8 picture-perfect covered bridges to visit around Wisconsin

They were built for mainly practical purposes, but now they’re built more for looks: a picturesque setting for family photos, a romantic spot to propose, a beautiful display of craftsmanship in a concrete-and-steel world. They’re Wisconsin’s covered bridges, and they're worth visiting as much for their photogenic qualities as their history. The first covered bridge in the U.S. was built in Philadelphia in 1805, according to the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges. Some sources say covered bridges were constructed to provide shelter during bad weather or to make it easier for skittish horses to cross water. But the society notes the real reason was to protect the bridge’s wooden structure from weather – dry wood lasts longer than wet, decaying wood.  Concrete and steel last longer than both, of course, so covered bridges are more a novelty than a necessity these days. Their appeal now is that there are so few of them. Stumbling on one while driving, walking or riding a bike is a welcome break from the monotony of green highway signs and utilitarian modern bridges.  There are a few dozens re-created covered bridges (and one historic one) around Wisconsin these days – here are eight worth seeing.

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Auberge Resorts Collection Announces Strategic Partnership with Bdt & Msd Partners

PR Newswire | February 02, 2024

The Friedkin Group announced today that the company has entered into a strategic partnership with BDT & MSD Partners ("BDT & MSD"), a merchant bank built to serve the distinct needs of business owners and strategic, long-term investors. BDT & MSD, through its affiliated hospitality investment vehicle, will make a minority investment in Auberge Resorts Collection, the manager of the award-winning portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs set in some of the world's most desirable locations. In addition, BDT & MSD's hospitality vehicle intends to invest significant capital towards acquiring and developing luxury hotel and residential assets that will be branded and managed by Auberge Resorts Collection. The partnership reflects BDT & MSD's belief in Auberge Resorts Collection's unique brand positioning and focus on creating one-of-a-kind luxury hospitality experiences. The investment will support Auberge's continued strategic growth in the Americas, Europe and beyond, with a focus on gateway urban markets and high-profile experiential destinations. "This partnership further solidifies Auberge Resorts Collection's position as the leading name in boutique luxury hospitality and marks a new and exciting era for our world-class portfolio," said Dan Friedkin, chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection and chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group. "BDT & MSD's differentiated, long-term capital and expertise in luxury hospitality investments makes them a perfect strategic partner and will allow us to further grow the strength of the Auberge brand." "Auberge is a world-class manager of distinctive luxury hotel properties, with an exceptional track record of delivering curated guest experiences in the world's leading hospitality markets. We are excited to be a part of its future and look forward to partnering with Auberge's talented team to build on its differentiated strengths and accelerate further growth," said Coburn Packard, partner & head of real estate at BDT & MSD. Since becoming part of The Friedkin Group in 2013, Auberge Resorts Collection has grown into the leading name in boutique luxury hospitality, comprising 27 unparalleled properties across the U.S., Latin America and Europe, with a development pipeline of over a dozen hotels and two additional hotels planned to open in Florence and South Carolina this year. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the essence of the location to life through one-of-a-kind design that reflects the destination, exceptional cuisine and dining experiences that attract both the local community and global traveler, innovative spas and wellness retreats and highly personalized service.

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