Wisconsin has not only unsurpassed beauty and charm in every season, there is a rich history here that we have only begun to explore and enjoy passing along to our guests. Madison is a central point for those passing through on a trip north, south, east, or west and The Speckled Hen Inn has become a favorite stopover due to the great location we have in relation to the airport, highways, and downtown. So when our guests have a day or two to enjoy the area while they are with us, we love to share suggestions of memorable sights that are easily done in a day. One of the day trips we recommend includes Mineral Point, a town that attracted experienced miners from Cornwall, England, and is known for it’s limestone houses. From folklore told, it was one of the towns slated to be our State Capitol until James Doty and a couple of partners bribed key politicians with some buffalo skins and land to vote for Madison (see our “Capitol City Day Trip” blog for more on that). We learned how the “Badger State” really got it’s name – and it isn’t why you would think! We learned where “shake rag” comes from, how the mines were incredibly profitable for a time, and how Robert Neal and Edgar Hellum saved a town on the brink of oblivion after the mine was stripped and its residents all but vanished. The Pendarvis House Restaurant made the Cornish Pasty a menu item known and loved by those other than miners. The tour is filled with interesting facts on history, architecture, and artifacts. The town of Mineral Point is well known for its artisans who happily create and share their craft with visitors. The Cornish Festival & Celtic Celebration also takes place each fall at the end of September and has been going strong for 25 years! Don’t miss the Railroad Depot Museum or the many unique shops and restaurants in town. We had lunch at the Brewery Creek, a former bed and breakfast converted to an inn offering full meals to outside guests – yes, I guess we felt compelled to check that one out – and I was not disappointed with their featured Cornish Pasty, yum!
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