by ELIZABETH HEY
Across the nation, bed and breakfast establishments are Going Blue, and on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 9) some innkeepers will offer free nights to law enforcement officers and their families.

Summer Fogle, owner of Clear Creek Bed and Breakfast started the program last year with nearly 40 inns from Alaska to New York state joining her efforts. B&Bs Going Blue’s Facebook page highlights those establishments that offer the program.

Some, like Clear Creek, offer several opportunities for complimentary nights. Clear Creek opens its doors January 8-10 for one couple or family per night to enjoy this perk. The Fogle’s two boys make something special for breakfast.

“My husband, Justin, was the inspiration behind the idea,” says Summer. “He’s a conservation agent and works closely with local police and the sheriff’s department. Especially because of the last several years, we wanted to honor law enforcement and their families for their sacrifice to our communities.” said Summer. “For the entire month of January we offer a 50 percent discount and, year-round, we offer a smaller discount to law enforcement.”

In the fall of 2015, the Fogles began hosting guests in their lodge-style bed and breakfast that lies adjacent to their home. Situated on 100 acres of farmland halfway between Kansas City and Joplin, Clear Creek focuses on the outdoors. Two black labs named Haley and Annie greet guests. Several hens and a rooster run free and cattle graze in the pasture. Guests enjoy catch-and-release fishing for bass and catfish in the two-acre lake, along with nature walks, wildlife viewing and walking paths. At nearby Four Rivers and Schell Osage Conservation Areas, hunting is terrific and guests can field dress on the Fogle’s property.

The bed and breakfast overlooks the small lake, and guests can enjoy a full kitchen, gas fireplace, outdoor grill and washer/dryer. The spacious, master bedroom sleeps up to six with a queen bed and custom, queen bunk beds. Rockers on the screened, front porch invite morning coffee and, in the evening, guests can relax by the fire pit next to the lake.

“We provide complimentary coffee and a continental breakfast with freshly-baked muffins, fruit, juices and cereals, all stocked in the refrigerator when guests arrive,” says Summer. “One family from Kansas City told us that we’re their new, summer gathering place.”

by ELIZABETH HEY
Inn at Clover Hill offers the chance to stay on a working farm—a rarity among bed and breakfasts today. Guests certainly aren’t obligated, but part of the fun is participating in farm chores.

Owner Fred Carpenter, a former banker with an animal science degree from the University of Missouri, and his wife, Sherene, still run cattle and raise row crops on their 700 acres.

Guests can hop on the gator and tour the farm, help feed the sheep and cattle, check the cows and gather eggs. (I did all but gather eggs because a fox had killed the chickens several weeks prior. Fred assured me they’d have new chicks soon.) For the breakfast table, guests can pick blackberries, peaches, apples, pears and strawberries in season. Sherene loves to bake, and breakfast might include a fresh peach tart or blackberry cobbler and homemade jams.

“We have gentle livestock that people can get close to,” says Fred. “We like to give property tours so that people can see the windmill, spring-fed wells and gardens.”

Located between Chillicothe and Marceline, Fred’s uncle originally owned the acreage and built the 1937 farmhouse. Fred was raised a quarter-mile down the road and helped on the farm. He bought it after his uncle passed away. When the Carpenters moved in, they converted the oil and steam heat to gas, added rooms and, eventually, remodeled the entire house. Decorated in an eclectic style with handmade quilts, the inn is comfortable and unpretentious, yet completely modern. Guests have access to the barbeque grill, large freezer and refrigerator.

“When our daughter got married in California, our family fell in love with the Sonoma bed and breakfast that we stayed in,” explains Fred. “Since there weren’t any other B&B’s in our area in 2009, we decided to turn our home into one.”

Early May through frost, 800 impatiens edge the sidewalk leading to the front door. They bloom in pinks, peaches and white—perfect for the 30-plus weddings that take place on the property each year. The adjacent Carriage House, the inspiration of Fred’s first wife who passed away from cancer, sleeps up to 10. It includes a commercial kitchen, a large courtyard with speaker system, gardens and tables and chairs for 70 to 300 people. A tent can be set up for additional seating.

Guests enjoy visiting Marceline, Walt Disney’s hometown, shopping for antiques or exploring Jamesport’s Amish community. Near the end of December through February, approximately 100 eagles spend the day on the Carpenter’s farm, literally, perched in the trees before roosting each night at a nearby conservation area.

