Black River State Forest Candlelight, Wisconsin- Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast

Black River State Forest Annual candlelight ski/hike/snowshoe is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 6 to 9 pm.

The event will begin and end at the Smrekar Trail Parking Lot located four miles East of Millston on county Rd O, then North for a mile on Smrekar Road.

The event is sponsored by the Black River Forest Trail Foundation as a fundraiser to support operations of this trail system.

The event will be held with or without snow, AND WE NOW HAVE SNOW!
For more information, call 715-284-4103

Cabin Fever - Chili Walk and Wine Tasting in Tomah, Wisconsin- Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast

Jump Start  your Spirits with some Spicy Chili, Savory soup or Stew and Great Wine Tasting!
Sample Chili or Soup at Participating Merchants in Tomah, Wisconsin.  By sampling and voting you will eligible to win 2 Gift Baskets filed with items donated by the Participating Merchants.

• A Taste of Wisconsin
• Antique/Cranberry country Mall
• Area Community Theatre
• Burnstad's European Restaurant
• Gallery 1012
• Heartland Cranberry Mall
• J&R Variety
• Tomah Cash Store and more....

February 18, 2012

Chili / Soup Tasting: 11 am - 4 pm at Participating Shops in Tomah Wisconsin.

Wine Tasting: 4 pm - 6pm at Burnstad's Restaurant in Tomah Wisconsin.

Tickets: $5.00 per person

All Proceed will go to the Neighbor for Neighbor Food Pantry.
Tickets go on Sale February 1st. at participating stores and at the Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce, 901 Kilbourn Avenue in Tomah, Wisconsin.
http://www.tomahwisconsin.com/

Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast, Sparta WI, Thanking Guests with Shaklees

Here at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Sparta, WI we are always very concerned about our guests and our enivorment.  Starting in 2012 we are "Thanking Our Guests" with a Sample Capsule of Shaklee Basic H2 Cleaner for them to take home and try for their own use.  We use only Shaklee products for All our cleaning needs at the bed and breakfast. We truly believe in this product for the health of our guests, to the cleanliness of our B&B.

"Inside this tiny capsule is enough power to make a whole bottle of all-purpose super cleaner and another whole bottle of glass cleaner..."

Each little vial holds enough Basic H2 to make two bottles of powerful cleaner when diluted in 16 ounces of water. Great for introducing new prospects to the cleaning power of Basic H2.  First, mix 2 drops to 16 oz. of water in a Get Clean Spray Bottle for cleaning windows and mirrors. Then, mix 1/4 tsp. to 16 oz. of water in a Get Clean Spray Bottle for all-purpose cleaning.

So, here is my overall take on the Shaklee Basic H2 Cleaner:

• Do I think the product works? Yup!
• Are they healthier and more environmentally friendly ? Yup! 
• Is the Shaklee Basic H2 Cleaner expensive? NO! At first look, you might think at $12 for a 16 oz. bottle of the Basic H2 Cleaner, that is expensive. However, if I tell you how much of that little .07 fl. oz sample vial I used you will see that $12 for a 16 oz. bottle is a deal compared to the cost of buying average cleaner...
• And, I don’t even want to think about all that plastic that goes into the landfill if you don't use Shaklee products!

A better you, better health, a better world. It's not just possible. It's happening—again and again—every day.

If you would like to read more and Shaklee in the News here is read more....http://www.shaklee.com/news_coverage.shtml



Geo-Caching and Winter Extravaganze events in Sparta, Wi- Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast

The Geocaching event begins Jan. 1 and continues to March 1. Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which players try to locate hidden geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices. Participants can pick up geocache coordinated at Pine View Campground or Whitetail Ridge Ski Area, strap on your snow schoes or cross country skis and head out to search for the GPS locations. When a geocashe is located, sign and turn in the entry slip for a change to win a prize. Participants also can rent snowshoes or Cross-county skis and GPS devices from Whitetail Ridge Ski Area.

The annual Winter Extravaganza at Whitetail Ridge Ski Area will be held Jan. 28. Activities scheduled are an Adventure Race, Snow Tubing, skiing, slalom races, snowboard rail jam, snow pile dig, and an obstacle course. Discounted Lift Tickets and Tubing will be available.

Both events are open to the public. For more information, call 608-388-3517

Whitetail Ridge Ski Area is located by Fort McCoy in Sparta, Wisconsin. The Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast is only approx. 5 miles from these events. So, head out for a fun day and relax here afterwards at the B&B. Hope to see you soon.

Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast, Sparta, WI and La Crosse Tribune On The Go!

The Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast, Sparta, WI  is thinking "Wisconsin Green" and is now offering the
La Crosse Tribune Newspaper where their guests scan a provide QR Code for La Crosse Tribune or search for "La Crosse Tribune" in your mobile app store.  Guests get local news, events, weather and sports..here, there and everywhere...the La Crosse Tribune we'll go with you where ever you maybe!

Download the La Crosse Tribune app for your iPad, iPhone or Android Mobile phone for FREE!
lacrossetribune.com/apps

Norwegian Bake Sale in Sparta, WI

Would you like to get some yummy Norwegian bake goods? Come to the Norwegian Bake Sale, Hosted by: Leon Garden Club. Homemade by “the Leon Lefse Ladies”.

• Lefse, Rosettes, Christmas Cookies, Krumkake, Breads/Pies, Sandbakkles and Candies, oh my….

Starting at 8:30 am on Saturday, December 10th at Leon Town Hall, 8108 JackRabbit Ave, South of Sparta off Hwy 27.

• A little history of Lefse…is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made of potatoes. Commonly on holiday such as Thanksgiving and Christmas it is served.
• There are many types of lefse, but the main ingredients are almost always the same: sugar, flour, salt and milk, and cream or shortening.
• The dough is rolled out using a corrugated rolling pin to remove any air pockets. Then using a griddle to make.
  
  At the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast innkeeper Jennifer remembers the memories or her grandmother and father all Norwegian serving this during their visits. She keeps the tradition going with her family. Loves it the best when served warm and with butter.

Come and help out the area ladies and support them for the holidays.

Christmas Tree Farm, Sparta, WI, Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast

With December almost here and right around the corner let our bed and breakfast in Sparta Wisconsin create "a cut above the rest" with many area local Christmas tree farms for you and your family to enjoy. Wisconsin produces many different types of trees for you to choose from. We have three farms just a few miles from us or just down the road to the next town.

Lorilynn Farm Christmas Trees and Wreaths
5558 Iberia Avenue,  Sparta (608) 269-3202

Hilliker Tree Farm & Christmas - 20594 Flatiron Avenue, Tomah (608) 372-0777

Labus Christmas Tree Farm - N6084 Mc Kinley Valley Rd,  West Salem (608) 786-1533

Make this a winter tradition for your family and enjoy an great day of holiday fun. Head on back to our Sparta Wisconsin bed and breakfast and relax over night with hot tea, hot coco and some fresh cookies.

Jennifer Dunn, Your very happy innkeeper at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast.

Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Pecan Pie Recipe for Thanksgiving Holiday

Today at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast, I received from a fundraiser here in Sparta, WI the most beautiful, huge, and tasty Pecan halves...which then made me think of my favorite Grandma's Homemade Pecan Pie.  With the holiday coming and planning I got my recipe box out and am ready to bake. It is a pie recipe that is not shared often so enjoy the best!

Pecan Pie
Use you favorite Pie crust


3 eggs beaten - add in
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup syrup (light or dark)
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Add 1 cup pecan nuts on top

Bake 45 min. at 350 degrees
(test with knife like you do with pumpkin pie)

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in Sparta, Wisconsin

We are very lucky here in Sparta, Wisconsin on December 4th at approx. 6:45 p.m. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train with all it's wonderful lights, will make a quick 15 minute stop this year on Sunday!  Come to the Sparta Chamber of Commerce Depot, Corner of S. Water St. and Milwaukee St (South side of the CP tracks).  They will present a check to our very own local Food Pantry and will have entertainers perform a few songs, ending with Santa making an appearance. 

Everyone is encourage to come out and see the train. We always would like everyone to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to our local Food Pantry.  If you have never seen the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train you must come out on December 4th to enjoy this event. Dress Warm and make memories forever!
You can be the trains Fan on Facebook too.  

Monroe Co. Historical Society Arts & Crafts Show in Sparta

The 73th Monroe County Historical Society Arts & Crafts Show will be held at the Sparta Senior High School on November 5, 2011 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The Senior High School is located at 506 N. Black River St. in Sparta Wisconsin.  Contact Joan Cook 608-269-3233 for vendor information about the Arts & Craft Show.

This event is FREE and with over 250 vendors at this years event there is sure to be something for everyone looking for that unique gift idea.

Spend you pre-holiday shopping at the Sparta Arts and Craft show while staying at our Sparta Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast.

October Is National Cranberry Month In Wisconsin

Did You Know? October Is National Cranberry Month and Wisconsin is the Number #1 Producing  State

Today I went to Warrens, Wisconsin for my first visit and Yes it is a very small town of about 350 people. But, at this time of the year the buzz is all about Cranberry Bog Harvest time.

