The Magruder House B&B, Kankakee, IL

It was such a pleasure to watch Scott Watson from The Magruder House B&B teach us about table settings for guests at the IBBA conference.  Whether it be informal, formal or a buffet setting, Scott had some great ideas to show us at his table.  Between the friendly competition of neighboring table, Mr.’ napkin-folder’ and Lynn from the Irish Inn trying to get him to sign up for a James Bond evening, I hope Scott gets a chance to rest up before returning to his elegant B&B in the Kankakee River Valley to take care of his guests!

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Market Street Inn, Taylorville, IL

Another visitor to the IIN booth was Myrna and Joseph Hauser from the Market Street Inn.  They own a victorian home with 13 private rooms in Taylorville.  I hope they have an opportunity to use an interim innkeeper/innsitter because I would love to give them a break and work at this place!   Myra was very sweet and generous with her kindness.  It sounds like Mr. ‘Go-Fer’ is kept quite busy keeping the place up to snuff!

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Chestnut Street Inn, Sheffield, IL

I had so much fun and learned alot with Jeff and Monika Sudakov from the Chestnut Street Inn that I am still recovering!   Jeff taught a session on napkin folding that was quite spirited and boy, is he fast!  Monika’s session was on garnishing 101.  Between her knife, her torch and some Balsamic vinegar, she can whip up some mighty good-looking stuff!   They are both wonderful contributors to everyone’s success in this business and it’s evident how much they enjoy their work.  It was so nice to see their passion for life!  I hope I get to stay at Chestnut Street Inn soon!

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The Davie School Inn, Anna, IL

I also got to meet Andrea Dahmer of  The Davie School Inn.  She and her husband, Gary, have 11 suites and were voted in “Top 10 Inns of Illinois” and have the largest suite sizes in Southern Illinois!   They are located along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and Gary will make what you like for breakfast and deliver it when you want to your suite!  Sounds like the kind of place I would stay at for a long while.

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Barrington House Bed & Breakfast, Barrington, IL

I was so happy to have met Mary and Marty O’Donnell from the Barrington House B&B.  I had a great conversation with Marty on the 2nd evening discussing our similar employment from the past.  Then I got the chance to sit at their table for lunch on the last day.  They are the proprietors of a restored 1894 home with 5 rooms in the Historic District of Barrington.  I’d love to visit this place!

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The Irish Inn, Ozark, IL

Since I’m 1/2 Irish, I had no problem getting to know Brian and Lynn Moore McCreery from The Irish Inn.  They don’t mind kicking their heels up every now then either!  They have a ‘James Bond night’ promotion that Lynn worked very diligently to get people excited about.  Sure sounds like a good time to me!   Brian’s Scotch-Irish accent won me over right away.  They dare anyone to finish their full Irish breakfast that they serve at their stone & log chalet in the Shawnee National Forest.  Count me in!

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Bear Grove Cabins, Mulberry Grove, IL

One of the attendees at the IBBA conference was Van Boatman from Bear Grove Cabins.  He stopped by to visit with me and learned about Interim Innkeepers Network and their innsitting services.  He and his wife, Sharon, have a log home for you to enjoy all to yourself!  Secluded in the woods on a pond and surrounded by 200 acres, you have all the rest and relaxation that a wooded setting can offer!

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