When I lived in Mount Dora, I remember rocking on my front porch and admiring the expansive craftsman style home across the street. The brick façade, wide screened-in porch, the garden-lined sidewalk, the way the lights reflected from the square attic windows onto the tin roof. It reminded me of New England like no other building in town. My new neighbors came outside and invited us over for a glass of wine, introduced us to their playful Salukis and we talked all night. That evening that turned into our first "Dinner at the Inn" experience and the beginning of a great friendship with our neighbors, John and Arthur.

John and Arthur own and manage the Adora Inn, an early 1900's Arts & Crafts style home blended with their touch of modern simplicity and elegance. Walking through the spacious living and into the adjoining dining room, you’ll notice the traditional Persian rugs gracing the hardwood floors, a candlelit fireplace accented with modern shaped furniture, and Arthur's very own artwork adorning the walls. All the guest rooms are named after the natural earth-inspired tones that color them. However my favorite, the Treehouse, is named for the playful feeling it invokes. This spacious suite is tucked away in the attic and provides a fantastic treetop view of the town.

John's background is in hospitality management on the beaches of Miami as well as culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America. Arthur's past experience includes art and design in NYC. Interestingly though, Arthur is the Chef. He brings into the kitchen the same philosophy that started the Arts & Crafts movement that constructed their home; a revolt to mass-production and an appreciation for simplicity, artisanship, and hand made personal touches. Slow Food. A term John enlightened me with during a gastronomic trip to Italy last year to celebrate a birthday milestone for his partner, Arthur. Slow Food is actually a real term; an International movement towards local, fresh, simple ingredients combined with a dining experience meant to actually allow you to enjoy cuisine rather than merely quickly inhaling it to satiate your hunger.

My time in the kitchen with Arthur was more of a spectator sport as he is quite the Olympian when it comes to moving around a kitchen with the quick and deliberate movements of a well practiced chef.

As I sipped on a cin cin and watched our dinner experience unfold in the kitchen, I asked Arthur what he enjoyed most about cooking. His immediate reply was, "Eating, of course!" Isn't that everyone's favorite part? I laughed and gave him a look that let him know that I was being serious and he said, "Being an artist, I love the mixture of colors, scents and textures. For example, the contrast with the purple and green here in the artichoke. Cooking really is a melding of art & science in bringing ingredients together into new flavors."

So, how did Arthur become a chef? While putting the last finishing touches on our meal, Arthur told a story of being an art student in New York during the 1970s, working as a bus boy in an upscale art-inspired restaurant in SoHo. He was friends with the owner's daughter and received an invitation to a party at their house one weekend. At the house, Arthur experimented in the kitchen making some dishes for he and his friends to snack on. His friend's parents came home and found the left-overs of Arthur's creation in the refrigerator and loved what they tasted. They couldn't believe he was just a bus boy and quickly promoted him. As they always say, the rest is history. He prepared dishes for a variety of well-known and famous artists including Claes Oldenburg, Marisol, Warhol, and even famous food critic Craig Claiborne. His favorite memory, however, was when he prepared a Bouillabaisse from a Toulouse Lautrec recipe and a small group of Frenchmen in the restaurant stood up and applauded.

Lost in conversation with Arthur, I didn't even realize how hungry I was until we finally sat down to eat. Arthur had prepared a three course meal starting off with artichokes drizzled with warm Dijon vinaigrette leading into the main course of grilled lamb with a lemon white wine reduction and Provencal herbs, accompanied with simply fried eggplant, middle eastern spiced potatoes and carrots. A beautiful peach and blueberry country tart created the perfect finish. With all his international sophisticated culinary tricks and recipes, Arthur says he still prefers the simplicity of country style meals, mixing formal with informal.

Breakfast may be what a traveler typically thinks of when it comes to B&B's, but with monthly International wine tastings and exotic cuisine, dinner at the Adora Inn is truly a unique experience. Whether you are looking for a quiet intimate dinner alone or an interactive cooking demonstration, your palate and senses are sure to be pleased. John and Arthur offer upscale service and gourmet cuisine in a relaxed and casual environment.

