By Sherry Larson for Wausau Pilot and Review

A new bed and breakfast is now open in Weston, with uand an eye toward environmental sustainability.

A bedroom inside Inn at the River, a new bed and breakfast in Weston. Photo credit: Sherry Larson, Wausau Pilot and Review

Owners Dan and Margaret Higginbotham fell in love with the welcoming experience of staying at bed and breakfasts rather than a hotel. The Inn at the River, 2625 Northwestern Avenue in Weston, offers an opportunity to make new friends in a homelike setting, the owners say.

The couple share a love for cooking along with sharing their foods with friends. This was part of the motivation for their new venture: allowing them to share their meal creations with their guests. Margaret Higginbotham said she has fond memories of cooking with her grandmother and mother, and will bring a range of recipes from various generations to the overall experience at the Inn. An on-site herb garden adds freshness and flair to the dishes offered to guests – in a breathtaking environment.

The Inn at the River was designed with the environment in mind. They use solar energy for most of their electricity along with geothermal energy for heating and cooling. This unique feature is one of the reasons the inn was featured in a recent Parade of Homes, according to the owners.

Three rooms are available for rent with unique furnishings styled by Malcome Hathorne, the brother of Margaret Higginbotham. Hathorne built the beds along with a number of chairs, made from bent wood. Each room features its own bathroom and fireplace. The home also features a sauna and outdoor shower for guests who want to play on the water with kayaking, fishing and snowshoeing nearby.

Learn more about The Inn at the River on Facebook, AirBNB, or by calling 715-449-2091.