Visit InnAtCloverHill.com for more information.

by ELIZABETH HEY
A lofty vision has created a unique experience at the Village of the Blue Rose.

Opened as a non-profit to support a small community of special education adults, the bed and breakfast allows its residents to work and make a living serving their guests.

Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the Mississippi River, the 60-acre property lies between Hannibal and St. Louis. Buildings house six men and women who live on site and range in age from 30 to 50 years old. Guests can shop in the red barn filled with antiques, mainly glassware and small collectibles, and a tiny flea market stocked by donations with contemporary items.

Rose Gronemeyer, a retired special ed teacher from Sacred Heart School in St. Louis, helped mastermind the non-profit and oversees the village. The residents who run the bed and breakfast also participate in sports, dances and various activities in the surrounding community.

“When I was teaching, some parents would ask me, ‘What’s going to happen to my child once their education is complete?’” explains Rose. “So we began raising funds and eventually built the village.”

The main lodge’s three rooms include apartment-style accommodations on the lower level where my husband and I stayed. We had access to the common area with floor-to-ceiling windows, a burning fireplace, TV and DVD player plus a mini fridge, sink and microwave. It’s a perfect spot for families. On the main level, there’s a handicap-accessible bedroom and The Lodge restaurant. Upstairs, a spacious, loft-style room features a sitting area with terrific views. Outside the lodge, a fire pit, porches and pavilion are an added bonus.

The restaurant opens for lunch Wednesday through Sunday; dinner is served Friday and Saturday nights. Menus on each table allow diners to check off their choices. Residents take orders back to the kitchen, fill drinks and make sure customers are happy. Prime rib is always popular for dinner, potato cheese soup is a longstanding house specialty, and there’s a daily special or two.

“People appreciate this peaceful place and the kindness of the residents who live and work here,” says Rose. “It’s a bonus that we have such a beautiful location. Our overnight guests can sit around the outdoor fire pit and enjoy watching the barges that travel the river.”

Several annual fundraisers support this non-profit community. During eagle viewing season in January, “Soup and Chili Days” features homemade soups and desserts for a donation. In April, there’s a fundraiser trivia night, and a dinner auction takes place in March in Wentzville. In September, “The Village Country Picnic” makes a fun family outing with pony rides, discounts on antiques, a silent auction and more. The Lodge serves barbequed pulled pork, hot dogs, grilled chicken and all the fixings.

Visit VillageOfTheBlueRose for more information.

by ELIZABETH HEY
When Missouri’s wine country beckons, the DeBourge Guesthouse offers charming rooms and a central location.

The 1928 Craftsman-style home is a few short blocks from Washington’s downtown. Settled in the 1700s, Washington is nestled along the Missouri River between Hermann and Augusta. Picturesque German architecture, primarily of red brick, have led to the designation of more than 500 buildings on the National Historic Register in this area.

Bridgette and David Kelch bought the bed and breakfast in 2014. Converted from a private residence in 2000, the home’s original occupants worked at the local shoe factory just down the street. The factory was operational from 1907 to 1960.

Born and raised in Washington, Bridgette works as executive director for Downtown Washington Inc., a non-profit promoting economic development of Washington’s historic district. Bridgette helped pilot one of Missouri’s first Main Street programs, aimed at preserving the vitality and beauty of historic downtowns across the state and nation. David works for Drury Hotels. Between the two of them, they offer a wealth of knowledge about hospitality and the town.

“I like to help guests figure out where they’d like to eat and shop,” says Bridgette. “We’re in a great spot for exploring the wineries of Hermann and Augusta, too.”

The home features five bedrooms and four bathrooms, a dining room that seats 10, kitchen and living room. Guests can enjoy the front porch or back patio for outside gatherings. In the mornings, an enhanced continental breakfast is served in the dining room.

The Kelch’s collect the work of well-known local artist Gary Lucy who exhibits in his downtown gallery. Reproductions of Lucy’s oil paintings that feature historic steamboats hang in each room. It’s a nod to the area’s history when numerous steamboats stopped at Washington as they traveled along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Guests can book the entire house, which sleeps up to ten.

“If they do, the group has access to the fifth bedroom and the entire kitchen, right down to the spices,” says Bridgette.

Washington’s many events include the Main Street BBQ & Bluesfest and Vintage Market, featuring 50 competition barbecue teams April 15-17. The 35th Downtown Washington Fine Art Fair & Winefest takes place May 20-22 with live music, wine tastings and pairings.