all of the outdoor ice rinks, cross
country ski trails, and sledding hills are closed. But, once
those temperatures start to drop and the snow starts to fly –
be sure to check out the Madison Parks winter activities
website. Learn about the rink openings, ski trail grooming,
best places to try out those new snowshoes, and the new
“Learn To” programs.
Madison Parks Winter website: http://www.cityofmadison.
com/parks/seasonal/winter/
Sign up for winter activities emails: https://my.cityofmadison.
com/
In the meantime, are you looking for things to do over the
Winter Break?
Are the kids bouncing off the walls during the winter break?
Let Madison Parks help!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave.
Admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory is included.
Admission is always free for Olbrich Botanical Society
members. Admission is free Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to
noon.
Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport
Drive-www.wpcrc.com (608) 245-3690
WPCRC provides a great space for you and your family to get
active and enjoy the winter break!
Parent/Child Playtime:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday (skip 12/26/11): 9:30am-12:
00 pm
This is a GREAT program for families looking for one big
playdate! WPCRC opens up the big gym for indoor riding toys
and a variety of dramatic play toys for parents and children to
enjoy together. WPCRC ID card and $5 admission fee
required (WPCRC ID card not required for first time users).
Call up your friends and have them meet you at WPCRC for
some fun! Ideal for children up to age 7. No registration is
required, however, parental supervision required.
WPCRC Open Gym Hours:
Gather up your friends and family for some basketball! Open
to ages 11+ (10 and under must be accompanied by an
adult). Daily admission fee and valid WPCRC ID card
required for all open gym times except for the Free
Middle/High School Open Gym on Mondays from 3:45-5:
30pm. There is no admission fee or ID card required! See the
website for list of open gym times or call 608-245-3690.
WPCRC Exercise Room:
The Exercise Room is the perfect place to work off those extra
holiday cookies. It is open to anyone 16+ who has a valid
WPCRC ID card. Madison resident admission rates are:
$1/youth, $4/adult and $2/senior.
Exercise Room Winter hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri: 8am – 9:45pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 6am – 9:45pm
Saturday: 8am – 7:45pm
Sunday: 11am – 5:45pm
WPCRC also offers times when the exercise room is free!
See the website for more details!
Child Care:
Childcare is available to parents/guardians participating in
programs, using the exercise room, open gym or utilizing
WPCRC. $2/hour per child for WPCRC customers Family ID
Card holders and annual membership. $3/hour per child for
WPCRC customers with a Family ID card only.
Parent/guardian must remain on site.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 5-8pm
Thursdays: 8:30-11:30am
Game Room:
The Game Room is available to all WPCRC ID card holders
at no additional charge. Shoot a game of pool (ages 12+),
enjoy a game of foos ball, play some video games on our Wii
or X-Box 360 or relax in the TV Room.
WPCRC now had a coffee bar and snacks – and FREE WIFI
available. Feel free to bring your laptop down, enjoy a coffee, a
muffin and take advantage of our free WiFi. Take a tour of the
building and stop at the front desk to sign your family up for a
membership at WPCRC.
Visit at www.wpcrc.com or you can contact the WPCRC
customer service staff at (608)245-3690 ext 0 for more
information.
GO BIG READ INVITES WORKS OF ART AND CREATIVE
WRITING INSPIRED BY 'ENRIQUE'S JOURNEY'
MADISON - "Enrique's Journey," this year's Go Big Read selection,
sparked discussion and reflection across campus and the greater
community. Now the book by Pulitzer Prize-wining author Sonia
Nazario, will serve as an inspiration for works of art readers from
UW-Madison and across Dane County create during the long winter
break.
A creative competition, called "Our Nations of Others," invites UW
students, staff, faculty and Dane County residents to submit up to
two creative pieces in reaction to "Enrique's Journey." Literary and
visual works will be considered, including collage, paintings,
photographs, poems, sculpture and short stories. No video or audio
works will be accepted.
The deadline for entries is Jan. 27.
