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.

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.

Christmas Greetings with Winter Events at Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Christmas is the time of year we reflect on the who,what and where.  Everyone has a Christmas story from years gone by like Ralphie in A Christmas Story.  Some of the things Ralphie reflected on when telling is story brought laughter to every face. Famous lines like "My little brother had not eaten voluntarily in over three years". "I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!"  Don't  forget, "Oh my god, I shot my eye out!" 
So what's your Christmas story? Is it family, the gift giving, volunteering at a charity event, awaiting Santa or sharing the true meaning of Christmas.  Whatever it is, celebrate the wonder of it all, the every joy of it, the fun of it all. Wishing all a wonderful Christmas worth telling!  Marie & Mike,                                                    A Christmas Story of 16 years of innkeeping at the Westby House Inn.

Check out these winter events at the  Kickapoo Valley Reserve during the winter.  

Cross-Country Skiing

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve maintains approximately ten miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, for both classic and skate skiing. The five miles of the Old Highway 131 Trail provide an excellent opportunity to experience the solitude and beauty of the Reserve.  Other groomed trails include the Dam Trail, Old Harris Road Trail and Star Valley Road.  Additional trails may be groomed as time permits. The more adventurous are welcomed to make their own tracks into the wild.  NOTE:  Skiers may not ski on the snowmobile trail.  Call the Reserve Visitor Center for a winter trail map and directions to ski trails, (608) 625-2960. Ski Trails are also available at Wildcat Mountain State Park.

Snowmobiling

A segment of Wisconsin's self-funded snowmobile trail system winds its way through the Reserve.  A local snowmobile club grooms and maintains the trail from December 15 through March 31, snow cover permitting.  Enjoy the Reserve's scenic ridges and valleys by snowmobile, the only motorized vehicle allowed to operate on Reserve lands.  Snowmobile enthusiasts are required to stay on the designated snowmobile trail. Map of Winter Trails in KVR (pdf)

Snowshoeing

Snowshoe enthusiasts are welcome to explore the hidden wonders of the Reserve. There are not designated nor groomed snowshoe trails. NOTE: Please avoid walking on the snowmobile trail or on the cross-country ski tracks.  Enjoy the unbeatable scenery - visit the ice caves, and get the work-out of a lifetime!

For all winter sports enthusiasts, a reminder that the Reserve does not provide any water or toilet facilities except at the Visitor Center. Trails are not maintained during the winter months, with the exception of the snowmobile trail and cross country ski trails. The Reserve Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for information and assistance. Visitors are asked to pay attention to changing weather conditions while enjoying the Reserve's wintry landscape.

All winter sports enthusiasts are required to purchase a trail use permit before venturing out. Snowmobile trail users are only required to purchase a $4/day vehicle parking permit or display of annual pass, if parking in the Reserve's signed 'parking permit required' areas. Snowmobiles simply passing through the Reserve are exempt from fees.

Westby House Inn Can Cure Your Spring Fever

Victorianne Room

Atrium Room

Westby Room

Spring Fever got you going crazy?  Then come to the Westby House Inn for the cure! As one guest experienced, "the B&B is the unique blending of a tastefully decorated grand historic home, lovingly restored and maintained, with the comforting kindness of hosts who treat you like family and nourish you with delectable meals. It's a must-stay whether you happen to be in the beautiful southwest Wisconsin region, or make it a destination."  To help plan your time here the DriftlessWisconsin.com visitor's site has things to do and places to explore along with great dining ideas. If  fly-fishing is a way of relaxing we have over 200 miles of Class A trout streams just minutes from the inn. Hike Wildcat Mountain or the trails through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Spring brings Farmers Markets in Viroqua and the Amish start to gear up for sales of the crafts they worked on over the winter.  For the foodie folks, check out the many artisan cheese shops, the organic food co-op and Driftless Organic Cafe.
With so many things to do and explore you better start planning a are return trip in the summer and fall!  You can always check for room availability on our web site with just a click on the Check Availability button. Think Spring and you maybe here before you know it!!