--Rachelle

After our adventures in Vancouver, this Four Seasons Journey in Whistler presented a few more daring "firsts" for me.  Such as riding a snowmobile to the top of a mountain, discovering what makes a good long bone, and walking through a hotel lobby Julia-Roberts-Style wearing nothing but a bath robe. After a relaxing and scenic ride along the Sea-to-Sky drive to Whistler, we checked-in to our rooms at Four Seasons Whistler, helped ourselves to  a cup of their famous hot chocolate and went for a tour of their residences.

Where Four Seasons Vancouver was very modern and eco-chic, the lobby in Whistler was warm, inviting and earthy.  Exactly what you'd want to come home to after a chilly day on the slopes.  One hallmark of Four Seasons is the way they capture the essence of the location's environment in their decor.

When our new Vancouver friends learned we were headed to Whistler, they didn't mention the awesome views or the skiing.  Instead, the first recommendation out of everyone' mouth was "you must try the hot chocolate in the lobby at the Four Seasons!"  Yes, it's that good.  I swear they must melt a bunch of Toblerone's and add in some Godiva to achieve the nutty creamy chocolatey goodness.  No powdered mix here.

I prepared for our ski and spa adventure, but with a view like this, a fireplace roaring, and room service, it was hard to convince myself to leave the room.

The residences are just as luxurious and stunning as the hotel ... but with much more room.  Just look at the appliance here ... built-in cappuccino maker ... Viking oven with gas range ...  I have kitchen-envy ...

After we "oohed an aaah'd" over the residences that were WAY outside of a travel writers budget (a girl can dream, can't she?) we suited up for taking a snowmobile ride up the mountain for dinner.

Now, I had no idea this was going to be an adventure sport.  I was thinking of a relaxing scenic ride up the mountain ... moonlight glistening on the snow and deer frolicking by.  Instead it was more like an escape scene from a Bond movie (albeit in slow motion).  Riding a snowmobile I guess is a lot like riding a motorcycle.  You've got to throw your weight into it in order to turn.  Considering that this machine weighed about 10x what I do, it involved dangling over the edge of the seat, fingertips barely clutching the handles, and one foot going airborne.  Top that with it being dark, not seeing where you are going, and every once in awhile having your headlight illuminate the steep edge of a black diamond trail ... I was totally freaked out.  I survived.  I didn't flip the thing.  But I was embarrassingly slow.  I blamed my snail-speed on being a Florida girl and apologized to the more adventurous Denver boys being me. But I was smiling the whole way!  I swear!  I know you can't see it behind that helmet, but there is a smile there.

The fondue at the top of the mountain was worth the effort.  We all packed into a little cabin and helped ourselves to some wine (to calm my nerves) and fondue (to warm our hands and fill our bellies).

Yummy hot cheesy goodness ...

There was live acoustic music, endless cups of hot chocolate and stories and laughter among new friends.  I almost forgot that I had to go back DOWN the mountain the same way.

Oh well.  I ignored the fact that the cold weather and white-knuckling the handlebars made me loose all feeling in my fingertips and just stayed focused on one thing ... at the bottom of this mountain was my cozy room ... with a fireplace ... and a hot bath! Now, about the bathtubs at the Four Seasons ... typically, I start bath, can go and check on email or tweet for 20 minutes while it's filling.  But this thing filled up lickety-split.  It wasn't even 5 minutes before I heard a weird gurgling noise and ran into the bathroom to find that I was about an inch away from flooding my room.  AAAARGH!

I let it drain a bit, then soaked away my snowmobiling nerves to start fresh for some ski and spa fun the next day.

The following morning we had breakfast at a ski shop, Can-Ski, and suited up for a day of skiing.  I got to try on this awesome Bogner jacket.  Price tag?  About $3000.  Oh yeah, it's sexy.  But if I paid that much for a jacket I'd frame the thing rather then subjecting it to me falling in the snow a half dozen times or lugging skis over my shoulder where they'd snag the hand sewn embroidery.

