Jumping into January

It’s that time of year again! Right after the New Year, you work on your resolution. Whatever that may be, you can always do other things as well to make sure that you have a good start to the year. You  may do these by yourself, with a significant other, or with your family, there are many ways that will be a great way to have fun and relax. 

Ice Skating- Indoor or outdoor, grab some skates and lace them up! There’s nothing like having that experience that takes you back and makes you think of your childhood. You don’t have to know any fancy moves—just let loose and have fun!

Fire & Ice Festival

Museums- There are so many different kind of museums that you can visit. Some are free and some have a fee, some have self-tours and some are guided, but regardless of which museum you chose, it’s a great way to get away from the cold and learn about things that interest you such as the history of where you live, art, dinosaurs, etc., You are bound to find something that sparks your interest. 

Racine Art Museum

Racine Heritage Museum

Movies- For this one, you have a couple options. You can stream, rent, or pop in a movie in the privacy of your own home, or you can hop in the car and go to a good ol’ movie theatre where the smell of popcorn lingers in the air and you recline in those nice leather seats. There are plenty of genres out there that are suitable for adults or families. 

Arts and crafts- These are so much fun at whatever age you are. You can get some coloring books, paint some canvases, sketch, make decorations, or whatever else comes to your imagination. The sky’s the limit so get those creative juices flowing!

On A Whim -Have fun with a stained glass workshop or painting pottery!

Hot Shop Glass- buy or create your own stained glass by taking workshops!

Funky Hannah's- Take classes from artists or buy some beads to create your own pieces!

These are just a few examples of some fun things to do during the remainder of the month. Let us know what some of your favorite things to do are!

Hosting the Red Chair

It all started May 30th, 2017. We picked up the chair from the Peddler's Inn. We had our list of things we wanted to highlight about the area. Little did we know how much fun we would have. Red Chair Travels offered this to the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association and in turn, they offered the opportunity.

We started out with the chair finishing an errand we had to do. On the way back we spotted places to take photos. It was a bright sunny day. The air was heavy with floral scent from the lilac trees. Pamela and I started taking photos. People were wondering what we were doing, so we shared the story of the red chair.

What we did not expect was the reception we received. People loved the concept. They often asked to take photos with the chair. What we got from our experience was so much more.

It renewed our sense of community. We got back how great Racine County is and how much there is to do in this area. There are so many other stories to showcase. We ran out of time.

The red chair is not just about advertising. Its about renewing the connection we have with our community. Its about being proud of where you come from. It is about support for the bed and breakfasts that keep doing what they are doing because they love it and their community.

Take away for me? Racine is awesome. I hope the world will find out now too.

Spring beauty at the Christmas House Bed & Breakfast

Besides Christmas, one of the most favorite times we have here at the bed and breakfast is Spring. We have worked on the gardens around the house and property since we purchased the house in March of 2014. At first it felt like finding treasure. We would remove vines and debris from around the house and yard and find stone walkways, brick and even a patio. Things then started to come alive after being buried for so long.

Then came the reality that we would have to remove some things that were dead and start over. We added rain barrels to assist with watering and took a look at what we needed. One of the treasures we love is the Magnolia trees. They are in front of the house. One on each side to frame our massive front porch. These trees are so attractive we have people stop just to come and take a look at them. 

Their blooms are shortlived however. So we have to enjoy them the short time they are here. It just takes a bit of warmth to draw out the blooms from those large buds and we have glory. 

If you are in the area, stop by and take in the Magnolias. They are beautiful. The gardens are starting to wake up too.