Community supported agriculture, known as CSA, is a trend growing in popularity.  Community Supported Agriculture is a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm.  This cooperative symbolically makes the farms community farms, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.  In return for this support, members pick up a weekly box of produce straight from their local farms.  Fairshare CSA Coalition, located in Madison, WI, is an organization dedicated to growing awareness of and involvement in local CSA’s.  Fairshare CSA Coalition believes that every family should have access to farm-fresh produce, and through their Partner Shares program, this is becoming increasingly possible.  Partner Shares is a cost-sharing program that, with the help of financial assistance, allows households in need to purchase CSA vegetable shares.  They are also responsible for helping to connect farmers to families.

If you’re interested in touring local farms in the Driftless Area, then June is the perfect time to stay with us.  On June 30th, we are pleased to announce Bike the Barns West, a recreational bicycle tour featuring FairShare CSA farms & local food in the Driftless region!  Bike the Barns West riders will travel a scenic route starting and ending at Tourist Park in Readstown, WI., and will visit 2 farms during the 52-mile ride.  The route will feature food prepared by Rooted Spoon Culinary, and stops at Small Family Farm in La Farge, WI and Keewaydin Farms in Viola, WI. When you participate in Bike the Barns, you not only enjoy a day biking to local farms and eating artisan delicacies, but you also support our community’s health.  We encourage riders to donate or raise pledges to benefit FairShare’s Partner Shares Program.  Since Partner Share’s inception in 1997, it has increased access to local food by connecting more than 3,400 low-income households with over 120,000 lbs of fresh, local food and paving the way for lasting connections between families and farms. Bike the Barns is the perfect opportunity to show your support for local CSA’s and farmers, and to experience the tastes of Driftless Wisconsin.

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Our beautiful Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is located in Soldiers Grove; a charming Driftless Area village nestled between the steep hills and valleys common to Driftless Wisconsin. Originally named Pine Grove, Soldiers Grove history runs deep.  Much of the land around what is now Soldiers Grove was originally deeded to war veterans in lieu of money.  One of these soldiers, Joseph H. Brightman, ultimately built the first frame house, barn, and commercial building–a water-driven saw mill– in what eventually became downtown Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.  The village of Soldiers Grove has since been relocated from the original location on the Kickapoo River floodplain, but a beautiful park featuring the stunning Kickapoo River remains a central feature of Soldiers Grove.  Many events, including Dairy Days, are held at this Beauford T. Anderson park.  The park is also home to a campground, featuring both tent and RV campsites, as well as extensive play features for both children and adults.  The park, named after former Wisconsin Army sergeant Beauford T. Anderson, is also home to beautiful military memorials, including a Congressional Medal of Honor Wall, and a POW/MIA memorial honoring local soldiers.  Book your stay now at our Wisconsin Bed and breakfast, and come explore what it is that makes our village of Soldiers Grove so wonderfully Unique!

Soldiers Grove goes Solar

Before Soldiers Grove was able to fund their relocation to higher ground and away from the devastation of frequent Kickapoo River floods, they had to make a dramatic decision about the future of their town.  After a long fight, federal funds finally became available when the town agreed to make all of the new business buildings in the new town center energy efficient and solar heated.  By agreeing to these progressive ideas, Soldiers Grove took a step towards modern efficiency, and became the nations first solar village!  Under the new ordinances of Soldiers Grove, commercial buildings must receive at least half of their heating energy from the sun.  In all, over 20 solar buildings were erected.  To this day, Soldiers Grove continues to be a positive example of the difference one community can make.  

As with much of Wisconsin, dairy farming was once central to the economic livelihood of Soldiers Grove.  Coming up from June 14-16 is the annual Dairy Days celebration in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.  Dairy Days, held each year on Father’s Day weekend in Beauford T. Anderson Park, is a great time to come out to Soldiers Grove and to enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun!  Come join us as we celebrate Wisconsin’s rich dairy history with a horse show, a tractor and truck pull, a children’s petal pull, softball and volleyball tournaments, a children’s carnival, and of course some live music, dancing, and great food.  After taking dad to breakfast on Sunday, come join us for the Dairy Days Parade, which starts at 1:00 pm and winds through the old town.  We look forward to celebrating the rich heritage of our village with you when you make our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast your home away from home.

