Things To Do
Grandad's Bluff
We went here on his first weekend in town. It's a must for anyone visiting to take them up to the bluffs. On a good day you can see Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa from the lookout points. There are also a variety of skill level of hikes up here, so be sure to grab some hiking boots or tennis shoes too if that’s your thing.
The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor
Some of the best ice cream! They've got handmade ice cream, chocolates, and fudge. They even have a lot of your old favorites.
Ranison Ice Cream & Candy
A cute simple neighborhood ice cream and candy store. Jimmy’s favorite is the Raspberry shake!
La Crosse Distilling Co.
Great place with some delicious drinks if you're looking for a fancy little cocktail.
Lovechild
If you're looking for a fancy dinner this is the place! A James Beard Nomination and voted top 50 most romantic restaurants in the country. Jimmy and I could make a meal out of the Grilled lamb spiedini appetizers.
The Freighthouse Restaurant
Another great place for dinner, again a bit fancier but a great option if you’re looking for a tasty steak or seafood especially. Also a common one to bring people to.
Eagle Watch
A nice wayside to pull off and look at all of the Eagles we have along the Mississippi River. We drove by the other day and there were 8 eagles just hanging out, another day they're all just flying around. It's a neat thing to see. You can get gps directions on Google Maps and is just south of Exit 3 on Interstate 90.
JavaVino
Hands down Brittany's favorite place to get a Caramel Dirty Chai! They've got a cute bar and good food, not limited to coffee and breakfast either, there's plenty of wine and mixed drinks!
Riverside Park
You can always drive though it but I recommend taking a stroll through. In the summer there's free concerts at the gorgeous band shelter. Great views of the Mississippi River all along the way.
Bodega Brew Pub, Inc.
One of the many MANY bars downtown, but this is probably the largest variety of beer I've seen. 400 beers & 20 taps. They've got a pretty neat large lazy susan cooler for the beers that you need a binder to keep track of them all but somehow the bartenders know. You can even spin the wheel if you want to take a gamble or don't know what you want to drink. Whatever number you end up on is the beer you'll get.
Meringue Bakery & Cafe
A cute bakery downtown that Jen Barney owns. She's a 3 time Food Network Baking Champion!
Señor Villa
A local Mexican restaurant with two locations that Brittany's company has done work at both. The La Crosse location just got an updated back lounge room / bar and it looks amazing. We just renovated the Onalaska location in time for Cinco De Mayo as well with a gorgeous wine rack accent as you come into the place. They've got tasty food, fast service, friendly employees and somehow still $5 lunches!!
Dash-Park
A park that Brittany's company built along with the David Reay's Restaurant close by. They hold concerts here in the summer and it is right across the street from the Great River Landing that you can look out over Lake Onalaska and the Mississippi River.
Linda's Bakery
We grabbed some donuts and went up to the Bluff for a little hike..... that's how that works right? Super healthy snacks for hiking? haha They've got a variety of goodies here from parfaits, creampuffs to donuts, bars, bread, and even treats for your dogs!
Brambleberry Winery
A local winery, I haven’t been to their new and closer location yet as they just moved there late last year. But I’d recommend them as well.
Affogato Lane Coffee Company
Another coffee place! Brittany loves alll the fancy flavored coffees :) This one’s just across the bridge in Minnesota and a small little place- but there’s a good little breakfast spot a couple businesses down from it too.
Sparta Soda Works
Recently opened soda bar! But don't worry they still make plenty of delicious alcoholic drinks too. Personally I recommend the Mary Pickford, first time having one and ooh that could have been dangerous if I stayed longer haha. They also have some pretty tasty food, check them out!
Sand Creek Brewing Company
And last but not least!! Brittany’s parents own this Brewery in Black River Falls. Her dad has been brewing since before she was born including home brewing before moving to Black River in 1997. He makes a great variety of beers, not the trendy hoppy or weird one just great ones you can drink time after time! Be sure to stop by if you’re wandering the area!