Scenery at its Best in Southwest Wisconsin

Book your room at the Westby House for the 4th of July weekend and you will be in for a perfect summer holiday!

Tunnels on the Elroy-Sparta Trail

The region, known as the driftless area will have lots of sun for those outdoor activities like canoeing, biking, hiking, strolling the countryside or just relaxing on the wrap-around porch at the Westby House.  Vernon Vineyards is also open for wine tasting. Fireworks on the 4th in every small town community and cookouts of all kinds. Check out our availability from any page on the web site. Availability includes  Jacuzzi suites to cozy rooms.

Blueberry Season is upon us and here is the most popular French Toast casserole of the Westby House Inn.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Ingredients
4 T. unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced 1 1/2 inches thick
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup honey
1 T. vanilla extract
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/8 t. salt
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Confectioners’ sugar
maple syrup(optional)

In a 13X9 inch baking dish, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Arrange bread slices evenly in baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, honey, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger and salt. Pour over the bread, letting egg mixture soak in. Top evenly with blueberries and pecans. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 12 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Let chilled casserole stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover to brown, about 5-10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool slightly. Sift confectioner’s sugar over casserole. Serve hot or warm with maple syrup, if desired.

Mini-kitchenette and Continiental breakfast

Tower Suite offers detail, rest, relaxation and romance!

Looking for a new experience than the cookie cutter hotel?  A short 23 minute drive Southeast of La Crosse sits the Westby House Inn.  A popular Wisconsin bed and breakfast, this hotel alternative lodging offers the right levels of history, comfort and hospitality.  Choose from a wide spectra of room decor and themes from traditional to fly-fishing with all accommodations featuring private baths, a full breakfast in the morning to wireless internet access.  The inn was voted as one of the top 10 Best Inns in the Midwest by BedandBreakfast.com.  Visit the web site and see why many guests return every time their travels bring them to Southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. We will look forward to greeting you!

Planning a family gathering or family reunion?  Look to the Westby House Inn for lodging and catering for the event. We can provide lodging for up to 20 people and cater an on-premise event of up to 75.  The restaurant can also be a wonderful place for anniversaries, rehearsal dinners and small weddings. Funeral meals catered to your needs offer the right intimate “family level of privacy” at such a difficult time.   If you are attending a funeral in the area, call the inn for availability and special rates.    The Westby House Inn’s small-town  location is ideal for any and all family events and gatherings.  “Your Occasion is Our Speciality”!

Wondering where and what you can do for a 4-5 days of your vacation? Look no further than on the DriftlessWisconsin.com a new Regional Tourism Web Site for the Driftless Area Of Southwest Wisconsin.   There is simply no better place

Viroqua's Farmers Market on Saturday's

to explore, by car, by bike, or by boat. The scenery is unmatched. The history is fascinating. The people and communities are diverse. Around every bend of the road, every twist of the river, something interesting awaits..  The list is endless with attractions, things to do and a calendar of events.

The Driftless Wisconsin area lies about half way between Chicago, Illinois and Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are only a half day drive from many of the cities in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa. For lodging, the Westby House Inn is conveniently located in the heart of these rolling hills and deep valleys.

Driving along the hundreds of miles of local roads is a true pleasure in Driftless Wisconsin. We offer scenic

La Crosse Queen on Mississippi River

drives along the Mississippi River, the Wisconsin River, and the Kickapoo River. While driving local roads you will cross crystal clear trout streams, pass traditional and Amish farmers working their fields, and encounter a wonderful mix of orchards, vineyards, rural diners, and unique shops. You

Over 200 Miles of Trout Streams near Westby

will see steep limestone bluffs, the backwaters of our rivers, tugboats pushing barges on the Mississippi, and many places of historical significance. We encourage you to leave the large highways and interstates as you approach the Driftless Area and take local roads. You will be rewarded!

National Scenic Byway - State Hwy 35

Many unique Amish shops

The annual State Track & Field Meet takes place on June 4 and 5, 2010 in La Crosse Wisconsin at the UWL stadium. The Westby House Inn offers lodging for track participant’s parents.  A stunning 26- minute drive through the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin puts you in a state of R&R!  Best advise is to allow time to plan a trip to the Greenhouses of the Amish Community near Cashton for great buys on flowers.  Explore the Kickapoo Valley Reserve for outdoor hiking and biking. Our Area page of the web site can give you great things to do!

Vistas everywhere

Ride the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail, go kayaking or canoeing on the Kickapoo River from Ontario, or explore the Amish community near Cashton while at the Westby House Inn located just 7 miles from Viroqua.  Outdoor activities thrive in this part of Wisconsin. Your weekend getaway can become a three-four day adventure!  The State Bike Trails open for the 2010 season on Saturday, May 1st.

Tunnels on the Elroy-Sparta Trail

Afternoon of Canoeing the Kickapoo

Many unique Amish shops

Southeast Wisconsin Winery

The Great River Road Wine Trail presents its  “Start Summer Festival” on Saturday and Sunday, June 5-6, 2010 from 11 am – 6 pm. Each winery will feature local foods and their wines.  Vernon Vineyards is part of this trail located in the heart of the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin and just 8 miles for the Westby House Inn. All 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, travels are invited to enjoy the celebrations occurring in the various villages and towns along the trail.

Harley Davidson’s 2010 Motoring the “Mighty Miss” State H.O.G. Rally will be in La Crosse on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 as part of the 4-day rally through the state.  Nestled in the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin, and 23 miles Northwest of  Westby, Wisconsin is La Crosse, a vibrant city with much to offer.   Bordered by the Mississippi River, La Crosse attracts visitors far and wide for sightseeing, river cruises, biking, or just to watch a sunset.  We invite you to come and enjoy the unique small town atmosphere and genuine hospitality that can only be found in beautiful La Crosse, Wisconsin.  For overnight accommodations the Westby House Inn welcomes motorcyclists and pampers them with private parking, full breakfast and towels to shine up those bikes before a great day of riding.

Northwest of La Crosse and Westby Wisconsin the 17th Annual Trempealeau Hip Breaker Bike Tour will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The ride features a 10 mile fun ride along with 23 and 43 mile tours. All routes go through beautiful Perrot State Park and on to the low-traffic roads of Trempealeau County.  Sage service service is provided. Rest stops include beverages, fruit, and snacks.  The 43 mile route includes the infamous ‘Hipbreaker Hill’.  Make it up this one and win lifetime bragging rights!  Register by calling 608-534-6780 or visit www.trempealeau.net. This event was covered and featured in the New York Times in August of 2009.