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• Lake Superior/North Woods Birding and Nature Trail
• Mississippi/Chippewa Rivers Birding and Nature Trail
• Lake Michigan Birding and Nature Trail
• Central Sands Birding and Nature Trail 
• Southern Savanna Birding and Nature Trail
  

When you stay with us at our charming Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, you will be near the Mississippi/Chippewa Rivers Birding and Nature Trail, putting you within arms reach of countless birding adventures. Hogback Prairie State Natural Area, located about 30 minutes south of us, is a great place to begin your birding adventure.  Hogback Prairie is a narrow, steep-sided ridge rising above the Kickapoo River.  The area is home to an unusual mix of plants and animals including rare butterfly species, purple prairie-clover, and bird’s-foot violets.  A couple of the bird species you can expect to see include Sedge Wrens and Bell’s Vireo, Cranes, and Yellow-breasted Chat. Also located nearby is the Wauzeka unit Kickapoo River State Wildlife Area.  Here, you will find an interesting mix of grass-covered hills, river bottoms, and wooded hillsides.  If you navigate through the 3 miles of trails, you will be able to view waterfowl, woodland bottom warblers, Gray Catbirds, Indigo Bunting, American Redstart warblers, and Great Blue Herons.  The signature species of this area are Sandhill Cranes and Savannah Sparrows.

There are also bountiful birding adventures awaiting you in Vernon County.  Visit Kickapoo Valley Reserve, an 8,600 acre nature reserve  owned by the state of Wisconsin, where you will find habitats of the secluded valley of the Kickapoo River, its forested hillsides and sandstone cliffs.  The signature species found in this area are Acadian Flycatchers, Cerulean and Kentucky Warblers.  A relaxing float down the Kickapoo River, which partially runs through Kickapoo Valley Reserve, may provide bird watching enthusiasts with the perfect vantage point.  Butting up against the Northern border of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve is Wildcat Mountain State Park, whose 3,600 acres offer even more diverse habitats.  Here, the sandstone cliffs support rare plants and many interesting and hard to find species of birds such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Cerulean and Kentucky Warblers, and Acadian Flycatcher.  If you’re looking for hawks and eagles, your best bet may be to head over to Duck Egg County Forest. The land here is managed for timber, and the large flood control dam and its spillways attract waterfowl and heron.  However, the steep wooded hillsides are also home to Cooper’s Hawks and Bald Eagles.

It doesn’t matter how much experience you have in birdwatching; there is something for everyone in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.  Float leisurely down a river and gaze at the array of birds and wildlife, or take a nice hike through the wooded hillsides for a more adventurous birding experience.  Either way, the perfect way to relax at the end of your bird watching experience is to come home to our quiet Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast.  You may even find some of these amazing species of birds on our very own 160 acre piece of Driftless Wisconsin.

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Effigy Mounds National Monument offers 2,526 acres of spectacular vistas, diverse wildlife and habitat including 81.5 acres of prairie, and hundreds of ancient Indian cultural mound features. This gorgeous park is open year round, but check seasonally for hours of operation if you’d like to make a stop at the visitor’s center.  While at the visitor’s center, you can watch a short interpretive film about the moundbuilders, and see a variety of ancient Indian artifacts on display in the museum.  In order to preserve these sacred mounds, car tours of the park are not available.  However, hikers of all abilities are encouraged to take advantage of the trails throughout the park.  Touring the monument requires short walks along accessible trails, or longer walks along steep hiking trails.  The National Park Service offers a great hiking guide for the Fire Point Trail, allowing you to conduct a self-guided tour.  There are also occasional ranger-guided tours offered seasonally, and it’s best to contact the monument for more information.  Throughout the summer, these daily activities include the following: Two-mile hikes to Fire Point, wetland / riparian walks, tallgrass prairie hikes and ancient American Indian tool and weapon talks.  Effigy Mounds is a wonderful place to explore history with your children, where they can explore ancient grounds and handle ancient artifacts.  Effigy Mounds National Monument offers many programs specifically geared for kids throughout the year.  Coming up soon on June 16th, there will be a special Junior Ranger hike at 1:00 p.m.  Effigy Mounds National Monument should not be missed, and our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast will provide you with a comfortable home during your stay in the Driftless Area.