Speaking of lugging ski's ... I don't think I could ever ski again without a ski concierge.  What is a ski concierge, you ask?  Well, let me explain ...

(Side note: Here I'm showing off my glittery boots.  Anything with glitter is AWESOME)

Instead of lugging your gear from your condo or hotel room, the Four Seasons has a "ski concierge" at the bottom of the mountain (both Whistler and Blackcomb) waiting to check-in your gear and hand you a cup of their fabulous hot chocolate.  The best part is you can easily switch back into your regular boots so you're not walking around the village like a robot.  (Yes, walking in ski boot makes you do a funky robot walk.)

As a novice skier from Florida, I decided to take some lessons with Annie (@AnnieFitz).  At first, I was a little nervous as loaded us up on a gondola to get up to the beginner slopes.  But I learned there are  plenty of spots on the top of the mountain to catch a great view without having to ski down and was really impressed with how many options there are for dining on the mountain.

A must-do while in Whislter is the Peak-to-Peak gondola.  And you don't need skis to enjoy the view.  Just walk on and enjoy. Transporting you from the tip of Whistler to Blackcomb, this gondola is a world record breaker as the highest and longest unsupported gondola in the World.  It sounded scary ... I had to try it.

What amazed me the most about Peak-to-Peak is how calm and quiet the ride is. Most gondola's and chair lifts have a somewhat bumpy ride when going over the support towers ... but this was extremely quiet.  The day we were on the mountain we missed the "above the clouds" experience that Whistler is known for,  but instead had an amazingly clear view of the valley.

Annie and I waited in line an extra 30 minutes to experience the "glass bottom" gondola on the Peak-to-Peak.  I have to say, it's not worth standing in line for.   We spent most of our time looking out of the side windows at the horizon.

Whistler and Blackcomb are huge mountains.  Even if you are a expert skier, I think you'd need at least a full week of skiing to check out all the runs.

Since I'm not an advanced skier, I thought I'd share a link  from fellow travel bloggers, The Traveling Canucks, who are skilled enough to glide down slopes that are not just a black diamond, but are labeled as "most dangerous" with a skull and cross bones to make sure you get the point.  (Traveling Canucks Photo Essay of Whistler)

Next post, see photos of me walking around a hotel in my robe and find out more about the "Long Bone" that was on the menu at the Four Seasons ...

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with other bloggers on a Four Seasons Journey, seen on Twitter as #FSJourneys

Our first Destination: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Most of the other travelers were from the West Coast in California and Colorado.  Being from Florida, I had the longest flight from one corner of the United States to the other and just a bit beyond.  I actually trailed along the route with the tip of my finger on the large wall map in my office, making the same doodle doodle doop sound that I remember from the tv show Reading Rainbow.  What can I say, far away adventures bring out the kid in me.

The flight was long, but so worth it.  A connection in Denver and schlepping through TSA made my total travel time about 10 hours, so I was definitely looking forward to wrapping myself in the comfort of a Four Seasons bed.  But the excitement of exploring a city I'd never visited and making new friends kept my energy high.  I be-bopped through Vancouver Airport like I'd just had a couple of espressos.  If you've never been to this airport, it's amazingly beautiful and clean.  Not only is it full of artwork, but the design pulls in all the natural features of BC with plants, waterfalls and totems.  They even offer free wi-fi.  I tweeted thanks for the wi-fi ... they immediately tweeted back.  Cool.

Canadians are about the friendliest people I've ever met.  They always wear a smile and I love the way they're constantly unnecessarily apologizing in the fun way they say "sowry."  Customs is the only exception to that friendliness. Even with my passport in hand, they had a way of making me feel like I was trying to sneak across the border.  Though, I guess red-eyed with a delirious and goofy smile on my face, I probably did look a bit suspicious.

