When readers pick up Purple State, the debut novel from Dana Perino, they’re transported to the charming town of Cedar Falls — a place rich in character, community, and heart. Here’s the insider detail: Cedar Falls is inspired by Cedarburg!
The story’s cozy storefronts, friendly conversations, and small-town rhythms aren’t just fiction. They exist right here along Cedar Creek and Main Street. And at the center of it all, Washington House Inn invites guests to step into their own storybook escape.
Dana recently visited Cedarburg to celebrate the release of her novel, filming a live national news segment that spotlighted the charm and character of the town that inspired the book. During her visit, she also hosted a private book signing at the inn and shared her love for Washington House Inn on-air. Guests can watch the segment here or above.
Whether you’re trading city noise for quiet mornings or simply looking for a getaway with soul, Cedarburg offers the kind of setting where stories unfold naturally.
Storybook Stays on Main Street
In Purple State, characters navigate life’s transitions in a town where relationships matter and daily routines feel meaningful. That same spirit is what draws visitors to Cedarburg.
A stay at Washington House Inn places you in the heart of historic downtown, where mornings begin with coffee and a stroll past limestone buildings, and evenings end with wine, conversation, and the soft glow of Main Street lights.
Like the novel’s characters, guests often find themselves slowing down here and savoring the sense that this place values connection over commotion. It is the kind of town that makes you feel like you belong after only one visit.
Step Into the Story: Local Flavors and Favorites
Part of what makes Cedarburg feel like a novel come to life is how easily visitors can immerse themselves in the community.
Washington House Inn serves as the perfect home base for exploring the real-life inspiration behind the book’s setting. Guests can wander through local boutiques, sip and savor at favorite gathering spots, and see if they can spot the real-life small businesses that inspired the shops and scenes found within the pages of Purple State.
Dana herself described Cedarburg as warm, welcoming, and full of character — and after one weekend here, it’s easy to see why.
Plan Your Cedarburg Getaway
Cedarburg shines in every season, but spring and fall are especially magical. Spring brings blooming trees and fresh energy to downtown, while autumn paints the historic streets in warm golds and reds — the kind of setting that feels lifted straight from a novel’s pages.
The town is ideal for couples seeking a romantic retreat, friends planning a cozy weekend, solo travelers wanting inspiration, or mother-daughter duos looking to reconnect somewhere meaningful.
At Washington House Inn, every stay is personal. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the team is always ready to help you discover something new, a hidden café, a favorite walking route, or a quiet moment by the creek.
Begin Your Storybook Stay
Stories have a way of drawing us toward places that feel real, welcoming, and full of possibility. Cedarburg is one of those places.
Come experience the town inspiring readers everywhere. Bring the story to life, savor local flavors, and create your own chapter on Main Street.
Ready to read the novel that put Cedarburg in the spotlight? Purchase Purple State here.