July and August Events and Specials at the Blue Belle Inn B and B and Tea House

 We hope our menus and the special events we’ve planned for July and August will add some sunshine to your summer!

We’d love to share some delicious food and good times with each of you.

Just give us a ring at 641-713-3113 to join us for lunch, dinner, a murder mystery, or a cooking seminar, celebrate a special anniversary or family event, or to make the Blue Belle your home away from home while visiting family or attending a class reunion or wedding. 

Whatever the occasion, we hope you’ll visit Saint Ansgar soon!

        

 For reservations, please call 641-713-3113,  email bluebelle@myomnitel.com.

You can also keep in touch with us and find out what’s going on in St. Ansgar and the surrounding area at our new blog athttps://bluebelleinn.wordpress.com/, or by visiting our website at www.BlueBelleInn.com, or by liking our Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/BlueBelleInn.
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COOKING SEMINARS!

Our cooking seminars are a wonderful way to meet Kindred Spirits in the kitchen. It’s great fun to make, sample, and taste your favoriteBlue Belle Inn recipes so you can make them for friends and family at home. Please call or email with your name and phone number if you’re interested in attending our next event. If there are at least two of you who would like to do a cooking seminar, please contact me with a date that works well for you and to choose a theme, and I’ll contact others who have expressed interest.

 Friday, July 18 – 10:30 am to 2:30 pm 

Madeline Goes to Paris Cooking Seminar

 It’s the perfect season for a gastronomic trip to France as we utilize fresh produce, garden fresh herbs and edible flowers to make bouquet garni, herbes de Provence, French favorites like Brandy Braised Beef, Herbes de Provence Chicken with Roquefort Cream Sauce, Garlic Sage Roast Pork, Country Pate, Tomato Zucchini Provencal, and Parisienne Tomatoes, and decorate delicate sweets like Creamy Pear Pastries and Gateau au Chocolat. $40.00.

Friday, August 22 – 10:30 am to 2:30 pm 

Entertaining with Ease Cooking Seminar

 Apps in a Snap, Main Courses in Minutes, and Done-in-a-Flash Desserts will all be on the menu as we make Steak and Boursin Belles, Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip, Pork Chops with Creamy Marsala Sauce, French Onion Beef Steak,  Sausage Lasagna with Parmesan, Mozzarella and Fontina, Chocolate Fondue and Tipsy Trifles. Whether you’re entertaining the boss or your new mother-in-law, hosting girls night out, or having friends over for a football game, we’ll focus on foods that are do-ahead or easy to prepare at the last minute so you can relax and enjoy your company. $40.00.

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Murder Mysteries!

Saturday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The Secret Life of Peter Rabbit

a “whodunit” murder mystery by Sherrie Hansen

Someone in Secret Garden has a secret and it’s up to you to find out who – before Peter’s dreams come thumping to a halt. Mary, Dickon, Colin, Archibald Craven, Peter Rabbit, Robin Redbreast, and Mr. and Mrs. MacGregor are all suspects. One lucky sleuth who solves the mystery will receive their dinner free. $24.95 per person.

SECRET GARDEN CUISINE – $24.95

Tomato Basil Soup with Toast Hearts de Provence, Green Leaf Lettuce Salad, Roll

Chicken with Crab, Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese on Wild Rice OR

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Roll in a Bacon Wrap with Mashed Potatoes OR

Baked Cod with Cheddar and Chives on Wild Rice OR

Cottage Pie with a Thatched Roof (ground round with homemade mashed potatoes and shredded cheddar)

A Variety of Homemade Puddings and Pastries will be offered for $4.00 per serving.

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August 8 and 9, 2014

 

Betsy and Tacy Go Downton

a “Whodunit” Murder Mystery by Sherrie Hansen

When Betsy Ray’s British cousin, Matthew Crawley, fakes his death in a car accident and comes to Deep Valley, MN because he needs a break from Downton Abbey, a round of parties is planned to introduce him to the Crowd. When Lord Grantham and the Dowager Countess cross the pond to put an end to his lark, the unthinkable happens and Matthew is murdered. (Yes, this time, he’s really dead.) Did someone tamper with his dance card, hotwire his motor car, or spike his punch? Or was it the caterwauling during the Cat Duet that killed him? Betsy, Tacy, Tib, Tony, Bonnie (who we’ve never quite trusted), Joe, and  Thomas, the Valet are all suspects. One lucky sleuth who solves the mystery will receive their dinner free! 

