The Valley's B&Bs offer a quaint lodging experience

The bed-and-breakfast has its roots in a European tradition of letting a room in a private residence. A few things are virtually guaranteed with a B&B today: good company, quiet, and, of course, a comfy bed and fabulous breakfast. B&Bs in the Chippewa Valley continue that tradition while facing a growing threat from online, unregulated rentals in private homes.

Opening the Country Comfort Bed and Breakfast along the Red Cedar River was supposed to allow owners Loren and Judy Gifford a more relaxed daily pace. After running a hardware business in Colorado for several years, the Giffords moved back to Menomonie, where Loren grew up on a dairy farm, to be closer to family and try something new.

“But shortly after we moved, Judy was recruited by the university and I was recruited by a fellow I used to work for, so we both work full-time as well as run this place,” says Loren Gifford. Judy is Director of the Child and Family Study Center at UW-Stout and Loren is in the design department at American Structures.

Despite their hectic schedule, the Giffords managed to transform a private residence (purchased in 2006 along Rustic Road 89) into a country-modern bed and breakfast. Its four rooms feature a bright, clean design with luxurious beds and Turkish towels. Guests can kick back on decks in both front and back of the home, with the back one overlooking the river.

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