Looking down into the courtyard of Riad Les Yeux Bleus, Marrakech.

Although I’ve heard from many people traveling to Marrakech that it’s difficult to book a night at Riad Les Yeux Bleus, but please give it a shot as early as you can.  Near all the action of the city yet in a very quiet place, Riad Les Yeux Bleus is tucked away in the medina only ten minutes from Jemaa el Fna and offers all the luxury you’d ever want in a Moroccan riad.

Places for relaxation, sipping mint tea, and swimming — all in the courtyard at Riad Les Yeux Bleus.

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard or garden.  Riad Les Yeux Bleus takes advantage of its open-air space by flanking a crystal clear pool with lounge chairs and tables where afternoon tea or cocktails await. As you might expect, heavily carved doors open to the courtyard adorned with tall, leafy plants and colorful Moroccan tiles.  But the unexpected is also quite nice — like lush banquettes offering a quiet respite for two or a group meeting for a party of four or five.

Alcoves and lounge chairs offer luxurious relaxation at Riad Les Yeux Bleus.

In good weather, the rooftop is the place to be — ample seating in clay-colored decor bounded by the exotic fronds and colorful flowers you’ve come to love in Morocco.

But no matter what you do at Riad Les Yeux Bleus, don’t miss dinner where you are seated among layers of patterns and colors and served Morocca specialities on a silver platter.

Dinner is served at Riad Les Yeux Bleus

It’s comfortable in this romantic room off the courtyard where rich colors of Moroccan rugs contrast with white columns and tablecloths.  Elegant.  Simple.  And oh, so Moroccan.

Elegant dining at Riad Les Yeux Bleus

And the dishes just keep coming — Moroccan specialties like salads, brochettes, and pastilles made of fresh ingredients (bought at markets in the medina, perhaps?). You’ll be happy your stay for the night is just around the corner in this intimate eight-room riad.

For convenience, impeccable service, authentic decor, and bountiful repasts, book a room at Riad Les Yeux Bleus.  But do it soon.  You won’t want to stay anywhere else if the medina’s shopping and hubbub are what you’re in Marrakech to see!

Loving the service and surroundings at beautiful Riad Les Yeux Bleus.

— Rusha Sams

More posts on Marvelous Morroco are only one click away.

Front entrance, Lords of the Manor

Sometimes you yearn for a bit of luxury in your life.  And if you’re staying in the Cotswolds of England, that bit of luxury — and more — can be found at the award-winning Lords of the Manor Hotel and Restaurant in Gloucestershire known for fine cuisine and lovely English gardens.

Lords of the Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, England

A former rectory, Lords of the Manor is situated on eight acres in Upper Slaughter, a perfectly charming village near other picturesque towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.  Named “Country House Hotel of the Year” by Good Hotel Guide, this luxury inn more than lives up to its reputation and Michelin Star rating.

The Welcome

Even if you arrive after dark as we did, you find the kindest of people at the ready to acclimate you to Lords of the Manor and your special room.  As we discovered, almost anything can be had for the asking.

Friendly, helpful, and downright conversational — the desk clerk at Lords of the Manor

On the second morning of our stay, we told the woman at the desk (cheery even after long days extending into night) that wintertime didn’t afford us the opportunity to actually see the place in daylight since we spent our days touring, arriving “home” after dark.

Early morning tour of the grounds at Lords of the Manor

She immediately offered us a map of the walled garden, flashlights for our convenience, and wellies by the door!  Welcome to Lords of the Manor!

Wellies by the door: Lords of the Manor

The Accommodations

We can’t speak for all rooms, but our bedroom could be described as luxuriously comfortable.  It was what we expected of English decor — a blend of patterns on curtains and bed linens, creamy walls, good lighting for reading, and more than ample seating.

Crisp linens and plush bedding at Lords of the Manor

Add to this a writing desk with stationery, in-room wine and cheese that you can order, well-appointed bathroom, and soft-to-the-touch monogrammed bathrobes.  (Well, it is luxury, after all.)

Bert found time to write a postcard and sip some wine in our room at Lords of the Manor.

Comfort extended to other areas of this anything-but-stuffy manor house. With the option of dining near the fireplace in a well-appointed drawing room, we accepted the offer and felt duly pampered. Staff members, efficient but unobtrusive, prioritized comfort and privacy for guests at Lords of the Manor, even during the bustle of winter holidays.

The Food

Choices abound for breakfast at Lords of the Manor, but we chose the buffet over a made-for-us bounty.  Who could resist in-house granola, preserves, fruits and breads with a presentation that invites you to try at least some of the chef-prepared offerings?

And although we tried one night to have Michelin Star Dining at Lords of the Manor (Click here to see a gallery of pictures), we were too late.  Word to the wise: Make reservations ahead of time.  Frequent travelers and nearby residents recognize quality, so they book in advance.  You may want to do the same.

