Area Guide Spotlight: Anaway Place

What's one thing coming up that you're excited about?

One of the things we're most excited about is the addition of the Candlewood Events Barn. We envisioned it not simply as an event space, but as a gathering place—a home for the kinds of experiences that bring people together and help them slow down. Throughout the year we'll host yoga classes, wellness retreats, farm-to-table dinners, tastings featuring local makers, live music, and community events that celebrate the incredible people, food, and creativity of the Driftless Region.

Of course, it's also available for guests who want to create experiences of their own, whether that's a family reunion, a small wedding, a creative retreat, or a weekend with friends. Our hope is that Anaway becomes more than a place to stay. We want it to be a place where people connect—with nature, with each other, and with this remarkable community we feel so fortunate to call home.

What's something people may be surprised to learn about you and Anaway Place?

We actually met doing theatre together in Chicago. Both of us worked on stages throughout the city, but it was as ensemble members at Trap Door Theatre that we first met and performed together in several productions. That shared love of storytelling, creativity, and creating meaningful experiences is still at the heart of everything we do.

Today, Chris is one of Chicago's premier headshot photographers, and Lyndsay is an Associate Real Estate Broker with the Connie Dornan Group, one of Illinois' top-producing real estate teams. Somehow, we've found a way to balance those careers, raising our family, and growing Anaway Place. It's a busy life, but creating a place where others can slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories has become one of our greatest joys.

What do you love about being part of the Driftless community?

The Driftless Region is one of the most welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely caring communities we've ever had the privilege to join. There is a deep respect here—for the land, for craftsmanship, for local businesses, and for one another—and that spirit is reflected in everything from the food that's grown to the art that's created and the experiences that are shared.

What stands out most is the generosity of the people. Neighbors truly help neighbors, businesses celebrate each other's successes, and conversations are driven by curiosity and respect rather than division. It's a place where community isn't just a word—it's a way of life. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of it and are proud to welcome our guests into a region that values authenticity, connection, and the simple joy of slowing down to enjoy music and maybe an old fashioned.

What other businesses and attractions in the region would you recommend people visiting Anaway Place go explore?

How do we choose? One of our greatest joys is exploring the Driftless Region and sharing our favorite discoveries with our guests. On any given weekend, you might find us kayaking the Kickapoo River, hiking one of the area's beautiful state parks, lingering over a meal at Driftless Café, Pine River Smoke House, or Reunion, browsing the thoughtfully curated shops at Covivio or hunting for hidden treasures in the region's wonderful antique and thrift stores. We also love enjoying a craft cocktail at English Prairie Distillery or spending an evening listening to great music at the Sh*tty Barn.