When my wife, Brooks, and I first visited
Galena, the thing that most caught her attention was the beautiful Stillman
Inn, sitting high atop a hill overlooking Galena and in the same
neighborhood as U.S. Grant's home.
She vowed that on our return she would pay
a visit to the Inn, taking advantage of the tearoom, which we had only read
about. It was to prove to be one of the most unique and enjoyable
experiences of our visit to Galena.
The tone of the Inn reflects the wonderful
hospitality of Dave and Bernadine Anderson, innkeepers who are realizing
their dream of owning the beautiful mid-19th century mansion that has gone
through several reincarnations as a studio, restaurant and dance hall, and a
nursing home.
In the Andersons, the storied house, where
General and later President Grant was a frequent dinner guest, has found
just the right couple to preserve its rich heritage and outstanding
architecture.
One of the most unique features is the
'total B&B experience' attitude of Dave and Bernadine. This is not
just a B&B...it is a destination in itself.
Consider: The Tea Room, which was a
must-see and must-do for Brooks, is a beautifully decorated dining room,
complete with an understated elegance of a bygone era. The tea hour in
the afternoon features a variety of tasty teas and even champagne, along
with some your choice of wonderful pastries.
Tea time is not a time one wants to
rush. The waitresses are helpful and as always, Bernadine is on-hand
to ensure that the high qualities of service are maintained.
We stayed in the General's Room, so named
because it has pictures of the eight generals--that's right--eight generals
from Galena who served in the Civil War. As one might expect, a
portrait of General Grant resides over the rich, black marble fireplace,
looking towards the other, lesser-known generals from Galena.
The suite features a handsome sitting
room, complete with period furniture, and a bedroom that is separated by the
huge, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to offer privacy.
The bed itself is a magnificent four
poster, complete with the delicate 'curtains' that can be drawn to complete
the feeling of stepping back into time. If that isn't enough, the
bedroom features a large Jacuzzi tub that was perfect for relaxation as we
enjoyed our wine.
The bathrooms are appropriately luxurious,
offering warm and style.
Of course, no review is complete without
considering the quality of the breakfast that is the other 'B' in
B&B. We are pleased to let you know that the ample quantities and
the fresh-baked pastries, rolls and other fresh foods, prepared in the
Stillman kitchen, do not disappoint.
But, we mentioned the 'total'
experience. Unlike many B&Bs that merely offer hospitality and
food, the Stillman Inn has the tea room, and some beautiful gardens.
We took a tour of the grounds, and while
the work was still in progress, it is easy to see how the huge patios and
flower gardens will provide even more memories for visitors to the
Inn.
We shall plan many more visits to
Galena...one of the stops will always be a return to the Stillman Inn.
Now,
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