The Inn at Lonesome Hollow is delighted to announce three culinary workshops this year featuring  chef Monique Jamet Hooker.  Participants in any of the 3 culinary workshops staying  2 nights at the Inn at Lonesome Hollow will get a $50 discount on their stay.  The first workshop this year is April 17th and 18th, and will be “Pates and Sausages”.  Learn how to make Pate de Campagne, garlic sausage, onion brats and more!

 Culinary workshop attendants can choose several ways to participate: from a full weekend, starting Friday night through Sunday, which includes 2 dinners, lunch, and Sunday brunch, to a shortened workshop on Saturday, which includes lunch.  The workshop will be located at Monique’s kitchen at her log home, which is nestled in the woods on a bluff above the Mississippi River.  Included with the workshop will be Monique’s award winning book,  Cooking with the Seasons, which introduces readers to over 200 recipes that emphasize seasonal distinctions of taste, texture, and color.

Monique Presents her Delicious Fare

Acclaimed chef Monique  came to the US from France in the sixties and took a position in her brother’s restaurant in New York state before moving to Chicago where she made a name for herself as a food stylist and caterer.  She also began teaching classes for people eager to recreate her art in their own kitchen. In 1983 she opened Monique’s Cafe’ in Chicago’s North River district which has since become the premier dining area in the city.

Since Monique has “retired” to the hills of Southwest Wisconsin,  she has been a spokesperson and chef with Organic Valley Cooperative, and is a frequent guest on “WPR’s “Here on Earth” and continues to teach, lecture and demonstrate the “art of seasonal cooking”.

Additional Lonesome Hollow workshops with Chef Monique Hooker will be November 5th-7th:  “All About Duck”-Roasted, Confit, Foie Gras, and more;  December 3rd-5th: “Chocolate and More Chocolate”-Cake, Truffles, Glaze, Dipping and more.

Photo by Jerry Quebe

The Inn at Lonesome Hollow, a rural bed and breakfast in Southwest Wisconsin, will sponsor three “Learn About the Wisconsin Amish” weekends in 2010. The dates for these Amish weekends are April 30/May 1, June 4/5, and October 29/30.

Locally Made Amish Honey

Included in the Amish learning weekend will be an entire afternoon spent with local tour guides who know the Cashton Settlement extremely well. The afternoon will include a tour, inside and outside, of a recently completed Amish-built house, a driving tour through the Cashton settlement with stops at the workshops of local Amish artisans, lunch at a very unique eatery, a tour of one or more local round barns, and a list of recommended Amish shopping for tour participants to visit on their own.

Amish Hay Wagon Near Cashton

Immerse yourself for one day in the life and the culture of the old world Amish. See and experience how this gentle religious sect lives a life of simple pleasures and hard work. Enter into fascinating discussions with your very personable guides and with some Amish artisans themselves. Visit the “Workshop” page at www.lonesomehollow.com for “Learn About the Wisconsin Amish” weekend details.

Valentine’s Day, more than any other holiday, is an occasion to spend quiet time with the one you love. In the wooded hills and valleys of Southwest Wisconsin, three miles from the tiny villages of Soldiers Grove and Gays Mills,  the Inn at Lonesome Hollow offers luxurious rooms and suites set on 160 secluded acres. The Inn offers two person whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, beautiful decor and an amount of privacy that can’t be found in even a small town.

Between your full breakfast and your liesurely afternoon soak in the whirlpool, hike or snow shoe on four miles of private wooded trails. The Inn offers complimentary use of snow shoes. Additional hiking is available nearby at Wyalusing and Wildcat Mountain State Parks in WI, Effigy Mounds National Monument and Pike’s Peak State Park in Iowa, and at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, an incredible 8000 acres of public land near La Farge, WI. Restaurants in Soldiers Grove, Viroqua, and Prairie du Chien offer excellent dining opportunities. 

Be alone, enjoy the natural beauty of the Kickapoo River Valley and the incomparable Driftless Area, drive the rural county roads that wind through the hills. A special Valentine Package is posted on the website – www.lonesomehollow.com.

During the winter months eagles congregate along the unfrozen portions of the Upper Mississippi River. The stretch of river from La Crosse, WI south to Priarie du Chien, WI always has a high concentration of  these majestic birds. After hitting a population low in early 1970’s the eagle population is once again healthy, and the eagle was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007. Wisconsin now has more than 1000 pairs of nesting eagles, and more than 200 of those nest in the Upper Mississippi Valley.  

Eagle soars over the Mississippi

Many winter guests at our rural bed and breakfast, the Inn at Lonesome Hollow, take the short drive to the big river to view the symbol of our nation. The most spectacular viewing occurs when most of the Mississippi is frozen, and only small areas (often downstream of dams) remain open. The eagles gather in these spots because they can enjoy fine winter fishing. Often one can view eagles soaring, eagles perched in trees, eagles sitting on nearby ice dining on their catch, even eagles swooping down on the water to grab lunch - all in one spot of the river. 

