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Many organizations throughout Wisconsin are planning events to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the rails to trails project in Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin DNR has declared the weekend of June 6^th as National Trails Day.  On this weekend all fees for trail passes, park and forest admission stickers, fishing licenses and out-of-state ATV passes are waived for the weekend.

Many events are currently being planned in towns along the Elroy-Sparta Trail on that day as well.  Also a celebration will take place at the Elroy-Sparta Trail headquarters in Kendall, Wisconsin on June 6^th.  The climax of the day will begin at 2:00 pm which will include a ribbon cutting and re-dedication of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, along with keynote speaker former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson who was instrumental in the formation of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

This would be a great weekend to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Elroy-Sparta Trail and spend a relaxing weekend at Amil’s Inn which is located in the heart of the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

To keep abreast of the activities and learn more at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/elroysparta

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The Apple Dumpling Days is an annual festival, held the first Saturday after Labor Day, sponsored by the city of Elroy, Wisconsin.  As part of the festivities, the Elroy Lions Club hosts the Elroy Apple Dumpling Day Races.  The first races were held in 2007 with a 5K “Apple Dumpling Dash” and a single kid’s race.  In 2008 a half marathon “Sliced Apple” was added and in 2013 a full marathon “Big Apple” was added.  The 5K, half marathon and full marathon are all USATF certified.

Elroy is the center of three abandoned railroad beds that have been converted into bike trails—Juneau County Omaha Trail, the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail and the 400 State Trail.  These trails are ideal for the Apple Dumpling Day Races.

Amil’s Inn was privileged to have two guests that were Big Apple participants and two guests that were Sliced Apple participants.  Also the Innkeeper and his son were Sliced Apple participants.  For more information,  visit the Apple Dumpling Day Races at www.appledumplingdayraces.com which was the source of this information.

Amil’s Inn also had some special treats for the participants.  Organic Valley of La Farge, Wisconsin donated some of their Organic Fuel for the racers.  Organic Fuel is a nutritionally balanced, organic milk protein recovery shake.  The shake is designed to benefit both endurance and strength athletes.  Organic Fuel has an optimal mix of protein, carbohydrates and fats which help an athlete’s body restore glycogen levels while building and repairing muscle.  All which help one’s body recover faster and feel less sore the next day.  For more information about Organic Fuel and other Organic Valley products visit www.organicvalley.coop which was the source for the information about Organic Fuel.

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Special cranberry treats are always available to our guests during the Warrens Cranberry Festival weekend.  The most requested treat was the Cranberry Bars which came to us from the Warrens Area Cranberry Growers.  Every couple requested a copy of the recipe to take home.  We thought we would share it with you.

Cranberry Bars

• 2 eggs, well beaten                                  
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 ½ c. sugar                                             
• 2 c. whole cranberries
• ½ c. margarine                                        
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 ½ c. flour                                               
• ½ c. nuts
• 1 T. brown sugar                                     
• ½ tsp. baking powder

Mix eggs, sugar and margarine.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  The batter will be stiff.  Spread in a 9 X 13-inch pan which has been oiled and floured.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.  Let cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 tsp. vanilla                                              
• ½ c. margarine, softened
• 1 3-oz pkg. cream cheese                          
• 1 T. milk
• 2 c. powdered sugar

Mix ingredients together until smooth and spread over cooled bars.

The above recipe provided by Warrens Area Cranberry Growers Breanna Zieher, Carol Laux, Lorraine Strozewski, Alice Buan and Linda Lambert.

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In spite of a few showers from time to time, the weather has been some of the best for bikers who want to experience the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

The trail spans 32 miles between the towns of Elroy and Sparta on the abandoned Chicago & North Western Railroad bed. Traveling from Elroy to Sparta will bring you through the towns of Kendall, which is the trail headquarters of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail; Wilton, which is the heart of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and Norwalk.  Along the way you will observe wetlands, prairies, farms and un-glaciated areas since the trail is located in the northern Driftless Area of Wisconsin.

The highlights of the trail are the three rock tunnels. Two of the tunnels are approximately ¼ mile long.  These two tunnels are located between Kendall/Wilton and Wilton/Norwalk.  The tunnel located between Norwalk and Sparta is ¾ of a mile long.

For those biking enthusiasts that want to experience more of the area, there is an additional 68 miles of connected trails to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.  The “400” State Trail is a 22 mile trail located between the cities of Elroy and Reedsburg, Wisconsin.  The La Crosse River State Trail is a 22 mile trail between the cities of Onalaska and Sparta, Wisconsin.  The Great River State Trial is a 24 mile trail between Marshland and Onalaska, Wisconsin.

