Page 2 - Romantic Getaway Oregon | Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast

Innkeepers searching for Minnie & Mickey

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by Inside the Bronze Antler

grandkids getting ready for Disneyworld!

For a short time in December, the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast staff will become innkeepers searching for Minnie & Mickey. We're going to Orlando for a family reunion and get a dose of grandkids like the two pictured here.

Madigan's staying home, but she not very fond of cooking breakfast for guests, so we decided to give her some time off too. We just don't think she'd do complete justice to our Joseph Oregon bed and breakfast. Tuna in the morning can be difficult to stomach!

If you're planning your romantic getaway Oregon style to the far reaches of northeastern Oregon, hold that thought until the week between Christmas and New Years!

Mutiny Brewing Company update

Sunday, November 29, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Time for another Mutiny Brewing Company update. Bill & I ate dinner at Mutiny Brewing Company last night. Our server, John, was right on top of the entire dining room and hustling to keep all the tables taken care of.

The special? Pad Thai with either shrimp or chicken. Delicious. We had one of each. If you have access to Facebook, Mutiny Brewing Company has a fan page on Facebook where they post the daily specials. Worth the look--if only I'd seen the catfish with con cakes and collards! You just can't find food like this in the local region outside of Joseph Oregon.

Of course we had to ask about the status of Kari's beer brewing. The target date now seems to be December 19, 2009. Mutiny Brewing's had some fits and starts getting the beer making off the ground--needing parts for equipment, scheduling inspectors into this far corner of Eastern Oregon--but we've got our fingers crossed for before the end of the year!

If you're thinking about a quick little romantic getaway Oregon style, then our Joseph Oregon bed and breakfast, along with a casual dinner at Mutiny Brewing Company here in Joseph Oregon, might be just the thing. And check the specials on their page on Facebook!

Hat Point Lookout: Not (very) far from our Hells Canyon lodging!

Sunday, October 25, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Bill taking in the view of Hells Canyon from the Hat Point Lookout near Joseph Oregon

The Hat Point Lookout is not very far from our Hells Canyon lodging. The problem with getting to Hat Point, just like most places in Hells Canyon, is not the distance (only 52 miles), but the driving time (about 2 hours).

But it's worth the effort to get there!

The Hat Point Road will close during the winter because of snow, but it often stays open well into November. It usually opens all the way to the lookout tower by mid or late June.

If you're thinking about an autumn romantic getaway Oregon style, then a trip including Hat Point Lookout could be a memorable event. You'll probably be the only ones there at the tower and can enjoy the scenery all to yourselves.

But then you'll need to plan another trip in the spring or summer to see the amazing wildflower display!

Give us a call at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph Oregon and ask about the road to Hat Point. If we don't know for sure if it's open or closed, we'll be happy to "check our sources" and find out for you!

A restorative Eastern Oregon Vacation

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Relaxing with books in the Mirror Lake Suite on an Eastern Oregon vacation. Photo by Unique Angles Photography, Keizer, OR

We were recently hosts to a very busy Western Oregon professional couple on the start of their week-long Eastern Oregon vacation. Sadly to say, I think we've thoroughly spoiled them--I hope the rest of their vacation is as restful and restorative as the days and nights they spent here at our bed and breakfast.

Their comments after a few nights in the Mirror Lake Suite:

"Thank you for making our stay so memorable. You are both such gracious hosts. The food was fabulous, and the room is beyond words. This trip was just what we needed--a perfect place to relax and unwind. We loved all the nice little touches you've done with the suite. You really thought of everything. We will definitely be back sometime to sleep in this wonderfully comfortable bed and to have some more of your heavenly brownies!

If you're looking for your own restorative Eastern Oregon vacation, or just a quick romantic getaway Oregon style, give us a call toll-free at 866-520-9769 and we'll be happy to help you plan your Eastern Oregon escape.

October Lodging Specials in Joseph Oregon

Sunday, October 18, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Chief Joseph Mountain Room and a view of the Wallowa Mountains in Northeastern Oregon

For the rest of this month we're offering our October lodging specials in Joseph Oregon. The popular Mirror Lake Suite is $50 off per night. All of our second floor rooms (Chief Joseph Mountain Room, Sawtooth Mountain Room and Ferguson Ridge Room) are 20% off per night.

