Muddy River Vibe: Windsong Acres, A Happy Place

When I write for Muddy River Vibe, it is usually about something that has piqued my interest and something I want to share with the general public. That is exactly what Jeff and Shelly Rasche do with their knowledge and skillsets of art, life, and good parties. They make it interesting, and they share it with the public.

The Rasche’s share the beautiful things that life has to offer on a secluded, three-acre parcel of land, northeast of Camp Point, called Windsong Acres. It is named after the John Denver song, Windsong. In the song there is a verse where Denver sings, “So welcome the wind and the wisdom she offers…” 

This is what the couple did with the land that held simple plans for their retirement home. As life shined light on the potential behind the property, the Rasche’s went with it. Piquing peoples’ interests and sharing their talents as the unsurpassed hosts in the business. 

Windsong acres is a picturesque venue where the Rasche’s offer a range of different party options to host important events. Everything from dinners to full scale weddings – they offer it all at very affordable pricing. Check out their very well put together webpage You can also find them on Facebook.

What sets this local performance and events venue apart from all the others? There are a few things. The first being that the venue is so vast and there are different options to host ceremonies. Outside options include different settings with gazebos surrounded by gardens and ponds. It’s a scene that makes Happy Gilmore’s “Happy Place” look like a stay at the Welcome Inn. The koi fish in the ponds are really livin’ the dream. Who’s dream? The koi fish in the foyer of the Chinese buffet. Please don’t delete me.

Inside options offer climate-controlled spaces with a rustic barn appeal. When it rains, it doesn’t have to pour at Windsong Acres, as there is always an indoor option if you don’t feel like Alanis Morrissette irony on your wedding day.

In addition to the different settings for ceremonies, the Rasche’s offer time. If a couple is looking for the perfect spot to get married, and want to shop around, Jeff and Shelly will hold the date for a week or two at no charge. Marriage is much more to them than a marketable upsell. This is evident as Jeff Rasche is a retired minister and serves as an officiant in some of the ceremonies performed at Windsong Acres.

And finally, the most obvious reason that sets Windsong Acres apart from the other event venues is the couple that runs it. Their tangible love for each other is reflected in their model marriage of 40 years. 

What is the key to relationship happiness?

“There are a lot of factors that play into relationship success, but I think one of them is to find deeply satisfying non-work activities that you can both enjoy doing together. That way you have something to talk about and learn together. I learned how to do stained glass and pottery, simply because of my relationship with Shelly and taking an interest in her artwork.” – Jeff Rasche.

They share a love for each other that really is an inspiration for their guests. Hosts that go above and beyond to share with their guests an experience rather than just an event.

Both Jeff and Shelly have a love for creating art. They’ve inspired each other and complimented one another in this endeavor to share their love of art. Shelly majored in Pottery in college and the couple has recently “fired up” the kiln again and are now offering pottery classes for people “who are interested in digging in for several months to learn and practice throwing on the pottery wheel.” The Rasche’s also offer stained glass classes. Shelly Rasche spent most of her career as a freelance commercial artist, represented by an excellent licensing agency in Vermont that marketed her work around the world. Jeff Rasche, a retired minister and a true teacher at heart, directs the classes on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Information is posted on Facebook when they are ready to start a new group of beginners. 

If a special event or art isn’t in your future, but you would still like to check out the Rasche’s happy place, Windsong Acres is hosting a Fall/Holiday show this weekend. The show is the perfect opportunity to get a move on those gift lists, and not have to worry about the Cali coastline cargo ship back up. 

In-demand Windsong Acres pottery will be available to purchase. The braided pitchers are flooding my newsfeed because Zuckerberg Claus knows that I want one.

An artist of many talents, Michelle Bickhaus will be featuring her “Impossibly Cute Hats” at the event, along with several other local vendors that you do not want to miss! Local music artists are set to perform along with different pottery demonstrations throughout the weekend. 

Be sure to “Like” their Facebook page for all the details. The times for the show will be Friday, Novemeber 5^th from 5pm-8pm, Saturday, November 6^th from 9am-7pm and Sunday, November 7^th 12pm-5pm. The location is in the big building located at 2121 E. 2400^th Street, Camp Point, Illinois, but guests are encouraged to walk around and check out the grounds and take in the beauty of Windsong Acres. I’m looking forward to taking it all in and snapping some Gram-worthy photos with friends at the show.

I became acquainted with Jeff Rasche after receiving an email he had sent to me on the Muddy River Vibe inquiring whether I was the same Brittany Boll that wrote an article on teenage caste systems from a 2003 article in something called a newspaper. Ancient times. Jeff taught a writing class in the past and clipped the article to use as a reference. If it was used as a good reference, then yes, I am that Brittany. Reaching out and sharing that made me feel good. It piqued my interest. 

Brittany Boll writes for Muddy River Vibe. She is an award-winning mixologist and mom who has a prolific Facebook following as she has her finger on the pulse of the Quincy Qmunity.