Travel is about experiencing a different landscape and its history. If you are looking for luxury, natural beauty, history, art, culinary experiences and a thought-provoking journey, then consider an escape to a bed and breakfast inn.
When life becomes maddening or bewildering, sometimes the best thing to do is to take a break. For pure pleasure, few experiences are as gratifying as visiting a bed and breakfast inn. It is a chance to explore new territory, new foods and new landmarks. You’ll discover fabulous itineraries of nature, attractions, markets and restaurants worth visiting and savoring. The time away can often bring solace, and leads to a rejuvenated mind, body and spirit. Imagine stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily living to find true contentment in places that exude peace and serenity.
Consider taking a trip to a place you’ve never explored before. Allegan Michigan, with its heart-stirring scenery, is an area reputed to provide their visitors with plenty of space to be by themselves. It’s a magical place, which lets you appreciate the art of relaxation at a level that is rarely experienced. I would recommend this destination to anyone who is looking for a rejuvenating getaway. The natural beauty will connect you to the landscape and you will have authentic, memorable experiences.
To say the very least, Allegan, Michigan is a destination that will spark one’s imagination and fantasy. It is a place that captures the spirit of why most people travel – they want to eat great food in handsome locales, and meet interesting people. You get a little bit of everything here – a beautiful setting, engaging people, each with their own stories, delicious cuisine and interesting activities. When it is time to go explore, lodgers are in a prime position to wander through nature, the town, take a hike or walk in the countryside. Travelers will find discoveries that are invigorating and worthwhile and they should keep their eyes open for tangerine-colored sunrises and sunsets. Around the lakes, birds, ducks and wildlife evoke an extraordinary range of sounds and notes that invite one to experience a wealth of lively racket. It is a truly exquisite experience for even the most demanding of travelers. The stunning surroundings provide a potent reminder of why bed and breakfast inns can be diverse and visually enticing places.
Many writers have been inspired by this location. Even musicians have composed beautiful music. If the locale seems a bit remote, don’t fret. Many activities are available in the area, including shopping, performing arts, galleries, hiking, culinary classes, wine tasting, biking, tennis, excursions, golf and walking. Allegan is near water, which makes activities such as fishing, kayaking, swimming and water sports available. What we do and where we go becomes as much a part of our contentment as what we see. One of the most intimate ways to get to know a place is through the food that is cultivated, created, cooked and eaten. In Allegan, one can sample sophisticated dishes prepared by chefs in romantic restaurants. Tourists can also discover the simpler pleasures of smaller eateries that cater to local people and the casual specialties that give this area a distinctive charm. Sightseeing, tours, spa treatments, restaurant reservations and activities can usually be booked and taken care of by the innkeeper.
Ruth, the innkeeper of Castle in the Country Bed and Breakfast in Allegan, MI, shares her personal definition of contentment: “Contentment is finding your needs and expectations met. Finding that someone else thought about what you would need, before you needed to mention it. We make sure guests don’t have to ask for things we already thought of.”
Travelers who give themselves permission to get away from the commotion, noise and the accelerated pace of city life, and feast their eyes on breathtaking scenery, mountains, lakes, rivers, and picturesque towns – tend to feel invigorated. The clean air, roaring fireplaces, satisfying food and tranquil surroundings provide the perfect sanctuary to rejuvenate and recharge their batteries.
Ruth, the innkeeper of Castle in the Country B & B, has a guest book that is peppered with writings about life lessons, ruminations, humor, heart breaking turns of events and moments of optimism in the middle of despair. Some of the stories are courageous and tragic yet filled with a sense of hope and rejuvenation.
Right after losing family members – parents, husband, son, or best friend, some survivors have traveled to bed and breakfasts to find their center, and their souls. Medical patients who undergo arduous treatments usually find relief when they take a break away from doctors and hospitals.
“Receiving a serious medical diagnosis like cancer changes ones perspective,” wrote a bed and breakfast guest from North Carolina. “That’s what illnesses do best; they change things.”
Survivors realize that they must no longer take their life or loved-ones for granted. They discover they can no longer put things like vacations on hold, because they are not really sure how many more opportunities they will have for vacations or for anything really. No one does, of course, but a serious illness delivers this message like a hard kick.
“We were asked when we arrived if we were celebrating something special,” wrote a Castle in the Country B & B guest with stage three melanoma cancer, “Our answer was life!! This was our first adventure together since last summer, which was filled with many fears and doubts. I had three surgeries for melanoma,” said the notation. “So after many problems and complications…here we are. The adventure was calming and relaxing.” Couples who are celebrating life after going through difficult circumstances are grateful for their B & B time together.
