Country Gardens Motel & Lounge

In the scenic heart of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, where rolling hills and winding rivers define the landscape, lies the charming village of Soldiers Grove. A fixture in the community, the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge serves as a dual-purpose establishment, offering both a place to stay and a popular spot for dining. This unique combination makes it a key destination for both locals and travelers exploring this picturesque region. For Wisconsin residents planning a motorcycle trip, a fishing excursion, or a peaceful escape into nature, the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge provides a convenient and welcoming base. The establishment is known for its restaurant, which has long been a local favorite, and the motel offers a comfortable place to rest. However, as with any long-standing business, experiences can vary. While some guests have praised the well-stocked salad bar and accommodating staff, others have noted concerns about pricing and what they perceive as a rigid policy on extra charges. This feedback highlights a crucial aspect of a stay here: the experience is often a mix of the great food and the rustic, small-town service. The ownership of the establishment has changed in recent years, with new owners aiming to maintain the popular menu while making some updates to the space. This ongoing evolution means that the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge is a place with a history and a future, still very much a part of the Soldiers Grove community. It is not a sprawling, modern chain hotel, but rather a cozy, independent spot that reflects the character of the area it serves. This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview of what you can expect, helping you decide if it is the right fit for your next trip to the Driftless Area.

The Country Gardens Motel & Lounge is a true example of a local, family-owned business. It provides a simple, clean, and practical lodging experience that is often sought after by those who prefer to support small businesses. The restaurant, with its brick oven pizza and daily specials, is a major draw and a significant part of the establishment's identity. This guide will delve into both the motel and the lounge aspects, giving you a comprehensive view of what's available. We'll explore its location within the beautiful Driftless Area, the services it provides, and the specific highlights that make it a notable place. Understanding the nuances of the motel's and restaurant's services is important for setting realistic expectations. The provided reviews, for instance, show a mix of positive and negative experiences, from great food and accommodating staff to concerns over pricing and minor charges. This blend of feedback suggests that while the food is a consistent highlight, guests should be mindful of the details of their stay and dining experience. The tone of this article is to be friendly and professional, while also being completely factual, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed choice. By the end of this read, you will have a clear picture of what the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge is all about and why it might be the perfect spot for your particular needs in Soldiers Grove.

The Country Gardens Motel & Lounge is conveniently located at 100 Sunbeam Blvd E, Soldiers Grove, WI 54655, USA. This address places it directly in the village of Soldiers Grove, a key location within the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. The Driftless Area is a unique and geologically significant region known for its lack of glacial drift, which has resulted in a landscape of deeply carved river valleys, bluffs, and rolling hills. For locals in Wisconsin, this area is a popular destination for scenic drives, hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the state. The motel's location makes it a great base for exploring these attractions. It is situated just off State Highway 131, one of the main roads that winds through the Kickapoo River Valley, providing easy access to neighboring towns and natural landmarks. The accessibility of the location is a significant advantage for travelers. Whether you're coming from La Crosse to the north or Prairie du Chien to the south, the motel is a straightforward and easy-to-find stop. The village of Soldiers Grove itself has a unique history, as it was the first community in the United States to be relocated to a solar-friendly site after a series of devastating floods. This interesting past adds another layer to the area's appeal. For guests of the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge, the location is a key part of the experience, offering both a comfortable place to stay and a central point from which to launch all their regional adventures. It is a location that allows for a sense of peaceful seclusion while still being connected to the main travel routes and local points of interest.

The services offered at the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge are a mix of traditional motel amenities and the full-service experience of its on-site restaurant. The dual nature of the establishment means that it caters to a wide variety of needs. Guests can expect a friendly and accommodating atmosphere, though reviews suggest that staff training and policies may vary. The strength of the service seems to lie in its ability to provide a clean and well-maintained room, as well as a well-regarded dining experience. This combination of lodging and dining on the same premises is a major convenience for guests, especially after a long day of travel or exploration. The restaurant, in particular, is a focal point of the services offered. Its diverse menu and daily specials provide a great dining option for guests and locals alike. The following points highlight the primary services one can expect.