"This competition gives readers of 'Enrique's Journey' the
opportunity to express themselves ... regarding the important
political, social and cultural topic of immigration," says Paloma
Celis Carbajal, bibliographer for the Ibero-American Studies
Collection. She is coordinating the contest with Memorial Library,
the Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program,
Community Partnerships and Outreach Staff Network at the School
of Medicine and Public Health, and Educational Partnerships and
Outreach in the School of Education.
A jury will award prizes in five categories: undergraduate students,
graduate students, faculty and staff, Dane County residents and K-12
students. A selection of works will be featured in an on-campus
exhibit during the spring 2012 semester and award winners will be
honored in a March ceremony with "Enrique's Journey"
photographer and Pulitzer Prize-winner Don Bartletti.
"This is a great opportunity to bring people from campus and the
Dane County together to consider and discuss the topics raised in
this book," says Beth Harper of Memorial Library.
Go Big Read is a common-reading program at UW-Madison that is
designed to engage students, faculty, staff and the community in a
shared, academically focused reading experience. It is now in its
third year. For more details about Go Big Read and contest
guidelines: http://www.gobigread.wisc.edu/ournationsofothers.html
WRITING INSPIRED BY 'ENRIQUE'S JOURNEY'
MADISON - "Enrique's Journey," this year's Go Big Read selection,
sparked discussion and reflection across campus and the greater
community. Now the book by Pulitzer Prize-wining author Sonia
Nazario, will serve as an inspiration for works of art readers from
UW-Madison and across Dane County create during the long winter
break.
A creative competition, called "Our Nations of Others," invites UW
students, staff, faculty and Dane County residents to submit up to
two creative pieces in reaction to "Enrique's Journey." Literary and
visual works will be considered, including collage, paintings,
photographs, poems, sculpture and short stories. No video or audio
works will be accepted.
The deadline for entries is Jan. 27.
"This competition gives readers of 'Enrique's Journey' the
opportunity to express themselves ... regarding the important
political, social and cultural topic of immigration," says Paloma
Celis Carbajal, bibliographer for the Ibero-American Studies
Collection. She is coordinating the contest with Memorial Library,
the Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program,
Community Partnerships and Outreach Staff Network at the School
of Medicine and Public Health, and Educational Partnerships and
Outreach in the School of Education.
A jury will award prizes in five categories: undergraduate students,
graduate students, faculty and staff, Dane County residents and K-12
students. A selection of works will be featured in an on-campus
exhibit during the spring 2012 semester and award winners will be
honored in a March ceremony with "Enrique's Journey"
photographer and Pulitzer Prize-winner Don Bartletti.
"This is a great opportunity to bring people from campus and the
Dane County together to consider and discuss the topics raised in
this book," says Beth Harper of Memorial Library.
Go Big Read is a common-reading program at UW-Madison that is
designed to engage students, faculty, staff and the community in a
shared, academically focused reading experience. It is now in its
third year. For more details about Go Big Read and contest
guidelines: http://www.gobigread.wisc.edu/ournationsofothers.html
| SEND YOUR HAPPENINGS ITEMS TO THE PUBLISHER: heidipascual@sbcglobal.net and we'll post your event at NO cost to you!! |
| What: United Nation’s Association-USA Dane County Chapter Meeting – Featuring Barbara Nichols Topic: Interrelatedness of Globalization and Migration and the Impact on Global Health When: February 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Predolin Hall, Edgewood College The featured speaker at the February 14, 2012 United Nation’s Association-USA Dane County Chapter Meeting will be its new president, Barbara Nichols. The event will be held at 7 p.m. at Predolin Hall at Edgewood College. Her topic is: Interrelatedness of Globalization and Migration and the Impact on Global Health. Nichols’ focus is on globalization and migration as the duo dynamics of the 21st century. |
FROM RELISHING IN NEWLY FALLEN SNOW OUTDOORS,
TO KEEPING COZY INSIDE
10 indoor and outdoor ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (Jan. 20, 2012) — The recent snowfall has many
snow-lovers rejoicing. But, we know there are just as many
who would rather stay indoors and avoid the cold. In the spirit of
compromise, we have created the ultimate winter to-do list with
a little something for everyone. Whether it’s hitting the slopes,
heading north to go snowmobiling, visiting a museum or even
donning your swimsuit for an indoor waterpark, you better
believe that fun is everywhere this winter. Here are 10 indoor
and outdoor ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin.
