A Look Back at 2009

It was good to review this past year and all the changes that happened. It all started with an ice storm in late January which damaged several trees on the property. After completing the clean-up of the debris, work began on plans for new landscape features to replace the lost trees and bushes and enhance the areas for guest’s relaxation and weddings. Working on the main garden area inspired me to create a “Secret Garden" back of the Manor. This included building a new 12x24 foot deck and tiered rock wall for more plants. Guests have long enjoyed the front porch of the B&B for relaxing and now they can sit among the trees on the rear deck or have a wedding on the deck. (You can see a picture of the deck on the website under the About the Manor tab) The two-person, eco-friendly hammock is still available for guests to enjoy.

New gourmet teas were added to the tastings available to each guest. Included is an award winning green tea called “Lemon Ginger Snap”, a finalist at the World Tea Expo Championship. Special fall and spring teas were also added to the inventory and these included Spiced Pear, Harvest Apple, and Tropical Mist Sencha. With oolong teas that increase your resting metabolism, green tea that reduces high blood pressure and builds bone density and teas to help you relax there is a tea for everyone. Guests learned about the health benefits of tea and the first birthday tea party held in October was a delight for nine year old Chelsea and her friends.

More gluten-free recipes were added to the breakfast menu. I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for several folks who suffer from either gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. One of my guests who has had Celiac disease for twelve years said, “You are a great gluten-free cook”. One of the new recipes added is a cinnamon apple pancake and of course the signature lavender cookies provided to each guest at check-in are always gluten-free. I really do enjoy trying new recipes and meeting the unique dietary needs of my guests.

Guests came to enjoy the arts, the outdoors, the festivals and the holidays. Some came to celebrate their anniversaries, to enjoy their honeymoon and some just to relax and escape the daily stress of life. Several people attended the first ever August Taste of the Inns tour which included appetizers and mock tails at each of the ten members inns of the Alliance of Better Bed and Breakfasts. Halloween found my sister and me, dressed as witches, handing out candy to over 600 costumed folks who came by the Manor. Getting ready for the holidays brings magic to the Manor. I decided to enter this year’s Christmas Lighting Contest and Red Bud Manor came in 2^nd place for our area of town. The Manor was all decked out for the 3^rd annual Sweet Treats Tour on December 12, 2009. The year was ended by helping guests celebrate Christmas and New Years. Eureka Springs has something for everyone and I consider it an honor to help you enjoy your time while here and look forward to meeting more wonderful folks in 2010.