My first stop was to visit the Cranberry  Discover Center where I have heard they have a museum and "Everything Cranberries" from salsa to ice cream. So, yes I had a Cranberry Delight ice cream cone and bought many other food items to try and serve to my guests.  I was greeted by three wonderful ladies and they were very helpful.  Then I went down stairs to the Cranberry Museum for a short video and walked thru the area of all the wonderful history and exhibits.  I learned alot about Warrens, WI and Cranberries.  Do you know how many food items there are with Cranberries in them?  I do and you can to when you visit the Cranberry Discover Center.  I then stopped by the head quarters for "Warrens Cranberry Festival" which feature over three miles of shopping and over 1,300 booths.  It is always the last full weekend in September. It is a must to add to "Your Bucket list".  cranfest@cranfest.com or call 608-378-4200.

I had a fun fill morning and I am glad to have had the time to go see for myself so I can share with all of you. 

Go check it out.....I leave you with some Cranberry Facts.

• The first cranberry marshes in Wisconsin date to the 1830s, before it was even a state.
  
• On April 5, 2004, Governor Doyle signed a bill naming the cranberry Wisconsin's state fruit.
• The cranberry has a large impact on Wisconsin's economy during healthy conditions. Wisconsin's top fruit crop provides about 7,200 jobs and contributes approximately $330 million to the state's economy.
• Various types of wildlife can be found on cranberry marshes, including Blue Herons, Trumpeter Swans, Sand Hill Cranes, Fox Deer, Geese, Wolves, Bears, Eagles, Osprey, Loons and more.

Rails to Trails Full & Half Marathon races, Norwalk WI 2011

Mark your calendar now to come out to Norwalk Wisconsin on November 6 for the 4rd Annual Rails to Trails Marathon races. Be it that you attend as a participant or a spectator, the Rails to Trails Marathon is a fun and exciting marathon race which is not only a race for die-hard runners, but is walker friendly as well.

In addition to the full marathon there will also be a half marathon, 1 mile Fun Run, 5K and a Chicken-Que which is included in the full Marathon and half Marathon entry fee. Click Here for the complete schedule.

For those who want to run the marathon races, there are aid stations with water, sport drinks and medical aid available every 2 miles.

If you arrive on November 7, there is a Spaghetti Dinner at the Norwalk Community Center which is included in the Marathon and half Marathon entry fee as well.

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

Web Designer thanks Steve Jobs and Apple Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast icon

Through the years, Apple's innovations have made technology easier and more enjoyable to use. In that spirit, we've created a new home screen icon for our iPhone & iPad users giving quick and clear access to our mobile website application. By default, creating a home screen bookmark of any website leaves a generic icon on your iOS device that is often hard to read and lacking the clean design found on typical application icons. We've created this new custom icon so that our mobile website is at home among a bevy of iOS applications.

To load this icon on your iPhone or iPad, simply head to m.franklinvictorianbb.com, click on the arrow on the bottom of your screen and tap 'Add to Home Screen'.

Fancy, Funky, & Fabulous Wildwoman's

Surround yourself with glamour, color and whimsy!
Located in an historic building in Sparta, Wisconsin, Look for the theater marquee in downtown Sparta.

Vintage-Retro-New

• Collectible and Wearable Apparel-Men, Women & Children
• Sequins, Glitter, Tulle
• Ostrich Feathers, Boas and Furs
• Hats, Hats, Hats
• Bags, Gloves, Shoes
• Olde Chenille, Linens, Barkcloth
• Feather Fascinators
• Fabulous Designer Dresses & Gowns at Affordable Prices
• Glamour, Costume, Dance and so Much More!

An Out of the Ordinary Experience
New and special pieces daily

Please Phone for Hours and Appointment
210 South Water Street
Downtown Sparta, WI 54656
608-269-6217
Email-wildwomans@centurytel.net
http://www.wildwomanclothing.com/

Wisconsin Favorite Apple Times

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?

B&Bs FOR VETS and Better Way to Stay

Innkeeper Jennifer Dunn at the Franklin Victorian B&B wants to say thank you to those who’ve served their country by inviting veterans to wake up on 11-11-11 in a B&B. Inns and B&Bs throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets and one guest by offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military on Thursday, November 10, 2011. While hundreds of inns and B&Bs have signed on to provide rooms, they will be reserved quickly, so review the list below from innkeepers in the U.S. and reserve your room while space is available.

For a complete list of inns and B&Bs participating in the B&Bs for Vets program, and search your state.
From the entire B&B industry, thank you to all those who are presently serving or have served to protect our freedom.