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While on vacation survivors make some interesting self-discoveries: That they needed a vacation even more than they realized and they needed a vacation from themselves. Another thing they discover is that going on a vacation feels enormously freeing. Traveling miles from home where no one recognizes who they are, and no one knows about their illness or knows they lost a loved-one, is wonderful. Survivors can simply walk down a street and feel normal. People passing by have no idea what the wanderer had been going through. Travelers can also enjoy being interactive with other people and making new friends in a relaxing B & B environment. Survivors don’t have to explain themselves to anyone. They don’t have to worry about their appearance. No one knows they had recently finished a difficult course of treatment or surgery. No one knows the grief they suffered. No one knows they might be facing more surgeries when they return home. No one knows they are sometimes fearful and anxious. It feels wonderful that no one knows anything and this feels like a true vacation to the survivor.
Although some B & B’s can be historic or rural, they come equipped with modern conveniences, and comfort is assured. Visitors will enjoy luxury linens, inviting decor, and even a relaxing massage is available through the hosts. It is an opportunity to take the break one deserves in a relaxing, and peaceful environment. After their stay, visitors can return to their daily life with renewed enthusiasm, and inspiration. They usually feel recovered and invigorated.
People with medical problems love going on vacation because it means time away from their stressful lives. Travelers say it is nice when they are able to enjoy themselves without illness being in the forefront of their thoughts. With new places, and new things to do, regular life simply slips away. There is more to a person’s life when they can explore and discover. Taking an excursion to a new place is very special. People get very excited when they start out on their journey.
Immersed in the hectic pace of busy life and active child rearing, some couples tend to get so lost in the chaos, they loose touch with each other. Husbands and wives seeking to reconnect like to visit bed and breakfast inns just to have time by themselves, without the pandemonium. In Allegan, Michigan, there are little things a couple can plan for that will really be appreciated: A rejuvenating spa treatment, a special table at a restaurant or a picturesque spot to have a picnic can be arranged by the innkeeper.
Ruth, the innkeeper at Castle in the Country B & B says, “We have a lot of young couples who become engaged while here. It is fun for us to be included in the preparation. We help our guests with very elaborate questions,” concedes Ruth, “We are consulted about where to pop the question, and we sometimes place the ring in their picnic basket. We want to make sure the man will not feel overly nervous, so we help him in any way we can.”
Another important thing to discover while on vacation is the tremendous healing power of nature. Problems seem less insurmountable while taking in the magnitude of wondrous things like expansive lakes or deeply wooded forests. Watching the never ending, yet constantly changing lights and shadows, are massaging, and cleansing. It is extremely comforting when we are brought face to face with our smallness in the larger scheme of things. It is healing to get away, reconnect with loved-ones; enjoy pleasant weather and marvel at the blueness of the sky.
When we open up to nature, surrounded by a place of solitude and beauty, it will restore our soul if we allow it. This helps us to forget our situation for a while This rejuvenation can happen while taking a relaxing drive, while walking along a shoreline, while admiring a spring garden, or even by closing our eyes and listening to our favorite music.
Nature, with all its vastness and power can recharge us. Just the sound of a small waterfall is enough to transform one’s mood, calm one’s anxiety, remove the tediousness, and relax us in ways that are complex and hard to describe. Listening to wind, birds, trees, lakes, rivers and wildlife, can refuel us and give us intense feelings of delight and happiness. It is a lovely reminder that we can, at times, have a break from our discomfort or grief.
Visitors like to take daily walks, perhaps along a street or trail, and feel especially inconspicuous, beneath a hat and dark sunglasses. It is like leaving their old self behind and they feel like a person with a new identity. This is how survivors can forget all about their illness and medical things. It is a very empowering feeling. Being ordinary, doing ordinary things feels so good.
At her inn, Ruth sometimes hosts travelers from law enforcement and the armed forces. She endeavors to make guests feel like someone else is taking care of them and doing the work, so they have an enjoyable experience. “We have to do that in order to provide real service to people. Our inn has already thought about their comfort in advance, so guests don’t have to worry about things,” says Ruth.
Ruth told me about a Military couple who enjoyed visiting her B & B after the husband returned from Afghanistan. They wanted to be unnoticed and unassuming. It is very difficult for couples that have been deployed to reunite. Reconnecting with each other requires very tender time. “Seeing so much open countryside is really comforting to people in the armed forces,” remarks Ruth, “They feel very secure really quickly. They can let down their guard. In a city environment, they still hear the tense sounds of sirens and horns. When they come out here, it is another world, and the man doesn’t have to be consciously listening to every sound; they don’t have to be defending.” Ruth continues, “They hear nature sounds, which is a completely different environment for them. You can’t underestimate the power of seeing natural surroundings that are not manmade. It brings peace and solidness.”
