Apple Season in Southwest Wisconsin Brings Fall Leaves

Folks are thinking apples already! Reservations are coming in every day with visiting the apple orchards on the list of 'things to do' when they get to the Westby House Inn.   With the mild summer and cool temps it is hard to believe apples and fall leaf color are just around the corner.

Orchards are plotted across many acres within the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin and La Crescent Minnesota.Visiting these orchards gets a person in the mood for baking fresh pies, or canning applesauce to enjoy throughout the winter. I have personal experience growing up in both of those kitchen activities. It was fun once the many bushels of apples were peeled.

A leisure 35 minute drive from the Inn to Gays Mills Wisconsin will put you in the center of the largest and most concentrated apple orchard area in the Tri-States. The apple harvest starts with early apples in August, and continues through mid-October. Apple salesrooms are open every day and some until Christmas. The Annual Gays Mills Apple Festival is the last full weekend in September.  Enjoy the orchard experience from Highways 61 and 171 east of Gays Mills.

Another usual question we get asked  is "just when is the best time for fall color around here"?  I use to tell how soon it would be peak by a 75+ year old maple that stood so tall on property, but is no longer. Best guess would be any time in the first two weeks in October. You will see color, how much depends on the unpredictable wind and rain.

Think apples today as we may be thinking snow sooner than we care too!! The apple orchards and fall leaves await your exploring.

God's Country is Right Here In Vernon County Wisconsin

Vernon County - Invigorates the Mind and Soul 

Unblemished and unencumbered. Unmistakeable and unforgettable. Truly Wisconsin's undiscovered country.  Every Westby House Inn guest that travels through this area speaks those words. 
Why you ask? It seems they discover the therapy of nature deep in the valleys and along the ridge tops of Vernon County all nestled in the Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin.  It is a region so peaceful and quiet, so breathtaking and beautiful, it is no wonder why it is a place to invigorate the mind and soul with nature.

Our celebrated Mississippi River, ever-winding Kickapoo River, rugged hills, scenic farmland, majestic forests, tranquil back roads and crystal clean air will give you an opportunity to be in the moment while developing a special connection to what so many call God's country.
Explore the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State Park for hikes, or travel down the Kickapoo River by way of a canoe, pedal parts of the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail, or roll the windows down and visit the many villages and towns filled with shops, antique stores, dining spots and more.
The area is at your fingertips when you stay with us. Come explore by booking your stay with us now and get your mind and soul invigorated before summer passes you by.

Driftless Area Painted through River Sojourn

Here is a wonderful You Tube video of how a painter shares her experiences of the Driftless Area through paintings. Watch and then plan your trip with a stay at the Westby House Inn. 

Spring Season Outdoor Adventure at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve near Westby

There is not a better way to get the winter blues out of the system then to think Spring!
Everyone is ready to enjoy some Spring like weather after this very long and cold winter Southwest Wisconsin and the country have experienced this year.

Our Rhododendron in full bloom!

So start exploring and planning the many fun and educational Springtime adventures you will find close to the Westby House Inn.

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve in La Farge should be your first stop. On Saturday, March 22, 2014  Jean Napp will have a presentation "Falling in Love with the Night Sky".  After a short indoor presentation, you can experience the amateur astronomer in you by stargazing outdoors. Jean, who is President of the Starsplitters of Wyalusing, will share the story of how she became a stargazer and tell you about the stars, constellations, clusters and nebula of the March sky. Time is 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. $5.00 fee. Registration deadline: March 21st.  608-625-2960.

On April 26, 2014 at the Reserve will be a Spring Ephemerals Hike. The rich mesic woods of Wisconsin's Driftless Area provide on of the best places to experience the beauty of spring. Delicate spring ephemerals who only make a brief appearance while canopy above them  is still just budding out, and learn more about the natural communities that are home to these plants.

Conservation biologist, Darcy Kind will take you on this rich encounter with Mother Nature. Time: Saturday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. $5.00 Fee and registration deadline is April 25th. 608.625.2960.
Here are a
few more ways to experience Spring at the Reserve:
Saturday, March 08, 2014

Creative Communities Art Demonstrations & Sale

 Saturday, March 22, 2014

The Call of the Frog

The Wisconsin DNR Frog and Toad Survey invites you to a presentation at the KVR Visitor Center to listen and learn the 12 Wisconsin frog calls. Participants will get an opportunity to “speak” like a frog and information as to how to become a Citizen Scientist for the WI Frog and Toad Survey. Children are encouraged to attend. This free program starts at 9 am.
More information ben.johnston@wisconsin.gov

 Wednesday, April 09, 2014

64 Wisconsin State Parks in 365 Days
Waterfalls, wildlife sightings, big waves, lighthouses, spectacular rock formations, tense moments, and unbelievable adventures were part of Jonathan Ringdahl's quest to visit all 64 of Wisconsin's state parks in one year. Jonathan will also show some of his contest-winning photography of some of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin. Presenter: Jonathan Ringdahl. Refreshments and socializing at 6:30 pm. Talk begins at 7:00 pm. Sponsored by the Kickapoo Valley Reforestation Fund and the Friends of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.

Valentine Dinner at Westby House Inn Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

Romantic Valentine Weekend at Westby House Inn  includes Dinner

Return to a simpler time... Come experience a delectable Valentine's dinner at the Westby House Inn.  We serve the finest meal specially prepared for the pleasure of your palate. Delicious cuisine, an elegant atmosphere, pleasant wait staff, and comfortable, relaxing surroundings will make your Valentine's dining an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. We will be serving Friday and Saturday, February 14 &15, 2014.
At the Westby House, we attend to the comfort and hospitality of our guests, and search out the highest quality ingredients. Simplicity, elegance, and freshness... for the pleasure of your palate. We seek to compliment these gracious surroundings with the food we serve.

Stay at the Inn too! Choose from well appointed rooms to romantic whirlpool rooms and fireplaces. Check room availability.  
Call Marie to reserve your Valentine's table for Friday or Saturday of Valentine's weekend.

Sample Menu of our Valentine's Dinner
HORS D'OEUVRE
Parmesan Chicken Spinach Cakes
Hearts of Romaine & Mixed Greens Salad

ENTREE
Char-grilled 6 oz. Filet Mignon, with Choice of:
Shrimp Scampi or Parmesan Encrusted Salmon
Herb Roasted Potatoes with Dill Cream
Fresh Sauteed Vegetable Du Jour

DESSERT
Chocolate Romance Crumb Cake and Fresh Strawberries

Special Heart Memento Gift for Each Lady

Price: $40.00 per person. excludes taxes and gratuities.

Cocktails, Wine List and Champagne are Available at Your Table
Meals served with Breads and Butter, and Coffee Service