Baked Eggs with Bacon

Ingredients

• 12 eggs
• 12 slices of cooked bacon
• 1 can sliced pineapple, cut each in half
• 6 teaspoons of melted butter
• 1/4 lb blue cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons chives, chopped
• 12 English muffins
• Cooking Spray
• Assorted sliced fruit

Preparation

In a 12 cup non-stick muffin pan, spray with cooking spray. Place in each cup 1/2 teaspoon of melted butter. Place on top of butter half slice of pineapple. Wrap around inside rim of muffin cup 1 slice of bacon. Break in 1 egg in each cup and top with crumbled cheese and chives. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove carefully and place on buttered English muffin.

**Recipe courtesy of The Captain's Inn

Meet Your Innkeepers: Captain's Inn

Innside Story with Captain's Barry & Tamara,

owners of the Captains Inn.

1) What was your first experience ever staying in a bed & breakfast?

Tamara: We've actually never stayed in a bed & breakfast. Maybe we will get lucky and someone will invited us! For most of our lives, we've lived and stayed on a boat.

2) What did you do before you were a b&b owner?

Tamara: For the past 25 years we have been running and managing some of the finest mega-yachts in the charter yacht industry as a Captain and Chef team. We have entertained aboard these yachts heads of state, movie stars, and the rich and not-so-famous. As a charter yacht chef I've prepared simple and romantic gourmet dinners for two as well as sit-down parties for sixty and catered weddings and social events. From this experience, I've published two cookbooks; Megayacht Cooking and the Ship's Bounty. Captain Barry was also an artist and has owned galleries throughout the world including a gallery on a cruise ship. We both love to share our food and art with all of our friends and guests.

3) What made you decide to want to own a b&b?

Tamara: Because we loved entertaining our guests on our yachts we decided to build the bed and breakfast for our retirement. We found the bed and breakfast business extremely similar to our past experience and we are very happy with our decision.

4) What is your favorite part about owning a b&b?

Tamara: The lifestyle and the wonderful people we meet.

5) What is your least favorite thing?

Tamara: Personally, nothing comes to mind, we love what we do.


6) How did you decide on your room themes and décor?

Tamara:That question is easy. Since we are Captains and lived most of our lives on the sea the nautical theme was natural. Since we lived in the South Pacific and the tropical theme of our grounds came naturally.


7) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora.
Tamara: Re-discovering the joy of boating and fishing on aboard the Mount Dorable, the Captains’ Inn boat.


8) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at your b&b.

Tamara: Erin Moran (Joanie on the old TV series "Happy Days") taught me her favorite version of Eggs Benedict. This recipe has been a favorite of mine and my guests since April of 1982.


9) Will you let me post the recipe?

Tamara: Yes!


10) Tell me one unique thing that most people don't know about you.

Tamara: Captain Barry cuts and sets precious Australian Opals directly from the mines of Australia where his brother worked as a miner. He currently is offering through the Mount Dora Center for the Arts a lapidary opal cutting course in his studio at the Captain's Inn. For me, I've published two cookbooks, Megayacht Cooking and Ship's Bounty and I'm currently working on my 3rd cookbook, B&B Cooking.

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Fundraiser Made A Splash

With palm trees swaying and steel drum island music playing, not even a little afternoon summer rain could dampen the spirits of everyone at the Lei Breast Cancer to Rest event this weekend. Vivas Las Chicas hosted a fun and festive poolside luau at the Grandview Bed & Breakfast featuring Hawaiian inspired cuisine, music, dancing and a silent auction.

With over 75 people in attendance and tremendous support from local businesses and the community for fantastic auction items, the Chicas raised $6000 toward their cause. Monies raised will go towards the Breast Cancer 3 Day, a 60 mile walk benefiting the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Grant and National Philanthropist Trust Project working towards advancement in breast cancer research, education, treatment and prevention.

A BIG thank you is owed to Mel & Andy at the Grandview Bed & Breakfast for hosting such a fun event for a worthy cause and also for creating a reason for Mount Dora Lodging establishments to be full on a summer weekend!

Take a look at the event photo gallery to see who was there!


--Rachelle

Meet Your Innkeepers: Tremain Street Cottages

Innside Story with Brian & Rachelle,

Innkeepers of the Tremain Street Cottages

1) What was your first experience ever staying at a bed & breakfast?

