Westby Captures “Best Cottage Cheese” Title at World Cheese Championships

As the Dairy State’s one and only producer of Cottage Cheese, Westby is
proud to present the 2010 Gold Medal Winner at the World Cheese
Championships in the Cottage Cheese Category – our 4% Small Curd
variety. The award winning formula was judged Best in the World in a
variety of categories including appearance and overall taste.  On the breakfast table at the Westby House Inn guests are treated to the creamery’s very own yogurt, who then stop in at the retail store on their way home.
This Westby Cottage Cheese scored “Best of Class” with a total of 96.65 points, almost three points more than its nearest competitor, a cottage cheese from Georg Hiegelsberger & Team of Austria. The Westby 2% Small Curd Cottage Cheese also scored well in the competition with 93 points for 6th place.

The World Championship Cheese Contest shattered all entry records this year with 2,313 cheeses and butters from 20 nations. The contest held March 16-18 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center hosted an international panel of 30 cheese evaluation experts who judged 80 cheese and butter classes. The contest is the World Series of cheese.  “This is a very prestigious award that is a testament to the long history and traditional values of  Westby Cooperative Creamery,” says Pete Kondrup, General Manager.

Westby is a picturesque ridge-top town that clings tightly to its Norwegian roots.  If you can say “Uff-da” you’ll fit in just fine.  With the Westby House Inn situated in the heart of the town, this community is set in northern Vernon County among the hills and valleys of the state’s Driftless Area.

   Westby is a great base for on-road tours in any direction.  One direction is the  Westby Amish Tour which will take you by many Amish farms and homesteads selling their wares and produce.  It  is a 30 mile loop that starts and ends at the Stabbur, the town’s Tourism Information Center.    At the Stabbur, take Black River Ave North to CTY Rd. P. go right on CTY
P for about 4.3 miles. At Knapp Valley Road take a let and follow till
the T intersection CTY D turn right. (CTY D will switch to CTY P on the
route). Follow to the intersection of CTY P and CTY S. Take CTY S left
through the village of Bloomingdale and then into the village of
Avalanche. At the intersection of CTY Y, take a right to go 2.3 miles to
a right turn on Smith Rd. At the top of the hill to take a right on
Coon Prairie Rd, which will lead you back to the Stabbur.

The entire route is on public roadways open to shared bicycle/motor vehicle use and Amish buggies. A refreshing stop once back in Westby is Ole & Lena’s Kaffe  Hus for ice cream, pie, coffee or a quick snack.

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