The best way to deal with the maddening wait for spring’s belated arrival?
Take the optimist’s approach, whereby one books an outdoorsy spring getaway and then hopes and prays that the weather cooperates.
To assist, we’ve rounded up seven peaceful retreats you should book now, from a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece to a gorgeously rehabbed cabin from the folks behind Camp Wandawega.
Hey, if you’re gonna rough it, might as well rough it in style.
Camp Wandawega Hillhouse
Elkhorn, WI
We recently broke off a preview of the Hillhouse, Camp Wandawega’s newest cabin offering. And we’re now happy to report the home is finally taking reservations. The throwback camp pulled out all the stops with its new digs, collaborating with a bevy of brands and partners to make a dream getaway. It’s got room for eight guests, and for $1,200 a night, you’ll wanna make sure you’ve got assignments each every and bed. But you do get what you pay for: top-notch amenities, open-plan spaces and an expansive deck, not to mention access to the pristine grounds of Camp Wandawega itself.
Farrand Hall
Colon, MI
A stately country manor on 12 acres of land built in 1854 that’s on The National Register of Historic Places and was rehabbed in 2017? Farrand Hall is a no-brainer. The home is suited for eight, and inside you’ll find a library with a fireplace and a large parlor “to host small parties”— y’know, like the used to do in the good ol’ days.
The Woodland House
Richland Center, WI
This one is tricky. Not only because the Woodland House — the newest addition to the jaw-dropping collection of homes at Candlewood Cabins — is almost unbelievably stunning, but it’s also booked. And by booked, we mean red availability as far as the calendar can see. But one look at this cabin nestled in the hills of southern Wisconsin explains why. Your best bet? Plan ahead. But also keep tabs on their Facebook page for last-minute cancellations, of which we’ve caught a few. Nothing wrong with a spontaneous getaway.
Escape Village
Rice Lake, WI
As our prior coverage has revealed, Escape builds streamlined tiny homes with modern flair, and there’s no better way to experience them than at Escape Village, a new stomping ground for wee cabins on a plot of land adjacent to the popular Wisconsin resort Canoe Bay (Escape’s parent company). Escape Village offers a chance to enjoy three models: the one or two bedroom homes, or the — “there’s nothing really tiny about this thing, is there?” —Traveler XL model. Either way, you’ll get the joys of small living, plus killer views overlooking nearby Mallard Lake.
Lakemore Retreat
Traverse City, MI
This multi-million dollar vacation property, nestled on Artubus Lake just outside Traverse City, is comprised of two modern homes, perched side-by-side: the Cottage and the Lodge. Designed by Bay Area Contracting, the two complementary properties differ in style but are approximately equal in size: three spacious floors, four bedrooms, three baths and a fully equipped kitchen. Best part? If you reserve both homes, your party gets full reign on the shared hot tub and private beach with dock.
Seth Peterson Cottage
Mirror Lake State Park, WI
What’s some getaway inspo without a hat tip to FLW? For romantic getaway heavy on good design, you’ll wanna set your sights on the Seth Peterson Cottage, a two-room cabin perched on a wooded bluff atop Wisconsin’s Mirror Lake. Built in 1958, the intimate retreat has all the trappings of a FLW masterpiece: a soaring roof and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring nature in, with a fireplace and sandstone walls keep the cold out.
Tryon Farm
Michigan City, IN
Here’s a novel one: a room in a modern cabin on Tryon Farm, the sprawling country retreat on 170 acres of Indiana farmland. The surprise: the owners cook you meals and offer yoga classes. Prefer to shack up in your own cabin? Also available. But Tryon Farm — which boasts heaps of outdoor activities on-site, from kayaking to hiking — offers plenty of different options through Airbnb (see: here, here and here).
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