 Deep Valley Meets Downton Abbey Cuisine

“Onion Sandwich” Soup a la Mr. Ray, Green Leaf Lettuce Salad, Roll

 

Betsy’s Raspberry Cordial Chicken with Pan-Fried Potatoes OR

 Tib’s Jaeger Schnitzel with Cream Gravy and Mushrooms on Homemade Spaetzle Noodles OR

Tacy’s Irish Meat and Potato Pie with Chicken, Cheese and Pork Sausage OR 

Bonnie’s Exotic Seafood Stuffed Salmon with Wild Rice OR

Lady Violet’s Elegant Roast Beef with Chardonnay Cream Sauce, Gorgonzola Cheese and Red Potatoes OR

 

The Crowd’s Famous Fudge

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What do these things have in common?

           

They can all be ordered from The Blue Belle Inn for your next party, birthday celebration, work gathering, or special event.

Jam Jar Jumbles ~ Comfort Cookie Creations ~ Shabby Chic Cakes ~ Sweet Cakes ~ Sensational Soups, Salads and Suppers

Try our tasty new desserts and dinners at the Blue Belle Inn or take some home for a special treat for friends or family.

Take home a hot dish that’s ready to pop in the oven or let us prepare you a fresh, seasonal salad next time you visit the Blue Belle or pass through town.

Call 641-713-3113 for flavors and pricing. Discounts for large quantities.

For reservations, please call 641-713-3113,  email bluebelle@myomnitel.com, or visit http://www.BlueBelleInn.com.

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Fun Facts to Know when Planning an Overnight Stay!

The Blue Belle Inn has reliable, hard-wired, high speed, FIBER OPTIC WiFi access, free to all our guests.

Four Winds, the first floor of Anne’s House of Dreams, now has a QUEEN-SIZED, solid cherry Murphy Bed and a full sized extra bed. Both have plush, memory foam mattresses. Anne’s House has two bedrooms upstairs, one with a king-sized bed and one with two twins, for a total of comfortable accommodations for 6 to 8. Or, rent just the top or just the bottom – each has its own private entry and makes a quiet, romantic, very private place for a getaway. 

    

        Heaven to Betsy, Sherwood Forest and Green Gables in Anne’s House of Dreams have their own air conditioning units, which you may adjust to your personal tastes. All of our other rooms are served by our central air conditioning systems. 

      

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For reservations, please call 641-713-3113

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 Book Signings to Celebrate the Release ofBlue Belle

    

Sherrie will be signing books and talking about Scotland and her newest book, Blue Belle, the 2nd of her Wildflowers of Scotland novels.

Caramel Shortbread and other Scottish Dainties will be served. Please join me.

August 19 at 6 p.m. Mason City (IA) Public Library

August 23 and 24, time to be announced, Austin Artworks Festival, downtown Austin, MN

September 9 at 6 p.m. Austin (MN) Public Library

Thistle Down (a prequel novella), is still free at Smashwords.com. Sherrie’s other novels – Wild Rose, Love Notes, Night and Day, and the Maple Valley Trilogy:  Stormy Weather, Water Lily, and Merry Go Round – are available in paperback or electronic formats from the Blue Belle Inn, www.SecondWindPublishing.com, or online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.   

Follow Sherrie at http://www.facebook.com/SherrieHansenAuthor
or her blog at https://sherriehansen.wordpress.com

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  Lunch Menus

We are open for Lunch every day (except Sunday) from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. We prefer reservations (call 641-713-3113) but we do accept walk-ins.

Call any morning after 9 a.m. to reserve a spot or to find out what delicious, homemade specials we’re preparing. (Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!) There are usually 5 or 6 main course options to choose from – all served with a green leaf lettuce salad and a roll.

Some favorites of mine that you may find on the menu:

*Smoked Turkey, Provolone and Bacon on a Brioche Bun with Spinach Artichoke Spread

*Chicken Salad Croissant with Parmesan Shavings

*Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole with Italian Cheeses

*Cottage Pie with a Thatched Roof (a savory ground beef filling topped with homemade mashed potatoes and shredded cheddar)

*Grandma Hansen’s Chicken Pie with Baking Powder Biscuit Crust

*Very Berry Chicken Salad with our own Low-Fat Creamy Raspberry Dressing

DINNER & OUR FONDUE FEAST
Overnight guests and private parties are welcome to dine at the Inn any evening, but ask that you make reservations in advance. 