The Extras

The staff at Lords of the Manor will tell you that there are no extras.  Everything is lovely, and everything is included in your stay.  And they’d be correct.  But by extras, we mean what we don’t normally see at just any bed-and-breakfast or hotel. Like live Christmas trees — numerous ones — in the entrance hallway, common areas, and dining rooms.

Extra special, extra colorful: Christmas at Lords of the Manor

And service beyond compare.  Even with our distinctly Southern accents, the staff understood what we asked for and found it — whether it was a light dinner by the fire or map of the area for early-morning exploration.  Fine service isn’t an extra at Lords of the Manor; it’s business as usual.  And we loved it!

Sitting room: Lords of the Manor

So, if you’re visiting the Cotswolds, consider Lords of the Manor.  Whether your stay in the winter involves cozying up by the drawing room fire or your visit in spring allows you to photograph perennials in the garden, you won’t be disappointed.  It’s a place for all seasons.  And one of the finest spots in the area for English hospitality.

Enjoying a special stay at Lords of the Manor

For more information:

Lords of the Manor Hotel and Restaurant, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire; www.lordsofthemanor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LordsOfTheManorHotel

Twitter: @CotswoldLords

First impression the night we arrived at Grosvenor House in London!

Settled squarely in the Mayfair section of London with a posh Park Lane address, Grosvenor House puts you in the center of uptown luxury.   But with a focus on gentility, service and personal attention, it’s much more than just a place to stay.

The Welcome

Nothing spoke more to us after a long inter-continental flight than what happened upon arrival.  We were greeted by a welcoming, beautifully lighted entrance and two official greeters decked out in tails and top hats.

Welcoming committee of two — Grosvenor House

Even the lobby said “Welcome!” with plush seating in soft, cream-colored leather and sink-in fabrics.  Originally built in the ’20s, the hotel has undergone multiple renovations, most recently a major one lasting four years (2004-2008).

Tastefully decorated with comfortable seating: the lobby at Grosvenor House.

But it still maintains the appeal that we suppose it did when it opened in 1929 on the site previously inhabited by the Dukes of Westminster, whose family name was Grosvenor.

Elegant seasonal arrangement in main lobby.

A welcome touch!

Today, the hotel exudes opulence but also maintains its modernity in terms of color palette and decor. With seasonal decorations like the towering central lobby table arrangement and clean, fresh Christmas trees trimmed in simple, yet elegant gold balls, we knew this was a place that valued appearances as well as comfort.

The Accommodations

If our bedroom is any indication of what the other 428 rooms are like, you can’t go wrong here.  We stay at Marriott hotels for the quality and comfort of the beds and the silky, sink-into linens that we love.

Superb linens on comfortable beds — one reason we return to Marriott hotels.

But the bathroom was a real surprise.  Creamy white and gray marble floors and counters greeted us.  And as we looked around, we couldn’t have been more pleased with the brass-fitted shower head, soft robes, and (oh, yes!) a heated towel rack.

We’d return just for the marble and heated towel rack!!

Cleanliness, too, must be a top concern.  Each day, our room was put to order just the way we found it on Day One.  Imagine our surprise when we came upon a meeting of the staff responsible for all this polish — ladies that we commended for jobs not just well done, but outstandingly done.

Of one accord: staff at Grosvenor Hosue, London

The Extras

If you stay at Marriott hotels often, be sure to sign up for their loyalty program.  The points you earn can land you in some of the best Concierge Lounges in any city of the world — and, aside from saving you money on breakfast and evening snacks, they are comfortable places where you can dine — usually with a great view — and meet people from all over the world.

Historic documents and photos line the wall behind this gathering of guests in the Concierge Lounge.

Part of the art display in the Concierge Lounge.

Grosvenor House didn’t just put out one table of fresh food in their Concierge Lounge — there were several.  Arranged beautifully, the varied offerings appealed to our senses — sight and taste.  Most items were labeled, so we knew what we were sampling. Drinks, too, were no exception.  If we didn’t see a wine or water or soft drink to our liking, the staff would try their best to find something to please.

An American Night buffet with breads and fruit — one of several in the Concierge Lounge.

Grosvenor House is home to several restaurants conveniently located throughout the building — all with varied menus from formal fare to casual dining. And all offered the same comfort we enjoyed in the lobby, room, and Concierge Lounge.

One of the restaurants in the main lobby.

But one thing set this big-city hotel apart from others we’ve enjoyed: the advice we received from the concierge himself.  When we sought help on transportation, he suggested sites we could see within walking distance of the hotel and helped us prioritize what to see in a limited amount of time.  More specifically, he provided spot-on tips for purchasing an Oyster Card for public transportation, suggestions on how to hail a London taxi, and well-marked maps leading to all the best spots.  (Like Hamleys Toy Store for Paddington Bear.  It was Christmas, after all.) But it wasn’t just the concierge who was attentive.  All staff seemed to take an interest in guests.  The lady pictured below wanted to see the photos I took of the black doors on Park Street.  (She even understood our Southern drawls. Well, we think she did.)

