Last summer I was asked to spend a complimentary weekend at Bear Creek Crossing B&B with my family to blog about the experience. We had originally scheduled the trip for the first weekend in February, hoping to experience the perfect Garrett County winter weekend, but the timing of the blizzard got in our way. We scheduled again for this past weekend. It was not exactly a winter wonderland...but rather like Brigadoon, which was perfect just before St. Patrick's Day.
If you've never stayed in one, a bed and breakfast (or B&B) is a home or other small inn that typically offers lodging along with breakfast. The word "B&B" often brings to mind formal Victorian homes crammed with antiques along with shared bathrooms, but many are evolving to comfortable places to make yourself at home while you unwind. Bear Creek Crossing proves to be one of these. My husband, like many men, used to be leery of B&Bs, but we've had some positive experiences in the past. So, when I brought up the project, he was a willing participant, along with my daughter.
Peggy and Buzz Gosnell's Bear Creek Crossing is not your grandma's B&B, that's for sure. It is warm, inviting, modern and clean. Their website describes the place as "traditional, quaint, classic charm with a modern day appeal". This is a good description, as the inn is decorated tastefully, yet comfortable enough for us to feel right at home upon entering.
There are two spacious rooms, each with comfortable king beds, television and private baths. Both are decorated in warm soothing earth tones. There is also a cottage bedroom, the Sunflower Room, with a double, four poster bed. This room is perfect for guests needing an extra room for children. Outside of the bedrooms there is a sitting loft where guests can enjoy relaxing on sofas, tv, games or reading. There is also a second sitting area in the main living room of the house.
It rained most of the weekend, so we did not get to experience the outdoor amenities. I have visited in the summer, so I've seen the place in full bloom. Some of the extra bonuses of staying here include a gated campfire and picnic area along with a country garden. Guests can enjoy a quiet afternoon on the hammock in the country garden or an evening of family fun roasting marshmallows over the campfire. The large front porch makes for a great meal time or just a moment to relax.
Guests have experienced everything from quiet romantic getaways to family birthday weekends. This past year, weekend visitors who braved epic winter storms were able to have great ski weekend getaways. The B&B is located little more than a five minute drive to the Wisp Resort, making it a great location for winter warriors.
In the warmer months, the B&B makes a great location for weddings, and the venue is available for special events. Bear Creek's wedding planner works with couples to plan a full-service wedding on the premises and can arrange for lodging for all of the guests attending as well. Guests have also made use of the inn for mother-daughter retreats, birthday weekends and anniversaries.
As the website states, you can truly make yourself at home in this B&B, and even have access to a living and dining area. Other amenities include central air and high speed internet access.
All told, it was a great weekend, and we enjoyed our B&B experience in Garrett County. Enjoy the pictures below, some taken by me and some provided by Bear Creek Crossing.
The Sunflower Room is perfect for extra guests or children.
Dining area where we enjoyed great breakfasts.
Peggy's Coast Toast
This morning we enjoyed breakfast with another family here at Bear Creek Crossing B&B. They came in on Saturday for a one night stay. They also had children, so it was fun for our daughter to have some other kids on the premises. Peggy is family friendly, but is also careful not book couples desiring a romantic getaway on the same weekend when children will be at the inn.
We enjoyed fresh fruit along with Coast Toast, a recipe Peggy discovered on a trip to San Diego, and ham.
Although there were people skiing and snow tubing yesterday at Wisp, the rain was really coming down, and we decided to pass. In pursuit of something fun to do, we headed over to the Discovery Center...a great stop on a rainy day. Apparently a number of people had the same idea, because at 2:30, when it was time for Critter Encounter, a whole bunch of people streamed into the Center.
After the Discovery Center, we headed over to Lou DiCarlo's Stained Glass Gallery. My better half had never been there and I have always wanted him to see it. If you've never been, Lou is a master stained glass artist and his home is packed with loads of his creations. I have my eye on a lamp in there, so it was time to drop a few hints.
After that, we plunked around to a few other places and then settled down for an early dinner. This is the scene we arrived home to on a foggy evening.
After a great night's sleep in the Hemlock Room, we woke to a quiet morning here at Bear Creek Crossing B&B. The rain and mist made it very peaceful looking out from the front porch. The sound of Bear Creek's flowing water can be heard all the way up here at the inn.
Breakfast consisted of fresh fruit, homemade buttermilk biscuits and omelets. Since the rain had put somewhat of a damper on the outdoor activities that we had planned, we enjoyed taking our time over breakfast without feeling a need to rush out the door. It ended up that the meal filled us for the entire day and we never even had to stop for lunch.
We rolled into Garrett County in the midst of some fog and rain yesterday, ready to enjoy our first night at Bear Creek Crossing B&B. There is still snow in Garrett County, but it is slowly melting as the rain and warmer temperatures have descended upon the area.
The B&B is located off of Rt. 219 in Accident. If you're headed south on 219, Bear Creek is first spotted by white signs with a little black bear right before the driveway. Winding up the drive, some of the hemlocks are still covered in snow. The inn is so pretty with little white lights decorating the outside. There is still enough snow here to make it look just right. After checking in, Peggy, the proprietor, gave us the tour and showed us to our rooms and then we relaxed with some wine, cheese and crackers.
We decided to head out to Brenda's Pizzeria for a quick bite, and then back to the Inn to relax. The lake area was really quiet, as it appears that the rain has scared off many would be visitors. Anxious to get back to relaxing at the inn, we didn't stay out for long. Before turning in, we enjoyed some conversation with Peggy hearing stories about the B&B as well as her family.
I have to say, it was wonderful to drive into the lake and not really have to "do anything" upon arrival, such as open the house, cook, put groceries away, etc...I really needed a night to kick back, so this was a perfect start to a great weekend.
Checking out the Sunflower Room upon arrival...perfect for kids!!!