Below is a sample menu that includes many of the entrees we’ll have on our dinner menu this summer. Each week, we’ll be posting our menus on Facebook, or emailing them directly to you if you request that we do so. You can also call 641-713-3113 at any time to see what’s on tap.

Homemade Soups are optional – $3.00 per bowl. Feel free to bring your favorite wine, beer or champagne to enjoy with your meal. We charge $1.00 per glass for uncorking as needed. We offer a wonderful variety of beverages, salad dressings and desserts as well as our popular Fondue Feast.

For reservations, please call 641-713-3113

Sample Dinner Menu

Raspberry Cordial Chicken with Peach Schnapps with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Carbonnara with Bacon, Mushrooms and Pease in a Parmesan Cream Sauce

Potato Crusted Cod with Cheddar and Chives

French Steak Roasted with Cheddar Chablis Sauce and Red Potatoes

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Roll

Seafood Puffs Mornay with Puff Pastry, Shrimp, Crab and Swiss Cheese

Roast Beef with Chardonnay Cream Sauce with Gorgonzola Cheese

Bavarian Hunter Schnitzel with Pork Medallions, Mushrooms and a Cream Gravy on Homemade Speatzle Noodles

Pork and Parmesan Stuffed Cannelloni with Red and White Sauces

Fruits of the Forest Chicken with Mushrooms, Apples, Berries and a Splash of Brandy on Wild Rice

Seafood Stuffed Salmon with Wild Rice

$19.95 per person includes salad and rolls. $3.00 per cup of soup. $4.00 for dessert. $1.50 for beverages. $1.00 per wine stem for uncorking as needed.

Fondue Feast

Our Fondue Feast includes:

…a delectable Cheese Fondue served with French bread for dipping

…a fresh Green Salad with the dressing of your choice

…savory, bite-sized bits of Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Vegetables grilled tableside on a heart-healthy Swiss Raclette Grill.

…new Potatoes topped with cheese, melted to perfection Swiss Raclette style.

…a sumptuous variety of homemade Dipping Sauces. 

…a mouth-watering Chocolate Fondue and served with fresh Fruit, Cheesecake, & a variety of home baked goodies for dipping.

…$29.95 per person includes all four courses ($35.95 on nights with entertainment).

You may bring your own wine, beer or champagne to enjoy with your meal. We have three fondue tables (each with seating for 2 to 8). Call 1-877-713-3113 for reservations.

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Gift Certificates!

Give the Gift of Love with a beautiful Gift Certificate from the Blue Belle Inn!

Call 1-877-713-3113 toll free to order with your MC, Visa, Discover or American Express

 

Live Time, Online Reservations!

You can now check availability and book rooms online, directly from our website,

at www.BlueBelleInn.com. Check it out!

 For a night of repose…

“Never Neverland” ……………………………………..$85

Queen size bed, private bath immediately across the hall from the room with clawfoot tub and French shower

“Sherwood Forest” ……………………………………$100

Queen size bed, full-size futon, private bath with shower, shared access to third floor Jacuzzi for two

“The Secret Garden” ………………………………..$110

King size bed, private bath with shower, shared access to third floor Jacuzzi for two

“Plum Creek” ………………………………………………..$170

King size bed, fireplace, private bath with clawfoot tub and Jacuzzi

“Heaven to Betsy” ……………………………………$170

King size bed, fireplace, private bath with Jacuzzi for two, plush, full-size futon

“Sleeping Beauty” ……………………………………….$30

Twin size trundle bed, shared bath (May be rented in connection with another room only)

“A Wrinkle in Time” ………………………………..$150

Circa 1950 cottage with queen size bed, private bath with tub and shower, living/dining room. Available for overflow only.

“Anne’s House of Dreams” ………..$300 – $375

(Both floors) Circa 1891 house next to the Blue Belle. A perfect gathering place for kindred spirits, families and friends. See description below. Sharp discounts for extended stays. Sleeping for two – eight.

“Four Winds” (Anne’s House 1st floor)…………………$150

Double shower, handicap ramp, deck, kitchen, desk, laundry, queen size bed, full size futon with plush, memory foam mattresses, private entrance.

