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Gardening Bed & Breakfasts

by Danielle (Editors' Blog) on April 27, 2011

Blue Stone Cottage, New York

Hillcrest Hide-Away, Minnesota

Linden Plantation, Mississippi

Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of innkeepers from across the country, in search of the best bed-and-breakfast retreats. The twist? I was only interested in those getaways that incorporated gardening into each guest’s stay.

These were my top picks, and let me tell you, I wish I could visit all of them. Many of these places use homegrown veggies from their gardens to prepare the guest’s breakfasts. Others let the guests pick the veggies, as well as flower bouquets themselves. Magical, isn’t it?

One particular Bed & Breakfast left me with that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you just finish a great book, or hug someone you haven’t seen in forever. I’d consider the Brewster Inn in Dexter, Maine a treasure.

Owners Mark & Judith Stephens are completely renovating the gardens that surround the historic inn. The home was originally built for the Brewster family around 1875. Senator Ralph Owen Brewster held his position in Washington for 12 years, and was Governor of Maine for 8 years.

On top of that, Alan Alda (from MASH) depicted Senator Brewster in the Oscar award-winning film, The Aviator with Leonardo DiCaprio.

With such rich history, how could you not fall in love with the Brewster Inn? But most of all I admire the place because of the kindness of the innkeepers, and the passion they have for restoring the property. In fact, they promise a free stay to any guest willing to turn a part of the gardens into something truly special. Any takers?

Have you ever been to a bed & breakfast that left you in awe?

Brewster Inn, Dexter, Maine

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Joshquinn Andrews April 27, 2011 at 5:31 pm

Nice place. It has both a Americana and natural feel to it. ^_^

I could take a try at making a special garden for them but I am beginner and I can’t go to Main at the moment. Also, I never been to a bed and breakfast though so I can’t answer your question.

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Danielle April 28, 2011 at 9:51 am

Joshquinn, we were only able to feature a few gardening bed & breakfasts, but there are tons more I’m sure! It’s always great to come across places like this to share with readers.

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Joshquinn Andrews May 1, 2011 at 6:18 am

I know. ^_^ It must be nice.

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Mark@The Brewster Inn June 17, 2011 at 6:26 am

Thank you Danielle for the great write up on the Brewster Inn. It certainly is an amazing place that no one expects to find in a small town in the middle of Maine. So much history and unique and special at the same time.
Right now i’m reinstalling the original pond and fountain. Both are in and working and we’re now working on the very large butterfly garden that is in the shape of a butterfly. Its going to look truly amazing by the end of this year. Any ideas who we got the butterfly design idea off? lol
http://www.facebook.com/brewsterinnfans

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