• On-Site Restaurant & Lounge: The establishment features a full-service restaurant and lounge. The restaurant is known for its brick oven pizza, broasted chicken, and homemade burgers. It also offers a popular salad bar that is consistently well-stocked. The lounge provides a place to relax and enjoy a drink.
• Accommodating for Food Sensitivities: The restaurant has been praised for being very accommodating to guests with food sensitivities. One review specifically mentioned that staff provided fruit when a guest couldn't eat lettuce, highlighting a willingness to go the extra mile for customer needs.
• Lodging: The motel part of the business provides clean and comfortable rooms for guests. While it's not a modern, high-end hotel, it offers a practical and peaceful place to stay, which is often what travelers in this area are looking for.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The Country Gardens Motel & Lounge is noted for being pet-friendly, which is a huge benefit for those traveling with their furry companions. It is always a good idea to check for specific policies and any potential fees related to bringing pets.

The Country Gardens Motel & Lounge offers several features that make it a notable place to stay and dine in Soldiers Grove. Its strengths lie in the quality of its food and the practical amenities provided in its rooms. While some of the policies may be surprising to first-time guests, the highlights of the establishment are what keep people coming back for more. The features are centered on providing a cozy and satisfying experience that is rooted in the local character of the Driftless Area. The combination of a motel and a popular restaurant under one roof is in itself a significant highlight, offering a great deal of convenience. The reviews provided, while mixed in some areas, point to several consistent positives.

• Delicious and Diverse Food Menu: The on-site restaurant is a major feature, with its brick oven pizza, Friday night beer-battered fish, and Saturday prime rib specials. The menu is diverse, offering something for everyone, and the food is consistently described as "usually good."
• Well-Stocked Salad Bar: The salad bar is a recurring highlight, noted as being fresh and well-stocked. This feature is particularly appreciated by guests who enjoy a healthy and fresh dining option.
• Cozy Atmosphere: The lounge and dining area offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, which is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. The ambiance contributes to the overall experience, making it feel like a genuine local spot.
• Quiet and Peaceful Setting: The motel’s location in Soldiers Grove, a small village, contributes to a quiet and peaceful setting. This is a significant highlight for those seeking a tranquil escape from city life.
• Practical Room Amenities: The rooms are equipped with practical amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can expect clean accommodations, and while not all details are available, similar establishments often include basic amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

For those interested in booking a stay or learning more about the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 100 Sunbeam Blvd E, Soldiers Grove, WI 54655, USA

Phone: (608) 624-3254

The Country Gardens Motel & Lounge is exceptionally well-suited for locals in the Wisconsin region, particularly for those who love to explore the natural beauty and unique culture of the Driftless Area. For residents of the state, this part of Wisconsin is a popular destination for a variety of activities, from hiking and canoeing to motorcycle touring and birdwatching. The motel provides a perfect base camp for these adventures. It’s an ideal stop for a weekend getaway that feels a world away from the busy cities of Madison or Milwaukee, but is still within a reasonable driving distance. The combination of a place to sleep and a place to get a good meal is a huge convenience for locals who might be on the road for a few days. The on-site lounge and restaurant mean that after a long day of outdoor activities, you don’t have to get back in your car to find a good meal. The motel's pet-friendly policy is another major plus for Wisconsin locals who travel with their dogs, making it a more inclusive and practical choice. While some reviews mention that the prices might be high for the area, the quality of the food and the convenience of the location often outweigh this concern for many travelers. Ultimately, the Country Gardens Motel & Lounge is more than just a place to stay; it's a part of the local experience. It offers a genuine taste of Soldiers Grove and the Driftless Area, making it a perfect destination for Wisconsin residents looking for an authentic and memorable escape close to home.