“Green Gables” (Anne’s House 2nd floor)…………..$150

King size bed, two twin beds in a 2nd bedroom, private whirlpool for two, balcony, private entrance. $200 for four.

Smoking is prohibited • Please inquire about special rates for Monday -Thursday nights and extended stays • All rates are for 1-2 people per night. Extra occupants (with permission ) are $10.00 each • A nonrefundable deposit of 1/2 the total charge is required to confirm a room reservation • Rates may change without notice.

Anniversary and Graduation Celebrations & Birthday Parties!

Remember the Blue Belle Inn when planning your parties —

We’re happy to tailor our menus and prices to meet your needs.

(We can seat up to 60 people).

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Every Day starting in May:  Wine Tastings at Bel-Aire Winery from 12 noon until 6 p.m.
Every Saturday Night Throughout the Summer at Bel-Aire Winery:
Saturday Outdoor Movie Night

For a schedule of upcoming movies, check:  http://www.facebook.com/belairewinery or www.belairewinery.com

Keep in Touch!

We now have fiber optic wireless internet access, and an onsite computer that can be used to check email while you’re at the Inn… Let us know if you’re willing to receive your quarterly fliers via email and we’d be happy to set you up! Although we’re no longer doing a mass mailing, we’re happy to mail menus to those who do not have e-mail — just give us a ring!

Live Time, Online Room Reservations!

You can now check availability and book rooms online, directly from our website,

at www.BlueBelleInn.com. Check it out!

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Mother’s Day Marvels at the Blue Belle Inn’s Sunday Brunch!

Reserve your table now for Mother’s Day Brunch at the Blue Belle Inn – Sunday, May 11, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Adults $14.95, Children under ten $7.95 – Serving Homemade Scones / Fresh Fruit / Sampler Plate featuring Blue Belle Inn Breakfast Favorites: Quiche in a Cup / Sausage Gravy on Homemade Biscuits / Seafood Puffs / Danish Aebleskivers (Round Pancakes) and Hormel Bacon. A Variety of Optional Desserts including Copenhagen Cream with Raspberries, Chocolate Fondue Cheesecake, and Fresh Strawberry Pie will be offered for $4.00 each. 641-713-3113

   

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Little Oops on the Prairie

You missed a fun weekend at the Blue Belle Inn – our rendition of Little Oops on the Prairie played to rave reviews both Friday and Saturday nights.

To make sure you don’t miss another fun event, please follow us, or send your email to bluebelle@my omnitel.com to receive our quarterly newsletter.

Next on tap – Mother’s Day Brunch! We’re now accepting reservations.

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Calling All Betsy Tacy Fans – Betsy and Tacy Go Downton?

Hello from Saint Ansgar, Iowa and the Blue Belle Inn B&B – happy spring. We have a few little blue flowers and green things popping up in the yard and it won’t be long before the bluebells are blooming, so there is hope after our long winter.

It seems like now that the weather is nice, everyone is making plans for summer. I wanted to throw out an invitation for those Betsy Tacy fans who live nearby to come to the Blue Belle Inn sometime this summer for a repeat of our murder mystery, Betsy and Tacy Go Downton. (Here’s the write up from our February debut… When Betsy Ray’s British cousin, Matthew Crawley, fakes his death in a car accident and comes to Deep Valley, MN because he needs a break from Downton Abbey, a round of parties is planned to introduce him to the Crowd. When Lord Grantham and the Dowager Countess cross the pond to put an end to his lark, the unthinkable happens and Matthew is murdered. (Yes, this time, he’s really dead.) Did someone tamper with his dance card, hotwire his motor car, or spike his punch? Or was it the caterwauling during the Cat Duet that killed him? Best friends – Betsy, Tacy, Tib, Tony (the bad boy all the girls swoon over), Bonnie, the minister’s daughter (who we’ve never quite trusted), Joe (who can be a bit of a schmo), and Thomas, the Valet are all suspects. One lucky sleuth who solves the mystery will receive their dinner free!)

Our snowy, windy weather was so daunting this winter  that I thought a weekend this summer that might work out better for anyone who’s interested in coming for our mystery dinner, or to stay the night in our Heaven to Betsy room, Anne’s House of Dreams, etc. If there are Betsy Tacy fans out there who want to come, I would happily plan around whatever works for you. I am getting ready to do my summer schedule of events now, and need to release them sometime in the next two weeks, so thought I would throw it out there and see if there is interest.