Rachelle: I'm actually drinking coffee this morning from their clay mug. It was The Wayside Inn located in Ellicott City, Maryland. We were up north for a wedding and stopped here on our way home for a little R&R.

Brian: I fist stayed in a B&B near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains in S. California.


2) What did you do before you were a B&B owner?

Brian: I owned and operated several insurance agencies and also was and still am a real estate investor.

Rachelle: I worked in marketing & public relations for several companies and then became a Realtor and mortgage loan officer during the real estate boom.


3) What made you decide to become an innkeeper?

Rachelle: Working in mortgage lending was very stressful. I used to really look forward to Saturdays when I could stay in my pajamas all day, catch up on laundry and make a big breakfast. I actually enjoy cleaning, it is sort of a stress reliever for me. Kind of weird, I know. I think it's because I make my own cleaning supplies so it's a little like aroma therapy. When we stayed at The Wayside Inn, the atmosphere was so relaxed. As we were having breakfast with the innkeepers a light bulb went off over my head and I thought, "Everyday could be Saturday!" So, I traded in my banker suits for jeans, flip flops and laundry and never looked back.

Brian: Living in the traffic jam that has become Orlando made it simple to jump on this opportunity when it arose. I was born in a small town much like Mount Dora and have fond memories of it.


4) What is your favorite part about having a bed & breakfast?

Rachelle: Well, we're not really a "bed & breakfast." We're more of a "Bed & Bed." Our cottages are individual little suites with their own kitchens, bathrooms and living area. On the weekends, we send our guests one block downtown to 5th Avenue Cafe for brunch. So, I guess my favorite part is the freedom and having a flexible schedule to pursue my other interests and hobbies such as acting.

Brian: We meet very interesting traveling folks on a regular basis. The freedom and lifestyle it provides are fantastic.


5) What is your least favorite thing to do as an innkeeper?

Rachelle: I guess I have to agree with Margie at the Heron Cay on this one. It's something that every self-employed person has to deal with, not just B&B owners. Paperwork! I hate filing. In fact, I have about a month's worth of paper stacked in one of my office chairs that I need to sort through and file. I guess I could just turn on some good music and try to make it fun.

Brian: My least favorite thing is the constant maintenance required for older buildings. There always seems to be a rush to fix something before a new guest arrives. And I don't do cartwheels come IRS tax time.


6) How did you decide on your room themes and decor?

Rachelle: Each cottage is really different. When we bought them, nothing had really been changed in about 10 years so there was a lot of cosmetic work that needed to be done. Our Rendezvous Cottage was planned around two pieces of tile mosaic furniture that we found at Madison Rose Quilts. They had a yellow and black french toile theme that we decorated the room around. Brian loves boating, so he really planned our Nantucket Cottage. What's funny, is I thought I would LOVE redecorating the cottages. But it's amazing how many small little details there are to pay attention to. After we decorated two cottages ourselves, we were burned out and hired a decorator to help us with matching linens, window treatments and paint colors what was left to be done.

Brian: I love telling folks that I picked the paint colors in the Rendezvous Cottage, they never believe me though it is true. We sort of let the cottages speak to us and slowly themes began to emerge based on furnishings that were already there or furnishings that we found to fit certain spots.


7) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora.

Rachelle: I love being able to walk everywhere. I think we naturally have what a lot of developers are trying to artificially create. An authentic town feel. The first time I was able to walk everywhere for all of my errands ... going to the post office, getting a pair of shoes re-heeled, buying toothpaste and shampoo, meeting a friend for lunch, getting an iced latte to go .. all in one morning, all by foot. It's really simple, I know. But it is a neat feeling. And it's especially appreciated today with our higher gas prices.

Brian: The social life we enjoy is wonderful. At any given time we might be at a neighbors house for dinner or sitting on some front porch drinking a glass of wine. Folks here have a sense of community that is very different than most other places I have lived.


8) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at your B&B.

Rachelle: Well, since were a "Bed & Bed," I don't cook. I joke with people and tell them that I burn toast, and that's why we don't do breakfast. But, during the holidays I usually bake up a storm for all of our neighbors and friends. During the fall, it's anything pumpkin. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin cheesecake. I just love the spices. I do really love the Historic Inn's Sweet Potato Pancakes. We send our guests to the 5th Avenue Cafe for brunch and my favorite breakfast there changes with my mood. Most times, it's the basic Breakfast Creation.

