Visiting Southern Wisconsin

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, it’s time to treat yo’ self to a trip to southern Wisconsin. Brookfield is home to many shopping spots and eateries – a great Wisconsin getaway, kick off the New Year fiilling in that gift list at Brookfiled's shops. Traveling with kids? Head to the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire in, you guessed it, Eau Claire. Celebrate the Bald Eagle in Prairie du Chien with some exciting appreciation celebrations, and set up shop at a Best Western hotel in southern Wisconsin – where there’s never a dull moment.

A large suburb of Milwaukee, Brookfield is a shopper’s paradise. Now that you’ve recovered from Christmas bills, put on some comfortable shoes and shit the shops at the Brookfield Square – Brookfield’s main shopping mall. Spend those leftover gift cards at H&M, Barnes & Noble, and Gap, then make your way to the neighboring Blue Mound Road shopping district. Here you can grab some new running shoes for that New Year’s resolution at Sports Authority, then head to the Brookfield Fashion Center and grab something for the home from Pier 1 Imports. More shopping abounds from the local shops on Capitol Drive, to the Brookfield Farmer’s market coming up in May – just be sure to unload those new finds at the Best Western hotel in Brookfield.

Traveling with kids? Come to Eau Claire for the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. Visit this museum Tuesday through Sunday for only $5 a person, and watch as your little ones explore interactive exhibits like Body Smarts and Kidstruction. Take the little ones to Toddler Park, or check out Fun With Fathers: A fun night out with Dad! on the second Tuesday of the month. For a little outdoor fun in Eau Claire – assuming you’re not afraid of the cold – take a brisk bike ride down the Chippewa River State Trail following the Chippewa River. And for the music lover, the 2012 Eau Claire Jazz Festival is celebrating its 45th anniversary from late March through early April. Don’t miss your chance to attend this staple of the Eau Claire calendar, and rest those ears at the Best Western hotel in Eau Claire.

Known as the state's second oldest city, Prairie du Chien is a fixture of southwest Wisconsin – and a stop along the Nothingness Run for those traveling by motorcycle. A historic city if ever there was one, Prairie du Chien is home to nine sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and hosts some great parties. Check out Bald Eagle Appreciation Day in late February at the Prairie du Chien Regional Tourism Center – complete with kid’s activities – or attend Bald Eagle Day festivities in early March. March also brings the Home and Garden Show to the area for those with green thumbs, while the sportsman of the family may attend the McGregor Gun Show at the nearby McGregor's Landing Event Center. Be sure to get a good night’s rest at the Best Western hotel in Prairie du Chien, because it’s always a party in southern Wisconsin.

Southern Wisconsin Hotel Map