At your service: the friendly staff at Grosvenor House.

If you’re looking for a deluxe stay in London with a knowledgeable, caring staff, check out Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel.  It offers a luxury stay, for sure. But with all the amenities, incomparable service, and useful advice, this could qualify as a bargain in many ways!

Elegant Christmas touches at Grosvenor House, London.

For more information:

Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, 86-90 Park Lane, London; +44-20-74996363; http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/longh-grosvenor-house-a-jw-marriott-hotel/

Note:  We were not reimbursed in any way by Marriott International or anyone at Grosvenor House for writing this post. All opinions are our own.

Our home away from home: a tiny house in Flat Rock, North Carolina.

When you wait ’til the last minute to make hotel or B&B reservations wherever there’s a huge festival, you just may be out of luck.  And we were.  No rooms in Hendersonville, North Carolina, during Apple Festival 2016.  Sold out.  Nothing much on any of the tried-and-true websites we rely on for lodging.

Another tiny home in Village of Wildflowers — Flat Rock, NC

And that’s when we got creative.  Somehow we stumbled upon the Village of Wildflowers in nearby Flat Rock.  Nice website.  Lovely photos.  Tiny houses.  That’s right — those adorable tiny houses that you see on HGTV’s  Tiny House Hunters. We signed up and stayed in a tiny house called Lake View.

Fully-equipped kitchen in a rentable tiny house in Flat Rock.

Our 400-square-foot tiny home offered more than ample accommodations for three nights.  Immediately, we loved the open living room with natural pine walls and all the amenities you’d want in a compact space:  sofa, two chairs, bar with pull-up stools, fully-equipped kitchen, fireplace, and big flat-screen TV.

One corner of the living room with fireplace and TV — visible from kitchen.

The master bedroom was another study in usable space:  queen bed with storage underneath, book shelves on either side of the bed, and a wardrobe with hanging space and deep drawers.

Plenty of storage in this comfortable, compact master bedroom.

No compromises on the bathroom either:  full tub with shower and lots of lighted spaces.

Bathroom with granite counter tops, good lighting, and both tub and shower

Pocket doors kept everything private but stayed out of the way.

Pocket doors, ample storage in tiny house in Flat Rock

Loft space (accessible by ladder in the living room) held another queen bed in a spacious carpeted area.  We didn’t venture up there except to peek in, but we knew at first glance that kids would love this space!

A screened-in porch with four chairs offered a view of the lake and a quiet place to read.  But we also discovered something else hidden away behind closed doors on the porch: a compact washer and dryer.  Handy, to say the least.

Screened-in porch holds 4 chairs. Hidden away behind doors is the washer and dryer.

The Village of Wildflowers has both permanent residents and rental homes in this tiny house subdivision where variety in design and building materials ensure that no two are alike.

Open for inspection was an even tinier house, suitable for toting behind a vehicle if the owners wanted to be on the move.

For us, staying in a tiny house has its advantages: We were in one place for three days of exploring western North Carolina, we “cooked in” a couple of nights, and we gave up nothing in terms of accommodations.

Living room and kitchen view of Lake View, a tiny house in Flat Rock

We’re convinced that there may be more of these tiny house communities on the way in America, and, as an alternative to our usual hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, our tiny house stay felt like an adventure, one worth trying.

What about you?  Think you’d enjoy a tiny house vacation?

For more information:

Village of Wildflowers, 24 Empire Lane, Flat Rock, NC 28731; 828-707-0969.  info@thevillageofwildflowers.com; http://thevillageofwildflowers.com/

Laurel Oak Inn, Gainesville, FL

Now don’t get us wrong here.  We stay in plenty of chain hotels and appreciate their standardized accommodations.  But when we have leisure time the morning after a stay, we look for bed-and-breakfast inns where the owners are friendly and open, the breakfast is something we’d love to post on Pinterest, and the rooms are decorated with personal touches.

And that’s what we found at the Laurel Oak Inn in Gainesville, Florida.  It’s in good company, too.  The Southeast Historic District, comprised of a number of stately old homes just a short walk from downtown, supports at least three other B & Bs. They stand proudly and beautifully preserved on sidewalk-lined streets shaded by mature, mossy trees.

Side porch, Laurel Oak Inn

Constructed in 1885 by William Lassiter and his second wife Fanny, the Lassiter House (as it was originally called) has endured much over the years:  a conversion to two apartments in the 20’s, the elimination of the kitchen to add an extra bedroom, the addition of a two-story sleeping porch, the division into four apartments in 1938, deterioration in the ’50s and ’60s, and eventually being condemned in 1979.  Butch and Joyce Redstone purchased the home in the early 1990s and stabilized the structure, but it was not until Monta and Peggy Burt bought the house in 1999 did it have a chance at being revitalized to the structure you see today — a charming, welcoming inn that opened to the public in November of 2001.

