One of the best things about Wisconsin is how many charming, wonderful small towns there are just waiting to be explored. No matter where you go in the state, there are spots full of shops, beautiful outdoor spaces and more for us to discover. Way down in the south-central part of the state, you'll find Brodhead, an adorable small town where you can spend a few days relaxing and exploring the area. And when you're there, you're going to want to stay at Pearl Island Bed and Breakfast. This newer inn is in a converted 1857 church building and it's truly a stunning and unique overnight experience.
Until a couple of years ago, this place was an antique mall. Originally built in 1857, it's now been lovingly restored. So much of the former beauty has been brought back to life and this building that was honestly a bit of an afterthought now has a new life.
The couple that runs the B&B actually bought the building site unseen. They are from the area and knew of its potential and history, so even though it was April Fool's Day, they purchased the inn and have spent the last two years making it into a gorgeous, unique spot to spend a night or two.
You'll find details from its life as a church all over the place, from stained glass windows...
...to the relaxing loft that was likely a choir loft and now is a relaxing spot to unwind.
Part of what attracted the owners to this spot was the history and they've begun to collect other pieces of area history to display, including the canoe suspended downstairs.
Every bit of this place is cozy and welcoming and you don't feel like you're in a church. They've struck the perfect balance of maintaining pieces of the building's history without making you feel like you have to mind your P's and Q's and never talk above a whisper because you're in church.
The building itself is worth coming to visit, but it's the owners that make this somewhere you'll want to return to again and again. They are warm and welcoming and you can tell this is a project filled with love and caring for this building and the city. Don't expect to find a simple continental breakfast, the food here is fabulous and the hearty breakfast reflects the same care you find all over the inn.
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Brodhead is a small town about 35 miles directly south of Madison. It's also 20 miles form Janesville and 15 miles from the heart of cheese country in Monroe. The Pearl Island Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home base whether you're riding the Sugar River Bike trail, sampling some cheese, or just spending a night or two away from your busy life.
This area is known as the Pearl Island Recreational Corridor and there's so much to explore, see and do. There was a mill race dug 150 years ago for a no-longer existing mill and the Sugar River and this area sits on what is effectively an island in the middle. It's a charming, gorgeous, and totally underappreciated spot just waiting for you to explore it.
This quirky Bed and Breakfast is one of the coolest places you can spend a night in Wisconsin. It's a charming spot that's revitalized a historic building and helped it find new life again. You will love spending a weekend in this part of the state.
Pearl Island Bed and Breakfast is located at 905 10th St., Brodhead, WI 53520. You can learn more about this beautiful little spot on their website. Check out more pictures and learn about the building renovation on their Facebook page.
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