Franklin Street Inn is located in Appleton, Wisconsin, which is found just north of Lake Winnebago. The establishment is also found about one hour away from Lake Michigan. The house was built in 1897. Up until 1994, the house was primarily used as a private residence for the owners to raise their families. According to the current business owner, close to 20 different proprietors have kept the home since it was built. Currently, the business offers four units in total, which are available throughout the year. These can be found inside what the owners describe as a "Victorian home," as there are many antiques. Children under the age of 11 years old are typically not allowed to stay at the inn, and pets are not permitted on the property. Guests can purchase packages online to add to their reservation experience.
There are two rooms and two suites located at Franklin Street Inn. Each one is uniquely decorated, and the price to reserve each room is also different. All of the units have private bathrooms, a desk or table, chairs, and a smart TV with cable channels. The two suites have jet tubs and fireplaces, as well. Regardless of which room is reserved, everyone staying at the inn is invited to breakfast the following morning.
The owner, Keith, describes the home as "a Queen Anne Victorian home." Antiques from the 1800 and 1900 eras decorate the house's public areas. The parlor and dining room are common areas available to patrons. A small library where guests can read books at their leisure are provided in the parlor. In the dining room, there is a gift shop cabinet where visitors can purchase memorabilia. People also have the option to spend time outside on the wrap-around porch, brick patio, or in the gardens. The owner describes the outside of the house as "a painted lady," meaning it is a Victorian home painted in four or more colors with the intention to enhance the details of the architecture. There is a garden and patio at the back of the building, which grows many different flowers. The owner mentions that he recently finished renovating the patio in July 2022. Visitors will also find a small parking lot that provides off-street parking.
Breakfast is typically served in the dining room between 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M. There is a three-course meal provided that is home cooked each morning, which usually consists of an entrée (generally an egg dish or french toast), a side of meat, and a fruit dish. Keith, the owner, reports that one of the most popular items is the blueberry cream cheese French toast. Keith mentions that the french toast is made by his wife, who can "make 20 different variations." Those who are staying in the suites can choose to have their breakfast delivered to their rooms instead of the dining room. The business is capable of abiding by particular dietary needs as well. The owners email visitors ahead of time and ask them if they have any dietary restrictions. That way, they can make a meal that conforms to the guest's requirements.
The owners explain that there are many different attractions within the vicinity that patrons may find enjoyable to visit while they are staying at Franklin Street Inn. About two blocks away, one can come across Lawrence University, which is a small liberal arts college with a music conservatory. Also found nearby is The History Museum at the Castle, which offers touring exhibits on various people and events of Fox Valley and beyond. Another attraction is Lambeau Field, which is the Green Bay Packer's field and is used for many events. Downtown Appleton often has activities for holidays, parades, and other celebrations that occur throughout the year. A number of microbreweries are additionally within the city, with several wineries within driving distance. Keith and Lori, the owners, also like to recommend restaurants to their occupants. They often mention several names, including Apollon, Stone Arch Brewpub, and Mark's East Side. Apollon serves Greek and Mediterranean food and is within walking distance of the inn. Stone Arch Brewpub offers a variety of beers and American-style food. Keith reports that Mark's East Side has a "supper club atmosphere" that regularly serves German cuisine and has a fish fry on Fridays.
Franklin Street Inn has several policies that are in effect. Pets cannot be accommodated at the inn, though the owners have a dog that visitors can pet and play with if they would like. Children that are 11 years of age or older are allowed to stay at the inn, but if patrons have children younger than 11, the owners ask that guests call ahead of time and explain their situation to them to try and make arrangements. The business sometimes hosts murder mystery events with the guests. If patrons can guarantee there will be at least six participants at the activity, the inn will provide the setup and arrangements for the event.
Keith and Lori, the current owners of Franklin Street Inn, would like their guests to feel comfortable at the inn. Their goal is to be flexible and accommodating to their patrons, which they try to accomplish by communicating with their guests if the patron needs something. As an example, Keith mentions, "If they need an early check-in or a later checkout, we try to accommodate that as best as we can." In an effort to make visitors' stays more memorable, they also offer romance packages that can be purchased online or via telephone. Keith remarks that he and his wife interact with their visitors often, usually during breakfast and when they are checking people into their units.
Keith explains that Franklin Street Inn is possibly best known for the breakfasts that they serve. Many people mention breakfasts in their reviews, as well as the location and how close other places are to the inn. One previous patron wrote, "My husband and I immediately felt relaxed when we opened the door to our room, the Franklin Grand Suite. The whirlpool tub was large enough to accommodate two people for a relaxing soak. Breakfast was delicious. The Inn's front porch is a perfect place to sit and take in the summer nights, and complimentary cold bottled water and sodas are available for guests in the hall mini fridge." The business is open year-round, with the best season of operation typically being June through the end of October. With regard to the demographic of visitors, guests tend to be between the ages of 50 and 70, although more younger patrons have been coming to the inn in recent years. The owner remarks that they usually come from within two to four hours of Appleton. Keith also reports, "For a four-bedroom bed and breakfast, we host over 500 guests a year."
William Rhodes built the Franklin Street Inn house in 1897 and owned it for about 20 years. The Rhodes' family didn't have any children, but the current owner, Keith , mentions that the wife was known for teaching the local children how to play the piano. Charles Simpson purchased the home from Rhodes in 1914. He and his wife raised their family in the house for almost 30 years until they moved. There have been a total of 16 other owners over the last 80 years.
Franklin Street Inn has been in business since 1994; however, the current owners have been running it for the last six years. The original owners of the bed and breakfast are Beth and Ron VanDeRaa, they owned it for about seven years. After the Gabels's ran the inn for a year, the Halmas purchased and ran the inn for over 13 years. After that, it was sold to Keith and Lori Hansen, the current owners of the inn. The Hansen's were led into the industry because they used to stay at other bed and breakfasts and enjoyed it. When they finally found time for it, they decided to purchase Franklin Street Inn. They have been running it ever since. Keith mentions that his favorite part of the job has been visiting with guests over breakfast. According to the owner, "We've had guests from 49 states, Washington D.C., five Canadian provinces, and 15 different countries."
Since the current owners bought the inn, there has been some redecorating and maintenance, with one of the more recent projects being the renovation and expansion of the patio, which Keith did. He and his wife recently renovated the Lawrence bathroom. Upgrades have been applied to the water heater, air-conditioning, and some of the bathrooms. There have also been significant changes that took place before they became owners. The third floor used to be a walk-in attic, but it was turned into a place for the innkeepers to stay. Later, it became the Turret Suite, including the addition of a jet tub and skylight, and the innkeeper's residence was moved to the basement of the home.
318 E. Franklin Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
United States
Victorian
Keith & Lori Hansen