No two-night minimum on the weekends, either. . .which makes this the perfect time to experience Wallowa Lake, Joseph Oregon, or just plan a quick romantic getaway Oregon style to our Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast.

There's some snow on the Wallowa Mountains but the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is still open and bursting with fall colors. Joseph Oregon shops & galleries are getting ready for the Christmas shopping crunch so many stores are offering clearances on their summer wares.

To take advantage of these October lodging specials, you can make your reservation request by clicking on the button at right or give us a call toll-free at 866-520-9769. Bill or I'll be happy to reserve a room for you at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast!

Hiking in the Eagle Cap Wilderness: Maxwell Lake

Sunday, August 30, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Bill and I slipped out again for another quick hike in the Eagle Cap Wilderness--this time to Maxwell Lake. Maxwell Lake is located about 4 miles from the trailhead near the end of the Upper Lostine River Road. The trailhead is accessible throughout the summer and into the fall and is about one hour's drive from our Joseph Oregon bed and breakfast.

The lake itself is a 4 mile hike from the trailhead, making it one of the more accessible of the high lakes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The first three miles of trail are four long, slow switchbacks with occasional views of Eagle Cap Peak. The last mile is the toughest--0.7 mile of creekbed to hike up, a small pass, followed by 0.3 mile of slow descent into the basin holding Maxwell Lake.

But, the effort is well worth it--even for a couple of less-than-well-conditioned innkeepers. Take a look at the view!

Not long after we finished our lunch another couple showed up with fishing gear. There are plenty of hungry trout in this crystal clear lake looking for something to eat.

If you're looking for an outdoorsy, physical romantic getaway Oregon style, then maybe the hike to Maxwell Lake's for you.

After lunch we spread out our blanket for a little snooze. Nothing like sharing a few moments in the outdoors with the one you love!

We keep a variety of hiking guides and maps here at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast. If you like, we'll help steer you to outdoor adventures of varying degrees of difficulty. Just bring along your hiking boots and outdoor clothes and we'll help you plan the rest!

Things to do near Joseph Oregon: Swim in the Blue Hole!

Saturday, August 22, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Blue Hole in the Upper Imnaha River near Joseph Oregon

Wondering about what things to do near Joseph Oregon? How about swim in the Blue Hole of the Upper Imnaha River? Bill & I took a midday off with visiting friends to drive out to the Indian Crossing trailhead on the Upper Imnaha River. It was a 90-degree day and a dip in the Blue Hole sounded like a good idea.

The Indian Crossing trailhead is about an hour's drive from Joseph Oregon on the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road portion of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. From the Indian Crossing trailhead it's about 2 miles along a very flat trail, winding through brush, forest and open areas. The Upper Imnaha River is visible for most of the hike and very beautiful.

As for the Blue Hole, it's a wider, deeper area in the river just perfect for swimming. That is, if water at 58 to 60 degrees doesn't bother you! After a minute or so of wading, the water's perfect for a quick swim. It's a great place to cool off at the beginning, middle or end of a hike along the Upper Imnaha River.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway Oregon style, then a hike in the Wallowas is a good opportunity for some "twosomeness" without much (if any) interruption. Not many hikers out here. And the Blue Hole is often deserted, especially midweek!

Last Minute Availability Tonight and Tomorrow!

Thursday, August 6, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Thinking about a last minute trip to Northeastern Oregon? Want a quick romantic getaway Oregon style to the Wallowas and can leave today or tomorrow? Call us!

Because of recent last minute cancellations, our Mirror Lake Suite and the Ferguson Ridge Room are now available for Thursday and Friday nights (August 5 & 6). You can stay for both nights, or stay for only one--the choice is yours.

The Mirror Lake Suite is perfect for a one or two night splurge--king size bed with down pillows and comforter, dedicated air conditioning unit, a flat-screen TV hooked up to the Blu-Ray DVD player. Bring your honey for a couple evenings of movies and days of hiking in the Wallowa Mountains or visiting the shops in Joseph Oregon.

