Saturday was Lu's birthday, and we took a trip to Canada with his parents. We went to a restaurant in Leamington, toured a few vineyards, walked along a beach on Lake Erie, and overloaded on blueberry pie.

Outside of a winery on Lake Erie

Eating blueberry pie at Klassman's

However, the highlight of our trip was our stay at the Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast. This place is a gorgeous B&B that has only been open since September 2009. We loved the house, the décor, the rooms, and (of course) breakfast the next morning.

The Iron Kettle

After my stay at the Iron Kettle, I'm looking forward to our honeymoon even more. No, not the Costa Rica trip, but our three-day, post-wedding respite in Maryland at Lake Pointe Inn.

Although we aren't staying at Lake Pointe for long, Lu and I know that it'll be just enough time to recharge after a whirlwind wedding weekend. In addition to the couples hot stone massage that we booked, the inn has hiking trails, bikes, a fire pit, and offers a boat ride on the lake in the evening.

That is, if we have enough energy to come out of our room! Lu and I picked the "Friend Room" to stay in for our honeymoon.  By starting off our relationship and soon-to-be-marriage as friends, we really liked the name.... not to mention the double-sided fireplace, spa tub, great view, reading nook, and walk-in shower with four jets and two showerheads.

The Friend Room at Lake Pointe Inn

Now that the wedding is fast-approaching and school is starting next week, we know that the next six weeks are going to fly by. We will be more than ready to take a break from it all, but just for a few days.... Lu and I can't sit still much longer than that!


If you've never stayed in a bed and breakfast, here's what to expect:

-- an older but renovated home, usually with wood floors and tons of character. Some even have themes. Last year, for our anniversary, Lu and I stayed in a Log Cabin Suite at a bed and breakfast in Saugatuck, MI.  Admittedly a bit cheesy, but with the double-sided fireplace and ridiculously huge tub, we really felt like we were in an upscale cabin getaway.

One of the sitting rooms at the Iron Kettle

-- friendly, flexible, and informative innkeepers. No front desk or concierge here! Most innkeepers actually live in their B&B. They know the town like the back of their hand and want you to enjoy your stay. On this trip, we arrived later than we planned, and the innkeeper left the keys in a bush by the front door.

-- interesting, somewhat chatty, guests. Most bed and breakfasts cater to couples, but sometimes you'll run into traveling businessmen, performers, and families. Since a B&B is meant to feel like "home," breakfast is often shared around a dining table or in a breakfast nook with other guests.

-- a comfortable bed and great food.  Since the Iron Kettle was recently renovated, our mattresses had memory foam toppers and felt amazing after a long day. For breakfast the next morning, we had coffee, tea, orange juice, fruit, banana bread, green eggs and ham (i.e. eggs scrambled with spinach and real Canadian bacon), and breakfast potatoes. At other B&Bs, I've had breakfast quiche and specialty pancakes.  Many B&Bs also have some snacks available throughout the day, as well as beverages including bottled water, soda, and wine.

Lu's mom in the Walking Stick room, refreshed after a good night's rest.

-- great rates. Although the prices of B&Bs can vary, you can expect to typically pay anywhere from $75-$200 depending on the location, season, and type of room. Most B&Bs are less expensive than area hotels, and with the personalized experience, privacy, and great food -- they are 100% worth it.