Seasons at a B & B

Have you ever wondered if the seasons effect a B & B?  The answer is “Yes, they do”.  For us, winter is the slow or low time.  Being in the Mid-West, people tend to stay close to home and don’t travel as much.  So for innkeepers, in general, it is the time of year when we make repairs, paint, do deep cleaning and yearly maintenance on equipment, remodel or redecorate, try new recipes, and relax – possibly take a vacation!

In January we took about 10 days to travel out to South Carolina.  We stayed at 4 B & B’s during our trip.  Each was unique and offered something different, which is the beauty of staying in     B & B’s.  As it was “low season” for each of the places we stayed, we were able to have more time to visit with the innkeepers. We enjoyed exchanging ideas and experiences.

The first place we stayed was called “Mary Helen’s Bed, Breakfast, and Fine Dining” which is
located in Batesville, IN.  This is a beautiful home just a short drive south of the town.  There is a wonderful view of the home as you drive down a lane towards the house.  This is a wooded area and directly in front of the house is a small pond. We came to find out that the owners built their home out of wood from trees cut in that very area.  They used a great deal of that wood inside the home as well.  If  you appreciate wood…you HAVE to see this!                                   

There is a beautiful porch with yet another wonderful view of the pond, trees, and property.  Cindy met us at the door.  We walked inside to a lovely dining area.  There were tables, chairs, a fireplace, and yes – gorgeous wood!  You looked up to a sitting area on the second floor.  There are two rooms to stay in at Mary Helen’s.  We enjoyed the Leona Jo.  After showing us around, we got settled and then had a nice visit with Cindy and Jim.  Then we went for supper and upon our return we
found delicious “Cherries in a Cloud” desserts waiting for us.  The second floor has a wonderful sitting area complete with choices of hot and cold beverages.  The next morning we enjoyed a delicious plated breakfast and again, the pleasure of conversation with Cindy and a beautiful view out the window.

We enjoyed Mary Helen’s and would highly recommend staying here! Be sure to check out their website!  We hope to go back in a different season to get to see how the grounds change with the seasons.  This is a beautiful B & B and the innkeepers have certainly kept an eye on the details that make for a memorable stay!