New Year’s Eve, 1989…
our first as owners of the “big yellow house”. Temps were in the minus degrees, ice was building hard on the shower of the apartment over the garage because a line had broken but there was no way to get heat up there. The big house stood gutted and empty except for a “bum” who slept occasionally in some carpet pad in the front parlor. No electricity, no heat, no heart and soul, no family yet.
Gary and I had a dream. That New Year’s Eve, we went to dinner and then came to the house to check on it as we did nightly. We walked through the dark, cold rooms holding hands, talking about what the house would look like the next Christmas. “The tree will stand here so be sure that we have outlets for it here.” “The guests will come down to eat at the antique dining table.” “Do you want carpet over these hardwood floors?” So many decisions, but so much excitement and joy at the birthing of our own bed and breakfast.
We had 2 little boys at the time. Mark was 7 and Stephen was 2. We never gave a thought to running a bed and breakfast with children. My only concern was the very busy street outside and a 2 year old. But the 2 year old, the dog and the cat never ventured into the street.
January 3, 2011
So many things have changed in over 20 years. The Christmas tree has moved around the front room a bit. We serve cider on the antique dining table and serve breakfast privately to our guests in the rooms by candlelight. Yet we never put carpet down on those old hardwood floors.
The boys are 28 and 23 now. Mark manages the Inn with us and is raising his children, Allie 8 and Christian 4, next door to the Inn. Stephen and Jenn live in the house we lived in when he was born before we moved to the Inn.
The Inn is shining warm and bright now with the sound of music in each guest-suite and the smell of Arcadian Inn Maple Walnut Cookies.
Everyday, Gary, Mark and I dream. “We can put the new complimentary pillow menu in the email we send before the guests arrive, that way they can choose ahead of time.” “It’s time to do our Valentine’s waffles with strawberries and chocolate but let’s do it just a bit different.” “I found a great cd to play in the front parlor during Valentines.”
Back in 1989, it never occurred to me that we might offer en-suite’ massage to our guests. But then again, I didn’t think guests would want/need the televisions and DVDs either. Stephen’s wife, Jenn is a massage therapist and is on staff now with Therapeutic Touch Massage. She helps with massages for our guests.
The dream is even bigger now as we plan elopements, babymoons, chick-trips, host business travelers, and of course the cottages…The Best of Town & Country!…Aaron’s Gate Country Getaways.
Happenings:
Vote for your favorite picture at www.arcadianinn.com
Eagle Watch at Lake Arcadia this weekend!
Great dates to Elope January 11, 2011 (1-11-11) September 10, 2011 (9-10-11) and November 11, 2011 (11-11-11). Book online to set your elopement date.
The Arcadian Inn Aaron’s Gate Country Getaways www.arcadianinn.com 405-348-6347 800-299-6347 Your Inn for Some Magic Tonight