On a budget? The Ferguson Ridge Room offers many of the same comforts of the Mirror Lake Suite but at a more economical price. A queen-sized mattress, dedicated air conditioning, and the same great breakfast as the Mirror Lake Suite guests.

Either way, the opportunity awaits if you need a quick escape from the everyday. Plenty to see and do in Joseph Oregon this time of year. Dinner at Calderas Restaurant in Joseph--try the beer at the newly opened Mutiny Brewing Company--take advantage of cooler weather for hiking in the Wallowas--the choice is yours.

Give us a call toll-free at 1-866-520-9769 or at 541-432-0230. Our website reservation system will not handle reservation requests on such short notice. Thanks!

Guest comments from a B&B "virgin"

Sunday, June 21, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Sometimes we have a guest that has never stayed at a bed and breakfast before--we call that guest a "B&B virgin" for short. Often, it's the husband who is reluctant to stay at a bed and breakfast. His major concerns:

"The bathroom's down the hall and I have to share it with people I don't know."

"I have to talk at breakfast."

"There's too much lace and there are dolls or teddybears everywhere."

At the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast, each one of our rooms has its own attached, private bath. There's never going down the hall to the bathroom and certainly no sharing!

Breakfast is served starting as early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as 9:00 a.m., so if you don't want to talk to anyone, you can choose a time convenient for you.

Lace? We don't have any. And no dolls or teddybears either (unless you count the rubber ducky in the bathtub). In fact, we call jokingly ourselves a "no frills B&B" just for that reason.

Here's a recent guest comment from the wife of a former B&B virgin:

My husband's first B&B experience was indeed memorable! He will not have a better guide to judge from. The "cookie" was wonderful. Such a smart couple you are. Heather, you do understand you are THE COOKIE. We so enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere, food, visit and thoughtful 'extras.' Good luck and God Bless-- J&G, Idaho

It's so much fun to introduce guests to the bed and breakfast experience. If you're looking for a romantic getaway Oregon style or just a nice place to stay, a bed and breakfast can be a great alternative to Joseph Oregon hotels or a Wallowa Lake hotel.

Give us a call toll-free at 866-520-9769, or visit our website and learn more about what a bed and breakfast experience can be.

Come to Wallowa County early for the Thursday Courthouse Concert

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Every Thursday evening during June, July and August, the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance presents a live music courthouse concert. This isn't just any old concert series--musicians come in from all around the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Performances range from early jazz and swing to alt-country-rock to traditional folk to award-winning contemporary songwriters performing their own music.

Who: Every week is a different group. You can view the most up-to-date listing on the Music Alliance's website. Here are the bands coming for the rest of June 2009:

June 18th: Simon Tucker Group (gut-wrenching original blues)
June 25th: Jessie Morgan (Wallowa County's own country diva)

Where: At the gazebo on the Wallowa County Courthouse grounds in Enterprise, Oregon (only 10 minutes from Joseph Oregon and 20 minutes from Wallowa Lake).

When: Every Thursday evening, June through August, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The Farmer's Market starts at 4:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE (although donations are graciously accepted and can be counted as tax-deductible contributions to the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance).

Sponsors: Wallowa Valley Music Alliance, City of Enterprise, Wallowa County Board of Commissioners, Oregon Arts Commission.

Bring your lawn chair (and maybe a blanket--it does cool down during the evening around here). Start your romantic getaway Oregon style with an intimate, free, open-air concert surrounded by the beautiful Wallowa Mountains!

27th Annual Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts: Always the First Weekend of June

Thursday, June 4, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

The 27th Annual Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts opens on Friday of the first weekend in June. This year, that's tomorrow, June 5. Bill & I've already been busy with the Art Festival. Yesterday over 340 individual pieces of juried art were accepted for the show. Last night the judging took place (but I cannot divulge the results before the show opens).

The show runs through Sunday at 2 pm. There's a sold-out Opening Night Reception on Friday (waiting list for tickets), a Quick Draw on Saturday night, and the show is free and open from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. Artists demonstrations, music, a silent auction with 66 pieces of art--it's a great show!

