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WISCONSIN
The hideout: Spider Lake Lodge, a lakeside, Adirondack-inspired B&B in the dense Wisconsin woods.
Low-tech lowdown: That's a sweet new iPhone you've got there. But unless it's made of kindling, it'll be kinda useless at a 1923 log cabin surrounded by the 858,400-acre Chequamegon National Forest—no EDGE network here! What Spider Lake lacks in connectivity, it more than makes up for with rustic north-woods kitsch: Expect bearskin rugs, Hudson Bay blankets, and old wicker fishing baskets in the seven knotty-pine rooms. Yes, you'll miss your TiVo and the latest episode of Mad Men—until you take a deep (uninterrupted) breath of pine-scented fresh air. Or curl up in front of the Great Room's massive stone fireplace to gaze at the gently falling snow.
Your new "to do" list:
• Explore the Chequamegon by foot, mountain bike, snowshoes, or cross-country skis
• Land a brag-worthy catch from Big Spider Lake—welcome to the "Muskie Capital of the World"
• Cheer on sawyers, choppers, and log rollers at the Lumberjack World Championships (held each July)
The road less traveled: Fly to Duluth, Minnesota, then nose a 4WD vehicle—especially recommended in winter—80 miles south to tiny Hayward (population: 2,000). Then keep driving nearly 13 more miles into the woods until it's you, the elk, and Spider Lake Lodge.
Don't forget: Your wallet. Fancy an antler chandelier for your own home? Then you're in luck…much of the art throughout Spider Lake Lodge is for sale.
Spider Lake Lodge
Tel: 715 462 3793
Doubles from $159
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