Thistledowne At Seul Choix

Thistledowne At Seul Choix B&B in Gulliver, Michigan

This is in tribute of the innkeeper who recently passed away.

Thistledowne at Seul Choix, opened in 1998, located within 60 heavily wooded acres on beautiful Seul Choix Bay, nestled into the dune on a quarter mile of Lake Michigan sand beach. Thistledowne was designed so that all guest rooms and public spaces overlook Seul Choix Bay and the historic Seul Choix Point Lighthouse. The three guest suites have spectacular lake views and feature bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and heated tile floors. The two first floor suites have gas fireplaces and open onto their own private deck with direct access to Lake Michigan. The upper Michigan Suite has a gorgeous view of the Bay and Lighthouse, and is just a few steps from the spiral staircase that rises another story to the Bowman Tower Room. Our public spaces at the Inn include the Bowman Tower Room, and the beautiful The Iroquois Room. The glass enclosed Bowman Tower Room on the third level offers a panoramic view of the entire Bay, the lake freighters plying in and out of Port Inland, on a clear day glimpses of Whiskey, Hog, High, and Beaver Islands, and practically everyday, a close-up view of one of the bald eagles which nest on the Thistledowne property. Guests enjoy star gazing through the powerful telescope. The Lakeside Gazebo with its gas outdoor fire pit and comfortable Lloyd and Flanders wicker lounge chairs is perfect for your morning coffee, for catching a few rays, or for just sitting and doing nothing as you gaze out over the beautiful bay and Seul Choix Point Lighthouse. It has been the site of several lovely weddings.

Try Robert's delicious recipes: Hot Shrimp Appetizer, "Mrs. Whayley & Bob's" Sausage Strata, Curried Lemon Mayonnaise, Blue Cheese Crisps, Cranberry Pear Clafouti.

This BnB is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Until later...

Parish House Inn in Ypsilanti, Michigan

The Parish House Inn in Ypsilanti, originally the Parsonage for the First Congregational Church on North Adams Street, this 1893 Queen Anne House has been totally restored to its former Victorian elegance. It was moved to its current location, still within Ypsilanti's Historic District, in 1987.

Step through the rose covered arbor into the private patio area and relax in a comfortable chair to read or chat with friends. Follow the stepping stones to the clematis covered sitting area to watch the ducks floating by on the Huron River below, or follow the path to the river-walk garden filled with Hostas, roses and day lilies. In 2003, the innkeepers are celebrating their tenth anniversary at the inn: “It seems like yesterday that in the Fall of 1993, I was about to complete my last full time semester at Washtenaw Community College. I only had a few more classes to take before I had earned my degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, and could finish them in the evenings. So while looking for job opportunities in the newspaper I spotted the ad for "Innkeeper wanted.." So I answered the ad, was hired and moved in to become the full time manager. Just four years later, my husband and I decided to take the plunge and buy the Inn. We have never looked back, and hope to be here for several more years. Over the years we have changed the Inn building, amenities, and policies to meet the wants and needs of our guests.”
These recipes you will find in the cookbook and are used by permission of Mrs. Chris Mason: Blueberry Stuffed French Toast, Oatmeal-Butterscotch Muffins, Cheddar Cheese Strata, Ham n Cheese Pie, Michigan Baked Oatmeal, Brunch Strata, Food Processor Banana Bread, Zucchini Raisin Bran Muffins.




You may now find this in on Facebook!

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

You Must Hacienda in New Mexico

Hacienda Vargas B&B Inn & Chapel in

Algodones


Few roads evoke such romantic images of the American

Southwest as the El Camino Real. The historic route linking Mexico City and Santa Fe is one of the oldest thoroughfares in the United States.

Since the 16th Century explorers, soldiers, adventurers, and farmers have traveled this route seeking gold, land, and happiness. Into the 20th Century it continued to serve as a main highway by its designation as U.S. Route 66; making Albuquerque the transportation hub of New Mexico and of the entire Southwest. Hacienda Vargas is the only bed and breakfast Inn along the historic El Camino Real. Nestled in the Rio Grande Valley in the village of Algodones. The sights, sounds, and scents of New Mexico are to be found at Hacienda Vargas Bed and Breakfast Inn. For example, in the past the site was used both as a stagecoach stop and a train station. Today, the sound of the passing train establishes a unique and special link to the 19th Century; directly enhancing the New Mexico experience!