Brian: We are lucky in that we don't have to make breakfast for our guests, they get to enjoy weekend brunches at the 5th Ave. Cafe. We very often join them. My favorite breakfast dish at the 5th Ave. Cafe has to be the eggs Florentine.


9) Can we post the recipe?

Rachelle: Well, that depends on Leigh at the 5th Avenue Cafe. She does have a few recipes posted on her website at 5th Ave Cafe. I suppose I'll share some of my favorite pumpkin recipes this fall.

10) Tell us one unique thing that most people don't know about you?

Rachelle: I used to be on a Show Team for clogging when I was younger. Now you'll only see me clog when I do my "happy dance" whenever something exciting happens. Also, you might recognize me in a few commercials or the movies Robodoc or Halloween H30.

Brian: I am a competitive ballroom dancer. That's actually how Rachelle and I met ... through ballroom dancing.

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Lei Breast Cancer To Rest

When you hear the phrase Viva Las Chicas and Luau in the same sentence ... you think of a big party, right? Well that is exactly what's happening! A big party for an even bigger cause.

Viva Las Chicas states their mission as being a breast cancer awareness, education, and support group born out of the desire of a few to touch the lives of many. This weekend, in conjunction with the Grandview Bed & Breakfast, they will be hosting a Luau to Lei Breast Cancer To Rest.

All proceeds from this event will go to the 2008 Breast Cancer 3 Day which is a 60 mile walk over 3 days benefiting Women for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust for Breast Cancer Research. Viva Las Chicas has participated in these Breast Cancer events since 2002.
Meet some of the "chicas" here at Why We Walk.
It's not too late! Tickets are still available, so come join our Luau this weekend and celebrate life! There will be a buffet, dancing, music, a silent auction and, of course, everyone gets leied!

Just visit http://www.leibreastcancertorest.com/ for more information.


--Rachelle

Old Glory

Susie Brown, Mayor Melissa DeMarco, Betty Cook

I assumed our town was decked out in the traditional Americana red, white & blue decor for the upcoming 4th of July celebration. However, it seems, there is an often overlooked holiday preceding Independence Day. And that, my friends, is Flag Day.

Parading their patriotism around Mount Dora with warm smiles and stars and stripes galore, Innkeeper Betty Cook (Award Winning Magnolia Inn), and shopkeeper, Susie Brown (Noni Home & Bath), handed out 500 miniature American flags to visitors and downtown businesses to raise awareness and celebrate flag day.

One of the many things I love about Mount Dora is the way the people here volunteer random acts of kindness just like Betty & Susie. And also the way the town loves a reason to celebrate
life through street parties, festivals and holidays. All holidays ... including Flag Day!

For a little more history on this holiday, it was established in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson officially named June 14th as Flag Day to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States. It was on this day, June 14th, in 1777 that the Continental Congress adopted the stars and stripes design.

For more history and etiquette of the American flag, click here: Flag of the United States

--Rachelle

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Meet Your Innkeepers: Heron Cay

Innside Story with Randy & Margie,

Innkeepers of the Heron Cay Bed & Breakfast

1) What was your first experience ever staying in a bed & breakfast?

Margie: Austria


2) What did you do before you were an Innkeeper?

Margie: Real Estate Sales


3) What made you decide to want to own a B&B?

Margie: After the kids left, we were empty nesters with a large house to sell. We rented rooms until it was sold ... and here we are 11 years later.


4) What is your favorite part about owning a B&B?

Margie: Meeting the great people that come to stay with us.


5) What is your least favorite thing to do as an innkeeper?

Margie: As with any business owner, the Paperwork!


6) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora.

Margie: We love the topography and hills. It's not really like Florida at all. Also, the small town feel.


7) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at your B&B.

Margie: It's called, "Mom's Eggs." It is a fry pan full of fried/steamed eggs cooked over meat, sausage and other delicious breakfast ingredients served as a whole pan slid onto a platter.


8) Sounds like what Brian calls his "Bri Bri Breakfast." May I post the recipe?

Margie: Yes.

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Citrus and Sunshine

We have our own version of Route 66 here in Central Florida. Before there was Disney, before there was 1-4, there was Route 27. Connecting North and South Florida, this road travels right through the middle of the State. It was the highway leading to Florida's first attractions including Bok Tower and Cypress Gardens. Surrounded by orange groves and paving the way for future theme parks and movie makers, Cypress Gardens started it all in 1936 showcasing Florida sunshine, water sports and becoming the backdrop for several Esther William's films. Both Bok Tower and Cypress Gardens are a great day trip from Mount Dora with the drive time being about an hour and twenty minutes.