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One of the most notable historic sites in Prairie du Chien is St. Feriole Island.  St. Feriole Island was the center for fur trade, and was the home of Fort Crawford, which is where the famed Dr. William Beaumont conducted his groundbreaking medical studies.  Incidentally, this is also the same location where Black Hawk surrendered in 1832, thus ending the Black Hawk War, as well as the site of two other Indian Treaties.  The Island also used to house the train depot, making it an important economic center.  Today, the Island is host to many activities throughout the year, including the Prairie Villa Rendezvois, the fourth of July fireworks, and the Carriage Classic.  Also located on St. Feriole Island is a popular historic site worth visiting; the Victorian style Villa Louis Mansion, built by the son of Hercules Dousman, a famous fur trapper.  Today, you’ll find this historic house open daily from May – October.  Inside, you’ll find that the house still has its original furnishings, and has been extensively restored to its previous glory.  There are many other wonderful and historic locations to visit while on St. Feriole Island, including the Brisbois House and Fur Trade Museum, the Rolette House, the Dousman Hotel, and Lawler Park; all relics of the area’s rich history.  While at Lawler Park, take the Walk of History, which guides you through 10 marble etchings detailing Prairie du Chien history.  You may also want to book a cruise on May 26th for Marquette and Joliet’s Voyage of Discovery, a 2 hour cruise along the Mississippi that focuses on the history of the area.

If history doesn’t interest you, there is still plenty of fun to be had in Prairie du Chien.  Prairie du Chien is the perfect place to experience all of the outdoor delights available to you in the Driftless Area, from biking and hiking, to bird-watching and canoeing.  Get outside and experience the Kickapoo Indian Cave, an amazing centuries old Indian Shelter carved by an ancient underground sea.  Take a tour of these caves, and you’ll see the beautiful onyx, and stalactite chambers carved by the sea and and rivers.  With the cave opening just around the corner on Memorial Day, now is the perfect time to book your stay at our nearby Driftless Area Bed and Breakfast.  As our spring weather warms up, it will also be the perfect time of year to take a leisurely stroll through St. Feriole Island Memorial Gardens; 10 acres of serene and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Come to Prairie du Chien on May 16, and you can experience what we call the Best of the Region; a showcase of the finest culinary creations, wines, beers, locally grown food, art, music and more.  The event will last from 5-9 pm, and will be held at the Dousman House on St. Feriole Island.  That following Saturday, on May 18th, join Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen at Villa Louis for a hands on workshop and a tour through 19th century culinary delights.  This family style breakfast is served at 8:30 AM, and concludes with a tour of the grounds.  Whether you like the thrill of outdoor adventure, or a leisurely day spent enjoying a quiet historic town, Prairie du Chien has something for you.  After a wonderful day spent in Prairie du Chien, come back home to our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast for the perfect evening of relaxation.

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If you can’t get enough of the stunning Kickapoo Valley, a visit to the Kickapoo Valley Reserve will be well worth your time.  The Kickapoo Valley Reserve has an extensive network of trails perfect for use by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.  While the hiking trails are open year-round, the horse and biking trails won’t open until May 1st.  The Kickapoo Valley Reserve has miles of bike trails for all experience levels, ranging from pavement to grueling primitive mountain bike trails.  With up to 100 miles of connecting trails available, these trails meander through some of the most beautiful sights the Wisconsin outdoors has to offer.  If you’re looking for a leisurely ride through the valley,  try riding State Highway 131 north of Rockton.  This beautiful stretch of highway has multiple crossings of the Kickapoo river, and edges along Wildcat Mountain State Park.  If you’re up for an extra challenging, yet still paved ride, from Highway 131 take County F east towards Highway 33.  There, you’ll find a nice climb sure to challenge your legs!  If you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, don’t fret; there are approximately 24 miles of trails in the Reserve for you, too!  On these trails, which are used as snowmobile trails in the winter, you’ll find steep ascents, hairpin turns, and rapid descents as you bike through the forests and meadows of the Reserve.  An added perk of taking on these grueling trails is that you will see land in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve rarely seen by others.  Just as with the biking trails in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, the hiking trails will also offer you a view of the seldom-seen beauty hidden deep within. There are three hiking-only trails available for your use, and plenty of others to share.

If you’re looking for a day on the rivers, the Kickapoo River is a popular place for canoeists.  The Kickapoo River meanders throughout Wisconsin for 125 miles, at times passing through the Wildcat Mountain State Park and Kickapoo Valley Reserve.  Its gentle waters provide the perfect opportunity for beginners to test their skills.  The beautiful scenery along the river, though, makes it a perfect leisurely paddle for people of all experience levels.  The stretch of river from Ontario to La Farge is widely considered to be the most beautiful section of river.