After meeting the other bloggers (who are all AMAZING - see the list below and follow them!) we traveled the short distance to downtown Vancouver and checked in at the Four Seasons.  The lobby has a relaxing zen-like quality to it with a large Buddha greeting you at the door and a sort of eco-chic atmosphere that matches the city.

The evenings festivities included a pampering salon appointment and dinner, but we had a few quiet moments to relax and unpack.  The room was no less than amazing.  Let me give you a little photo tour ...

The Room ...  (huge, isn't it?)

The living area.  Yes, that's my bright pink ski jacket on the chair at the desk where all the tweeting magic happens.  What I like about this suite is that it really is large enough to feel like a home away from home.

And, of course, the amazing view.

Famished from only eating airport food all day, I was thankful for the little snack waiting for us in our rooms.  Olives and Italian meats and brie and crackers and local craft beer and ... wait a minute ... is that an egg???

I'm an adventurous foodie ... but slimy raw egg makes me wrinkle my nose.  While traveling, I do like to try everything at least once.  Afraid of offending my gracious host, I opened up my laptop to tweet a photo and work up the nerve to swallow an egg.  But then I saw the BLOG menu description.  How clever!

B -  Brie Farmhouse, Dried Fruit Toast, Aggasiz Hazelnuts  (www.farmhousecheeses.com)

L -  Liquid Mango Ravioli, Exotic Fruit Consomme  (www.yewrestaurant.com)

O -  Oyama & Moccia Charcuterie,  YEW Duck Pate, Olives  (www.oyamasausage.ca)

G -  Granville Island Winter Ale  (www.gib.ca)

It's a liquid mango ravioli!!!!  Well alrighty then!  Why didn't someone just shout at me that it was dessert!   I love sweets ... down the hatch!  Apparently, this little mango concoction is well known at the Yew.   Speaking of Yew ... it was time to get ready for dinner so I headed down to my hair appointment at Blo.  Yes, you read that correctly.

I'm actually surprised at how trendy it is for the Four Seasons.  I imagined the Four Seasons to be a bit high brow and stuffy.  Well, having a salon called "Blo" in the lobby, complete with buttons that say "blo me" ... blew that notion right out of my mind.  Four Seasons is definitely "kewl."

Blo is a girlie girl's place.  Completely pinked-out with modern Jetson's-like decor and stylists ready to make you look like you just walked the red carpet.  They don't do cuts.  They don't do color.  They just style.  Wash and blo.  What a great way to get refreshed and ready for dinner.  If you'd like to learn more, check out their website at:  BloMeDry.com. Please misspell it.  If you type in "blow" the correct way you'll regret it.  Trust me.  It might be clever marketing on their part, but you'll attract some computer viruses if ya know what I mean.

All primed and prettied up, we toured the hotel with the PR Director, Samantha Geer, and headed for dinner at Yew. What exactly is a Yew?  No, it's not a funny Canadian pronunciation of the word, "you."  It's an evergreen tree that is common to see in Vancouver.  They tie in those natural elements (wood, fire, stone) throughout the whole restaurant.  Like I said ... eco-chic.

When traveling, I love to go where the locals go and eat where the locals eat.  Yew is definitely a local hang out with quite a fun happy hour at Wine Down Sundays.   This isn't your typical hotel restaurant food, Yew is a destination on it's own.

So here's the "Fam" at Yew ...

Hmm.  The normal hair styles and orange juice on the table tells me this is from breakfast the next morning.  But look how happy and relaxed we look after a good night's sleep in a Four Seasons Bed!  Seriously, I think I'm going to order one for home.

Here's me and Chef Oliver Beckert at Yew.  He had some great recommendations for a travel foodie exploring Vancouver including Edible BC.  Check it out.  (I'll have more about the Vancouver foodie scene in another post.)

My theme this month on the blog has been, "Inn Love,"  and I have to confess, I'm now completely and totally head over heels for the Four Seasons.  While I can be just as comfortable camping as I can be in a luxury hotel, for extended travel the Four Seasons is where I want to stay.