Due to a recent cancellation, the Chief Joseph Mountain Room is now open for Friday and Saturday nights here at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast. If you're interested, call us toll-free at 866-520-9769 since we're too close to use the booking software on our website. It's a quick romantic getaway Oregon style for our guests in a one-tank-of-gas driving range. . .

With so much going on getting ready for the show we hardly have time to blog this week--but thought this particular announcement important. It's going to be a fantastic show this year!

Got an iPhone? An iPod Touch? Love B&Bs? This app's for you!

Monday, May 4, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Here's a nifty free application for iPhone and iPod touch users: InnTouch is a free download at the iPhone App Store and connects you immediately to bed and breakfast inns around North America as quickly as a touch on your phone.

The software will access B&Bs where you are or where you're going, complete with phone numbers (and a call now feature), photos of the inns, a Google map, email, etc. Plus you can also access B&B reviews (if there are any posted directly at iLoveInns.com).

But wait, there's more! Impress your friends with how quickly you can find recipes in a variety of categories---all at InnTouch.

How'd we know about it? The software was written by iLoveInns.com staff. iLoveInns.com is a popular bed and breakfast directory. All iLoveInns.com bed and breakfast members are included in the InnTouch application.

I just turned a friend on to this app. We were with a group of musicians at a restaurant in LaGrande and he was sporting his new iPhone and showing me what he could do with it. So I suggested he look at InnTouch. In less than 5 minutes, he'd loaded the app, found our inn, and was showing high quality photos of our B&B to folks around restaurant. And he's a new iPhone user!

So, it's one more way to find us and a lot of other quality bed and breakfast inns when you're ready for your romantic getaway Oregon style, or just driving by and wondering where to stay. . .

A Romantic Getaway Oregon Style

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

We just love it when our guests plan a romantic getaway Oregon style and include our bed and breakfast as part of their getaway. Here are comments from a couple who started out in the Chief Joseph Mountain Room and then moved to the Mirror Lake Suite. . .

Heather & Bill--

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful slice of heaven with us. Two nights in the Chief Joseph Room were wonderful--we left the blinds open so we could wake up to the view of the incredible mountains. And now for the grand finale, a great night in this amazing suite! The room is so comfortable and the bathroom a technological marvel!

We have so enjoyed meeting and talking with you as well as the very tasty breakfasts. We have felt very pampered.

Right now I am dreaming of retiring in Joseph, and the only drawback would be not staying in this beautiful speace with you as hosts. We will be back. . .

We're so happy when our guests are happy! It really doesn't get better than this for innkeepers. Thanks for the comments!

Another sign of Spring: April hours for the Glacier Grill at Wallowa Lake

Friday, April 10, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

The Glacier Grill at Wallowa Lake just announced its hours for the remainder of April 2009.

Glacier Grill Restaurant at Wallowa Lake. Photo courtesy of Glacier Grill

Thursday and Friday: 11 am to 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am to 8 pm

Friday night special this week (April 10th) is Chicken Dijon.

But EVERY Saturday night there's Smoked Prime Rib (yum for you beefeaters). We always offer to make reservations for our bed and breakfast guests for the Saturday Prime Rib--including what type of cut you'd prefer (end vs. center).

The Glacier Grill menus are also available online. Since it's only about a 10-minute drive from Joseph Oregon to Wallowa Lake, it's a good choice for lunch or dinner.

Jody and her crew at the Glacier Grill always make the atmosphere inviting. It's one of our favorite "romantic getaway Oregon style" locations when we need a break from the Bronze Antler B&B--even though oftentimes our guests are up there eating dinner too!

Let us know when you contact us for your B&B reservation and we'd be happy to make a Saturday night Smoked Prime Rib dinner reservation for you!

Calderas is coming! Calderas is coming! Hours for 2009!

Saturday, April 4, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Photo courtesy of Calderas Restaurant in Joseph Oregon

It's spring and Calderas Restaurant in Joseph Oregon is reopening for the season! This is the one restaurant we recommend often to our guests looking to add onto their romantic getaway Oregon style when they come to Joseph.