1. Snowmobile around the circumference of the earth in
Wisconsin alone
Wisconsin has enough miles of snowmobiling trails to circle the
circumference of the earth. That’s right, with 25,000 miles of
pristine trails that weave through forests, lakes, fields and
villages, there’s “snow” stoppin’ us!
Head north to Eagle River aka the “Snowmobile Capital of the
World” for great riding conditions. One-hundred percent of
snowmobiling trails in the area are open for business. And, as
far as miles of snowmobiling trails per city goes, Eagle River
has the most in the state.
Another trail worth checking out this winter is The Gandy
Dancer. This 98-mile trail starts in the St. Croix Falls area of
northern Wisconsin and crosses over to Minnesota and back
two times before it makes it’s way to Superior. That means you
get not only one, but two times to yell “GO PACK GO” in Viking
territory.
2. Torpedo down a waterslide – because you can
With chilly temperatures outside, why not pack your suitcase
with flip-flops and a swimsuit and make your way to a Wisconsin
indoor waterpark. The Wisconsin Dells, aka the “Waterpark
Capital of the World” is home to nearly 20 indoor waterparks. For
starters, check out the Kalahari as the resort has added three
new waterslides to its indoor waterpark. In addition, Kalahari
has opened two of the nation’s first ever Super Loop
waterslides taking guests on a 250-foot or more journey and a
near 60-foot drop traveling at speeds up to 25 mph.
The Dells isn’t the only place to get your waterslide on. Check
out Chaos Waterpark at the Metropolis Hotel in Eau Claire, the
Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Tundra Lodge in Green Bay, or
Waters of Minocqua deep in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
3. Inner tubes aren’t just for water – snow tubing is awesome
fun in Wisconsin
Inner tubes serve a dual purpose in Wisconsin. After you’ve
used them to float down a lazy river indoors, see them in action
outside. Snow tubing is a fun, no-skill-needed activity and a
great way to get the whole family involved. Lots of ski resorts
throughout the state offer a dedicated snow tubing hill, complete
with towrope.
Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot just opened up a brand new snow
tubing hill this season. It’s got a whopping 16 lanes and a
“magic carpet” back to the top. And for the little ones, there’s a
“kiddie” hill. Sylvan Park in Wausau is the largest snow tube hill
in the state. The west part of the hill has a vertical drop of 133
feet and the east hill 120 feet. Check out this list of snow tubing
destinations. The hardest part about tubing: determining your
tube style. Do you sit and scoot, or do you prefer a running start?
We think both are perfectly acceptable.
4. The numbers 445, 30 and 700 mean something in Wisconsin
We don’t mean to brag (well, maybe just a little) but did you
know there are more than 445 runs at 30 downhill skiing/tubing
and snowboarding sites throughout the state? And the highest
vertical drop is the 700-foot mountain at Granite Peak?
Wisconsin has the third-largest collection of downhill skiing and
snowboarding sites in the country. And just like no two
snowflakes are alike, no two Wisconsin ski resorts are either.
Each has its own personality. A few updates to take note of for
this ski season: Alpine Valley in Elkhorn added a new high-
speed quad (chair lift). Christmas Mountain in the Wisconsin
Dells will add three new runs to its lineup and has extended
their snow tube run by 100 feet. Mont Du Lac in Superior added
new features, including rails, boxes and jibs, and a high-speed
tow rope to their terrain park.
Make sure to get some skiing/boarding in before the end of the
month, as January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. This
national effort’s goal is twofold: to get beginners outside
learning a new sport and to have fun. Resorts throughout
Wisconsin are taking part by offering discounts.
5. Festivals don’t stop when the temperature drops
Hudson Hot Air Affair
With so much going on this season, it’s hard to know where to
start. How about at the Midwest’s largest hot air balloon festival,
the Hudson Hot Air Affair. Held Feb. 3-5, watch as nearly 40 hot
air balloons ascend. This year’s dragon themed torchlight
parade in downtown Hudson is a must-see.