Vacation holidays end quickly. Lodgers must return to the real world of daily living and surviving. They are usually grateful for the moments they were able “to get away,” even if just for a short time. Having that opportunity to just be in the moment where no one knows them is priceless.
FEATURED PROPERTY: It goes without saying that the grounds and facilities of Castle in the Country Bed and Breakfast in Allegan, Michigan are peaceful and soothing to the soul. There is little to criticize about this property, as it is very nearly perfect. A welcoming atmosphere is evident throughout the inn. The 65-acre location contains a lake, forest, pond, beautiful scenery and fantastic wildlife. This gives visitors a sense of privacy and seclusion. The beautiful setting along with great service makes this a destination of unsurpassed charm.
When guests make a reservation, a confirmation email is sent along with a list of special services. The inn asks if guests have any special requests, needs or dietary considerations.
Upon arrival the hosts will familiarize new guests with the property, give them a tour of the inn and share some of the history. The breakfast particulars are explained, along with other details, including activities available in the surrounding towns. Guests then retire to their quiet and elegant rooms. The hosts are known for their smiles, hospitality and attention to detail.
Castle in the Country B & B is recommended to anyone who wants a good dose of serenity, privacy, relaxation and adventure. Relax on the deck or sit in the garden and just gaze at the beautiful wooded landscape. The pond is festooned with water lilies like a Monet painting. Listen to the birds and watch ducks on the pond. Star filled nights, sunrises and sunsets shimmering majestically in the distance are a striking feast for the eyes. It is a place where you can spend easy times in good conversation with friends. People come here for weddings, anniversary celebrations, and festive occasions of any kind.
SUMMARY: Castle in the Country B & B is a lovely blend of warm service, sumptuous breakfasts, and upscale charm. The accommodating staff, spacious & comfortable rooms, abundant amenities, exceptional location, and excellent value make for a pleasant getaway experience.
ROOMS: Rooms are comfortable, spacious, romantic, airy and inviting. Relaxing beds, luxury linens and signature toiletries are provided along with robes, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. There is free WiFi, cable TV, CD, and DVD players. In addition to the comfort, rooms are immaculately clean with tasteful design, fabrics and furniture. The property has several gardens, several decks, covered porch swings, gazebos, a screened house by the lake, a dock, and a pond.
SERVICE: Expect to receive gracious service with a warm smile. The owners/innkeepers and staff are well known for their genuine hospitality, efficient service and willingness to help plan activities or excursions. The staff is knowledgeable about the area and provides helpful suggestions to all of their guests.
AMENITIES: The inn is known for providing an exceptional, gourmet breakfast that is artfully presented. The dining room is filled with character and looks out over the pond. The breakfast cuisine tells a unique story about the innkeeper’s love of flavors as they transform nature’s bounty into sensory delights. Sourdough bread French toast, Grand Marnier French Toast with fresh berry compote, spiced pumpkin pancakes, homemade scones, and savory egg & leek gallettes are some of the items on their menu. Picnics are available on request. The porch and screened gazebo are the ideal reading areas for visitors. The common area is a peaceful space with a variety of books, magazines, board games, CD’s and DVD’s. The property has spa services with aromatherapy, couples and singles massages, and rejuvenating treatments. The deck has an outdoor fireplace and is a great space to interact with guests underneath the stars; it has superb views of the pond and trees. Some spa treatments are conducted on the deck, or in the gazebo.
LOCATION: The location is ideal for those who want to feel they are in a quiet nature getaway, yet still within a few miles of the historic district. Shopping is 15-30 minutes away; as are some of the well-established galleries where you can purchase jewelry, ceramics, textiles, paintings, or antiques just to name a few. Performing arts centers, wineries, museums, dining, parks, attractions, and cultural activities are 10-20 minutes distance from the inn. Its proximity to swimming, hiking, biking, walking trails, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and water activities provide incomparable value. The inn has a paddleboat, kayaks, and snowshoes.
CLEANLINESS: The inn is known to be spotless, especially the guestrooms. The grounds and gardens are meticulously maintained. Overall everything, including the town, is quite picturesque.
VALUE: Compared to a standard hotel room, this property provides an excellent alternative. The niceties, amenities, friendly conversation and attentiveness of staff make the difference. The guests appreciate being asked if they are comfortable. The staff is always available to help without being intrusive.
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