Maintaining the integrity of the home, the Burts furnished the parlor in keeping with its original intent. We admired original woodwork on the working fireplace and gleaming wood floors.

Parlor — Laurel Oak Inn

We suspect, however, that most people who stay at The Laurel Oak Inn enjoy sitting in this area adjacent to the lively, open kitchen.

Sitting Area facing the kitchen

The Lilac Room was our choice for the night with its pleasant colors and unique bed made of re-purposed wood.  Fortunately, it was available.

Lilac Room, Laurel Oak Inn

A retrofitted bathroom offered modern conveniences, and luxurious bathrobes were ours for the stay.

Bathroom adjoining Lilac Room with spa-like robes on the door

But what really sold us on this room was the adjoining porch overlooking the historic district and offering soft breezes to enjoy in the evening or morning hours.

Side porch for Lilac Room guests

Monta’s unsolicited tour of the inn highlighted the addition of an extra bedroom with “found” carved doors on the main floor and the painstakingly reconstructed stairway to the second floor. We posed: What’s that in the corners of the stair steps? And Monta replied: They’re little pieces of metal to keep dust from collecting in the hard-to-reach corners!  (You can learn a lot, staying in a B&B!)

Stair details — keeping the dust out of corners!

Since Peggy had left for her teaching job even before we’d had our first cup of coffee, Monta took over the breakfast duties — talking, baking, serving.

Monta prepares the breakfast in the open kitchen, accessible to guests and owners

And what a breakfast it was!  Fresh fruit, artfully arranged, greeted us at the table . . .

First course: fresh grapefruit slices and blueberries

followed by Denver Strata (eggs, roasted red peppers, provolone cheese, green chiles, and ham) and a side of bacon.

Denver Strata served at Laurel Oak Inn

Throughout the inn, you’ll find little touches in the nooks and corners.  Like this basket of crochet thread and sock darners at the base of an old Singer sewing machine in the Lilac Room.

Collection of crochet thread and sock darners fill a basket in the Lilac Room

Or this remnant of a crazy quilt hanging in the kitchen.

Framed remnant of a crazy quilt

A stay at the Laurel Oak Inn will give you a sense of history and beauty — in the decor, the detailed renovations, and the personal touches that add life and interest to the rooms.

But you mainly want to stay there to meet the Burts — they’ll recommend restaurants in the area, give you the history of the inn, and make you feel as if you have settled in for what you do NOT want to miss:  real Southern comfort!

Framed quote displayed at the Laurel Oak Inn

The Laurel Oak Inn

221 Southeast Seventh Street

Gainesville, FL 32601

352.373.4535

Monta and Peggy Burt, Innkeepers

Website: http://www.laureloakinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Laurel-Oak-Inn/108790461381

Trip Advisor, Ranked Number 1 B&B in Gainesville: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34242-d296633-Reviews-The_Laurel_Oak_Inn-Gainesville_Florida.html

GreenRose of Raus Bed and Breakfast Inn

You know how it is.  You go to a site you want to visit (like Jack Daniel Distillery in Middle Tennessee), and you search the internet for somewhere nearby to stay overnight. But you’re not sure that what you see is what you’ll get.

Well, we got lucky! One of the bed and breakfast inns featured on the Jack Daniel site — the GreenRose of Raus — had it all: lovely country setting, beautifully prepared breakfast, and a most hospitable owner whose love of Tennessee and her B & B made it a great place to stay.

Pat Cox, co-owner of GreenRose of Raus B & B

Located seven miles from the Jack Daniel Distillery and twelve miles from the National Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville, TN, this circa 1905 B & B resides in the country.  The drive down Smith Chapel Road prepares you for a slower pace as you enjoy views of farmland, cattle grazing, and open spaces.

But when you get there, you can feel the warmth that sets this B & B apart.  Pat Cox, who co-owns GreenRose of Raus with her sister Jeannie Williams invites you in to enjoy the amenities, like this comfortable parlor open to all.

Original fireplaces like this one appeal to those who love antiques and old houses but also reveal the desire of the owners to leave as much intact of the original house as possible.

Shelves filled with books invite you to read while you stay at the B & B, but if you’re not finished, you’re welcome to take a book home and return it at your leisure.

A sideboard in the kitchen holds homemade cookies under a glass dome, available any time.  (Well, if the guests don’t consume them all at once!)

Rooms painted soft colors hold some antiques, but have modern conveniences like private bathrooms, comfortable bedding, and ample spaces for luggage.  (This is the only twin bed room we saw.  Most rooms have queen beds, but one with a king bed is located on the main floor.)

