The Area – FAQ
Okay, you decided that your B&B experience will be at the Westby House Victorian Inn and now you are wondering where you can we have dinner, or is there a golf course close by. Maybe you’re an outdoor sports enthusiast and want to canoe, hike or bike the area. We try to cover as much information as possible throughout the web site, but you still may have a few questions. Well, everyone has questions and we’re flourishing with answers!
Hopefully we can answer your questions on the celebrated rivers, rolling hills, miles of farmland, and tranquil back roads that are the perfect venues to renew, rest, and visit. The diverse local arts and crafts, ethnic culture, dining establishments, abundance of silent sports – like fly-fishing, the quaint towns and villages, and the people that will inspire you during your visit are just a few of the reasons why to visit the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin.
If you did not find your answer here or need more information, we are only a phone call away or send us an email at info@westbyhouse.com. Meeting our guest’s expectations has always been a priority of ours; after all we want your visit to the area to be one that will bring you back again and again. We look forward to answering your questions.
Is there a place for dinner close by?
We are close to several establishments that offer evening dining. Our most popular dinner spot is Di Sciascio’s Italian Restaurant. Located 9 miles northeast in Coon Valley. The atmosphere is quaint and inviting with attentive service and wonderful foods prepared by the owner/chef. Other establishments are Old Towne Inn (Westby), Firehouse Restaurant (Viroqua) and Badger Crossing Pub & Eatery (Cashton). The availability of dining spots is less on Mondays, as most places are closed.
What is there to do once we get there?
Biking, canoeing, hiking, antiquing, explore historical sites, visit local museums and vineyard are just a few things to do. Scenic drives through the Driftless area, Kickapoo Valley Reserve or cruising the Scenic River Road Byway of Highway 35 along the Mississippi River will take a good part of the day. Shopping the Amish country is another great educational experience. Most importantly we want you to relax will you are here, so it is okay to do “Absolutely Nothing”. Just enjoy the surroundings!
Do you have a list of things to do in the area?
Yes, in the left margin of the web page click on “The Area” where you will find four day trips that take you through the area. You can create your own by taking parts of each or combining two into one!
Where can I get more tourism information on the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin?
There are several regional web sites that are full of information! Visit explorelacrosse.com, viroquatourism.com, westbywi.com,DriftlessWisconsin.com. Once you are in Westby you can pick up tourist information at Ole & Lena Kaffe Hus or Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts Store. Both are located in downtown Westby.
We are coming to bike the Elroy-Sparta Trail. How far are you from the trail head in Sparta?
Westby is just a short 24 minute drive to Sparta. Visit this link and you can plan your trip with various on an off locations along the trail. This link to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will help you further. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/Org/land/parks/trails/tbike.html State Bike Trail Passes are required and can be purchased at the bike trail head.
We have bikes secured to our car. Is it okay to leave them on the car or is there a place to store them?
Leaving your locked bikes on your vehicle is fine. Our parking lot is well lit and Westby is a small town with very little nighttime wrong doings. If you need to store your bikes, there is a small unlocked utility shed located in our Garden Gazebo area. As stated in our Policies, we are not responsible for any lost or stolen property.
Where can we rent bikes?
The closest location to rent bikes is in Sparta at Speed’s Bike Shop. For bike repair visit Bluedog Cycle Shop in Viroqua
We want to canoe the Kickapoo River, are there rentals available?
Best location for canoe rental places is in Ontario, which is the Northern part of the river. Check out Titanic, Mr. Duck or Drifty’s Liveries.
Where is the closest Golf Course and is it a public course?
Viroqua Hills Golf Course is only 8 miles to the South of Westby on Highway 14. It is a 18-hole public course and open early Spring and until the snows falls. Motorized carts and fully irrigated course. Tee time recommended. 608-637-7615. www.viroquahillsgolf.com
The Snowflake Golf Course is located just to the Northwest of Westby on County P. A Par 30 Public Course is nestled at the base of the Snowflake International Ski Jump Complex in Timber Coulee between Westby and Coon Valley.
How far are you from La Crosse or Viroqua?
Westby is a very scenic and beautiful drive any time of the the year from La Crosse on Highway 14 East. We are 23 miles Southeast of La Crosse and only 7 miles North of Viroqua on Highway 14.
We will be traveling from Chicago area, how many hours is that and the best way to get there? How about from Minneapolis?
Westby is approximately 4 hours for the Western suburbs of Chicago. Once in Wisconsin, follow I-90 to Highway 18 West in Madison. Follow HWY 18 on the South side of Madison to Highway 14 West. We are 1 hour and 45 minutes from this turn on Highway 14. Travel from the Minneapolis area is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours through Rochester. Traveling through Rochester, then onto East I-90 into La Crosse, Wisconsin. Follow Hwy 61 into Wisconsin and on to Westby.
