I arrived a few minutes past the designated check-in time. Even though I was late and had to ring the bell I was greeted by Frank with a smile and friendly hello. He gave me a set of keys to my room and the front door. There was no pressure to immediately produce a credit card or sign paperwork. I was told that would be handled at check-out.
Frank gave me a tour of the house so I would know where to find amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, coffee and tea, and a plate of home baked cookies. He pointed out a buzzer on the main floor that could be used to alert he and/or his wife, Cheryl, that assistance was needed. Frank then carried my suitcase up the steps and showed me my room and bathroom. Because my room had a private bathroom down a hall, plush robes were hanging in the closet to use if needed.
MacLeod House features a large front porch with seating and group of apple and pear trees in the side yard. A spacious back yard in this country setting provides a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing or sleeping. Photo copyright 2016 Grace Grogan.
Cheryl came out to meet me before I left for dinner. She provided me with the time range for breakfast, told me what she was planning to serve each of the days, and inquired as to whether I had any dietary restrictions and if the planned menu met with my approval. It was friendly, relaxed, courteous. There are no frazzled workers, elevator waits, loud kids or drunken patrons navigating the halls at 3 am. It was peaceful, quiet, relaxing.
The home is decorated in antiques. Furniture, photos, bedding, lamps, decorations, all reflect a bygone era. It is as if you have stepped back to a time of elegance and beauty. The old-style lamps in the bedroom give it a relaxing ambiance that no modern light will ever provide. I enjoyed relaxing in one of the chairs in my room each night, munching on a cookie and reading for a bit. When I was ready to climb into bed I flipped on the TV for a bit before dozing off. There is no street noise, no traffic. The quiet took me into a deep slumber.
Morning greeted me with a bathroom stocked with home-style towels, washcloths, bath rugs, and shower gel. None of the harsh white, hotel style bath accessories and cosmetics carrying a hotel logo here. On a table on the second floor landing are brochures of local attractions and a basket of toiletries in case a guest is in need of something.
Once I was showered and dressed for my day I headed down to the dining area for breakfast. I found one couple there enjoying their meal. Another couple joined us a few minutes later. Cheryl prepared our breakfasts as we arrived. French toast with creme cheese and peaches, served with sausage links on day one, omelets and thick toast with jams on the second. Coffee, tea, orange juice and water were available, as were breakfast breads. It was pleasant talking with other guests, learning where everyone was from, how long they plan to stay, where they have dined in the area, and sights they have taken in. A nice pleasant way to start the day.
By now you may realize that my stay was at a bed and breakfast, more specifically MacLeod House in Newberry, Michigan. This was my first time staying at a B & B and I loved the experience. I will definitely look into this type of lodging when traveling in the future. Being a solo female traveler, I felt so much more secure in this environment than I do in a hotel or motel. No large parking lots, elevator rides and long hallways to navigate alone. It is a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
When I made my reservations I was told that I would need to change rooms from one night to the next due to a prior reservation. It was handled easily with me packing up my bags before I left in the morning for my day out. When the rooms were cleaned my bags were moved to the new room. This turned out to be a wonderful opportunity because it allowed me to stay in two different rooms, each with their own unique decorating scheme. My first night I was in the Rose Room, which I found cozy and inviting. This room had a private bath down a small hall; room amenities included plush robes to use if needed. My second night was in the Gold Room, which was a bit larger and had a private attached bath with a footed tub shower. They also offer a suite, which I did not personally view. I have no idea which room I will select the next time I visit that area, as each is unique and inviting.
Newberry is near many local attractions such as Taquamenon Falls, Oswald Bear Ranch, Ste. Saint Marie, and Pictured Rocks. I highly recommend checking them out the next time you are traveling in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
MacLeod House
6211 County Road 441
Newberry, Michigan 49868
Phone: (906) 293-3841
Email: fcicala@up.net
Website: Macleod House Bed and Breakfast
--- LIFE IS A MELTING POT --- Grace Grogan...Writer, Photographer 