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One of the more difficult lists to create for DW Choices is where in Wisconsin is the best place to see Wisconsin's forests transform from summer to fall. The good news is, it doesn't happen in all of the listed places at the same time, with the Northern region of the state peaking well before the southern. Here are our picks as to the best areas around the state to take in fall color tours.
Favorite Fall Color Tours
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Iron County - North Region
Beautiful any time of year, and featuring some of Wisconsin's most pictureque sites no matter the season, the Iron County area is a must destination for anyone series about taking in Fall colors. The harder you work for it, the bigger the payoff. For Fall off the beaten path adventure hiking this is the place.
For more information on Iron County
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Ashland and Bayfield County - North Region
If you have never ventured into the far northern regions of Wisconsin, there is no better time to make the trip north to the Bayfield/Ashland County area of the state. Late September early October this area explodes with color, making one of the most beautiful areas in the state even more beautiful.
For more information on Ashland and Bayfield County
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Vilas County - North Region
When you think of Vilas County, many think of it as the place to go to snowmobile, as well as the largest chain of inland lakes in the world. It also offers some of the most spectacular viewing of fall colors in the state as everyone awaits the arrival of the white stuff. With over a million acres of public forest, the opportunity for color tours literally engulfs its visitors. And for a real treat, take in the shoreline views of the famous Chain of lakes with your boat to see postcard picturesque scenes around each shoreline bend. Part of our Northern tier must visit Fall Color Tour circuit.
For more information on Vilas County, WI
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Wisconsin's Great River Road - Western Region
We cannot say enough about this area of the state. Winding 250 miles along the shores of the Mississippi river and through many quaint towns, this Fall Color route is a must. Featuring views of the majectic Mississippi River from Bluffs high above, it is truly a route
near and dear to DW crews who travel it.
For more information on Wisconsin's Great River Road
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Southern Nicolet National Forest - North Region
From Mountain, WI to Camp Five in Laona, WI the southern unit of the Nicolet National forest is always a favorite destination for Fall color seekers. Its close proximity to the Fox cities region of the state makes it a quick getaway for day trips or weekend adventures. Gorgeous views along the numerous brooks, rivers and lakes are plentiful. Plan it on your viewing route to the northern half of the state.
For more information on Southern Nicolet National Forest
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Door County, WI - East Region
What would a Fall Color guide be without a trip to the Midwest’s version of Cape Cod. This is by far the most beautiful season for this area, and that's saying something! With 5 state parks and more than 300 miles of shoreline to take in the colors, this picturesque peninsula is draped in the colors of the season. And with plenty of fall festivals to choose from, there are plenty of reasons to head to Door County this fall.
For more information on Door County, WI
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Wisconsin Dells, WI - Central Region
A sight to see whenever you visit, the sandstone cliffs and shorelines lining the Wisconsin River through the greater Wisconsin Dells area in fall is spectacular. And there are more ways to take in the scenery then by boat, enjoy the scenery on foot, by horse or experience the breathtaking colors of fall from the River walk in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Its never the off-season in the Wisconsin Dells, here is one more reason to place it on your itinerary.
For more information on the Wisconsin Dells
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Dunn County - NW Region
For beautiful fall color and scenery, you’ll want to take a drive to the Red Cedar Valley in Dunn County! This area is full of hillsides covered with vibrant fall colors, making this destination an autumn paradise. Colors usually peak in the area around mid-October, and there are several areas of interest to find during your tour. The Red Cedar State Trail is a rails to trails system that follows packed limestone dells along the Red Cedar River. Rustic Road #89 is one drive you can’t resist taking several times when you’re in the area. You won’t be disappointed in the splendor of the Red Cedar Valley in Dunn County.
Click here for more information on Dunn County
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To see an active update of all of Wisconsin's Fall colors
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July, 2009
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The Velvet Lips Lounge - Fort Atkinson
I love Fort Atkinson - the Fireside Dinner Theatre, the Hoard Historical Museum, and the quaint downtown shops. Well now there is one more reason to discover this charming city on the Rock River – Velvet Lips Lounge Bar & Grill. I don’t know that, visually speaking, there is another restaurant like it in the whole state. First of all, it’s on the basement floor of one of the renovated buildings in downtown Fort. Second, where else will you find this: Bright pink carpeting with brown leopard spot, an enormous fireplace, a snakeskin couch, two classic antique leather pocket pool tables, some purple walls, some old stone walls, and these incredibly gorgeous crystal chandeliers you’d find in a Trump Tower Building. Somehow, the owners pull it all off. And did I mention, on the two floors above the restaurant you can host private parties and functions with a view of downtown Fort Atkinson that’s hard to beat. And in good weather, they have outdoor dining along the Rock River. The Discover Wisconsin crew and I dined their three times, and at each visit were treated with a friendly staff, and great food. Velvet Lips is open for lunch and dinner, and serves classic American fare with a twist. I tried the Steak Diane, a peppercorn crusted Sirloin Steak topped with a brandy mustard cream sauce, and the Wild Mushroom Ravioli, served in a basil pesto alfredo cream sauce, topped with pine nuts and parmesan cheese. So, if you want to discover a Restaurant that is definitely one of a kind, put Velvet Lips in Fort Atkinson on your list.
The Velvet Lips
10 South Water Street
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920) 562-lips
www.velvetlipslounge.com
Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day
Dinners Monday-Saturday
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Wisconsin's Haunted Locations