Perhaps what distinguishes an ordinary B & B experience from a special one is the person in charge.  Pat Cox‘s tour revealed her love of quilts made from family heirlooms and stitched with Bible verses.

One of the pieced quilts in the parlor at GreenRose of Raus

Soft colors and touches of lace in a quilted throw

She shared the origin of the name GreenRose with us — a rose with a rare color that interested the sisters and indicated something different that they could offer travelers.

Although the home was comfy and accommodating, it was the breakfast that could bring us back.  Pat engages everyone in lively conversation by asking simple questions of the guests to help everyone get to know each other.  One couple recounted their love of all things Jack Daniel by sharing the extent of their bottle and memorabilia collections. Another couple was ending a one-week honeymoon and returning to the “real world” of jobs and merged families.

Gathering in the dining room for morning breakfast

And, of course, we ate.  Pat served Bruce’s Baked Eggs — eggs surrounded by ham baked in a muffin tin — with the accompaniments of a Sausage Cheese Muffin, Autumn Blend Pancakes made with pumpkin and orange zest, and a Fruit Medley with Amaretto Dairy Cream!

Bruce’s Baked Eggs with Sausage Cheese Muffin and Autumn Blend Pancakes

We each knew where to sit since Pat had hand-lettered our names in gold on leaves pulled from the magnolia trees out front.

Place marker hand-lettered in gold on magnolia leaf

If you’re thinking of hitting The Jack Trail — over 375 miles of historic sites in Middle Tennessee (preserved homes, museums, distilleries, Civil War monuments, country music, etc.), then consider staying at this centrally located B & B.  GreenRose of Raus will help you rest and “regroup” as you think of your next travel adventure, your “real” jobs, or whatever is next on your agenda. But while you’re at GreenRose, just relax!

GreenRose of Raus in Tullahoma, TN

Click here to read our previous blog post entitled Jack Daniel Distillery: Quality processing right here in Tennessee.

For more information:

GreenRose of Raus, 330 Smith Chapel Road, Tullahoma, TN 37388; 931.695.3351; http://www.greenroseofraus.net/

Jack Daniel Distillery, 182 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg, TN 37352; 931.759.6357; http://www.jackdaniels.com/visit

The Jack Trail, part of Discovery Tennessee Trails & Byways: http://tntrailsandbyways.com/

This is post #25 of National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) 2013 sponsored by BlogHer and WordPress.

Our trek through the Inland Northwest took us from Spokane, Washington, up Highway 2 through Green Bluff, an area boasting over 30 apple orchards and numerous at-home entrepreneurs.  From there, we drove north toward Bonners Ferry, Idaho, but only made it to Sandpoint when near-darkness and weariness overtook us.

Had we known that Sandpoint would become one of the classiest, most interesting cities on our trip, we would have planned it as a destination.  As it was, we sat in the car looking on our iPhones for the names of B&B’s, hotels, restaurants, etc.  What a find we made when we booked unknowingly one of the finest places we stayed on the whole trip:  the Lodge at Sandpoint!

Rooms facing Lake Pend Oreille

Situated on Lake Pend Oreille, this Old World boutique hotel with modern conveniences charmed us with log construction and upscale lodge furniture.

The commons area exuded comfort with leather seating, patterned pillows, antiques, stained glass windows, and an oversize fireplace just waiting for us to stand with our backs to it and “warm up a spell.”

Fireplace in the main lobby where beamed ceilings and lodge furniture invite relaxation

We could see why the website for The Lodge states that it’s “built on the proposition that Life at the lake is the most fun of all”! No wonder it’s a destination for small weddings, family gatherings, and weekends away for folks like us.

Spectacular sundown view of the lake from the porch at Lodge at Sandpoint

We wondered how long it would take to drive from Sandpoint city center to The Lodge, but the drive was short:  about two miles across the Long Bridge into Slagle.

We never had to leave The Lodge for dinner since Forty-One South (on the premises) offers gourmet cuisine in a lovely waterfront setting.

Our room was spacious even though we were only there for sleeping.  We mostly enjoyed spending time reading in the main lobby or wandering the more than 600 feet of sand beach outside.

With gorgeous evening views of Lake Pend Oreille, though, our first priority was to relax in the cushy seats on the porch until the last glimmer of light dipped into the horizon.

The Lodge at Sandpoint became one of the unexpected high points of our trip, and returning would be a plus, for sure.  According to calendar listings in Sandpoint Magazine, special events abound.  No matter what you enjoy doing — shopping, boating, rafting, fishing, celebrating — Sandpoint seemingly has it all.  It’s definitely on our radar as a Place To See Again!

