If some B&Bs make you feel like you’re part of the family, chances are it’s because you stayed at a bed & breakfast that really happens to be a family affair. Husband and wife duo, Larry and Pat Lyons are keeping it all in the family at Lyons Twin Mansions in Fort Scott, Kansas with the help of their son, Nate who runs the “Twin,” a sister building 50 yards apart from the Mansion that serves as a meeting grounds for events, private parties, business meetings and even weddings. Guests won’t find it odd to see Larry greet guests and grill the evening’s supper, Pat cooking in the kitchen, Nate taking care of the books or tending the garden and Nate’s seven year old daughter, Addison help Grandma Pat with drink orders at Sunday brunch. But, make no mistake. This B&B is no ordinary mom and pop stop. Guests can sign up for sophisticated murder mystery dinners, order “A Lovers’ Feast,” a six course meal in a private dining room or polish up at the restorative spa.
Family roots go even deeper at Rodgers Country Inn and Cabins in West Glover, Vermont where Jim and Nancy Rodgers welcome guests at their 350 acre bed & breakfast estate, originally a Scottish family estate dating back to the early 1800s. The inn opened its doors to guests over forty years ago when Jim’s mother functioned as the innkeeper. The warm family environment encourages guests to sit and dine family style where heaping plates of fresh eggs, fruit and stacks of French toast, pancakes or waffles drenched in pure Vermont maple syrup is passed around the large dining table. You can then loll on the porch and take a scenic view of the mountains or take a long walk and get lost in your own thoughts. If you’re looking for things to do in town, check out the West Glover homepage that lists various seasonal recreational activities.
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I loved how you talked about B&B’s that make you feel like you’re part of the family. In my opinion, it is this characteristic that makes B&B’s stand out among other lodging alternatives.
While I am on the subject, I wanted to mention my personal favorite B&B in Vermont. Each year, my wife and I drive down to Vermont for the annual winter festival. During out time there, we make sure to rent a room at the Inn at Clearwater Pond in Quechee VT. Although we have been to many B&B’s before, Clearwater is by far the best! The staff is fantastic, and are very knowledgeable about VT and the surrounding area. The atmosphere here is fantastic as well. Once you arrive at the Inn, you immediately feel relaxed and at ease. As an individual with a rather stressful job, this is something that I highly appreciate.
What I love most about the Inn though is the property that it sits on. The land surrounding the area is simply breathtaking, especially in the spring and summer.
If you are ever heading to Vermont for vacation, check out the Inn at Clearwater Pond. Very romantic, very pleasant, and best of all…very inexpensive!
Comment by Chris Barnes — February 25, 2009 @ 1:49 pm
Just realized that I forgot to post the link to the Clearwater website. Inn at Clearwater Pond
Comment by Chris Barnes — February 25, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
And, then there are B&Bs located in a house, which belonged to family. I was fortunate enough to have parents who had retired to Wellfleet in 1970. I brought my kids here for twenty years, even though we lived in France. My parents’ old Cape Codder has been a B&B for five years now. Sven and I are happy to share it with guests whom we treat as family. I think that’s the way innkeepers should behave, especially at B&Bs that only have a few guestrooms, and that’s why guests in the know always seek out B&Bs rather than hotels.
Comment by Alexandra Grabbe — March 5, 2009 @ 10:33 am