Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Tappendorf.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career in nursing and spent the last 15 years caring for patients, which taught me so much about compassion, connection, and what it truly means to make people feel cared for. Alongside that, my husband and I slowly started building a small rental portfolio without ever really planning to — every time we moved, we kept our homes and turned them into rentals. One property at a time, we learned a little more, and eventually that allowed me to work part‑time as a nurse while we grew into being landlords and had more time to enjoy our young children.
By 2022, we had around a dozen long‑term rentals and felt ready for something new. We loved the idea of finding a place our family could use for vacations but could also share with guests throughout the year. I’ve always had a love for home — creating cozy spaces and welcoming people in — so stepping into short‑term hospitality felt like a natural extension of who I am.
Then one ordinary day, my husband showed me a listing for the Little Bluff Inn — just two miles from our home. He mentioned it jokingly while I was washing dishes, but something about it caught my heart. By the time I dried my hands, I asked him to show it to me again. We both felt that spark. That same evening, we called for a showing. It truly felt like the universe nudged us, and we listened — and that’s how we found ourselves on this beautiful, unexpected path.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been “smooth sailing.” Stepping into a completely new career and taking on a business of this size came with a full emotional rollercoaster. There was the excitement of wanting to build something of our own, but also the self‑doubt — wondering if we were really capable of doing it, if financing would come through, and if this was truly the right move for our family.
And of course, we were doing all of this while raising young children. Balancing the demands of owning a business with the everyday needs of parenting has been one of our biggest challenges. There were days when it felt like we were being pulled in every direction — trying to show up fully for our kids while also showing up fully for the inn.
But even in the hard moments, we kept coming back to why we were doing it. We want our kids to grow up seeing what hard work looks like, what it means to take a chance, and how meaningful it can be to build something with your own hands. We hope they see the value of showing up, working together, and caring for people — and that all of this becomes part of the work ethic we’re trying to instill in them.
It hasn’t been easy, but it’s absolutely been worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Little Bluff Inn. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Little Bluff Inn is truly a mom‑and‑pop, family‑run business in every sense of the word. We’re not a big‑box hotel — every room here is different, each with its own charm and personality. When guests check in, they’re stepping right into the office that’s attached to our home. We live and work on‑site, so our work is our lifestyle, and our hospitality is personal, warm, and very hands‑on. People aren’t just staying at a place — they’re staying with us.
We welcome guests from all walks of life, and we’ve built our amenities around what real people actually need and enjoy. Because of our location near lakes, rivers, and a local bait shop, we attract a lot of fishermen, so we have a dedicated fish‑cleaning room. For families and outdoor lovers, we offer bicycles to borrow, a bonfire area, a pergola with a grill, and a gathering room with a kitchen, games, books, and puzzles. We also partner with our community to offer swim passes to the local pool and vouchers to the gym.
Making the inn family‑friendly has been especially important to us. We’ve added a kids’ playset, a basketball court, and there’s even a hiking trail that starts right on our property. We also have two golf carts that guests can borrow — a fun, whimsical touch that adds to the memories they make while exploring our little town of Trempealeau. We love seeing families gather and make memories here, from weekend getaways to full family reunions.
We’re proud to offer a place that feels like home — or like staying at a relative’s house — where guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes us happiest is seeing people gather here and make memories. There’s something really special about watching families reconnect, hearing laughter under the pergola, or seeing a guest curled up with a book in a hammock. When kids are running around the playset, someone is borrowing a bike, families are grilling together, or guests are taking the golf carts out to explore Trempealeau, it reminds us exactly why we do this.
Creating a place where people can slow down, enjoy each other, and feel at home — that’s what fills us with joy.
Pricing:
- We offer a variety of room types to fit different needs — single queen rooms, double rooms, king suites, and kitchenette suites for guests who like a little extra space or the ability to cook. Our base rates typically run from $95–$130 per night, with slight increases on popular or peak‑season weekends. We try to keep our pricing fair and accessible so families, fishermen, travelers, and locals alike can enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlebluffinnwi.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlebluffinn/