The Lodge at Sandpoint

41 Lakeshore Drive

Slagle, ID 83860

208.263.2211

http://lodgeatsandpoint.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lodge-At-Sandpoint/112662938751149

Forty-One South

http://41southsandpoint.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forty-One-South/175667542452845

For more on our travels in the Inland Northwest, click on the page at the top of this post.

And we’d be very pleased if you click to follow this blog by email or share comments about any of the places you’ve visited in this beautiful part of America.

Beautifully carved columns frame one of the porches at Blue Lake Ranch. (Photo from Website: http://www.bluelakeranch.com)

The second day of our New Mexico journey took us from the Casa Blanca Inn  in Farmington to the town of Shiprock on the Navajo reservation where I conducted a workshop for teachers. (Click here for post on Casa Blanca Inn.)

Wanting to combine work with pleasure, my husband and I booked the second of the Three Sister Inns owned by David and Shirley Alford and found our favorite by far — Blue Lake Ranch in Hesperus, Colorado — only 30 minutes away from Mesa Verde National Park.

View from the Cabin on the Lake

Marked only by a small lighted mailbox on Highway 140, Blue Lake Ranch is unknown even to most locals. But the ranch is a wonder with 230 acres of natural vegetation, trout-filled lakes, and spectacular gardens bursting with color from heirloom flowers and over 10,000 irises.

You may find yourself wondering if you’re in the right place as the winding  road (newly paved, by the way) meanders to the front door of the main house.

Although winter gardens offer little in the way of color, the entrance still beckons travelers to a lovely Southwestern hideaway.

We stood in awe of the elegantly furnished Southwestern living room. (Just typical good taste, Alford style, like the Casa Blanca Inn, I suppose.)

Alexis, the inn’s new manager, opened a scrapbook to reveal a picture of the abandoned shell of a homestead that Don found and developed into a property now celebrated as one of the best “hidden getaways” in the U.S.

Humble beginnings of Blue Lake Ranch as found by Don Alford

Impressive to say the least.  Not just for the property turnaround but also for the grounds, casitas, cabins, and main house appointed with collections gathered over time.

With an expanse of windows to catch the view, the living room is always open to guests.

You may think that Tuesday night in November is not the ideal time to sink into a luxury B&B, but there are some advantages:  We had the place to ourselves and our choice of rooms.  Lucky us.  Just upstairs with a balcony facing the sunset over Blue Lake, we settled in to the La Plata Vista Room with comforts we were becoming accustomed to on this Three Sisters Tour!

Carved headboard and sink-in bed linens typify the sleeping area of the La Plata Vista Room.

Providing ambience and warmth were Navajo rugs, hand-painted pottery, rough-hewn furniture, and, for the second night in a row, our very own Kiva fireplace.

We’ve come to love Kiva fireplaces. Doesn’t Tennessee need to know about these, too?

Southwestern touches extended to the sink area with copper basin and personalized punched-tin light fixture.

Unique lighting above the mirror and basin of the dressing area.

Satiny sheets and lofty down comforter enticed us to linger in bed, but not for long.  We wanted to see the inn in the early light of day and sample what we knew would be a breakfast to remember.

Personalized Louisville Stoneware mugs stand ready to hold the morning java.

Downstairs, hand-woven baskets lined up over doorways . . .

Navajo baskets circle-up above the doors.

and Indian figures stood guard on the mantel.

Lined up in native dress, these figures stand tall at Blue Lake!

A watercolor of the main house faces the coffee bar . . .

leading us to the buffet set just for us.  We placed an order for eggs over-easy, then grazed accordingly on granola and yogurt, sausage patties, and homemade bread with house jam — Blue Lake Ranch Peach & Raspberry — sold in the gift shop. (Note to readers:  Unless you want an airline dude to get the breakfast you dreamed of having back home, do NOT pack jam in your carry-on bag!)

Breakfast buffet ready for the taking!

At Blue Lake, people make the difference.  We listened with interest as Alexis told us of her personal cross-country journey in her own RV (alone!), and then heard how Maggie became involved with the properties, too.  In fact, Maggie said she had booked a night at the Don Gaspar Inn, the third of the Three Sister Inns, in Santa Fe, the following Friday – the same night we’d be there!

Maggie poses in the Gift Shop

For dinner, Alexis recommended Kennebec Cafe & Bakery.  We expected a Mom-and-Pop meat-and-three, but what we found was a gourmet experience due in part to the creative chef and gregarious waiter who treated us like locals.   If you go, try flatbread with mushrooms, asiago cheese, asparagus, arugula, and crispy prosciutto — if the chef’s of a mind to offer that as one of his nightly specials!

Alexis, the lady who traveled the US in her own RV, makes the best dinner reservations!!

Saying good-bye was difficult, so we took out time driving the property, scoping out the other cabins available for nightly or weekly stays.

Porches like this are meant to face the great outdoors and Blue Lake, and we dream of returning some day, rocking in the chairs and waiting for the sunset while nature unfolds in this heavenly retreat.