In my next few posts, find out what a "JapaDog" is, more about foodie adventures in Vancouver, how/why we stuffed a fighter pilot into our trunk (we were a feisty group) and our Sea - Sky - Snow - Spa experience in Whistler.

-Rachelle aka @TravelBlggr

FUN FACT:  Did you know the Four Seasons was a Canadian Company?

CONFESSION: Did any of the other bloggers collect a life time supply of L'Occitane lotion from their rooms?  Uh ... em ... yeah ... I didn't either.  OKAY!  OKAY!  I admit.  I love the stuff.  And it's in perfect travel carry-on size.

FOLLOW:

Deliciously Organic:  @DelOrganic

Cool Mom Pics: @TheJulieMarsh

Annie Fitz: @AnnieFitz

Penguin: @Penguin

Eric Ries: @ericries

Andrew Hyde: @AndrewHyde

Four Seasons Vancouver: @FSVancouver

Oh Yeah!  Read my disclosure here ... What's Up My Apron.

In celebration of this month's theme, "Inn Love," enjoy this guest post by Sarah Armour-Jones of the Concord’s Colonial Inn in Massachusetts. I love Inns, and I love history so this story was just my cup of tea.  Follow them on Twitter: @ConcordsInn

A 125 Year Old Love Story ...

Last year we heard a story that combines love and history, and it’s quickly become a staff favorite. A 90-year old patron was touring the Inn’s social event spaces with his grown children. They were planning his 90th birthday party and needed a large room. He stopped in the doorway of the Thoreau Room, one of our smaller function rooms, which wouldn’t work for his event. Director of Sales, Steven Jones, explained that the Thoreau Room couldn’t be configured to hold the number of guests they anticipated. The patron replied that he was just stopping to enjoy the room and said that his parents had been married in that room 125 years earlier. As a boy, this now 90-year old man had come to the Inn with his family and had always heard stories about his parents’ wedding. His family had a huge connection to our Inn, and he was celebrating a terrific milestone in the very place that his parents began their lives together.

We love that sense of attachment people have to our Inn. Meaning and sentiment are often lost in an industry that focuses on reward points, cookie-cutter event spaces and chain locations. Concord’s Colonial Inn is one of those amazing places that’s been part of our nation’s history since before it was a separate country. The original structure was built in 1716 and the building has served as a Revolutionary War hospital, home to the Thoreau family, and a welcoming Inn to countless guests (including some famous ones like Queen Noor of Jordan). Some say it’s home to ghosts as well.

While the buildings have evolved over the years, guest rooms in the Main Inn have the kind of Colonial wide-plank floorboards that can’t be replicated, and one of our taverns is in the original 1716 structure.

With a nearly 300-year old building, we live and breathe history, and we’ve seen our share of beautiful romantic moments, weddings, engagements and anniversary parties. Highlights include a nervous older gentleman proposing to his lady friend; a wonderful wedding that booked the entire Inn and was unbelievably fun (with the best bride, groom and family ever); and a couple getting away from kids for the first time to enjoy a well-deserved weekend break. People who choose the Inn want something unique – something that has stood the test of time, something with charm and character (like a good spouse) that becomes part of their family history.

So this February we celebrate the friends and customers who allow us to be part of their family histories. That’s something to love.

For more information on our specials see:  Specials & Packages

In celebration of this month's theme of "Inn Love," enjoy this guest post by DC-based photographer and blogger, Christina Saull.  Follow her on Twitter @MiddleSeatView

Romance at the Market
A surprisingly romantic, sunny, anniversary trip to Seattle
by Christina Saull, author of  View From The Middle Seat

When my husband and I were married in October 2007, we vowed that every year we would go away for our wedding anniversary. Both avid world travelers, we decided that our anniversary travel would focus on discovering cities and regions of the United States that neither one of us had been to before. In 2008 we had a whirlwind tour of Chicago, complete with an early morning visit to Cloud Gate (aka "the bean") at 6am the morning of our first wedding anniversary.