New hours for 2009:

April 16th to May 30th: Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights, 4-8 pm
June 3rd to September 21st: Wednesday through Monday nights, 4-9:30 pm
September 25th to Jan 2nd, 2010: Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights, 4-8 pm

New for 2009: Calderas is serving cocktails.

They've also expanded and added 2nd floor loft seating and added a 2nd floor deck with a fantastic view. We haven't seen it yet, but you know we're going as soon as we can and will post the photos.

You can reach Calderas at 541.432.0585. Or let us know when you make your reservation at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast and we'll be happy to call Danyiel or Nancy and make your dinner reservation for you.

Watching movies in the Mirror Lake Suite

Monday, March 23, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Romantic getaway Oregon in the Mirror Lake Suite at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast in Joseph Oregon

When we designed our new Mirror Lake Suite, we wanted to include a few little luxuries that wouldn't fit in our other bed and breakfast guestrooms--a little romantic getaway Oregon style. Since this suite is structurally separated from the rest of the building, we thought a nice flat screen TV hooked up to a Blu-Ray DVD player would be just the thing.

The 47" flat screen is located high above the private entrance on the wall across from the king-sized four-poster bed. It seemed a little large when we installed it, but the screen size makes watching from the comfort of the big bed very cozy--and just the place to snuggle up to watch a scary movie!

Guests are welcome to bring their own DVDs or peruse the collection we keep in the Mirror Lake Suite. There's also the Gobbler's Knob pizza and movie rental a few blocks away in town with a wide selection of DVDs.

Don't miss the Gallery Art Walk in Joseph Oregon, Mother's Day Weekend 2009 (Saturday)

Saturday, March 14, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

We're starting to rev up for summer out here in Eastern Oregon. . .Eight galleries in Joseph Oregon are throwing their 3rd Annual Gallery Art Walk on Saturday of Mother's Day Weekend (May 9, 2009) from 3 pm to 7 pm.

It's a lot of fun!

New work by gallery artists will be on display.

Artist demonstrations at various galleries.

Fantastic hors d'oeuvres and complimentary beverages.

And all you have to do is show up!

But, there's just one room left at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast--our fabulous Mirror Lake Suite.

This is a great opportunity to appreciate that woman in your life (mother or not). Bring her out for a surprise romantic getaway Oregon style in our "love nest" of Joseph Oregon lodging. Tour the galleries, let us set you up with a Mother's Day weekend dinner arrangement. Toast that woman with a glass of our newest sparkling wine from Argyle Winery in Willamette Valley.

Want more information about the participating galleries? Give Catherine a call at Indigo Gallery and she'll fill you in. Telephone 541-432-5202.

Wow! I'm excited and I live here!

A new taste sensation at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast

Friday, March 13, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Bill & I recently discovered the Ginger People. They're not little gremlins that hide in the kitchen cabinets--The Ginger People are purveyors of fine culinary ginger, ginger flavored foods, sauces, juices, etc.

The Ginger People sell high quality culinary ginger products for use at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph Oregon

(If you haven't noticed, I'm a big ginger fan.)

We're incorporating ginger products into our cuisine here at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast. Recently, we served our German puffed pancake with The Ginger People's Ginger Syrup--Wow! Was that a treat! The Ginger People website also suggests using the syrup in ginger martinis (not something we'll serve at breakfast) or with sparkling water (we'll try this one out on the porch in summer).

Another great product is the ginger juice--nothing but the juice. It's very versatile. I've been gradually "punching up" my sweet breakfast preparation with a little of this (don't tell Bill!) and it's going over well.

Ginger People Ginger Juice is a kitchen staple at our Eastern Oregon lodging

Ginger juice is even good in a cup of hot water, especially if you like the strong, hot flavor of fresh ginger. I practically had the wrestle the bottle away from one guest who wanted it in his tea!

If you'd like to check out some ginger recipes, The Ginger People's website has a nice selection. We're going to try the Ginger Pear Muffins soon (that is, as soon as I order more crystallized ginger).

The Ginger People Chat-n-Chew Newsletter is a fun little occasional email with tips & recipes about using ginger. And it's got those fun little "ginger people" scattered in the information. The culinary ginger can definitely spice up your life (so to speak).

