Westby House Inn a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

Plan your Pilgrimage today with a stay at a Viroqua area B&B !

Shrine Church sits majestically against woodland backdrop

Plan your pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and include a Victorian stay at the Westby House Bed & Breakfast. The L a Crosse Wisconsin shrine is on Highway 14 and is just 19 miles from the B&B and 26 miles from Viroqua.   The shrine’s 103 beautiful acres in the hills of Southwest Wisconsin is plotted with a magnificent shrine church, votive candle chapel, outdoor devotional areas, a visitor center, award winning restaurant, and gift shop.  Open daily until 4:00.

Riverfest  July 4 , La Crosse Wisconsin near Viroqua Lodging

Fireworks on the Mississippi River

Celebrate the 4th of July at Riverfest on the Mississippi River in La Crosse Wisconsin. Accommodations at the Westby House B&B are perfect for this five day event. It is filled with music and food from  July 1- July5.  River City Water Show on Saturday and Sunday. Fireworks on Saturday night. Enjoy bands playing soft rock, country, rock, hard rock, 60′s. 70′s and 80′s. Lots of family fun  and events. Huge food tent featuring popular local restaurants and eateries.  www.riverfestlacrosse.com

Viroqua Winery on Wine Trail near Westby Bed & Breakfast

Tasting Room at Vernon Vineyards

Vernon Vineyards Winery is on the Great River Road Wine Trail that is located just 7 miles South of Viroqua and the Westby House B&B and a short scenic drive  from La Crosse Wisconsin.  The winery, and nine others will present its Grand Opening, a Mid-Summer Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 20th  and 21st from 11 am – 6 pm.  The nine wineries on the trail will each present their special offerings with free samples available to the general public. Some wine trail members will also have special food items available for purchase at the event. In addition to enjoying the wines and activities at each winery, guests can also enjoy the celebrations occurring in the various villages and towns along the trail.

The Great River Road Wine Trail offers a passport program that allows guests to earn a wine glass once they have visited and received stamps from each of the wineries. No purchase is necessary, and completed passports may be turned in at any time. Web site is  greatriverroadwinetrails.org

Viroqua Art Gallery VIVA hosts “First Thursday’s” Art Events

Here is a great mid-week escape with a stay at the Westby House B&B and discover the local arts in the Viroqua area!

Local Artisans in One Gallery!

Join  VIVA Gallery for “First Thursdays” 5:00-7:00pm:
an evening of refreshments, wine tasting, great art.
NEXT EVENING: Thursday, July 2, 2009

The VIVA Gallery Cooperative is a group of local artists coming together to showcase art. The business started as a cooperative in April, 2004. The group’s  mission is to create an awareness in the Viroqua community of the variety of art that is being made right here at home. The gallery provides a welcoming place to see art, foster the imaginaition, and give inspiration. If you are inclined to make a purchase–you are supporting a local artist and the idea of “thinking globally and acting locally.” Located within the Viroqua Public Market building in downtown Viroqua. Event is held the First Thursday -May through October.

Lonestar to perform at Freedom Fest

Freedom Fest  Concert includes LONESTAR on Father’s Day Weekend

La Crosse Wisconsin is host to the first annual Freedom Fest. Close to the event is the Westby House B&B offering pleasant accommodations and a scenic drive to the event.  The popluar national band LONESTAR and country singer Micheal Martin Murphy will perform on Saturday, June 20th at the Airfest grounds (La Crosse Airport). There is also a air show on Saturday and Sunday.  Perfect way to spend a Father’s Day weekend!

Westby House Guests take in Viroqua’s Farmers Market

Many Westby House B&B Saturday morning guests travel to Viroqua, Wisconsin after breakfast  for the popular farmers market.   Viroqua is the center of one of the greatest organic

Viroqua's Farmers Market on Saturday's

farming regions of the United States. Each Saturday over 50 farmers and vendors from across the countryside come into our historic downtown to sell their fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and nuts at the Farmers Market.  Several local Amish families also come to the market to sell their handmade items. They bring beautiful baskets made with old-world craftsmanship, woven rugs and wall hangings, and of course beautiful quilts. The Farmers Market opens the last day of May and continues every Saturday until the last Saturday of October.

Holland Sand Prairie Hike near La Crosse Wisconsin B&B

Take in this hike and you will be ready for a respite at the Westby House Bed & Breakfast!

Mississippi Valley Conservancy Hike

The Coulee Region Chapter of the “Prairie Enthusiasts” will be hosting a hike on the Holland
Sand Prairie on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. This protected 60+ acre parcel is largely covered by prairie on the ancient sand terrace of the Mississippi River. The trip leader is Jim Rogala. Directions: exit Mc Hugh Road off HWY 53 north of Holmen and proceed approximately ½ mile, park on the south side of the road.
For more information, visit www.MississippiValleyConservancy.com

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Provides Peace and Serenity

Located just south of La Crosse Wisconsin, and with over 100 acres of rolling hillsides, open

Shrine Church sits majestically against woodland backdrop

valleys and verdant fields, the shrine grounds provide a place of  peace and serenity. With the Westby House bed & breakfast just 19 miles east of shrine, it is the prefect respite place before or after your full-day journey at the shrine.  Through out the day you will take in the Pilgrim Center, the Culina Mariana Restaurant, Flores Mariae Gift Shop, the Votive Chapel, outdoor Stations of the Cross, Rosary Walk, many devotional areas and the majestic Shrine Church.  Shrine is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The Shrine is a spiritual destination for pilgrims from all over the world.

Vernon Vineyards Winery adds to Wisconsin Weekend Getaway

Southeast Wisconsin WInery

Vernon Vineyards Winery overlooks the Bad Axe River in scenic Vernon County and just minutes from the Westby House Bed & Breakfast.

Located to the Southeast of La Crosse and one of Wisconsin’s premier wineries, it specializies in wines from the cold climate grapes, offering a wide selection of red and white wines.  Tasting room offers a roomy and warm atomsphere for your enjoyment of the views.  Complimentary wine tasting and free tours during operating hours of 10 am – 6 pm Friday and Saturday, and noon – 6 pm on Sunday.