For the past twenty years my husband and I have been visiting a local bed and breakfast. It is only 30 minutes away, but to us, it is worlds apart from our everyday stresses of work, parenting and life in general. It has provided the escape we've needed, if even for just a night, to reconnect, rest and nourish our souls. Join me as I walk you through our personal haven, Burlington's Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast.
(photo from website)
The bed and breakfast is located in Northern Kentucky and sits on a beautiful spot near the Boone County Fairgrounds. This is super convenient when there is an antique show going on right next door! Willis Graves built this federal brick home in the 1830's and the inn is rich in history and character. In the twenty years we have been coming here, we have stayed in every one of the five rooms. One of our favorites for a long weekend is the Graves Suite. The room is full of old world charm but like all the rooms, it has a fully updated, luxurious bathroom.
There are always fresh baked cookies awaiting your arrival. What is more welcoming than fresh baked cookies?!
Our second choice for rooms is the second floor of the log cabin. The cabin has a great story and history behind it. Bob and Nancy (previous innkeepers) purchased the cabin for $1. That's not a typo! One Dollar! The cabin's original location blocked a proposed runway at the Cincinnati International Airport and they needed to get rid of it. Bob and Nancy were able to salvage this amazing piece of history. They dismantled two hundred sixteen logs, moved them the four miles to the inn and then spent the next two years building an oasis for their guests to enjoy. You can watch a video about the restoration here. It's pretty amazing!
The bed and breakfast was recently sold, and the new innkeeper, Jennifer, has begun to add her own personal touches. Having a background as a chef, she wanted to create a social hour for guests. She turned the garage into a social room and she serves wine and snacks. It was not only delicious, but a nice way to meet the other guests.
Another nice spot to sip your evening glass of wine is the back deck. There are plenty of cozy chairs and what's not to love about that view.
When we visit the inn, it's not just the getaway I look forward to. It's the breakfast! The dining room is steeped in history, and I feel truly indulgent as I'm served a scrumptious breakfast in such beautiful surroundings. In fact, I was so excited about my meal that I forgot to take pictures, ha! So the food pictures below are courtesy of my good friend, Nancy, who happened to be spending the same weekend at the inn.
All of the yogurt and granola are made in house. I normally can't eat a lot of dairy but this was so fresh I couldn't resist.
The stuffed french toast is to die for!
Before we know it, it is time to pack up and head home, but there has been a shift in us. We are rested and renewed and ready to face "real" life once again. If you are ever in the Cincinnati area, do not hesitate for a moment to put Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast on your itinerary. And if you live in the area? Don't hesitate for a moment to pack your bags and head on over to the inn. Your mind, body and soul will thank you for it.
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