If you’re looking for a more laidback approach to nature, then why not head to one of the Driftless Area’s three state parks?  Afterall, land is the distinctive feature of the Driftless Area.  The state parks offer some of the best scenic overlooks of the rugged bluffs, flowing rivers, and abundant wildlife.  Of course there is the always popular Kickapoo Valley Reserve that you can explore to your hearts content.  Wildcat Mountain State Park, perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Kickapoo River, offers 3, 603 acres to explore.  Though there is plenty to see and do, a favorite is to take an easy 1.3 mile walk down an interpretive nature trail.  Wyalusing State Park, just south of Prairie Du Chien offers a variety of forests, bluffs, springs, waterfalls, wetlands, and backwaters.  The great natural landscape in this state gem makes the perfect habitat for over 90 wildlife species.  There’s a lovely canoe trail through the wetlands, making for the perfect bird-watching experience.  If you decide to camp in the park, head on over to the Wyalusing Astronomy Center for some stargazing as well to make your adventure in the Wisconsin outdoors complete.

As you can see, there is an abundance of activities to choose from in the Wisconsin outdoors! No matter your experience level or outdoor savvy, we look forward to your stay at our peaceful Wisconsin bed and breakfast.

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When people think of Wisconsin, many of them think of one thing:  Cheese!  Wisconsin is surely famous for their dairy farming and amazing cheeses, but the farming history runs deeper than that.  Southwest Wisconsin, in the heart of the Driftless Area, is home to some of the regions best farming.  Wisconsin, formerly known as America’s bread basket because of their early start in wheat farming, soon became popular for feed crops and dairy.  German and Scandinavian immigrant influences brought an extensive background in dairy farming to the region, ultimately propelling Wisconsin to lead the nation in dairy farming by 1915.  Wheat and dairy aren’t the only components of Wisconsin’s farming history.  Tobacco farming, although difficult, became a profitable business in the Coon Valley of the Driftless Area.  In fact, Martin Bekkedal built a tobacco warehouse in nearby Viroqua in 1906 that was one of the largest in Wisconsin.  All of this history and more is at your fingertips when you come stay at our quiet Wisconsin bed and breakfast.

Organic farming at the Viroqua farmer’s market

While farming is still an integral part of life in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, practices have gradually been changing as society evolves.  In 1930, 170,000 dairy farms populated the Wisconsin countryside.  As of 2009, only 13,700 of those farms still were in operation.  Former tobacco farms have been turned into vineyards, and are becoming the seeds to a thriving regional wine industry.  More importantly, Wisconsin, and the Driftless Area in particular, has become a top-ranked state in organic farming, where Vernon county is home to more organic farms per capita than any other county in the country.  Keeping with historical tradition, Wisconsin still leads the nation in organic dairy farming.  Vernon County in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, is home to Organic Valley which is the farmer-owned coop that pioneered organic food production.  Organic Valley, now sold nationwide, started in 1988 with only 7 farmers, and is now comprised of 1,834 farms.  Just a short 30 minute drive from our Wisconsin bed and breakfast will lead you to the Viroqua Farmer’s Market, which opens in May, and will provide you with the perfect opportunity to visit the regional farms, and sample some of Wisconsin’s finest farm-fresh, local produce.  

Viroqua, a small quiet town in the heart of the Driftless Area, is the center point of one of the greatest organic farming regions in the country.  Starting in the end of May, and running through October, over 50 vendors from the region gather in Viroqua’s historic downtown to sell their products.  At the Viroqua farmer’s market, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and nuts.  If you hunger for handmade Amish products, ranging from handmade baskets and toy chests, to rugs and quilts, the Viroqua farmer’s market offers those as well.  You can also stop in at Viroqua’s food coop, where they support local farmers and emphasize selling organic and local food products.  You can even take a look at a variety of farmer profiles to see who and where the local, organic produce in this region comes from.  At the Inn at Lonesome Hollow, we strive to use fresh, local, and organic products where possible.  Book your stay now at our quintessential Wisconsin bed and breakfast, and experience the rich farming tradition that thrives in our area.

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When you picture the midwest, you picture land that is stereotypically flat with endless horizons. Have you ever thought about what that land looked like 10,000 years ago?  Think glaciers, and you will conjure up a landscape drastically different than what it is today.  The movement, or drift, of ancient glaciers across the region is what created the generally flat character of the land around here, with one notable exception: The Driftless Area in Wisconsin.  For some unexplainable reason, glacial ice skirted around our area, leaving it untouched.  What remains is what you see today; the rugged and beautiful landscape we call home.  Gorgeous valleys contrast with sharply rising cliffs and bluffs, providing vistas so astounding, they are simply incomparable to the rest of Wisconsin.