There are a couple of local events that provide the opportunity to view the eagles along with programs, exhibits, and even winter hiking. In Prairie du Chien their Bald Eagle Appreciation Day is scheduled for February 27, 2010 and will be held at the regional tourism center at the Hwy 18 bridge entrance. Bird experts will be there to help inform the public about eagle behavior. Another eagle event, Cassville’s Bald Eagle Days will be held on Januray 30/31, 2010. Cassville is located about 30 miles south of Prairie Du Chien on the Mississippi River. 

Pete and Nora

It was 7 am, December 29, 2009. The temperature was minus four degrees (Fahrenheit, just in case someone outside the US is reading this). Early glimmers of daylight were just appearing to the east as we left our bed and breakfast, the Inn at Lonesome Hollow, near Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. We quickly made our way to Hwy 131, then headed north. As the sky lightened a bit more we weaved our way past a wonderous white landscape, progressing north through the quiet villages of Soldiers Grove, Readstown, Viola, and LaFarge. About four miles north of La Farge we turned left onto Cty Hwy P. Just a mile after turning onto Cty P we pulled off the road into a small parking area at one of the many trailheads in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

Slight glint of the morning dawn on the frozen river

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) is a jewel. It is more than 8000 acres of roughly sculpted hills, bluffs, and valley that are owned by the people of Wisconsin. It is located near the center of the famed Driftless Area, a large island or peninsula of land that was spared by the Wisconsin Glacier of ten thousand years ago. The Kickapoo River has therefore been slowly wearing away the limestone bedrock of the valley for more than one hundred thousand years. In places this erosion is gentle in appearance, with graceful valleys that gradually meld into the hills. In other places this erosion is dramatic and limestone bluffs rise almost one hundred feet vertically out of the river bed. The Kickapoo Valley is twenty five times older than the pyramids of Egypt. It is about 500 times older than the United State of America. It is evidence of the persistence, the patience, and the power of nature.

Kickapoo River from Bridge 15

Our walk was exceptional. We saw no other person. The trail wandered through pristine forest and valley bottom, often right alongside the ever wandering Kickapoo River. Our lungs sucked in the frigid air. We walked quickly to accelerate our heart rates and make our family doctor happy! Dr Dave would approve of our start to this day. 

Bridge 15

It is too easy for midwesterners to stay inside during the cold winter months. We can always find diversions that keep us in the warmth and protection of our homes. But if you can muster the energy to venture out into the cold, the rewards can be amazing and beautiful. And blessed.

Happy winter!

Pete and Nora, Inn at Lonesome Hollow

In southwest Wisconsin, in the heart of the Kickapoo Valley, in the heart Wisconsin’s famed Driftless Area – lies a wonderfully rural and elegant bed and breakfast – the Inn at Lonesome Hollow. Lonesome Hollow is 160 mostly forested acres; it is one of the quietest and most peaceful settings you will ever find; it is a place of rugged landscape and abundant wildlife; it is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

We have put together a special winter romantic getaway for the months of January through March, 2010. Enjoy our newest, most spacious, and most private suite, the Upper Homestead Suite. This suite is located in the back of our private valley, out of view of any other building. The views are spectacular, with 300 ft high hills surrounding the Homestead house on three sides. The winter landscape is gorgeous. This suite offers a king bed, a large living room with fireplace, a spacious bath with separate whirlpool room, and a full kitchen. The living room’s floor-to-ceiling picture window looks out over the wooded, winter hillsides. 

Built in 2005, The Homestead Offers Deluxe Accomodations

This special package includes: a dozen red roses, full country breakfasts served either at the main Inn or at your suite; one wine and cheese appetizer;  one catered dinner – your choice of six entree items from a great local restaurant – served in your suite; and complimentary use of snow shoes for those winter days when snow conditions allow.

Enjoy Breakfast and Dinner in Your Suite

If you so desire, you never have to leave the suite for your stay. Celebrate your special day – birthday, anniversary, engagement, …  and stay warm and cozy in magnificent surroundings. The price for this special romantic stay is $349 for a one night stay or $499 for a very relaxed two night stay. 

We will do everything possible to make this an unforgettable time of peace and love.

Pete and Nora

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is located in the heart of southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The Reserve offers more than 8000 acres of rugged landscape, a succession of ridges and valleys that predate the last ice age. If you are anywhere near LaCrosse, Wisconsin on January 9, 2010 take the time to drive the 30-40 minutes southeast into the Kickapoo Reserve. The 2010 Kickapoo Reserve Winter Festival includes chain saw scuplture demonstrations, guided ice cave tours, a birds of prey demonstration, horse-drawn wagon and bobsled rides, chili and bread contests, and a candlelight hike & ski.

