Yummy Reservations and Delightful Destinations!

Have you ever had the experience of staying at a top-rated Bed & Breakfast?   Whatever your answer, you really need to pack your bags for one of my top 5 picks, The Hillbrook Inn and Spa, www.hillbrookinn.com, located in the beautiful countryside of West Virginia.  Driving to this amazing Inn, you’ll feel the anticipation as you navigate the picturesque country roads.  When you finally turn into and travel down their long stone-covered driveway, you may start thinking, “what did I get myself into?”  But the reward is waiting for you at the end.  This is not just a small and unassuming B&B, but an elegant English Tudor masterpiece that climbs gently up the property upon your approach, just begging to be explored.  This was our second visit to Hillbrook, and it was just as inviting and stunning as our first.

Upon walking through the door to check in, we immediately felt welcome from the smiling face behind the bar.   In a very English style, a classic antique table was thoughtfully set up with inviting afternoon treats and liquid refreshment.  We were also offered a glass of Prosecco, which I, of course, did not turn down.  We were off to a great start!  Could it get better?

My husband had reserved our room in one of the Hillbook Inn’s off-site properties, the Hawthorn House, which is located a couple of miles down the main road.  We were told that this historic property had been totally renovated by the owners.   As we drove up to the house, through the stately iron gates, I felt as if I was transported back in time to a southern plantation.  Walking in the front door even confirmed that this weekend was going to be special – huge rooms downstairs that were open to the guests included a massive kitchen with more afternoon treats, coffee pot, a selection of teas, and a refrigerator with shelves marked for each room to store a bottle of wine, leftovers, etc.  There was also a huge den, with comfy leather couches, an elegant dining room and places both inside and out to relax and soak in views of the countryside.

Just picture all the vibrance of the fall-colored trees, fields of cornstalks all ready to be harvested for the season, farm silos, and pastures of cows lazily enjoying the afternoon sun.  Now this was how to relieve stress!

And we haven’t even gotten to our room yet! 

Our accommodations did not disappoint either.  First impressions always last — Upon turning the key, we were greeted by soft music as we entered.  I immediately eyed two upholstered chairs (and they rocked!) in front of a cozy, gas fireplace.   I knew I would be spending time curled up there.  The bathroom shower was large enough for 10 people and there was plenty of storage and counter-top for all our toiletries.  My hubby was very happy!

You may ask – what was your weekend filled with?  Just being lazy.  We enjoyed the ambiance of our room and the fireplace, we strolled the grounds, and we enjoyed two amazing breakfasts that were included with our stay.

The first morning, the prelude to the main course, was Bananas Foster Oatmeal.  I’m sorry I didn’t take a picture, but it wouldn’t have shown the “yumminess” that I got from my first bite to the last.  I took a chance of asking our waiter for the recipe and couldn’t believe he came back later with the handwritten recipe from the Chef.  How great was that!  I’ll share that at the end of the blog, which he gave me permission to do.

We did also enjoy some other adventures during our stay exploring West Virginia.  I can’t wait to share those with you in a future blog.  I just wanted to showcase The Hillbrook Inn and Spa on its own because it is so special.  Next time we go (and there will be a next time), we want to make dinner reservations at the Redbook Restaurant, located on property, in the historic manor house.  I’ve been told that their Chef is incredible.  If it’s anything quality-wise like our breakfasts, I can hardly wait.  Also, don’t forget to check out their website listed above for some great information on so many things to do around the area.

I hope you will consider adding The Hillbook Inn and Spa to your weekend getaway list.   You need to spoil yourself with this both “Yummy Reservation and Delightful Destination.”  I would love to hear about any other Bed and Breakfasts that you’ve enjoyed.  And, I definitely have a few more up my sleeve to share with you.

Stay tuned for my next blog on a couple of our adventures while we were in West Virginia.  I’ll give you a hint on my favorite – “I love to see the moon shine.”

 

Banana Foster Oatmeal

2 Tbsp. of butter

2 whole bananas sliced

¼ cup of brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ cup rum

3 cups half & half

1 tsp. salt

1 ½ cup quick oatmeal

Sauté first 4 ingredients, then add rum & cook for 3 minutes.  Add half & half and salt; bring to a simmer.  Then add the oatmeal and cook 5 – 10 minutes.  Enjoy!