Wisconsin: Open Door to the Midwest

Photos Courtesy travelwisconsin.com
Story by Joseph Alexiou

One of our victories this election season was congresswoman Tammy Baldwin's reelection in Wisconsin's 2nd district. Now serving her 5th term, Baldwin is one of only three openly gay members of Congress (the other two are Barney Frank of Massachusetts, and Colorado's Jared Polis) and was the first member to be elected after publicly coming out.

The people in Wisconsin who are responsible for such progressive voting deserve some extra attention, as this Midwestern state has plenty to offer for the gay traveler. With overseas trips on hold for many struck by financial woes, this region relatively unexplored by the gays (excluding Chicago, of course), merits a closer look.

Door County, a peninsula in the Northeastern part of Wisconsin, is home to some of the most progressive and artistic communities in the region. Known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," during the summer months the number of visitors to Door County increases enormously because of its arts and crafts, local culinary and organic flair, and now, the focus on green tourism. Long drives in Kewaunee and Door Counties (both on the peninsula) promise picturesque countryside charm with vineyards and lighthouses on the lake, while the towns within promise art galleries, boutique shopping, and creative cuisine. A great gay-friendly place to visit is the Flying Pig Gallery & Greenspace, a very well reviewed art gallery and gardens in Algoma. Gay-owned B&B's include the Village Green in Ephraim, and near Sturgeon Bay is the well known Chanticleer Guest House.

However, Tammy Baldwin's favorite town is the college oasis of Madison, which is found in central Wisconsin. As gay friendly as any liberal arts campus, Madison is also where foodies die and go to heaven. The Dane County Farmer's Market is held every Saturday in Madison and is the largest producer-only farmer's market in the United States. Organic fair including heirloom vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and all sorts of prepared regional delights are available for your consumption.

Speaking of cheeses (after all, Wisconsin is the "Cheese State"), nearby Ridgeway is home to the Fantome Farm, owned by Anne Topham and her partner Judy Borree. They produce the very first and highly acclaimed artisanal goat cheese in the state; the New York Times referred to Topham as the "grande dame of Wisconsin chevre." While the farm is not yet open to the public for visits, her stand can be found at the Farmer's Market every Saturday.

Wisconsin has plenty to offer the gay traveler, including a great escape from big city life and the chance to eat some delicious, organic meals at a fraction of the cost in any sprawling gay metropolis. Let's not forget, nothing goes as well with a nice dinner than a night at the theater: among the numerous choices for shows in Madison is Stage Q, which produces pieces written by gay and lesbian playwrights and features content that is focused on the LGBT community. Those Midwesterners, they have everything figured out already!

For free travel Wisconsin travel information, visit www.travelwisconsin.com or call 1-800-432-TRIP

Photos Courtesy travelwisconsin.com
Story by Joseph Alexiou

One of our victories this election season was congresswoman Tammy Baldwin's reelection in Wisconsin's 2nd district. Now serving her 5th term, Baldwin is one of only three openly gay members of Congress (the other two are Barney Frank of Massachusetts, and Colorado's Jared Polis) and was the first member to be elected after publicly coming out.

The people in Wisconsin who are responsible for such progressive voting deserve some extra attention, as this Midwestern state has plenty to offer for the gay traveler. With overseas trips on hold for many struck by financial woes, this region relatively unexplored by the gays (excluding Chicago, of course), merits a closer look.

Door County, a peninsula in the Northeastern part of Wisconsin, is home to some of the most progressive and artistic communities in the region. Known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," during the summer months the number of visitors to Door County increases enormously because of its arts and crafts, local culinary and organic flair, and now, the focus on green tourism. Long drives in Kewaunee and Door Counties (both on the peninsula) promise picturesque countryside charm with vineyards and lighthouses on the lake, while the towns within promise art galleries, boutique shopping, and creative cuisine. A great gay-friendly place to visit is the Flying Pig Gallery & Greenspace, a very well reviewed art gallery and gardens in Algoma. Gay-owned B&B's include the Village Green in Ephraim, and near Sturgeon Bay is the well known Chanticleer Guest House.

However, Tammy Baldwin's favorite town is the college oasis of Madison, which is found in central Wisconsin. As gay friendly as any liberal arts campus, Madison is also where foodies die and go to heaven. The Dane County Farmer's Market is held every Saturday in Madison and is the largest producer-only farmer's market in the United States. Organic fair including heirloom vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and all sorts of prepared regional delights are available for your consumption.

Speaking of cheeses (after all, Wisconsin is the "Cheese State"), nearby Ridgeway is home to the Fantome Farm, owned by Anne Topham and her partner Judy Borree. They produce the very first and highly acclaimed artisanal goat cheese in the state; the New York Times referred to Topham as the "grande dame of Wisconsin chevre." While the farm is not yet open to the public for visits, her stand can be found at the Farmer's Market every Saturday.

Wisconsin has plenty to offer the gay traveler, including a great escape from big city life and the chance to eat some delicious, organic meals at a fraction of the cost in any sprawling gay metropolis. Let's not forget, nothing goes as well with a nice dinner than a night at the theater: among the numerous choices for shows in Madison is Stage Q, which produces pieces written by gay and lesbian playwrights and features content that is focused on the LGBT community. Those Midwesterners, they have everything figured out already!

For free travel Wisconsin travel information, visit www.travelwisconsin.com or call 1-800-432-TRIP