For more information about the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and maps of all 4 connected trails, visit www.bike4trails.com;  dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/elroysparta; and http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks.

Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and would be honored to have you as our guest as you enjoy the 4 trails of western Wisconsin.

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Recently Amil’s Inn was blessed to have 5 ladies from Crystal Lake, Illinois spend an evening.  They came to the Wilton area to experience the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail and experience the beauty this part of Wisconsin has to offer.  With the abundance of moisture and warm temperatures they were not disappointed.

The 5 ladies are neighbors and co-workers.  Their friendship and delightful attitude is contagious! The friendship began 5 years ago when they participated in and completed a triathlon.  Since that time they have become best of friends and plan numerous ‘girls away’ weekends to nurture their friendship.

Amil’ Inn is always honored when groups choose us for their ‘get away’ weekends and Anita and Dave take extra measures to make sure these groups are pampered for the weekend.  It is not too late to plan that ‘get away’ weekend for yourself.  We still have several available dates and we would love to have you stay with us!

Biking the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail is always a highlight for our guests.  But there is also much more to offer in the area such as canoeing the Kickapoo, visiting Amish bakeries, nurseries and  furniture shops, antiquing and seeing some the most beautiful scenery that one can experience.

Hope to see you soon.

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Summer weather is finally here and it should be safe to plant all those vegetables and flowers.  This past week eight ladies from the Wisconsin/Minnesota made their annual trip to Amil’s Inn  to greenhouse (hop) at 21 possible Amish greenhouses.   It is so much fun to greenhouse (hop) when there are 5 greenhouses on one road! Each Amish greenhouse has their specialty with many plants, vegetables, herbs, seeds, perennials, planters, hanging baskets, trees and so much more.

Amil’s Inn favorite greenhouse is M & M Greenhouse located at 27920 Newport Road, Cashton, WI  54619.  The eight ladies favorite was Green Acres Greenhouse located at S1899 Sandhill Road, La Farge, WI  54639.

Stay at Amil’s Inn and take a day trip to find all those vegetable plants and beautiful flowers that your home needs.  It is so much fun.  Remember to pack light so you have room for all the plants that you will be taking back to your home.

We have the 2014 Amish Greenhouse map ready for you to plan your day’s travel.  It is still not too late to plan your 2014 visit to an Amish greenhouse since they will have plants until they are all sold out.  Selection may be limited but you will still get quality bedding plants at a good price.  Remember they are always closed on Sunday.

Hope to see you soon.

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Update: We’re sorry to say that the Blue Goose closed in May of 2023. There’s lots of other great lodging nearby though, visit our Dining in Wilton and Nearby post!

The Kickapoo Valley is blessed with many great eating establishments.  One of our favorite’s for pizza and ice cream is the Blue Goose Ice Cream and Pizza Parlor.   Located about 12 miles from Amil’s Inn, it takes approximately 20 minutes driving through some of the most beautiful countryside of the upper Kickapoo Valley and Northern Driftless Wisconsin Area.

Once you arrive you will be greeted by Gail and Bill Thomas who remodeled the barn on their property into “The Blue Goose”.  You will also be greeted by many farm animals that live on the property as well.

You may choose from a variety of pizzas such as Hog Heaven, The Giant German, The Super Blue Goose and a dozen or so more varieties.  If you still have room, they serve specialty sundaes, ice cream cones, malts and shakes.  They feature Cedar Crest ice cream fresh from the processing plant in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

After dinner you may enjoy Ma’s & Pa’s Toy Shed where a variety of childhood toys live.  A vast amount of dolls, trains, dollhouses and trucks are also on display along with Elvis and Santa items.  There is a small admission of: Adults–$3.00; Students–$1.50; Children under 6—Free (with a parent).  New this year is the Haymow Flea Market located in the old loft of the remodeled barn.

Hours of operation are:  Thursday- Saturday, 12:00-8:00 P.M.; Sunday, 12:00-6:00 P.M.  The Blue Goose is located at S2106 24 Valley Road (North of County Road P), La Farge WI  54639.  It is highly recommended to call ahead for a reservation especially if a party of 6 or more (608) 625-4335.  For more information visit their website at www.bluegoosepizza.com.

After spending the day riding the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail, canoeing the Kickapoo River or Amish shopping, the Blue Goose Ice Cream & Pizza Parlor will fill any appetite that was created

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