Sparta Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast - Franklin Victorian B&B

Recipe of the Weekend - PEACHES AND CREAM CAKE

Served warm or cool, this cake sure is one comforting treat! Made and guests want the recipe. Easy to make...

INGREDIENTS
2/3 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 c milk
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1 can(s) (15 oz) sliced peaches, reserve liquid

CREAM FILLING
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 c sugar
3 tsp reserved peach juice

TOPPING
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Dough: Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add egg, milk and butter and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into a well-greased, 9 inch round pan. Drain peaches, reserving juice; arrange peaches over batter. Cream Filling: Cream together ingredients and spoon over peaches. Topping: Sprinkle sugar mixture on top and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. I check with a toothpick to come out clean. (Oven Temps vary).

Pump House Regional Arts Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Pump House Regional Arts Center, Wisconsin Music Concerts series is starting! On  Friday, October 21, 2011 Willy Porter will preform. Porter will opens the concert season this year with a bang, a song, and mesmerizing dexterity on the guitar.  An audience favorite at the Pump House, Porter is a high sought after guitarist and singer-songwriter. 

Tickets for this special even are $22 for Pump House member and $25, general public. Call 608-785-1434 for tickets or order online: http://www.thepumphouse.org/

Review of the Week: Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Sparta, WI

Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Sparta, Wisconsin is a wonderful place for a romantic, relaxing, exciting getaway. It’s only 25 minutes from historic La Crosse, Wisconsin. We are in the driftless area of South Western Wisconsin where the first state bike trail was created. The Elroy-Sparta State bike trail has over 101 connecting miles of bike trails. Canoeing, walking, horseback riding, and so many more wonderful silent sports to do. As a guest, you can enjoy many restaurants, and a wonderful four course breakfast. We have four guest rooms available.

The B&B currently has 217 reviews and on overall perfect rating on BedandBreakfast.com and we are very excited and delighted to inform you that we have been named "Best of the Midwest & Great Lakes" for the third time based upon the excellent reviews posted by our guests during the past three years. The following review was left for a stay, August 2011.

“Awesome B&B”
Franklin Victorian B&B in Sparta, WI is an awesome place to stay while visiting Sparta. Jennifer and Steve are very gracious and welcoming. From the history to all the little touches, Jennifer goes out of her way to make sure your stay at FVBB is everything you want it to be. She is fantastic cook. We will definitely stay there again when we are in Sparta. Thanks Jennifer and Steve for being such great hosts!

Dahl Auto Museum, Dahl Auto in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Dahl Auto in La Crosse, Wisconsin celebrating its 100th year of business has Grand Opening  of the new Auto Museum. click on share link to read more...
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Kornfest 2011 in Holmen, Wisconsin

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.

Driftless Area Art Festival at Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin

Driftless Area Art Festival 2011 at Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin for Two days.
Celebrating the Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts of the Driftless Area.
80 Visual Artists, Live Music, Local Foods
FREE Admission and Parking
Located at Beauford T. Anderson Park, Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin

Saturday, September 17, 2011
10:00- 5:00
Sunday, September 18, 2011
10:00-4:00

Spend a few hours strolling through the exhibits and meet with the artists. Talk with them to learn the source of inspiration and way in which it was created for the piece you plan to take home.

Come and celebrate the beauty and artistry of the Driftless Area while staying at our Sparta bed and breakfast and join us for the sixth annual Driftless Area Art Festival  in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. No matter which direction you are coming from, you'll enjoy a scenic, meandering journey through wooded hills and deep valleys to this heavenly place known as the Driftless Area.

La Crosse Wisconsin Area Bicycle Festival





Celebration of Bicycling in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. 

Sept. 1-5, 2011, Labor Day Weekend

• Featured Daily road rides, 30-100 miles
• Mountain biking on Human Powered Trails (HPT)
• Urban rides: Architectural, Coffee, Ice Cream, Muffin Rides
• Night Rides

Visit http://www.bicyclelacrosse.com/ for more information.
For your lodging needs stay with us at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast http://www.franklinvictorianbb.com/

Save the Date- Twilight on Water Street 2011, Sparta, Wisconsin

Save the Date! Twilight on Water Street 2011 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

5-7 pm Shop Downtown Sparta 

7-9 pm Club 16 for Dessert, Music, Fashion Show and Prizes

Many chances to win!

To be eligible for Fabulous prises donated by participating Downtown Merchants, visit 8 or more participating Downtown Businesses.

More info in participating Downtown Businesses and more info later on this Blog.

Explore the Mississippi near Sparta, Wisconsin

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.