I had the opportunity to drive down Route 27 to Lake Wales this week to work on an orange juice commercial and felt a little nostalgia driving past all these little shops and the rows of orange trees while remembering road trips here with my parents when I was growing up here in Lake County. If you're looking for that "authentic" Florida souvenir, you want to take Highway 27 on your road trip. This long stretch of highway is still lined with little mom and pop shops selling everything "citrus." Orange marmalade, orange popsicles, orange taffy, orange jellied candies, baby orange trees, orange rock candy, orange soaps, orange lollipops, orange juice served in an orange-shaped container, and of course the orange fruit. The list could go on-and-on the way Bubba recited the many uses of shrimp in the movie Forest Gump. You also have your historic "Trading Posts" selling orange flavored bits and also offering a little more of a wild Florida twist with their Indian moccasins and an alligator's tooth.

For directions to this historic part of Florida from Mount Dora, click here: Florida's First Theme Parks

Happy Day Tripping!

--Rachelle

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of self-rising flour (pancake mix will also work): 1 1/2 cup of all purpose flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, 1/8 tsp salt

• 3 fresh sweet potatoes peeled, steamed and mashed (allow to cool). As a substitute you can use a 15 ounce can of yams -- mashed.

• 4 to 5 tablespoons of melted butter

• 1/3 cup of light brown sugar

• 2 capfuls of vanilla extract

• 4 teaspoons of cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground nutmeg

• 2 eggs

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup of whole milk

Preparation

Blend all dry ingredients (this must be done first, or it will not carry the flavors).

Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth

Grill on flat non-stick griddle at 350 degrees, about 4 minutes, flip, then about 3 more minutes. Because of the use of sweet potatoes they take longer to cook then regular pancakes.

**Recipe courtesy of Chef Jim, Mount Dora Historic Inn

Meet Your Innkeepers: Mount Dora Historic Inn

Innside Story with Jim & Ana,

Innkeepers of the Mount Dora Historic Inn

1) What was your first experience ever staying in a Bed & Breakfast?

Jim: Our first B&B was in Oregon on a vineyard, with horses and a quaint little town. We had a fabulous time there engaging the innkeeper and other guests in conversations and life-lessons. It was then that Ana knew she wanted to own a B&B. It took me a little longer.

2) What did you do before you owned a Bed & Breakfast?

Jim: Ana and I owned three other businesses together: a physical therapy agency, a commercial landscaping business and two karate schools. In our corporate lives, Ana (with a Bachelors in Accounting) was the Fiscal Officer for Drug-Free Youth in Town (a not-for-profit organization. I was a physical therapist.

3) What made you decide you wanted to be an Innkeeper?

Jim: We realized at the ripe old age of 42 and 39, respectively, that there was more to life than making tons of money, going to meetings, and driving 4 hours a day through Miami traffic. So we traded in our corporate lives and the businesses we nurtured for a change in lifestyle. But, more importantly, we eliminated the stress in our day-to-day routine that would have certainly sent us to an early grave.

4) What is your favorite part about owning a B&B?

Jim: The change in lifestyle was unbelievable. Sharing my gift of food and Ana's passion for decorating and giving (you have to be a giver to own a B&B) with our guests. Talking every morning for hours and sharing stories is definitely a highlight. Not to mention, the freedom to really enjoy all that life has to offer -- going to the gym by noon, picnicking by the lake with our dogs, going to the movies and sitting in an empty theater because everyone else is still at work. Oh, and let's not forget sipping wine with our new friends by 5:00 p.m.

5) Okay Jim, you stole that last line from my "Mastercard" ad on being an innkeeper. Shame on you! But it is a good lead-in to my next question ... 50 pillow cases laundered and pressed: $25, Groceries to prepare breakfast for 8: $85, Sipping wine with your friends before 5:00 p.m. on a Monday ... PRICELESS! So, What is your LEAST favorite thing to do as an Innkeeper?

Jim: There is not much that we don't care for. However, when emergencies occur you can't just close up the Inn. You have responsibilities to your guests. With that said, we have been self-employed for more than 15 years so it is pretty much the same. Your clients do not care if you were in a car accident or if you are sick. They want the service they paid for at the time it was promised. And if you care about your business you do what is necessary.