For our second anniversary, we found ourselves already in the Midwest from the east coast for a family occasion the weekend prior. Jumping on the chance to cut the travel time, we ventured on west to Seattle. Based on recommendations from friends and travel guides, I booked us for three nights at the Inn at the Market, a charming 70 room inn/boutique hotel directly across the street from Pike Place Market. When I booked the room, I let them know that we were coming for our anniversary and they really pulled out all the stops.

Our room was complimentary upgraded to a huge room, with a bumped out bay window overlooking the Market and Elliot Bay. On the bedside table, we found a small chocolate cake waiting for us with an anniversary card from the Inn. "There are many fish in the sea," the card read. "But you've already caught the love of your life - happy anniversary!"

The room was a constant, comfortable, romantic retreat after long days of exploring Seattle by foot. We would return in the evening, just before sunset, to enjoy a glass of Washington wine purchased around the corner at the Pike and Western Wine Shop. On the surprising number of non-rainy evenings, we'd enjoy this glass with other couples on the inn's romantic rooftop deck, over looking a bright orange sunset. On the one rainy evening, we spent the evening curled up together in our bay window.

The Inn was even helpful when our anniversary dinner, at one of Seattle's "best" restaurants, went horribly wrong. As I returned to the hotel with a remade dinner in hand, we were greeted in the room by chocolates and a place setting - they had heard how bad our dinner was from the restaurant and wanted to make it up to us, even though it wasn't their fault in the least.

While my husband and I have a knack for making even the dumpiest hotels romantic, staying at the Inn at the Market meant we didn't have to try - they made it chic and romantic on their own.

Vanessa gives us a tour of a hidden gem of a B&B on Duval Street in Key West. Family-friendly and Green Certified, this Inn provides a peaceful escape.

Take a peak at the original Cypress House in Key West, FL. Vanessa gives us a tour of this Certified Green Bed & Breakfast. Find out who build the house (hint, it wasn't a typical builder), and other amenities that make this an eco-friendly Inn.

It is not just opening a door,

or standing when someone is being seated.

Being a true gentleman, truly chivalrous,

is more than any one act or deed.

It is a way of life based on consideration.”

In continuing my quest to be a backyard tourist, I packed my overnight bag and makeup case and rode down to a meandering driveway only four blocks away from my home ... but a world away. With a large wrap around porch enveloping the main house, swaying palm trees and a windmill cottage the Grandview Bed & Breakfast is a classic small Southern estate.

We immediately felt at home when Mel & Andy, the Innkeepers, greeted us with a warm smile and guided us to our rooms, saying in the most delectable southern accent, "we're not fussy here, just go right on up through the kitchen hon" ... the heart of a home. And what a beautiful home it is! We walked through the house to find our rooms and take a tour along the way. The colors and decor are traditional, warm and elegant. The guest rooms and baths are unbelievably spacious. Accented by antiques, Persian rugs gracing the original hardwood floors and all the personal touches of the new owners. I really enjoy the way there was a certain thoughtfulness in the construction of home years ago. As you walk by the built in china cabinets and storage spaces you can tell they were built for living and entertaining.

After putting down our bags we came back downstairs to spend some time with our new friends at the Grandview. We sat by the fireplace, sipping red wine and nibbling on crackers and cheese while listening to their many fascinating stories of growing up in the Carolina's on a tobacco farm, renovating historic homes and the experience of opening their first B&B on Ocracoke Island, called The Cove.

It seems anyone that has ever stayed with Mel & Andy become like family. Mel brought out some photos and stories of previous guests. One photo showed a group of women that call themselves the "Harley Girls" and rode out on their motorcycles for a girlfriend's getaway. Another photo told the story of a family of sisters in their 80's & 90's that gathered at the Grandview for a reunion after not seeing each other for over 30 years. And one guest was even an infamous aristocrat that they found one night by the poolside donning a long string of pearls and a mink coat.

