Category Archives: Area Recreation

Apples Area Recreation

Wisconsin Favorite Apple Times

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The apple is the most versatile of fruits. If you’re interested in finding new ways to prepare apples, the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association has many recipes, including winners from the state apple recipe contest. Visit http://www.waga.org/ for more information when you come and stay at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Sparta, WI.

DID YOU KNOW:

  • Apples are one of the few fruits that you can find fresh any time of the year, all over the country.
  • Apples trees begin to bear fruit when about 4 to 5 years old, and occosionally apple trees that are 200 years old are still producing apples.
  • About 1/2 of the U.S. apple crop is processed into apple products such as applesauce, pie filling, jams, jellies and juice.
  • The average U.S. consumer eats about 65 apples (or 22 pounds) per person annually.

So, does this make you ready to get some Wisconsin Apples?  Come to our area by Sparta, Wisconsin, other small area towns and La Crescent, MN for some of the best apples.

  1. Star Valley Orchards, Warren, WI
  2. Northwoods Ochard and Farm Market, Mauston, WI
  3. Sacia Orchards, Galesville, WI
  4. Fergusion’s Morningside Orchards, Galesville, WI

Tell Us what are your favorite Apples on Facebook?

Area Recreation Calendar of Events Events

Kornfest 2011 in Holmen, Wisconsin

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Kornfest in Holmen on August 19th – 21st. Begining on Friday night with fireworks and on Saturday a parade on at 11am.

What would a festival be without food, well, KornFest has it, fresh corn on the cob, chicken BBQ and other food will be available. There will be live music, a carnival, water fights. Other entertainment at the festival will be tractor pulls, horseshoe tournament, volleyball, softball and concessions.

Car show on Sunday at Holmen Middle School.

Entry fees required for participating in the Parade and attending Car Show.

The KornFest event is sponsored by the Holmen Lions Club and takes place at Halfway Creek Park & American Legion, 419 W. 1st Ave. Holmen. 608-526-4444

Come stay at our Sparta Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast while your attending this family fun event.

Area Recreation bed and breakfast Birding Mississippi cruises

Explore the Mississippi near Sparta, Wisconsin

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Interactive and fully-guided riverboat cruises through the Mississippi’s wild and scenic backwaters.  Venture within feet of beautiful backwater riverbanks, bald eagle nests, beaver lodges, turtle logs, muskrat huts, great blue herons, blooming lotus and water lilies, and more!  Mississippi Explorer Cruises will be waiting for you to make a day filled of fun and excitement.  Cruises depart from Riverside Park’s south side. 

Phone: (877-647-7397 ext. 2) http://www.mississippiexplorer.com/
1.5 hr Wildlife Cruises, Wed-Sun departing at 10:30 am
2.0 hr Wildlife Cruises,  Wed-Sat departing at 2 pm
2.0 hr Wildlife Sunset Cruises, Fri & Sat departing at 6:30 pm

Make your plans now to include thee premier Sparta Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast when you come to Sparta for all your lodging needs.

Area Recreation bed and breakfast Bike Trails Biking Sparta fun Activities traveling green

Summer Live in Harmony at Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast

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Summer in Sparta, How to Live in Harmony with yourself, Trust your sense of Values  click on this link…

As Summer sunshine is a welcome addition to our Hidden Valleys area community.  The streets are abuzz with activity as shop owners and restaurants open their doors in anticipation of another wonderful Summer season in Sparta. 

Area Recreation Bike Trails Biking Birding Cheesemakers Tours Gas Saving

Staycations Ideas in Wisconsin Stay Closer To Home

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Is your Staycations keeping you closer to your home this year due to Gas prices?  If so, come to the Hidden Valleys of Southwest Wisconsin. Sparta, WI is close to so many things to do and see. Stay at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast and you will be able to do biking, canoeing, golfing, birding, go to cheese shops, wineries and so much more.  You may see all the area activities on our website.  We look forward to hosting you during your Wisconsin Summer “Staycations”.  Check out our gas card special and other activities specials on our website. See you soon!

Area Recreation Biking Sparta fun Activities Trips

Planning a Biking Trip to Sparta, Wisconsin

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Simple things you can do to plan a biking trip.  A fun and active way to spend quality time with your friends, family or spouse.

Spring is here and it’s time to take the bikes out of storage.  Bike riding is a fun way to stay in shape and great way to get to places you may want to go.  Riding bikes together is a good way to make sure your loved ones get the exercise they need.  This will also help you strengthen your relationships.  Before going on a bike trip it is a good idea to make plans for the outing.

A Week or Two Ahead of Time

There are many things that should be planned in Advance.

  1. Where are you going to stay at and what dates? Stay with us at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Sparta, WI - 608-366-1427 or website FranklinVictorianBB.com . Call to make a reservation or make a secure on-line reservation from our website.
  2. Pick which state bike trails you are interested in riding.  We recommend the Elroy-Sparta state trail.  We are located one mile from the trail head, it offers 3 awesome tunnels and nature, small bike friendly towns to stop at and it is known world wide to be the best! We sure do!
  3. We provide a bike shuttle service for our guests to so you can ride the whole trail. Talk to the innkeepers to arrange or have more questions.
  4. Bring snacks for the trail so go shopping with your lists.