6) How did you decide on your room themes and decor?

Jim: We bought a historic B&B which was already decorated to the time period of the late 1800's to the early 1900's. So, we decided that having period antiques was the way to go. We did minimize the nicknack's to save time on dusting. Also, with our landscaping background we updated the outdoor living spaces.

7) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora.

Jim: Wow! If I must choose just one thing, and that is difficult because there is so much to love about Mount Dora, it would be the people here. The difference between how I lived my life in Miami, to how I live my life in Mount Dora is night and day. The majority of the people in the street here will take the time to say hello and be polite. It does not matter whether they are driving in their car or they are walking, the people in the town will be courteous to you -- they wave, they will be friendly and they will smile. We have had so many of our guests comment on the impact this town has on them and it is always for the better. If you are having a rough day, just walking in town can change your whole mood.

8) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at you B&B.

Jim: My favorite thing to make for breakfast is my Bacon, Gruyere Swiss Cheese Stuffed Omelets with a Buer Blanc Sauce. However, my guests always ask for my Sweet Potato Pancake Recipe.

9) Will you let me post the recipe?

Jim: Yes, of course.

10) Tell me one unique thing that most people don't know about you.

Jim: There is not much my new friends don't know about me as I am very open. However, this might be one. When Ana told me she wanted to own a B&B, I was totally against it. Even though I am open to my friends I am still a very private person and when you own a B&B , strangers (I don't call them strangers anymore, I call them "friends-to-be") have a key to your home, touch your things, and come and go as they please. So we circumnavigated this situation by buying an existing B&B and living off site.

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Strawberry Pizza

For the dough (enough for 2 pizzas):

1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 stick of sweet unsalted butter at room temperature
3/4 cup whole milk ricotta
1/2 teaspoon salt

Blend all in a food processor with a pastry blade until it forms a ball.

Place on floured board and divide dough in half.

Roll out to pie thickness & place on round metal pizza pan.

Roll edge over and pinch to form a small crust.

Prick all over with fork.

Place thinly sliced strawberries (not touching) in a circular pattern working from the outside to the center.

Sprinkle all over with 2-3 tbl sugar.

Bake on the top self of a 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden. Slice with a pizza cutter and ENJOY!

Each pizza serves 8.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Arthur, from the Adora Inn.

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Meet Your Innkeepers: Adora Inn

Innside Story with John & Arthur,

Innkeepers of the Adora Inn

1) What was your first experience ever staying in a bed & breakfast?

John: It was in Lake Tahoe. We were there in the spring for hiking season. I don't quite remember the name of the inn ... something "tub" ... the whole inn wrapped around a fantastic hot tub where everyone would meet at the end of the day to relax and unwind after the day's activities.

2) What did you do before you were a B&B owner?

John: I was in hospitality management in South Beach. Arthur worked as an advertising executive.

3) What made you decide to want to be an Innkeeper?

John: We wanted to work for ourselves and loose the stress of the corporate world.

4) What is your favorite part about owning a B&B?

John: Socializing at breakfast with our guests.

5) What is your least favorite thing to do as a B&B owner?

John: Cleaning bathrooms & folding laundry!

6) How did you decide on your room themes and decor?

John: We purchased persian rugs at an auction and decided to name the rooms after a color found in the rugs for each room.

7) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora?

John: The friendly people who live here.

8) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at your B&B?

John: Our Strawberry Fruit Pizza.

9) Sounds delightful! May I post the recipe?

John: Of course.

10) Tell me one unique thing that most people don't know about you.

John: For me, I'm afraid of snakes.

Arthur: I'm an artist. Most of the paintings at our Inn are my creation.

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Meet Your Innkeepers: The Grandview Bed & Breakfast

Innside Story with Mel & Andy,

Innkeepers at the Grandview Bed & Breakfast

1) What was your first experience ever staying in a bed & breakfast?

Mel: I worked at a B&B in North Carolina in the early 80's and in the winter I stayed on the property as a manager. Andy & I stayed in an old B&B farm on a trip to Amish Country in the late 80's.

2) What did you do before you were an Innkeeper?

Mel: I worked in restaurants. Andy was in the import/export business with a customer house broker for 30 years in Norfolk, VA.

3) What made you decide to want to own a B&B?

Mel: We both enjoy people and entertaining, so this seemed to be and has been a great fit for us.

4) What is your favorite part about owning a B&B?

Mel: The WONDERFUL people we meet!