Don’t miss the Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 16-19. Held
at a dozen venues around Beloit, view feature films, shorts,
documentaries and even silent films by independent filmmakers
from around the world. New this year is the Student Filmmakers
Showcase where 6th to 12th grade students enter a 3-5 minute
piece. Look out Spielberg!
And finally, for those whiners and complainers who think “there’
s nothing to do in the winter,” how about a wine festival.
Parallel 44 Winery near Green Bay is hosting the Frozen Tundra
Fest Feb. 24-25. This outdoor wine fest celebrates the unique
cool-climate grapes that Parallel 44 uses to make their award-
winning wines. And yes, outdoor wine fest literally means
outdoors. So dress accordingly!
6. Norwegians settled in Wisconsin and brought their favorite
sport
Of the wonderful inventions Norwegians have brought to the
world – the cheese slicer, the paperclip, the key card – perhaps
the greatest of all is Nordic skiing. And, with more than 700
miles of groomed cross-country ski trails throughout the state,
Wisconsin is a leader in the sport.
From snow-covered forests to peaceful countryside, the state
offers cross-country enthusiasts a chance to stride on
everything from challenging Olympic-level tracks to flat
woodland trails. Check out this list of trails.
For those who have yet to take up the sport – there’s no time
like the present. Rent equipment and learn how at Minocqua
Winter Park or Nine Mile Recreation Area in Wausau.
7. How about some inner peace and tranquility for a change?
Make the season stress free as Wisconsin is home to a number
of resorts and spas ready to pamper you. These spas serve up
treatments that draw on local ingredients, will have you
sleeping better and combine ancient healing with modern
wellness. In other words – you’ll be totally and completely
relaxed.
Recently named a Forbes 5-star property, the American Club
Resort in Kohler is home to the Kohler Waters Spa. Aside from
offering phenomenal services like the Great Lakes Stone
Massage or Ah-Shiatsu Barefoot Massage, the spa has a glass-
enclosed rooftop deck with whirlpool, fireplace and lounge.
In the Wisconsin Dells, visit the Sundara Spa, which is ranked
on Travel + Leisure’s “Top 25 Spas in America.” Throughout the
month of February Sundara offers a variety of nourishing cocoa
spa services that hydrate skin and make you feel rejuvenated.
Or, stay at the luxurious Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake and
indulge in the services at the Aspira Spa. Special packages
available now include everything from yoga classes to cooking
workshops along with spa treatments.
8. Snowshoes are low tech and high reward
An increasingly popular sport in Wisconsin, snowshoeing offers
a great workout without much technical skill involved. It does
however require the right equipment so leave the tennis
racquets at home. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of
outfitters and parks throughout the state that offer rentals.
Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the 3,600-acre
Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area is one of nine units of
the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and offers great
snowshoeing. Make sure to come Feb. 4 for a unique moonlight
snowshoeing excursion with Naturalist Rod Gont. Call ahead to
reserve snowshoes.
For the competitive set, don’t miss Timm’s Hill Trudge in Ogema
on March 3. This annual snowshoe race takes place near Timm’
s Hill – Wisconsin’s highest geographical point. Pick from two
races: 3.5 mile or 7 mile.
9. Appreciate the arts, they appreciate you
Wisconsin is home to a plethora of museums, art galleries,
performance theaters and everything in between. And since it’s
cold outside, there’s no time like the present to visit.
Wisconsin is home to a plethora of museums, art galleries,
performance theaters and everything in between. And since it’s
cold outside, there’s no time like the present to visit.
Cleopatra VII was lost to the sea and sand for nearly 2,000 years
and has surfaced at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Now
through-April 2012, check out the new exhibit, “Cleopatra: The
Search for the Last Queen of Egypt.” This is the third stop on the
exhibition’s world tour, which features nearly 150 artifacts from
Cleopatra’s time. The exhibit also helps visitors experience the
present-day search for the elusive queen, which extends from
the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near
Alexandria.
