Westby House Inn a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

Earth Day Celebration and Clean-up Scheduled at Kickapoo Reserve near Westby, Wisconsin

Nature Hike at Reserve

Celebrate Earth Day, April 17, 2010, with a walk amongst nature.  Tour the Kickapoo Reserve’s natural sights and sounds.  The Reserve is located 25 minutes from the Westby House B&B.  Weather and wildlife permitting participants will listen for frogs, cranes, and woodcocks and search out spring ephemerals.  Dress for the weather. Nature Hike is 9:00 am -11:00 am.     Pre-registration- 608-625-2960

Annual Clean-up: 12;00 pm – 4:30 pm  -April 17, 2010 at Reserve. Volunteers are asked to pick up roadway litter in the area. Stop at the Visitor Center for supplies and a commemorative gift. Advance sign-up is required.

Here is your chance to enjoy Nature and Help the Environment too!

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

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

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.

Simplicity, Craftsmanship, Lifestyle Trip:

The Amish of Southwestern Wisconsin, Westby area

Amish Countryside, Oats drying in preparation for winter storage

This day trip through the Amish country surrounding La Crosse is the perfect adventure before checking into the Westby House Victorian Inn. The sizeable Amish settlement in Vernon County focuses on family, community hard work and faith.  Drive out to the Cashton settlement where you will find a large assortment of authentic Amish goods at specialty shops and farms. You will find hickory bent wood furniture, hand-made quilts and rugs, baskets, custom oak and cherry dining and bedroom furniture, candies, jams, maple syrup and produce. To get there, just North of Westby on Highway 27, turn right on County P and continue through the valleys and ridges by following the Amish signs for their specialty craft. A must stop is at the Amish Cheese Factory on County D that has a viewing window of cheese being made. Down A Country Road Amish Gift Shops & Tour Service on Highway 33 is a non Amish family farm that will truly take you a step back in time with four Amish gift shops and a ice cream shop. To really learn the Old Order Amish culture on traditional values and practices, a guided tour of their farmsteads by owner of  Down A Country Road, Kathy Kuderer, can be pre-arranged through the Westby House. For a late lunch or ice cream, return to Westby and enjoy some Norwegian fun at Ole & Lena’s Kaffe Hus. Once you are settled in to your accommodations at the inn, step outside to the wrap-around porch to enjoy a glass of wine or just read a book, and maybe catch a glimpse of everyday life in Westby.   Remember there are no sales on Sundays.  And, please they do not wish to have their photographs taken.  Enjoy the purity and peace on your adventure.

Marie & Mike