5) What is your least favorite thing about owning a B&B?

Mel: Cleaning can be a challenge. But we are fortunate to have a housekeeper.

6) How did you decide on your room themes an decor?

Mel: We decorated the way we've always have -- traditional.

7) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora?

Mel: The small town community feel.

8) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at your B&B.

Mel: We make an orange marmalade french toast.

9) I LOVE orange marmalade. In fact, I'm disappointed when I go to a restaurant and all they have is grape or mixed fruit jelly. Must be a southern thing! Will you let me post the recipe?

Mel: Yes.

10) Tell me one unique thing that most people don't know about you.

Mel: Our B&B is the historic William Watt house. He was the inventor of corrugated cardboard which he created to package his oranges.

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Meet Your Innkeepers: Farnsworth House Bed & Breakfast

Innside Story with Vivian & Robert,

Innkeepers at the Farnsworth House Bed & Breakfast

1) What was your first experience ever staying in a bed & breakfast?

Vivian: Red Rocker Inn, Asheville, NC. The experience brought to life our individual desires to have a B&B business as a lifestyle.

2) What did you do before you were a B&B owner?

Vivian: Robert, very happily, is able to do both. Robert is a professional artist/illustrator from portraits to murals and his creativity flows into the B&B. I was a National Sales Manager for Hanes Brands Underware ... so taking care of people is a continuing joy.

3) What made you decide to want to own a B&B?

Vivian: After our first experience staying at an inn, we started exploring and expanding our knowledge of the B&B world each time envisioning how we would ultimately take the best of what we have experienced to make it our own.

4) What is your favorite part about being an Innkeeper?

Vivian: Spending time with the myriad of personalities that honor us with their visit.

5) What is your least favorite part about being an Innkeeper?

Vivian: Saying goodbye to the new friends we've just made, until we see eachother again.

6) How did you decide on your room themes and decor?

Vivian: We were fortunate to find a home and existing bed & breakfast that was similar to our taste. We have incorporated our personal touches with the ones that were already here and found it was a perfect fit!

7) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora.

Vivian: We call Mount Dora "our bubble." You can feel the difference when you come from all directions getting closer to home. The people, the ambiance, the scenery is inviting and refreshing.

8) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at you Inn?

Vivian: It's called, "Before & After." Marinated chicken cut in slices along with cheesey eggs, accompanied by homemade bread/muffins.

9) That sounds delish. Will you let me post the recipe?

Vivian: Yes

10) Tell me one unique thing that most people don't know about you.

Vivian: We're actually space aliens ... just kidding! Just wanted to see if you were actually reading this. Seriously though, all that was previously hidden and "unique" about us has been openly divulged and revealed to all our new friends. This is a lifestyle that both of us enjoy.

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Meet Your Innkeepers: Award Winning Magnolia Inn

Innside Story with Dave & Betty Cook,

Innkeepers of the Award Winning Magnolia Inn.

1) What was your first experience ever staying in a bed & breakfast?

Dave & Betty: In wonderful Carmel California. We were amazed at all of the little touches you usually don't see in a hotel room; candy, a live plant, real magazines to read, lace curtains and a view of the garden!

2) What did you do before you were a b&b owner?

Betty: Dave was a chiropractor for 35 years in Clearwater, Florida. I was his office manager.

3) What made you decide to own a b&b?

Betty: We wanted to semi-retire but stay in the "people" business.

4) What is your favorite part about being an innkeeper?

Betty: The guests we have, without a doubt. We've had the best folks for 10 years now.

5) What is your least favorite thing to do as an Innkeeper?

Betty: Becoming "computerized." I love taking reservations directly over the phone. It's much more personal.

6) How did you decide on your room themes and decor?

Betty: The lace curtains brought back memories of Carmel. Our chiropractic office was 3600 square feet and was filled with antiques so we moved them over and it felt like home.

7) Tell me one thing you love about Mount Dora.

Betty: The people. The merchants and neighbors are so friendly and caring it felt like Mayberry.

8) Describe your favorite breakfast creation at your inn.

Betty: Branch Eggs Fromage

9) That sounds good. Will you let me post the recipe?

Betty: No

10) Tell me one unique thing that most people don't know about you.

Betty: For me, I don't like to cook! Ha! The best thing I make are reservations. For Dave, he not only cooks breakfast, but he won 2 awards for Best Breakfast in the South Eastern United States.

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