10. Travel Wisconsin tools make finding winter fun easy
We want to make it easy for travelers to embrace Wisconsin’s
winter. The Snow Conditions Report is the state’s leading tool to
track the snow conditions for trails, parks and ski areas
throughout the winter season. As many as 130 snow condition
reporters in all 72 counties of the state update their area’s status
as conditions change. All it takes is a visit to TravelWisconsin.
com, clicking subscribe or viewing from your smartphone.
And now, winter fun just went viral. Visit Travel Wisconsin’s
Facebook page to view the new Winter Break App. Whether
there’s three feet of snow or three flakes, there’s nothing like
taking a well-deserved break to do something fun. Pick
deserving friends on Facebook and send them their very own
Winter Break certificate.
Travelers looking for year-round Wisconsin getaway ideas,
travel planning, events and free guides can discover their own
fun at TravelWisconsin.com. You can also choose to “Like” us
at Facebook.com/TravelWisconsin or follow along on Twitter at
Twitter.com/TravelWI. Bring all the fun Wisconsin has to offer
right to your fingertips by downloading the free Travel
Wisconsin™ iPhone or Android app.
TO KEEPING COZY INSIDE
10 indoor and outdoor ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (Jan. 20, 2012) — The recent snowfall has many
snow-lovers rejoicing. But, we know there are just as many
who would rather stay indoors and avoid the cold. In the spirit of
compromise, we have created the ultimate winter to-do list with
a little something for everyone. Whether it’s hitting the slopes,
heading north to go snowmobiling, visiting a museum or even
donning your swimsuit for an indoor waterpark, you better
believe that fun is everywhere this winter. Here are 10 indoor
and outdoor ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin.
1. Snowmobile around the circumference of the earth in
Wisconsin alone
Wisconsin has enough miles of snowmobiling trails to circle the
circumference of the earth. That’s right, with 25,000 miles of
pristine trails that weave through forests, lakes, fields and
villages, there’s “snow” stoppin’ us!
Head north to Eagle River aka the “Snowmobile Capital of the
World” for great riding conditions. One-hundred percent of
snowmobiling trails in the area are open for business. And, as
far as miles of snowmobiling trails per city goes, Eagle River
has the most in the state.
Another trail worth checking out this winter is The Gandy
Dancer. This 98-mile trail starts in the St. Croix Falls area of
northern Wisconsin and crosses over to Minnesota and back
two times before it makes it’s way to Superior. That means you
get not only one, but two times to yell “GO PACK GO” in Viking
territory.
2. Torpedo down a waterslide – because you can
With chilly temperatures outside, why not pack your suitcase
with flip-flops and a swimsuit and make your way to a Wisconsin
indoor waterpark. The Wisconsin Dells, aka the “Waterpark
Capital of the World” is home to nearly 20 indoor waterparks. For
starters, check out the Kalahari as the resort has added three
new waterslides to its indoor waterpark. In addition, Kalahari
has opened two of the nation’s first ever Super Loop
waterslides taking guests on a 250-foot or more journey and a
near 60-foot drop traveling at speeds up to 25 mph.
The Dells isn’t the only place to get your waterslide on. Check
out Chaos Waterpark at the Metropolis Hotel in Eau Claire, the
Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Tundra Lodge in Green Bay, or
Waters of Minocqua deep in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
3. Inner tubes aren’t just for water – snow tubing is awesome
fun in Wisconsin
Inner tubes serve a dual purpose in Wisconsin. After you’ve
used them to float down a lazy river indoors, see them in action
outside. Snow tubing is a fun, no-skill-needed activity and a
great way to get the whole family involved. Lots of ski resorts
throughout the state offer a dedicated snow tubing hill, complete
with towrope.
Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot just opened up a brand new snow
tubing hill this season. It’s got a whopping 16 lanes and a
“magic carpet” back to the top. And for the little ones, there’s a
“kiddie” hill. Sylvan Park in Wausau is the largest snow tube hill
in the state. The west part of the hill has a vertical drop of 133
feet and the east hill 120 feet. Check out this list of snow tubing
destinations. The hardest part about tubing: determining your
tube style. Do you sit and scoot, or do you prefer a running start?