Time to start planning that romantic getaway Oregon style. We'd like to spice up your life at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast--and maybe with some ginger!

Replenishing the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast Wine Cellar (Part 3)

Thursday, March 5, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Time to wrap up our blog series about replenishing the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast wine cellar on our recent trip to the Dundee Hills, part of the Oregon Wine Country.

In part 1 of this blog series we visited Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards. In part 2, we stopped by Sokol Blosser for some fine dessert wine and discovered an unexpected red party wine.

The last stop on our quest was the tasting room at Argyle Winery in downtown Dundee, Oregon. Our two-fold mssion: find a sparkling wine suitable for our dinner at the Black Walnut Inn and for a champagne package at our Joseph bed and breakfast.

The tasting room featured flights of either still wines (without the bubbles) or sparkling wines (our choice). Argyle Winery's selection is extensive--in total we tasted 5 lovely sparking wines.

Argyle Winery 2000 Knudsen Vineyard Brut

It was a tough decision. Bill preferred the 2000 Knudsen Vineyard Brut, whereas I was fond of the 2006 Brut Rose. "How can't you love pink champagne?" I queried. "But the Knudsen has such a creamy texture," he replied.

We were also taken by the 2005 Black Brut, styled after Australian sparkling shiraz. We agreed, however, that this wine is probably best enjoyed by the glass as it's very distinctive.

In the final analysis, we settled upon Bill's favorite, the 2000 Knudsen Vineyard Brut. Pair a chilled bottle with a set of Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast champagne flutes and we'll have a wonderful Oregon local package to offer our guests wanting a little romantic getaway stimulus.

In total: two cases of sparkling wine. Now we're ready to head back to our Eastern Oregon bed and breakfast, stock all these purchases in our cellar and update our wine list.

We're ready for the Joseph Oregon summer vacation crowd!

Innkeepers on the Road: A Cooking Class at the Black Walnut Inn, Oregon Wine Country

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 by Inside the Bronze Antler

Bill sends:

It's always fun to get someone else's kitchen dirty. Heather & I spent two nights last week enjoying a romantic Oregon getaway at the Black Walnut Inn just outside of Dundee, Oregon. Dundee is in the heart of Oregon Wine Country in the Willamette Valley and definitely not your Eastern Oregon vacation spot. No Wallowa Mountain range out of the kitchen window!

Cooking School at the Black Walnut Inn and Vineyard in the Dundee Hills of Oregon Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Black Walnut Inn

Part of our package was a cook-your-own-dinner experience with coaching by the Black Walnut Inn's owner, Karen, and her assistant, David.

The menu:

Dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon
Italian Salad of butter lettuce, radicchio & endive, toasted pistachios, with aged balsamic vinegar and lemon infused olive oil
Fresh clams sauteed with shallots, and poached in white wine
Salmon baked in parchment with lemon, salt & pepper
Pan fried asparagus
Grandma's potato bake
Pear tart with housemade cardamom ice cream

Long driveway leading to the Black Walnut Inn. Photo courtesy of the Black Walnut Inn

Earlier that day we explored the Oregon Wine Country with a list of suggested wines to accompany our dinner. We visited quite a few wineries and came back successful. During the meal we talked about wine pairing, debating the features of the wines that would go with each of the dishes. (Now, if I could just figure out what wine goes with eggs for breakfast?!)

We didn't sing for our supper, we made our supper! And in a very well appointed kitchen. Karen & David were great coaches. It was hard to clean up after yourself as David was always right there taking away used dishes.

The Black Walnut Inn's chef, Kris Utz, was away for the evening, but we still had a great experience with Karen & David. Kris offers a regular cooking school as part of the inn's activities. We'll just have to come back another time when he's available.

It's always fun to talk food and preparation techniques with other bed and breakfast owners. You can swap recipes, steal recipes, share clever ideas. I think this type of exposure helps to keep you from getting into a rut and continually challenges you to freshen your breakfast table.

We won't be serving clams or salmon for breakfast at our Joseph bed and breakfast, but rest assured that Grandma's potato bake will be in the breakfast rotation!