Because of its location on the El Camino Real, Hacienda Vargas Bed and Breakfast Inn has evolved into a romantic getaway for native New Mexicans. It is a testimony to the romantic ambiance to be found here. Some pledge their devotion to each other by exchanging marital vows in the Hacienda Vargas chapel and spending their wedding night in one of the suites with a private Jacuzzi and authentic Kiva fireplace. The adobe chapel, unchanged since its construction, has witnessed weddings on many occasions.

These recipes you will find in the cookbook and are used by permission of  Cynthia Spence: Mandarin Muffins, Pumpkin Pancakes, Chorizo Roll, Southwest Stuffed Chicken.

You may now find the in on Facebook!

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

The Cave Inn in New Mexico

Kokopelli's Cave Bed & Breakfast in Farmington



From the cave and the cliff tops you have an unparalleled view of beautiful southwest sunsets over the four states of the Four Corners area. To the west you can see Shiprock and the Chuska mountains on the Navajo Indian reservation in northwest New Mexico. To the west and northwest you see the Carrizo Mountains in northeastern Arizona. To the northwest you can see the Ute Mountains and to the North loom the snow capped La Plata and San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The cave itself is 70' below the surface. The entrance is located in the cliff face and is reached by walking down a sloping path and intermittent steps cut into the sandstone along the pathway. There is a short ladder at the bottom of the path with three wooden steps that land you on the flagstone porch and the front entrance to Kokopelli's "digs." You really have to want to come to Kokopelli's cave! This 1,650 square foot, one-bedroom cave home carved from a 65-million year old sandstone formation 280 feet above the La Plata River is furnished with plush carpeting, Southwestern style furniture and accents, hot and cold running water, a well-appointed kitchen including microwave and washer/dryer, cascading waterfall-style shower, and a flagstone hot tub!
"The cave was excavated from a sandstone cliff that geologist Bruce Allen Black, the developer, says is 65 million years old. He and his wife, Margie, loved the rocks, cliffs and rugged beauty. They fell in love with the Anasazi Cliff Dwellings of the Southwest and wanted to have one of their own. "A visit to the cave begins with a drive over a rough, rocky road about a half-mile north of Farmington's city limits. The parking area atop the cliff is surrounded by pinon and juniper trees and offers a wonderful opportunity for hiking, picnicking, rock hunting and nature walks. It's a strenuous trip down some 80 vertical feet to the cave's entrance, and Black discourages people not in good physical shape from making the descent. There are handrails at various points along the rocky footpath, as well as sandstone-carved steps. The last few steps are made by a three-ring ladder that drops down to a flagstone entryway. Once at the cave-site, the view is unsurpassed as mentioned above. Wildflowers dot the landscape in the spring and sage, cactus, yucca and other high desert flora abound. 

Below the cliffs is a green wildlife refuge with an abundance of mule deer. It also houses a family of ring-tailed cats that often come up to the cave in the evening to try to get a handout. Other wildlife on the property includes coyotes, bobcats, fox, eagles, hawks, doves, rabbits, lizards, porcupines, skunks and chipmunks. Click on the photo for full description of access to the cave. It took about 18 years for Black's dream to reach completion. His original idea was to turn the cave into a geologic office, but that was abandoned after carrying rolled maps up and down the precipice proved to be unsatisfactory. In 1980, the subterranean cavern was blasted out by a "Stone Age" Durango, Colorado, engineering and mining firm, at a cost of $20,000. After the debris was removed Black was astonished to discover that what ha been accomplished was a foundation and literally rock-solid walls, along with a roof that would deflect a 2,000 pound bomb and never needed re-shingling. From there, Black and his son, Bruce Harmon Black, finished the project. The cave was opened as a continental bed and breakfast retreat in 1997. The natural walls were sprayed with a polyester material that kept the sand grains from falling. Marjorie Black and their daughter, Leigh, selected the name of the cave and the Southwestern décor, emphasizing turquoise and desert colors in furnishings that blended with the mauve carpeting."*

These recipes you will find in the cookbook and are used by permission of Bruce Black: Anasazi Soup, Kokopelli Peels
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it. 

*Taken from January 1999, New Mexico Magazine, written by Val Cooper.

What About the Habersham???

