Green Door B&B, Brockville, ON

While on my Great Lakes Adventures, I've 

brought you glimpses of some of the special inns and historic B&Bs where I've stayed.

In the town of Brockville, Ontario, I came across one of the most ambitious building transformations I have ever seen.

The Green Door B&B used to be a church, the Pentecostal Tabernacle, built in 1929. 

Lynne and Peter Meleg purchased the empty building in 2005 and undertook a bold renovation. They detail the transformation of the building on their website HERE.

Entry to the Green Door B&B

Lynne & Peter in the brilliant kitchen

There are four rooms with private baths at the B&B and two apartments in the building that used to be used for Sunday School.

Dining area for gourmet breakfasts

Breakfasts at the inn were amazing. 

Here are some of their specialties:

Eggs Benedict, Green Door style. Mouth-watering!

Lemon ricotta pancakes drizzled with raspberry-maple coulis. Heavenly!

Asian-inspired poached eggs. A vegetarian delight!

Citrus French toast with berries, mint and warmed maple syrup. Yummy!

Gathering area -- check out those windows!

The renovation preserved much of the large, open spaces in the building and the windows....

the windows!

The space is bathed in natural light.

Gorgeous detail in the floor

This is the perfect place to stay while exploring historic Brockville and the Thousand Island region of the St. Lawrence River.

Private bath in my room

I had the "boathouse room", and, yes, this was my private window

Promotional consideration given.

Southbay Gallery & Guesthouse

I love finding unique places to stay on my treks, and Manitoulin Island's 

Southbay Gallery & Guesthouse

is one of these gems.

The Guesthouse

Fantastic accommodations

The town of Southbay is where the 

Chi-Cheemaun docks on Manitoulin Island.

[The ferry runs between Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island.]

The gallery across the street from the guest house has many unique Canadian gifts.

Nearby gallery

Interior of the gallery

Meldrum Bay Inn & Restaurant

You have to plan to go there...

it's at the far western end of Manitoulin Island.

But Meldrum Bay is worth the planning,

and you must stay at the historic 

Meldrum Bay Inn while you are there.

Built in 1878, the inn looks over the bay

Comfortable rooms...

...parlor...

...and dining room.

 The restaurant at the inn is open for lunch and dinner, so even if you are just in the area for the day, stop in for a fantastic meal.

A breakfast that will keep you fueled until dinner!

Many hummingbirds will visit while you eat on the covered porch.

Shirin is the heart and soul of the Meldrum Inn & Restaurant

The inn is family-owned and run. Shirin is a most gracious hostess. Her husband, Bob, is the chef behind the excellent food. Their daughter, Elena, owns the nearby country store and she also helps in the restaurant in the evenings.

There are hiking trails and the oldest lighthouse on Manitoulin Island nearby (and so much more).
To learn more about the Meldrum Bay Inn & Restaurant, click HERE.

Promotional consideration given.

Grand Marais on the Shores of Lake Superior

After a lovely family vacation on Mackinac Island, 

I headed north to the lakeshore city of GRAND MARAIS.             

I had never been to this lovely little town before and was delighted with the setting and the warm welcome extended to me and my son Ben at the 

Agate Cross Bed & Breakfast.

This is the cross studded with agates that lends its name to the B&B

Lois and Jamey Fite, owners of the B&B

This B&B just celebrated its one-year anniversary!  It has a great view of the harbor (Grand Marais means "good harbor") and is walking distance to the town and beaches.   

Black Bear Suite

Amazing breakfast at the B&B!  Great fuel for our 4-day hike!!

If you're heading into Michigan's UP, put Grand Marais and the Agate Cross B&B on the top of your list!