A porch on one of the rental cabins faces the lake and invites total relaxation!

Enjoying a few last leisurely moments in the sun-filled breakfast room at Blue Lake Ranch. And then off to Mesa Verde!

It’s not too late to take advantage of the Three Sisters Road Trip.  Stay in all three inns and receive a discount — all three times!  (http://www.bluelakeranch.com/summerspecials.htm

Note: You’ll find the address on the Website for Blue Lake Ranch as Durango, Colorado, as well as Hesperus, Colorado.  So just call Alexis for directions.  You can’t get too lost, unless you want to . . . right there on the property!

Blue Lake Ranch

16919 Hwy 140

Hesperus, CO 81326

970.385.4537 (8-6pm MST)

www.BlueLakeRanch.com

Commissioned banner hand-made for the owners of the Casa Blanca Inn.

When a business opportunity training teachers in Shiprock, New Mexico, opened up in November, I jumped at the chance to work and then sight-see in this state that has always been on my Bucket List.  I searched the Internet only to find that Shiprock lacks accommodations, but, lucky for me and my husband, we found the Casa Blanca Inn in nearby Farmington. 

The beautiful Casa Blanca Inn — picture taken from website: http://www.4cornersbandb.com

And what a find it was!

Greeted by a friendly night watchman who immediately grabbed our suitcases, we passed by what he called a frozen wedding cake — a three-tiered fountain in the middle of the courtyard caught by a sudden drop in temperature!

Casa Blanca’s frozen fountain

In searching for places to stay, you may have experienced the same hesitation that my husband Bert and I do: Do the lovely website pictures translate into picture-perfect rooms and experiences? Really?

But when we checked in, all doubts were removed.  We were greeted by a group of people playing bridge in the sunny breakfast room (the innkeeper among them) and a well-appointed upgrade room filled with Southwestern decor and collectibles we had never seen before.

The Chaco Suite at the Casa Blanca Inn, Farmington NM

When we entered our room — the Chaco Suite — we were immediately struck by the smooth adobe walls, colorful Navajo rugs, wall hangings, and collections of pottery and baskets throughout.  We could have stayed a week with the more-than-ample kitchen (stove, refrigerator, dishes, and great selection of coffee and tea) and an eating area that could double as an office! (Which it did!)

With a mixture of textures and international styles, the suite held items acquired by the owners, David and Shirley Alford, who have been adding their decorative and personal touches since 2003 when they acquired the Casa Blanca Inn.   For example, the hand-painted headboard of this sumptuous king bed (love the down comforter and luxe linens!) reminded us of travels in the Far East, while other decor elements like Navajo rugs, baskets and plates blended to make it all work together.

Featuring an international blend of colors and design elements, the bed offered a luxury spot for sleeping.

The bathroom, too, held decorator touches — framed artwork, painted sink, and folk art bowls in addition to the amenities we enjoyed — walk-in shower and Jacuzzi tub. Best of all, we loved the heated tile floors!

Design elements add interest to the sizable bathroom.

Detail of the beautiful bathroom sink in the Chaco Suite.

On the wall in the bedroom, this composition of plant materials caught my eye. As I looked more closely, I could see that each piece on the board was a source for natural dyes. The woven piece in the middle held strands from each dye lot, linking to the source. 

Central weaving with dyed yarns attached to plant sources.

Of course, I had to have one to take back home.  And I found one — made by a Navajo woman from Shiprock at a downtown trading post. (Later, I realized that trading posts are  sources of great deals throughout New Mexico, so I was ever watchful for the next great post in sight).

Another find is a Kiva fireplace, something we definitely don’t see in Tennessee!  Regulated by a thermostat, the gas fireplace provided the only source of heat we needed on a fairly cold night, so we snuggled up with Southwestern magazines and travel literature before hitting that king-size bed!

Two comfortable chairs face the Kiva fireplace – a romantic and practical source of heat!

The main house held other objects of affection, collected over time

Living room of the commons area at Casa Blanca Inn.

— like this grouping of painted gourds on the dining room buffet.

And this line-up of quality hand-made pottery showing geometric designs wrought by steady hands.

Although I had to leave early for my Shiprock training session and miss the breakfast, Bert reported that it was outstanding:  granola and yogurt along with huevos rancheros.  And rich, black coffee!

Detail of pottery on display at Casa Blanca Inn

As advertised on the Internet, you can stay at the Three Sister Inns (Casa Blanca in Farmington; Blue Lake Ranch in Hesperus, CO; and Don Gaspar in Santa Fe) and save 10% at each.  So, on to Blue Lake and our next adventure.  Be sure to check our next post to read about this tucked-away gem of an inn with a marvelous sunset view!

If you’re in Farmington, consider the Casa Blanca Inn for a night or two.  It’s luxury . . . Southwestern style!