 

Habersham Country Inn B & B is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes area. Your accommodations at Habersham will take you on a pleasant walk back in time. Travel to Habersham and you can experience lodging that is much more intimate than a hotel or motel. While on your vacation, you may want to ski at Bristol Mountain, or explore Sonnenberg Gardens. You may attend tastings at the New York wineries that the Finger Lakes are famous for, or boat and swim on Canandaigua Lake. Let us pamper you with our accommodations. Enjoy a quaint, fully restored 1840 Federal-Style Inn Relax in the country with a full, gourmet breakfast. Breath the fresh air and take in the beautiful scenery. Guests are welcome to relax by the fireplace, on the porch, down by the pond, or under one of the shady old trees. The Inn is air conditioned for your comfort on those hot summer days. The nice weather makes the porch very inviting. Rockers and comfy chairs facilitate the favorite pastime of reading, napping or leaf peeping, in the fall. Sonnenberg Gardens is a beautiful Victorian mansion and gardens, located at the north end of Canandaigua Lake, in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region in Upstate New York. Formerly the summer home of Canandaigua benefactors Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson, Sonnenberg (German for "sunny hill") is open to the public. We do rug hooking (old New England folk art) workshops in my studio at Habersham and a teacher that came here for one of my workshops sang with the Benny Goodman Orchestra in her 20's. She was from Kansas City, her name was Emma Lou Welch. After she left, I searched and searched on the internet and lo and behold, I found a Benny Goodman CD with her singing on it.

These recipes you will find in the cookbook and are used by permission of  Sharon Lesio: Ray's Scones

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

New York, New York!!

1871 House in New York City 
This classic townhouse, constructed in 1871, is located in the East 60s on a Landmarked block amid Manhattan's most fashionable and desirable neighborhoods on the Upper East Side. Flanked by Prestigious Park and Lexington Avenues, the lovely tree-lined block is composed of stately townhouses and stylish brownstones. Located just three blocks from Central Park, with convenient access to both LaGuardia and JFK airports, 1871 House is ideal for business travelers and tourists. Madison Avenue's chic boutiques, stylish cafes and world-renowned museums are just a short walk away. Two of New York's finest departments stores, Barney's and Bloomingdales are located just around the corner. Guests are within easy walking distance to New York's finest restaurants as well as to antique shops, galleries, and specialty stores. Midtown corporate addresses are also within walking distance. The Unofficial Guide to Bed and breakfasts and Country Inns in the Mid-Atlantic 1st edition (2002) recently awarded 1871 House four stars (out of five)! Their review says "privacy and exclusivity with easy access to the best of urban New York City". 1871 House has been voted the B&B with "Best for Pampering Yourself" by inngoers in Arrington's Bed & Breakfast Journal's 2003 Book of Lists! The rooms reflect a gracious prewar style and retain the Old World Charm of the original moldings, details, and fireplaces. Many of the rooms, including the bedrooms, have ornate marble or wood mantelpieces. Furnishings throughout the house strike a balanced mixture of antiques and reproductions.

About the innkeepers:
Warren L. Raum was born in a Connecticut suburb of New York City. As an undergraduate student he majored in Finance. He is currently working on his MBA. On occasion, when allowed, Warren works with his wife Lia on the operations, business strategies, and quality of the 1871 House. Lia Raum grew up in New York City and graduated from Barnard College. In addressing Barnard's language study requirement, Lia studied French, Italian and Spanish. Upon graduation, Lia traveled to Italy, France, England and Spain. Other countries visited include Mexico, Israel, Canada, and Greece. These travel experiences have given Lia extensive exposure to the hospitality industry and its unique requirements. Currently Lia oversees the affairs and administration of the 1871 House and spends most of her spare time with her husband and two daughters. Extra-curricular interests include gardening and interior design. To that end Lia has done all the gardening (consisting of terrace and patio potting gardens) and the interior design of the individual rooms at the 1871 House.

These recipes you will find in the cookbook and are used by permission of  Lia & Warren Raum: Ratatouille, Sara's Pasta, Brisket Soup, Meatball Soup.

You can now find the inn on Facebook!

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

A Little More North in Alabama.

The Victoria - A Country Inn,
Hotel, Restaurant & More in Anniston

The McWhorter family welcomes you to our beautiful Country Inn, located in the historic downtown area of Anniston, Alabama. As the fourth family to own this Southern home, we are involved in the restorations, additions and traditions. Reflecting Queen Anne Victorian architecture, we remain unique with the woodwork, hardware, fireplaces and mantels, and the stained glass original to the property. Like the historic South from which it springs, The Victoria (circa 1888) welcomes you with her warmth, grace and charm. Located only 90 miles from Atlanta, and 60 miles from Birmingham, this serene setting provides the ultimate getaway. Luxurious accommodations, elegant dining and well organized business gatherings allow you to experience our total mastery of the art of hospitality. The Victoria property includes sixty rooms total in the main house and surrounding inn. Three upstairs guest bedrooms in the main house have been fully renovated and feature carefully chosen period antiques, some original to the house, and beautifully carved fireplace mantels. Also in the main house is a piano lounge and a glass-enclosed veranda to offer the finest in cocktails and entertainment. The hotel, which is part of the renovation, wraps around the courtyard and swimming pool. The exquisite styling of this addition complements the original building which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Try Jean Ann's delicious recipes: Baked Atlantic Salmon with Vegetables, Tenderloin of Beef.

