Story by Ed Salvato; images (above, the inn viewed from the back yard; below, living room) courtesy of McCormick House Inn
It's not just the coasts that count. Nor are the coasts the only parts of the U.S. that offer sophisticated travel experiences for LGBT travelers. Wisconsin, long (and justifiably) known for its excellent cheeses, also offers an array of appealing assets for gay and lesbian travelers.
Madison and Milwaukee are probably the best known major urban centers in the state, and both present new, exciting, and sophisticated options for queer visitors. Each will be featured in future postings here. (So, check back!)
The latest find to come across our desk is the gay-owned and gay-operated McCormick House Inn, in Hayward, Wisconsin, located in the northwest part of the state a few hours drive from the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota). The inn, in the heart of the state's beautiful Northwoods, was built in 1887 as a stately private home. Purchased and lovingly restored by Jeffrey Miller and Dean Cooper, a gay couple, the stylish mansion provides one of the finest lodging experiences in the state. And it makes for a fabulous romantic getaway for a lesbian or gay couple.
Sophisticated, yet comfortable, the inn is full of swank touches, including large, light-filled, airy rooms; 
high-end bath products; handmade silk draperies; hardwood oak floors; an inviting, secluded hot tub on the rear deck; and crystal chandeliers. Guests have use of in-house iPod Nano's, an up-to-date DVD movie library, and high speed WiFi throughout the house. A copious homemade breakfast is prepared each morning; complimentary snacks are available throughout the day; and a wine hour caps the end of every afternoon.
There's plenty to do in the area in the off season, from leaf-peeping in the fall to cross-country skiing in the winter.
Story by Ed Salvato; images (above, the inn viewed from the back yard; below, living room) courtesy of McCormick House Inn
It's not just the coasts that count. Nor are the coasts the only parts of the U.S. that offer sophisticated travel experiences for LGBT travelers. Wisconsin, long (and justifiably) known for its excellent cheeses, also offers an array of appealing assets for gay and lesbian travelers.
Madison and Milwaukee are probably the best known major urban centers in the state, and both present new, exciting, and sophisticated options for queer visitors. Each will be featured in future postings here. (So, check back!)
The latest find to come across our desk is the gay-owned and gay-operated McCormick House Inn, in Hayward, Wisconsin, located in the northwest part of the state a few hours drive from the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota). The inn, in the heart of the state's beautiful Northwoods, was built in 1887 as a stately private home. Purchased and lovingly restored by Jeffrey Miller and Dean Cooper, a gay couple, the stylish mansion provides one of the finest lodging experiences in the state. And it makes for a fabulous romantic getaway for a lesbian or gay couple.
Sophisticated, yet comfortable, the inn is full of swank touches, including large, light-filled, airy rooms; high-end bath products; handmade silk draperies; hardwood oak floors; an inviting, secluded hot tub on the rear deck; and crystal chandeliers. Guests have use of in-house iPod Nano's, an up-to-date DVD movie library, and high speed WiFi throughout the house. A copious homemade breakfast is prepared each morning; complimentary snacks are available throughout the day; and a wine hour caps the end of every afternoon.
There's plenty to do in the area in the off season, from leaf-peeping in the fall to cross-country skiing in the winter.