The Kickapoo Reserve encompasses about a 20 mile section of Wisconsin’s “crookedest” river, the Kickapoo River. You will find the Reserve’s landscapes to be natural, dramatic, and near pristine. More than 20 miles of hiking and cross country ski trails are offered. The Reserve has a wonderful Visitor’s Center that relates much of the history of the Kickapoo Valley, including the failed La Farge dam project.

The Inn at Lonesome Hollow, www.lonesomehollow.com, offers super lodging options (whirlpools, fireplaces, hearty breakfasts) just 30 minutes south of the Reserve. Lonesome Hollow itself offers four miles of private trails through 160 mostly wooded acres. The Reserve and Lonesome Hollow currently both enjoy a solid snow cover (10-14 inches) and more snow along with cold temps are predicted for the week of December 21.

The Inn at Lonesome Hollow

Why be a couch potato in winter when you have great recreation at your doorstep!

It looks like the 2009/2010 winter will be another snowy one in Wisconsin. In SW Wisconsin, about 60 miles south of LaCrosse, we are right now watching a big storm go through. There is already a foot of snow on the ground from this storm and 3-5 inches additional is forecast for later today. So, lets make lemonade from the lemons!

For those who are adventurous enough to go out into the snowy landscape, the rewards are many. There is nothing more quiet and more peaceful than a snow-filled forest. The normal quiet of a rural forest is rendered even quieter by the sound absorbing blanket of snow. Everything is fresh, and white, and invigorating. Animal lovers have access to the tracks of every critter that has recently passed before you on the trail. Signs of deer, rabbit, fox, turkey, coyote, and even an occasional bobcat will be there on the ground. Look also for signs of a hawk swooping down to the ground to grab an unsuspecting field mouse.

Winter at Lonesome Hollow

The Inn at Lonesome Hollow is a rural bed and breakfast located half way between Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. Accomodations include B&B rooms, suites, and a cabin. All units have a gas fireplace to warm up over after a few hours in the woods. Four of our units have whirlpool tubs for you to soak away any residual chill. Enjoy a hot breakfast guaranteed to fill you up; dine at a great pub only four miles away; or order a take out meal from the pub’s menu and we will pick up your dinner for you.

The Inn offers complimentary use of snow shoes for use on the four miles of trails at Lonesaome Hollow or at one of five nearby state parks.  Visit

Snowshoeing at Lonesome Hollow

www.lonesomehollow.com to see hundreds of photos of our 160 acre property. We off special internet winter rates to make your stay economical as well as enjoyable.

Pete and Nora

Thanksgiving has come and gone; Christmas and the New Year are on the horizon. Now is a great time to plan a restorative getaway at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. Whether you need time to finish a project, a peaceful place to relax before hosting friends and family, or inspiration for gifts in unfamiliar shops, you can find it here.

Isn't this where you want to prepare for the holidays

The inn is situated on 160 peaceful acres in the rural, southwestern part of the state, not far from the Wisconsin Mississippi. It is an ideal place to hunker down with friends and take care of those last minute knitting projects you all have to finish by the 25th. Think of the fun you will have, side by side with your friends, creating something hand-made for someone special. Sip tea or wine together and talk late into the night as you inspire one another to work until you finish your projects; you won’t be tempted by the many distractions at home, but you should make time to stretch your legs with a long walk (or ski!) through the Kickapoo Valley. If you have a little extra time, head out for some interesting shopping.

The area surrounding our Bed and Breakfast Wisconsin is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the country. The Amish are known for their superior craftsmanship – echoes of an earlier time – and as a result there is some fine shopping near our inn. Peruse nearby Amish shops for beautiful quilts, sturdy baskets and attractive furniture, for you are sure to find a perfect gift for someone.

In short, you can’t afford not to take some time for yourself before the holidays -  take advantage of our internet special over the next couple of months, and travel for less. You’ll feel refreshed when you get back to the real world.

Chicago area photographer, Bob Denny, will be hosting another of his digital photography workshops on Oct.31 – Nov.1 at the Inn at Lonesome Hollow (www.lonesomehollow.com) located in rural, scenic Southwest Wisconsin.  The workshop will include: classroom instruction on basic digital SLR camera controls; outdoor shooting of late fall colors in the beautiful Kickapoo Valley and Driftless Area that surround the Inn at Lonesome Hollow; indoor shooting utilizing artificial lights and backgrounds; and photoshop image manipulation and printing.

Bob has offered his photography workshops at several different locations in Wisconsin over the past four years. Several of the workshop attendees regularly come back for more learning experience at subsequent workshops. His workshops are noted for the teaching of manual control of SLR digital cameras, artistic photo composition, and the production of quality prints.

To sign up for the course, contact Bob at www.bobdennyphoto.com. Space is still available. The Inn at Lonesome Hollow is offering special lodging pricing for this workshop – save $50 on a two night reservation. Lodging availability is shown at www.lonesomehollow.com, or call Pete and Nora at 608-624-3429.