Let's be honest, cats are like kids….and sometimes you just need a break from them waking you up at 5 am on a weekend morning demanding food.
It was with the goal of uninterrupted sleep coupled with plenty of time for a cheese tour that my intrepid husband set out to find us a themed place to spend Friday night near Madison, Wisconsin because why have a boring room if you don't have to.
An exhaustively long search later brought "Well, the only place that isn't booked is a BDSM room."
Intrigued, I peered over his shoulder to see. "Are those handcuffs strapped to the bed?"
Yes, yes they were.
The rest of the fantasy rooms in this particular establishment were of a more normal fare, Arabian Nights, Japanese, hot air balloon, etc. and all were booked...except for their Mid-Evil chamber...with the handcuffs.
"I wonder if it's in the basement."
"That would be fitting."
"Uh...it's not what I was thinking of but..."
Dave ignored me and continued his search. More time passed before I was called back over to look at photos of a bed and breakfast in Spring Green, Wisconsin. It was a bit more than we would normally spend on a room but the only one available looked perfect.
"Book it. Book it....book eeettt." I jostled my husband's shoulders in excitement.
So it was with much excitement we bid our cats farewell Friday after work. Leaving them with two meals of dry food in each of their bowls knowing full well the oldest one would take her time with her portion and even leave a proper amount for breakfast the following morning. The youngest would inhale all of the food before her, finish off what was left in her companion's dish then complain when we returned home about starving to death and the cruelty we forced her to endure.
In less than an hour we were standing in front of a beautiful creamy yellow Victorian boasting a turret. A myriad of flowers lined the walk and edged the walkaround porch. Low sitting landscape lighting and metal creatures mingled among the them. Some obvious, some hidden creating a fun surprise when spotted.
The yellow and black sign in front read Steampunk Manor Bed and Breakfast.
We were met at the door by a gentleman in a button up shirt and a utility kilt who introduced himself as our host. He was short, shorter than I am but about our age with a quiet voice. He gave us a tour of the manor, smiling at my constant stream of ohs and ahs, then led us to our room in the turret before disappearing.
Yes, we were staying in the turret! I was so ecstatic.
He was an excellent host, always around yet so unobtrusive it felt more like he melted in and out of the shadows when you weren't looking at him.
I'll be honest. I could go on and on about this place. Every one of the common areas was brought just to the brink of overflowing with décor before restraint kicked in and you realized it was just enough. There were so many eclectic items one could spend hours trying to find them all. Two medieval X chairs with a beautiful medieval style chessboard table between them sat across from heavily ornate Asian chairs and a small bistro table holding a crystal ball with it's own tractor seat chairs .
A winged steampunk horse dangled from the ceiling. A low red Victorian couch nestled back into it's rounded, three windowed space, flanked by a smaller leather couch and it's matching chair. Huge ornate rugs covered the floor.
It was pure Steampunk and we loved it!
Our bedroom for the night with its cream and mauve color scheme was no less fantastic. The only unfortunate aspect was while the bottom part of the multiple windows were frosted the tops were not, there were a lot of fancy curtain ties to undo that night.
We enjoyed the atmosphere so much we spent the evening there. Me, getting my a$$ handed to me playing chess with Dave. This surprised neither of us since I really don't know how to play but I still have fun losing. Sitting on the porch watching the fireflies dance among the flora and above the grass while soft music played in the background. Enjoying our time together and how beautiful the manor is at night as well.
"I know what you're trying to do." I whispered letting Dave take my hand, attempting to twirl me to the last strains of a slow song. "My feet aren't co-operating." I laughed before quieting my voice. It was late. The night was still. And I can be just a tad loud.
The next morning as we packed up and headed downstairs. We were positive this place couldn't get any better.
We were wrong.
Instead of having all of the guests sit together at a single table, we were scattered throughout the patio, at a small table in the salon and the dining room. Dave and I were one of the lucky ones seated at a bistro table near the front door.
Breakfast consisted of three absolutely delicious courses served by the proprietors granddaughters, both under the age of 10, wearing steampunk dresses. It was the cutest thing ever.
It was with heavy hearts and full bellies we bid farewell to our hosts as we left the manor to begin our day of cheesy goodness.
Unfortunately with the state of civilization, and it being a Saturday, we were only able to visit one actual cheese factory and even it was only the store front with no tours. So, instead, we went to five, yes five different cheese stores. You might think one would do. You would be incorrect.
Each store had it's own unique selection of cheeses. This may be as close to heaven on earth as my darling husband ever gets.
As we all know, you can't have cheese without wine. So, mid tour we stopped at a nearby winery. A nice couple offered to take our photo since we were dressed up in our fifties outfits while out. It's surprising how many people stop and look at you when you're not in jeans or shorts.
If you thought, as I did, that this day couldn't hold anymore activity, you will be surprised, or perhaps not, that we added a quick walk through of the capital building to it. The capital building was located between two of our cheese shops and had delicious air conditioning. Saturday was so hot and humid this was an irresistible draw. Twice.
If you enjoy architecture it's a definite must see while in Madison as the building is stunning both inside and out.
Our fridge is now bursting with a myriad of cheeses, Dave is beaming over his collection and I foresee a lot of fondue, mac and cheese and charcuterie board meals in my near future...life is good.
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