Even the home has its own stories to tell. As the 3rd owners, Mel & Andy inherited more than just the deed when they purchased the property. There are original volumes by Charles Dickens and Mark Twain sitting in the built-in bookshelves. Even more telling are the photos on the wall in the dining room showing the estate in its young glory, surrounded by citrus groves with a Ford Model T in the driveway. Originally the William Watt home, it was built in 1906 for the citrus grower and his family. It is said that he was the inventor of corrugated cardboard as a better method for packing his oranges. There are also family photos of the Watts and their travels and also a historic photo of small sidewalk surrounded by flower gardens and a gazing ball ... which are still in the front yard today.

After dinner, we settled on the front porch with a hot cup of tea, swaying in the rocking chairs, looking up at the stars and listening to the frogs cackle and the crickets hum. I imagined for a moment what it would be like growing up in this home as a child of the Watts. The pioneering days of this little town. All sorts of interesting places to hide and play in the citrus groves. Swimming in the lake and climbing an old oak tree then cooling off on this very front porch and drinking a glass of cold sweet tea. At that moment, I fell in love with Mount Dora all over again.

--Rachelle

Recently, I was invited to Sunday Brunch at the Heron Cay Bed & Breakfast, a Victorian gem with Island-style that sits on a hillside overlooking Lake Dora. Immediately upon arriving, you can sense the playful spirit of the Innkeepers with their electric toy train that winds around their vast wrap-around porch, the antique juke box in the parlor and the gopher from Caddy Shack peeping at you from the buffet table.

Originally from Palm Beach County, Innkeepers Randy and Margie brought a little of South Florida with them when they moved up here to Mount Dora and transformed the former Darst Victorian Manor into a relaxing, laid-back island getaway. The large dining room is decorated with a light coral colored decor with sea shells, ship wheels, and a collection of Florida Highwaymen Paintings showing swaying palm trees and Florida's famous colorful sunsets.

I joined Randy and Margie in the kitchen to watch their morning festivities in preparation for breakfast. With a warm cup of coffee in hand, the scent of banana bread baking and light steel drum music strumming in the background, it was a perfect Sunday morning.

Randy and Margie became Innkeepers years ago, quite by default. They had purchased a large waterfront property in Jupiter that was a bit of a fixer upper. Margie was a real estate agent and Randy an engineer. After renovating the home to better fit it's waterfront location, their children had grown up and moved away to attend college and they found themselves empty nesters with a lot of square footage and a down real estate market, similar to today's. Margie suggested that they rent the rooms and make it into a bed & breakfast. And so with collected breakfast recipes from family and friends, the original Heron Cay was created. They named the property Heron Cay (pronounced "key") after a small island deeded along with their waterfront Jupiter home.

Randy and I are a lot alike in that we both like to talk with our hands ... which makes it challenging to talk and cook at the same time! We would get lost in another story and Margie would instinctively know to pop her head in from another room and get him back on task to making breakfast.

And what a delicious buffet! Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there is a little something for everyone on their breakfast table. A colorful fruit salad, paired with a poached egg recipe I can't wait to try at home. Margie does all the baking, making banana and pumpkin breads and cinnamon rolls.

After breakfast, Randy gave me a tour of their home. He is quite the antique maven and will happily guide you through his collections, explaining the details and history of his Highwaymen Paintings and Red Wing Stoneware collection.

Later we ventured outside to take a look at their garden. As if the home is not impressive enough, much of the fruit served at breakfast is grown right on property! Randy's green thumb cultivates pineapples, Honeybell oranges, Persian limes and key limes. And some of his non-edible, but more fragrant plants include eucalyptus and plumeria.

I also had the opportunity to play with Randy & Margie's beloved Borzois; Kalif, Pixie, Anastasia and Darla ... the REAL keepers of the Inn! These dogs are their pride and joy, and after seeing them frolic and play I can understand why!  If you are a pet lover yourself, the Heron Cay Bed & Breakfast does have a pet friendly room for small friendly pets!

--Rachelle