This BnB is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Until later...

Relax at Magnolia Springs in Alabama

Magnolia Springs in Alabama

Classic Southern Hospitality found halfway between Fairhope, Alabama and Gulf Shores, Alabama in southern Baldwin County in the historical community of Magnolia Springs. This 100 year-old house which was known as "Sunnyside Hotel" in the 20s and 30s was authentically restored in 1980 and transformed into a bed & breakfast in 1996. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast was recently featured in Southern Living and premiered on April 16th on Bob Vila's "Restore America" on HGTV. "In Magnolia Springs, David Worthington fulfills a lifelong dream to live in the area and turn his 100-year-old home into an extraordinary bed-and-breakfast." Magnolia Springs is a picturesque place and one of the few remaining places to receive mail by boat. If fishing is your style there is plenty of fresh and salt water fishing. Only 1 1/2 blocks away is Magnolia River offering easy access to Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

A heart-pine porch extends across the front and east side of the house and the impressive glass paneled door with a transom above opens to the great hall.
Walls and ceilings are made of beaded heart yellow pine. The floors are of tongue and groove heart-pine and most of the woodwork is rare curly pine. All balusters, rails and newal posts are original. Large old oak trees surround the house and the well-known canopy arch of oaks extends past the structure and down Oak Street. Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast is like a step back in time where you can stroll along oak lined streets, fish, and relax on the porch to absorb the beautiful surroundings.
 

Innkeepers are: David Worthington and Eric Bigelow

Follow them on Facebook!

 Recipes included in this cookbook and used by permission by David Worthington: Breakfast Pizza. Veggie Bar

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Another inn in Georgia!

Open Gates B & B in Darien

Located in McIntosh County on the banks of the Altamaha River, the Open Gates B&B is uniquely situated for nature-lovers, birders, kayakers, boaters and fishing enthusiasts wanting to experience one of the richest natural ecosystems in the world. Trained as professional biologists, your hosts, Kelly and Jeff Spratt, will arrange for guided nature tours of the River, the surrounding marshes and isolated islands, all of which abound with wildlife. Explore the old-fashioned small town of Darien, with her rich pre-colonial and Civil War history. Stroll along the scenic Darien waterfront, watch the shrimp boats, and shop in the eclectic antique shops. Or walk with the kids to historic Fort King George, the oldest European fort in the United States. The inn is also the closest lodging available to those wanting to visit Sapelo Island, one of Georgia's most distinctive barrier islands. Open Gates overlooks historic Vernon Square in downtown Darien, within sight of the shrimp boats docked along the Darien waterfront. Built by a wealthy timber baron in 1876, the home offers spacious rooms with beautiful views of a memorial fountain, two historic churches, gardens, and our pool. A large cypress library offers a quiet comfortable setting in which to peruse the owners' extensive collection of field guides and books on local natural history. A full-sized southern breakfast, including seasonal fresh fruit is provided. Darien is the second oldest planned town in the state of Georgia. In 1736, Darien was established on the banks of the Darien River as a military outpost by Scottish Highlanders under the command of General James Edward Oglethorpe. Today this historically rich community offers visitors a chance to enjoy its many charms at a relaxed pace. Picturesque shrimp boats line the river near the new public waterfront park. The area is known as "The Fisherman's Paradise." During the shrimp season, fresh sweet Georgia shrimp can be purchased at local markets.

Enjoy Kelly's favorite recipes: Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Low Country Boil, Altamaha Shrimp & Grits.

This BnB is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Until later...

Let's Head for Georgia!