The owners’ collections take center stage in commons area of the Casa Blanca Inn.

Casa Blanca Inn

505 East La Plata Street

Farmington, NM 87401

1-800-550-6503

http://www.4cornersbandb.com/index.htm

Have you traveled New Mexico?  Tell us what you recommend.  We may make a return trip armed with your ideas!

The current owners, Mark and Cindi Ladd , shared a bit of history with us when we stayed there recently.  Edmond G. Watkins in 1889 completed this home using some of the finest construction techniques and even some of the stones from the Union Army redoubt during the Civil War in Chattanooga.  Watkins, president of the Lookout Mountain Land Company and the Chattanooga and Mountain Railway Company, was elected mayor; thus, his home became the Mayor’s Mansion.  This 14,000-square-foot property was renovated in 1995 and opened as a B&B in 1996.  McLadd Hospitality purchased the inn in 2008 and established a standard for elegant accommodations that has earned them a place in the Select Registry.

As I mentioned earlier, about 10 years ago — in preparation for writing an article about it — I toured the inn, marveling at the 11 guest rooms with private baths, the tasteful updates bringing the mansion into the 20th century, and the details that had been preserved by people who obviously cared for exacting period renovation.

Fortunately, the elegant setting that I observed this time has not only endured — it may have improved.  I like the furnishings even better this second time around.  They seem (how shall I put it?) even more comfortable, yet fitting for the time period. Relaxing in the spacious rooms is not only possible — it’s encouraged!

As you can see in the picture below, hand-painted walls (Soooo much better than plain ol’ wallpaper!) form an interesting — and lovely — backdrop.

Details such as the coffered ceilings and intricate parquet floors are a testament to the craftmanship and creativity that are often missing in many of America’s “updated” B&Bs.

Bedrooms were a bit formal — yet easy to enjoy with sink-into beds (We love down comforters!) and modern baths.

Although we choose to stay in B&Bs periodically for a taste of the past, we have another reason to select old homes-turned-hotels: It’s the people.  For example, on this stay, we met David and Margaret, former owners of a macadamia farm in  Africa, but now residents in Ringgold, Georgia.  They, too, loved the inn and the elegant breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast, the Mayor’s Mansion Inn serves it each morning in three courses — and they do it up right! Katie, our server, led us into the Tiffany Dining Room where stemmed crystal held a fruit medley.  Pretty china and silver set the tone for elegant entrees yet to come.

Katie pauses for a picture between servings of hot pancackes and bacon

Main course — beautifully presented!

We dined on Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote*, and the owners graciously shared the recipe so I could post it for my readers!  (Be sure to check it out at the end!)

After a restful night’s sleep and a breakfast the likes of which we definitely don’t have at home, we felt the need to walk the neighborhood sidewalks and get a glimpse of other Fort Wood homes. Lined with centuries-old trees, Vine Street shows off some of Chattanooga’s grand ol’ dames —  homes that have been well-loved by their owners, sometimes several of them.  Here are just three of the houses for you  to enjoy — and you don’t even have to walk to see them!

I guess you’re smiling by now, because you can imagine what came next for us — and maybe what befalls everyone who comes to the Mayor’s Mansion Inn:  a leisurely time on the porch where we just “sat a spell” and got a feel for how the residents in 1899 might have enjoyed the morning air after a sightseeing walk!  It’s enough to make us want to come back just so we can do this again at twilight!

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn hosts weddings, receptions, even business meetings.  A large room in the back can seat 64 people, and all food, table settings, etc., can be arranged with their staff.  On our way out, we met Josh who said he does a little of everything around the mansion from arranging this display to helping with all manner of events and special occasions!

If you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga and you like staying in B&Bs, consider the Mayor’s Mansion Inn.  We enjoyed our overnight in this historic property — modern comforts, beautifully prepared food, and friendly servers and guests. Perhaps this t-shirt has the right idea!

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn

801 Vine Street

Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403

423.265.5000

email: info@mayorsmansioninn.com

http://www.mayorsmansioninn.com

*Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Blueberry Compote: In small saucepan, blend 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 cup water.  Cook over medium heat until clear and slightly thickened, stirring constantly.  Add blueberries and heat until warmed.

Lemon Riccota Pancakes: Make pancakes according to mix directions and add 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese.  Batter will be slightly thicker than normal.  Pre-make three round mini pancakes per person and rest on baking sheet in warmed oven. When ready to serve, place a thin layer of lemon pudding between pancakes, top with blueberry compote, and garnish with decorative butter pat and lemon thyme leaf.  Dust with powdered sugar.  Serve warm maple syrup on the side.

Would love to hear from any of you if you’ve stayed at the Mayor’s Mansion Inn!  Leave me a comment!

Click here to read about another Select Registry Bed and Breakfast Inn, the Black Walnut Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.