Birthday

When I was a kid my Mom had a thing for Bed & Breakfast places. I, on the other hand, was creeped out by them. They were old. They were close quarters. They were not impersonal hotels where I could roam around with no one knowing my name. Nope. B&B weren’t  for me. However, as an adult I have seen that B&Bs are not all old and moth ball scented. Many of them are wonderful Inns that are run by lovely people in lovely towns with lovely modern furniture. Just the right things to soothe this hotel lover’s soul.

This past weekend The Scientist found a gem of a B&B in Stowe, VT with the Brass Lantern Inn.

Mary Anne and George, the husband and wife team that run this joint, were so friendly! Mary Anne greeted us immediately when we arrived, gave us a little tour and let us get settled into our room.  The Inn includes a living room with ample seating space, a fireplace, beautiful piano, and TONS of reading material. There is also a bonus game room where there is a ping pong table, board games, fridge for use by all, a microwave, and even more seating space.

Our room wasn’t huge, but it had a gas fireplace and an awesome view of the mountains. Despite having a tv, we didn’t turn it on one single time. Each time we go on vacation we try to limit our technology use to the occasional email check on the phone. It is so nice to disconnect for a few days!

There was an outdoor hot tub and our bathroom included a jacuzzi. They were smart to post instructions in a cute way throughout the Inn so you didn’t have to ring someone up each time to figure out to use them.  There were also small touches like a Brita pitcher of water filled each day in the room, a few local chocolates on the bedside table, wine glasses with bottle openers available for use, and afternoon cookies & tea every day. Every little thing you could think of was covered.

Each evening the breakfast for the next morning was posted.

We were treated to a delicious breakfast made by George & in the well-lit dining room. We managed to snag a seat at the main window both days.

We started out breakfast with fresh fruit and our choice of juice.

One morning we had a hearty spiced apple muffin. I wish I was a better baker!

The first morning was an egg and ham stratta, but since I don’t do ham George was nice enough to whip up an omelet with spinach and mushrooms for me. That sucker was PACKED with veggies. The fun breakfast salad on the side was a nice sweet addition to my savory breakfast. I’ve never even thought of having a breakfast salad but I could see this becoming a part of my menu.

The next morning was belgian waffle day! We had our choice of maple syrup, maple blueberry syrup, maple bacon ice cream, or if you are The Scientist…all of the above. I stuck with the blueberry syrup. It was the perfect combo of sweet and tart.

The Scientist’s version included a sausage link too. Maple bacon ice cream and sausage. The kid managed to shove it all down. I seriously have no idea where he puts it all! Kind of annoying really.

During a few breaks from our outdoor activities we lounged in our room enjoying the fire and the view. We also spent most of our nights relaxing by the fireplace, reading, and drinking hot cocoa.

We both decided that a gas fireplace is the way to go. This should be mandatory in any of my future homes.

If you are ever in the Stowe area definitely check out the Brass Lantern Inn. It is close to everything, easy to find and reasonably priced.

So I’ve officially changed my way of thinking as a 32 year old adult. Bed & Breakfasts are more than just stuffy old homes. My mom will be so pleased when she reads this post and I’m pretty sure an “I told you so” will be on its way shortly.

Have you ever stayed at a Bed & Breakfast?

Once I stayed in a B&B that didn’t have a breakfast in the morning! It just had granola bars and a sign that said “Visit the restaurant down the street!” HA!

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