Edenfield House Inn in Swainsboro

Perpetuating warmth and southern hospitality is the genteel innkeeper, Mrs. Maxine Carter. A long time resident of Swainsboro, she rejuvenated and reopened the Edenfield House Inn in 1998 and is one of the most beautiful historical inns to exist in the south! This charming house, with its interior hallways bedecked with hand-painted murals, welcomes visitors with the warmth and hospitality that have always been associated with the refined south. The Edenfield House Inn hosts many travelers who relish Bed and Breakfast Inn pleasantries. Golf enthusiasts wishing to attend the Master's Golf Tournament in Augusta, but heretofore, unable to obtain reservations may still find luxurious accommodations with Mrs. Carter at the Edenfield House Inn. The Inn is only an hour's drive from Augusta. The Edenfield House Inn has two floors, with nine bedrooms. All the bedrooms are completely furnished with Queen Anne furnishings and those special little touches that make one feel so "at home". In addition to the beautifully furnished bedrooms, the Edenfield House Inn offers a parlor, lounge, and an extraordinarily beautiful formal dining room. Mrs. Carter and the Edenfield House Inn is also equipped to accommodate private parties. Mrs. Carter has recently added a small Gift Shoppe/Tea Room. Cream Teas and High Teas are offered by reservations and walk in teas in small numbers. The Tea room is named The Candle Light Tea Room.

Try June Gallian's delicious recipes: Pork Roast with Georgia Peach Sauce, Gracious Peach Dessert, Shrimp & Macaroni Salad, Chicken Casserole.

This BnB is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Until later...

How About Big Sky, Montana?

Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch in Big Sky

Twenty years ago, the Severn Family discovered Montana. And in the process, we discovered Home. Big Sky, Montana became the place we retreated to for skiing and family hikes, wildlife viewing and cozy nights playing games in front of a roaring fire. Montana became the place where our children married and our family grew closer together. Now our special Montana place can become your home away from home too. After five years of hard work, planning, and dreaming, Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch is a reality. Nestled in the midst of hundreds of acres of rolling meadows, lush forests, small ponds and bubbling streams, Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch is an exclusive, intimate guest lodge encompassed by the natural beauty and splendor of Montana. Only 45 miles south of Bozeman and 18 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch is situated in the heart of Big Sky Country. Surrounded by spectacular Lone Mountain, the Madison Mountain Range, the Spanish Peaks, and the Gallatin Range, Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch offers breathtaking views from every angle. Big Sky, Montana - "The Last Best Place." A place where time stands still, where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and forget all of your cares. Come visit a place that time seems to have forgotten; a place where you can still walk for miles and not see anything but mountains, wild animals, and clear blue skies. You will not regret it, and you will never forget it. Twenty years ago, the Severn Family discovered Montana. And in the process, we discovered Home. Big Sky, Montana became the place we retreated to for skiing and family hikes, wildlife viewing and cozy nights playing games in front of a roaring fire. Montana became the place where our children married and our family grew closer together. Now our special Montana place can become your home away from home too. After five years of hard work, planning, and dreaming, Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch is a reality.

Try Steven Rader's recipe: Uncle Dan's Cookies

This BnB is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. We'll talk tomorrow...

How About Way Up in Montana!!!

Thompson Falls B & B in Thompson Falls

Located in the Heart of Northwest Montana you will find a quiet, comfortable getaway. Near the Clark Fork River, Home of Western Hospitality, is the Thompson Falls Bed and Breakfast. This small lumber town is named after David Thompson, the fur trader that in 1811, held the first known Christmas ceremonial to be observed in the state of Montana. A tradition the community continues to celebrate with their annual Christmas Parade. With access to the Pan Handle of Idaho, the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, Lolo National Forest, and Glacier Park, you are sure to experience as much of America's remaining wild country and activities you could hope for. You may even see some of the spectacular wildlife that abounds in this area. Deer, Elk, Moose, Bears, Bald Eagles, and Big Horn Sheep just to name a few. Or settle into the quiet solitude of bird watching and stargazing along the shores of Montana's most scenic wading trout stream river, the Thompson River and the largest river in the state, the Clark Fork River. Whether it's winter or water sports, hunting or fly-fishing or spin fishing, golfing or back country exploration, you'll find what your searching for just beyond our threshold. Huckleberries are the rage here and you can find plenty at our Huckleberry Festival every summer. There is also the noted Huckleberry Fun Run usually held on the same weekend. People are known to travel from the coasts to partake in this charity driven event. And encounter the "Old West" by train for Mother's Day as the Montana Rockies Rail Tours brings you from Sandpoint, Idaho to Thompson Falls for the Heritage Days celebration. This festivity is filled with old west excitement. And, of course, the winter doesn't stop the fun in T-Falls--join us for our annual Christmas Parade. This celebration attracts visitors from as far as Spokane, Washington. Contact us to find out more information and the exact dates for these events.

Try one of Terrilee's delicious recipes: Apple Pecan Bread, Banana Crumb Muffins, Huckleberry Croissants, Huckleberry Pancakes.

This BnB is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. We'll talk tomorrow...