The Night Before the Biking Trip

The night before the outing is a great time to prepare for the trip.  You don’t want to wait until the morning you leave to pack and get ready.
  1. Make the lunches and put them in the refrig. till morning.
  2. Gather all the biking equipment and place in near the bikes or in your car. We suggest you pack a helmet, camera, flashlights for the tunnels, and a light rain jacket.
  3. Check over the bikes to make sure they are safe to ride. Put air in the tires if necessary.
  4. Have your GPS and or maps ready to go! Let someone know where you are going to be.
The Day of Your Biking Trip and Leaving Home
There won’t be a lot to do the day that you leave for your Trip because you have planned so well in advance.
  1.  After you are out of bed and dressed, sit down to eat breakfast.
  2. While you are out on the trip, take a lot of pictures.
See you Soon!
For reservations, visit the Franklin Victorian website or call 888-594-3822. The inn is located at 220 E. Franklin Street in Sparta, WI
Area Recreation Authors Birding Necedah Wildlife Refuge Reading traveling green workshops

Necedah Wildlife Refuge visitor center grand opening

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Necedah National Wildlife Refuge will host a Ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of its state-of-the-art visitor center on Saturday, April 30, from 10 am to 3:30 pm.  Special activities, book signings, presentations, photographer and programs for the entire family will be available beginning at 11 am. 2011 Events Calendar will keep you visiting and enjoy event all year long.

The 12,000 square foot facility was designed with green technology while maximizing energy saving needs and include photovoltaic solar panels, geothermal wells, and was built using environmentally friendly, natural materials including fiber cement siding, metal roof, and marmoleum flooring.

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is open sunrise to sunset.  The refuge office is open Monday through Saturday 7:30 am to 4pm, and located two miles north on Headquarters Road off of Highway 21 four miles west of the Village of Necedah or 18 miles east of Tomah.

Please call 608-565-2551 with any questions, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/necedah for more information or find us on Facebook.

Area Recreation Biking Calendar of Events La Crosse area events

Marathon on the Mississippi La Crosse Fitness Festival

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The Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival is a two-day celebration that gives area residents and visitors from across the country an opportunity to enjoy active, aerobic outdoor events amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Mississippi River Valley. The wide range of activities–from a full marathon to a 5-kilometer walk, youth events and cycling events–offers challenges to both experienced and novice athletes of all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds from the Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival are donated to the St. Clare Health Mission, Youth Enrichment Association, and Special Olympics of La Crosse.
Marathon-A scenic 26.2 mile race through the cities of La Crosse and Onalaska. Half Marathon

A 13.1 mile race around the south side of La Crosse.
5K Run/Walk
Kick off the La Crosse Fitness Festival by racing or walking this scenic loop starting in Riverside Park.
Marathon Relay

Share the experience of a marathon by dividing the distance with your friends.
Bike Tour
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the coulee region on one of three different bike tours.
Cycling Criterium
A fast, flat, 0.7 mile loop of road bike race on closed city streets of historic downtown La Crosse.
Cycling Time Trial
Test your endurance with a 2.5 mile ride up Grandad Bluff.
Children’s Events
Free races from 100 yards to 800 yards for children up through Grade 6.
Corporate Team Challenge
A team challenge that encourages maximum participation of co-workers at all fitness levels.
Fitness Expo
Learn about fitness and health; purchase fitness gear and nutritional supplements.
For a place to stay while attending the Festival come to the Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast, in Sparta, WI just about 25 minutes from La Crosse. You can relax and enjoy your time while in the beautiful area of Southwest Wisconsin. 608-366-1427 or see our website for more infomation. 

Area Recreation Birding Knitting Quilting Reading Sparta fun Activities Winter Activities

Winter Activites Outdoors at Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts

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During the month of February, boredom easily sets in. The long evenings seem to stretch on forever. Why not utilize this time of the year? The cold weather outdoor activities make a great winter sport season. Many things can be done indoors during the cold dark period. Instead of moping around the house, make the best use of your time having fun Outdoors.

Finish Your Wish List for the Winter by coming to the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Sparta, Wisconsin where there are ski areas, winter sports during the winter season. Do you like to cross-country and downhill skiing? This area has that available too. Finish this winter, doing something that interest you or perhaps you have always wanted to try.

Reading, Knitting, Quilting, Birding are other wonderful winter activities you can do in Sparta. Pack up your books, magazines and your knitting project and come here to quilt, knit, read, relax and explore more at the bed and breakfast and the Sparta area shops.

Don’t worry if there is no occasion to celebrate. We are sending you a invitation to come stay with us, soon winter will be over and you will be thinking on what an awesome stay you had this past winter at an  Award-Winning Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast and had a great vacation you loved!

Call 888-594-FVBB

Area Recreation Calendar of Events

Ft McCoy Winter Extravaganza, Sparta, Wisconsin

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Winter Extravaganza set for Jan. 29, 2011 at Whitetail ridge Ski Area in Sparta, WI.  Activities for Fort McCoy’s Winter Extravaganza 2011 will be held at Whitetail Ridge Ski Area from 9 am -5pm. Saturday, Jan 29. The event is hosted by Fort McCoy Outdoor Recreation. Among the highlights will be an adventure race, FREE ski and snowboard lessons, slalom races, ski/snowboard rail jam, snow pile dig, and an obstacle course.  Discounted lift tickets will be available.  The event is open to the public. 

For more information about the event, call 608-388-3517 or toll-free 800-531-4703.

When you are done with all the activities offered at Whitetail Ridge Ski area for the day come and warm up and stay with us at the Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast just a few miles away. 608-366-1427.

Have fun and then relax and enjoy your stay with us!