We think both are perfectly acceptable.
4. The numbers 445, 30 and 700 mean something in Wisconsin
We don’t mean to brag (well, maybe just a little) but did you
know there are more than 445 runs at 30 downhill skiing/tubing
and snowboarding sites throughout the state? And the highest
vertical drop is the 700-foot mountain at Granite Peak?
Wisconsin has the third-largest collection of downhill skiing and
snowboarding sites in the country. And just like no two
snowflakes are alike, no two Wisconsin ski resorts are either.
Each has its own personality. A few updates to take note of for
this ski season: Alpine Valley in Elkhorn added a new high-
speed quad (chair lift). Christmas Mountain in the Wisconsin
Dells will add three new runs to its lineup and has extended
their snow tube run by 100 feet. Mont Du Lac in Superior added
new features, including rails, boxes and jibs, and a high-speed
tow rope to their terrain park.
Make sure to get some skiing/boarding in before the end of the
month, as January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. This
national effort’s goal is twofold: to get beginners outside
learning a new sport and to have fun. Resorts throughout
Wisconsin are taking part by offering discounts.
5. Festivals don’t stop when the temperature drops
Hudson Hot Air Affair
With so much going on this season, it’s hard to know where to
start. How about at the Midwest’s largest hot air balloon festival,
the Hudson Hot Air Affair. Held Feb. 3-5, watch as nearly 40 hot
air balloons ascend. This year’s dragon themed torchlight
parade in downtown Hudson is a must-see.
Don’t miss the Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 16-19. Held
at a dozen venues around Beloit, view feature films, shorts,
documentaries and even silent films by independent filmmakers
from around the world. New this year is the Student Filmmakers
Showcase where 6th to 12th grade students enter a 3-5 minute
piece. Look out Spielberg!
And finally, for those whiners and complainers who think “there’
s nothing to do in the winter,” how about a wine festival.
Parallel 44 Winery near Green Bay is hosting the Frozen Tundra
Fest Feb. 24-25. This outdoor wine fest celebrates the unique
cool-climate grapes that Parallel 44 uses to make their award-
winning wines. And yes, outdoor wine fest literally means
outdoors. So dress accordingly!
6. Norwegians settled in Wisconsin and brought their favorite
sport
Of the wonderful inventions Norwegians have brought to the
world – the cheese slicer, the paperclip, the key card – perhaps
the greatest of all is Nordic skiing. And, with more than 700
miles of groomed cross-country ski trails throughout the state,
Wisconsin is a leader in the sport.
From snow-covered forests to peaceful countryside, the state
offers cross-country enthusiasts a chance to stride on
everything from challenging Olympic-level tracks to flat
woodland trails. Check out this list of trails.
For those who have yet to take up the sport – there’s no time
like the present. Rent equipment and learn how at Minocqua
Winter Park or Nine Mile Recreation Area in Wausau.
7. How about some inner peace and tranquility for a change?
Make the season stress free as Wisconsin is home to a number
of resorts and spas ready to pamper you. These spas serve up
treatments that draw on local ingredients, will have you
sleeping better and combine ancient healing with modern
wellness. In other words – you’ll be totally and completely
relaxed.
Recently named a Forbes 5-star property, the American Club
Resort in Kohler is home to the Kohler Waters Spa. Aside from
offering phenomenal services like the Great Lakes Stone
Massage or Ah-Shiatsu Barefoot Massage, the spa has a glass-
enclosed rooftop deck with whirlpool, fireplace and lounge.
In the Wisconsin Dells, visit the Sundara Spa, which is ranked
on Travel + Leisure’s “Top 25 Spas in America.” Throughout the
month of February Sundara offers a variety of nourishing cocoa
spa services that hydrate skin and make you feel rejuvenated.
Or, stay at the luxurious Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake and
indulge in the services at the Aspira Spa. Special packages
available now include everything from yoga classes to cooking
workshops along with spa treatments.
8. Snowshoes are low tech and high reward
An increasingly popular sport in Wisconsin, snowshoeing offers
a great workout without much technical skill involved. It does
however require the right equipment so leave the tennis
racquets at home. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of
outfitters and parks throughout the state that offer rentals.
Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the 3,600-acre
Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area is one of nine units of
the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and offers great
snowshoeing. Make sure to come Feb. 4 for a unique moonlight
snowshoeing excursion with Naturalist Rod Gont. Call ahead to
reserve snowshoes.
For the competitive set, don’t miss Timm’s Hill Trudge in Ogema
on March 3. This annual snowshoe race takes place near Timm’
s Hill – Wisconsin’s highest geographical point. Pick from two
races: 3.5 mile or 7 mile.
9. Appreciate the arts, they appreciate you
Wisconsin is home to a plethora of museums, art galleries,
performance theaters and everything in between. And since it’s
cold outside, there’s no time like the present to visit.
Wisconsin is home to a plethora of museums, art galleries,
performance theaters and everything in between. And since it’s
cold outside, there’s no time like the present to visit.
Cleopatra VII was lost to the sea and sand for nearly 2,000 years
and has surfaced at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Now
through-April 2012, check out the new exhibit, “Cleopatra: The
Search for the Last Queen of Egypt.” This is the third stop on the
exhibition’s world tour, which features nearly 150 artifacts from
Cleopatra’s time. The exhibit also helps visitors experience the
present-day search for the elusive queen, which extends from
the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near
Alexandria.
10. Travel Wisconsin tools make finding winter fun easy
We want to make it easy for travelers to embrace Wisconsin’s
winter. The Snow Conditions Report is the state’s leading tool to
track the snow conditions for trails, parks and ski areas
throughout the winter season. As many as 130 snow condition
reporters in all 72 counties of the state update their area’s status
as conditions change. All it takes is a visit to TravelWisconsin.
com, clicking subscribe or viewing from your smartphone.
And now, winter fun just went viral. Visit Travel Wisconsin’s
Facebook page to view the new Winter Break App. Whether
there’s three feet of snow or three flakes, there’s nothing like
taking a well-deserved break to do something fun. Pick
deserving friends on Facebook and send them their very own
Winter Break certificate.
Travelers looking for year-round Wisconsin getaway ideas,
travel planning, events and free guides can discover their own
fun at TravelWisconsin.com. You can also choose to “Like” us
at Facebook.com/TravelWisconsin or follow along on Twitter at
Twitter.com/TravelWI. Bring all the fun Wisconsin has to offer
right to your fingertips by downloading the free Travel
Wisconsin™ iPhone or Android app.
| Learn to Snowshoe Workshop Sunday, February 19 from 2-4 pm Schumacher Farm Park, Waunakee Want to try snowshoeing but don’t have snowshoes? Then this workshop is for you. Learn how to snowshoe at this family friendly event on Sunday, February 19 from 2-4 p.m. at Schumacher Farm Park in Waunakee. Representatives from Fontana Sports will teach basic snowshoe skills and provide tips on what to wear. Snowshoes will be provided or you can bring your own. Members of the Madison Area Outdoor Meetup Group will also assist and lead short hikes on the prairie. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate around the bonfire. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the trails, whether attending the workshop or not. This is a free event with donations accepted. Register at www. schumacherfarmpark.org. Schumacher Farm Park is located at 5682 Hwy 19 on the eastern edge of Waunakee. For more information contact 849-4559 or visit us at www.schumacherfarmpark.org. Schumacher Farm Park is a 100 acre open-air museum and conservancy dedicated to preserving old-time rural farm ways of the 1920s and 1930s. It is run by the Friends of Schumacher Farm Park in cooperation with Dane County Parks and the Marcella Pendall Schumacher Trust. |
| American Hindu Association (AHA) Cordially invites you all to participate in the Vishnu Sahasra Namam Vishnu Puja / Abhiskam / Archana Sunday ~ February 12, 2012 ~ Program: 10AM-12PM Venue: 2138 S Fish Hatchery Rd , Fitchburg , WI 53575 Prasad will be served after Puja Lunch Prasad sponsored by Volunteers You are cordially invited to participate in this special program with family and friends. |