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Autumn Traveler
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Soon the leaves will paint the landscape in hues of yellow, red, brown, and orange and seasonal fare like roast pumpkin, squash soup, and apple pie will appear on menus across town. It’s the autumn season; and it’s road trip time.
Key: 
ACROSS THE RIVER
Hawks View Cottages & Lodges
Instead of zoning out to the TV, tune in to one another at Hawks View Cottages & Lodges, located about 45 minutes north of La Crosse in Fountain City, Wis. The five well-appointed cottages are set high up on a steep, wooded bluff—prepare for stairs—with “hawk’s eye views” of the Mississippi. You’ll forget about the “real world” as you relax in this peaceful setting. The two lodges overlook Seven Hawks Vineyards—with wines made from 100 percent locally grown grapes (be sure to visit the tasting room and wine bar). If you feel like venturing out, grab a pint at the Monarch Irish Pub, visit the historic sites in town, or take a side trip to Alma, Nelson, or Wabasha, home of the National
Eagle Center. www.hawksview.net
St. Croix River Inn
Autumn is harvest time. That means St. Croix River Inn chef/co-owner Ben Bruno is dizzy with garden-fresh options for his bed and breakfast in Osceola, Wis. He and his wife, Jennifer, have owned the B&B for the past 10 years and only recently added elegant Friday and Saturday night dinners overlooking the river. The menu is always evolving, and fall is one of the best times of the year for fresh, seasonal fare. “If I could, I’d offer a 13-course menu,” Ben jokes. The inn is comfortable and clean with no “over-the-top frilliness,” with many of the rooms offering balconies with river views. The Inn is within a short drive of wineries, spas, hiking/biking, museums, orchards, and golf courses. Catch the Osceola & St. Croix Railway excursion train to see the changing fall colors along the river bluffs. www.stcroixriverinn.com
Canoe Bay
Wine and dine in a unique, romantic atmosphere at Canoe Bay, the only prestigious Relais and Chateaux member in the Midwest. Designed exclusively for couples, Canoe Bay—located in the northwestern city of Chetek, Wis.—is one of those off-the-beaten-path places that force you to appreciate the sounds of peace and quiet (is this what it was like “back in the day?”). Rise early on a brisk autumn morning, put on your walking shoes, and hike the estate. Treat yourself to a massage, relax in front of the fireplace, then head to the lakeside dining room for a glass of wine (over 500 to choose from) and a four-course meal. www.canoebay.com
Hudson
Every autumn, the river vistas of the St. Croix burst with color in the historic town of Hudson, Wis., just a 30-minute drive from the metro. Check out the views along the riverwalk, on the Old Toll Bridge, in Willow River State Park, along historic Third Street, from area golf courses, in Birkmose Park, from the Octagon House Museum, along Trout Brook Road, or from a river cruise. Autumn events such as the Girls Just Want 2 Have Fun Bike Ride (Sept. 9-10), Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival (Sept. 24-25), and Christmas Tour of Homes (Nov. 18-20) add to the city’s appeal. www.hudsonwi.org
Madeline Island
Though Madeline Island is small in size, its charm and natural beauty make it the perfect spot for the vacationer who wants to get away from it all. Getting out to the island is half the fun. Take the Madeline Island Ferry from Bayfield, Wis. (a 25-minute trip) for spectacular views of Lake Superior and several of the 22 Apostle Islands that you can’t get from land. Once on the island, walk along beautiful wooded trails, rent a bike and explore the area, visit the museums, or sample the restaurants and pubs. www.madferry.com
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