Beauty isn’t the only story to tell about the Driftless Area.  Here, every season will provide you with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.  The glory of spring brings wildflowers into bloom, migrating birds move along the Mississippi Flyway, and trout fill our plethora of top-rated Driftless Area fishing streams. Forested valleys and bluffs provide for ample hiking and biking in the summer, while the rivers and streams that cut through the region offer kayaking or canoeing. Celebrated fall foliage comes into view, and orchard and winery productions reach their peak during a Driftless Area fall.  The winter months bring snowfall for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts alike.  No matter your experience level, outdoor opportunities in the Driftless Area are abundant, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers of all types.

If spending time in the great outdoors isn’t your idea of a vacation, the Driftless Area still has plenty to offer you.  The region is steeped in culture and history, with many artistic and historical attractions to choose from.  If the Amish way of life intrigues you, take a tour with local guides, or visit a specialty shop to purchase their finely-crafted old-world goods.  It may not be evident at first glance, but the Driftless Area is also the perfect place for a romantic getaway.  Step into Driftless Wisconsin, and you will drift back to a place in time where life is slower, simpler.  This gentle, alluring quiet will allow you to experience the serenity of nature, escape from the demands of everyday life, and focus on each other.  Let one of our special packages help you create the getaway you’ve been dreaming of.  We have no doubt that once you experience our quiet Wisconsin bed and breakfast, you too, will fall in love with the Driftless Area.

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The Sugar Maple Tree, our state tree, is an important cultural and economic symbol of Wisconsin. According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, Wisconsin is currently the number four maple syrup producing state.  Wisconsin maple syrup production for 2013 is already underway, with tree tapping beginning in various areas throughout the state.

At the Inn at Lonesome Hollow, we join in with neighbors and friends to cultivate our maple tree sap and make delicious maple syrup.  Each year, we tap 30-40 maple trees. Timing this process is critical to produce the quality Wisconsin maple syrup we’re used to.  Ideal sap runs occur  when nighttime temperatures drop below freezing, and daytime temperatures reach 35-40 degrees. With our highly unpredictable midwest springs, this can happen as early as January, or as late as April.  This year, we are still awaiting that perfect weather.  Once the sap runs start, we will collect approximately 1200 gallons of sap, which boils down to about 30 gallons of carefully finished syrup, producing the lightest and finest quality Wisconsin maple syrup.  We use the finest fresh, local ingredients in our breakfasts, often served with our very own Wisconsin maple syrup.

If you want to try some of our regions wonderful products, we recommend two excellent certified organic maple syrups from the Driftless Region; Maple Valley organic maple cooperative based in Cashton, Wisconsin, and Kickapoo Gold based in Viroqua, Wisconsin.  You can also find new uses for our delicious Wisconsin maple syrup in these great maple-inspired recipes.  Book your stay with us now, and give our fresh maple syrup a try!

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When you stay at Lonesome Hollow, you are within an hour of more than 50 trout streams, with many only a few miles away.  Here are a few of our favorites:

• The West Fork of the Kickapoo River, a popular Class I stream, has been subject to careful habitat restoration and is now known as one of the best Wisconsin trout fishing areas.
• Tainter Creek is a local favorite Class I stream that winds through woodlands and farm fields as it makes its way to the Kickapoo River.
• Timber Coulee Creek is another Class I stream that has benefited from extensive habitat restoration, resulting in colder waters and large numbers of fish.

You can choose a fishing adventure of your own design, or choose to take a trip with one of the Driftless Area’s many expert fishing guides.  Tackle and guide service is available at the Driftless Angler in nearbyViroqua.  Other reputable guides in the region are Silver Doctor Fly Fishing, and Spring Creek Specialties.  After a quiet day of Wisconsin trout fishing, come back to our picturesque valley, and relax in your own quiet accommodations at the Inn at Lonesome Hollow.

You don’t need to wait for late spring to take advantage of Wisconsin trout fishing.  From March 1^st 2013 through April 28^th 2013, there is an early catch and release trout season happening.  Wisconsin’s regular inland trout fishing season begins May 4^th, and extends through September 30^th.  Join a workshop hosted by local trout expert and author Jay Thurston at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve on March 23rd for more information on creating your perfect Wisconsin trout fishing experience.  Wisconsin’s 2013 trout forecast for the Driftless Area is looking great, with ample fishing expected from the beginning of the season through to the end.  We look forward to your stay with us as you explore some of the finest Wisconsin trout fishing available!

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