Inn at Lonesome Hollow

We recently spent a wonderful romantic weekend in Chicago – on Michigan Ave. The Christmas lights were brilliant and food was what you’d expect from a high end destination like the Magnificent Mile. This was an exception for us. Usually we prefer a quiet getaway; a rural area with great natural scenery; a place where nature can wrap you up and lock you in a world of your own.

Only four hours northwest of Chicago lies a rural landscape full of scenic beauty. There lies the Driftless Area, a ruggedly sculpted land that is home to an increasing number of organic farms, artists, and nature enthusiasts. The Kickapoo River Valley lies at the heart of the Driftless Area. The Kickapoo River winds its way for almost 120 miles as it flows southward into the Wisconsin River. These two rivers are fed by hundreds of cold water trout streams that flow alongside pastoral fields, rugged limestone bluffs, and sleepy villages having fewer than 1000 residents.

For us, this is where we want to spend most of our “alone” time. This is where nature surpasses man. This is where we can take stock of ourselves, or goals, our life plans.

Snowshoe or cross-country ski in Wildcat Mountain State Park or at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. After your invigorating time outdoors, soak in a whirlpool and sip some locally made wine at your rural B&B. Dine at the Optimo Cafe a great new bistro in Viroqua, or at Eddie’s Irish Pub in Prairie du Chien. After dinner make a cup of hot choicolate and walk a few of the B&B’s paths. Enjoy a star show more brilliant and clear than you will ever find in a city, a star show just for you. Simple, quiet, beautiful time alone.