We performed the mystery for about 60 people in February including a group of Gold Wing and Harley riders from the Albert Lea, MN area, some of whom were Betsy Tacy fans, and some not, and got rave reviews. I know it’s an unorthodox way to introduce people to the Tomes, but – what can I say?

Let me know what you think and what dates might work, and if there’s interest, I’ll get something scheduled. Perhaps one or two of you would even like to be in it?!

Sherrie Hansen
http://www.BlueBelleInn.com

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Secretary / Administrative Assistant’s Day at the Blue Belle Inn’s Tea House

There’s still time to make a reservation for Secretary’s / Administrative Assistant’s Day at the Blue Belle Inn’s Tea House. Call 641-713-3113 to pre-order for faster service.

Choose from:

Cottage Pie with a Thatched Roof

Roast Pork & Parmesan Filled Cannelloni

Very Berry Chicken Salad (or ½ Salad with a Bowl of Danish Split Pea with Ham Soup)

Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

Chicken Salad Croissants with Parmesan Flakes

Chicken with Spinach Artichoke Dip on Wild Rice

Chicken, Crab & Swiss on Wild Rice

Turkey, Bacon, Provolone Croissant with Spinach Artichoke Dip

 

All Lunches come with a lettuce salad and rolls and are $9.95. We will have fresh strawberry pie and bread pudding and cheesecake and other dessert favorites for $4.00. (For your convenience, a 20% gratuity for your servers will be added to the bill of parties of 7 or more.)

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Whispers from the Secret Garden

I have a secret and I’ve kept it for 22 years. Shhhh.. Although the The Secret Garden is a perfectly fine book, it is not one of my favorites. Growing up, my Grandma Victoria’s and Grandma Hansen’s gardens were two of my favorite places in the world, however, so when I started decorating the Blue Belle Inn almost 23 years ago, I really, really wanted to have a flowery, garden-themed guest room. When my mother, Mary, found a pastel comforter covered with tiny garden flowers on the clearance rack at Younkers (our local department store), I knew it had to be.

  

I started perusing “The Secret Garden” a few weeks later and found the most delightful quote:  ”Mary liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was.  It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place.” -from “The Secret Garden”, Frances Hodgson Burnett. That settled it.

Today, The Secret Garden is the favorite room of many guests at the Blue Belle Inn B and B.  One recent visitor called it “enchanting”, another, “homey and comfortable”.  Another wrote in our book “Your B&B is beautiful! Great beds and pillows! Great food! So relaxing to sit on the porch swing and balcony chairs. Thank you!” And my favorite – “Such a beautiful retreat! Can we just take y’all back to Texas?” (S & T Y, Dallas, Texas)

Another guest wrote, “Thank you for the Secret Garden! The morning sun coming through the windows today gave the room such a coziness. You are blessed with a talent to decorate and give “life” to each area of the Blue Belle. Such details!” (DN & PN)

The south and east facing windows in the Secret Garden make it bright, cheery and welcoming. In the fall, guests look out the bay window to the beautiful fall colors of a 100 plus year old sugar maple.

Another guest commented, “What a wonderful place to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. Your hospitality was so endearing, the food, the tastiest, the Secret Garden, magical. We tried to count rabbits, but they kept multiplying.” (R & C T)

I think this guest echoes the sentiments of many when she wrote, “What a wonderful place you have. It’s like going back in time to a more relaxing and reasonable pace if life. It’s the way life should be lived. The food was wonderful! Thanks again for your gracious hospitality.” (L, Cedar Falls)

Some recent improvements to The Secret Garden include the addition of a comfortable loveseat, a thick, memory foam mattress topper, and two plush, oriental rugs for the floors. Secret Garden is adjacent to our second floor balcony, a favorite place to sit and watch the world go by. When we first opened, the Secret Garden did not have its own bathroom, but a few months later, my clever Dad and brothers figured out a way to get plumbing to the front part of the house. The closet, which had been a secret passageway to Plum Creek, became a bathroom and we adopted an antique wardrobe soon after.

The Secret Garden, which was the original guest room in the house, is trimmed out in solid maple woodwork as opposed to the pine found in the other bedrooms. Unfortunately, the woodwork was painted at some point. A four foot wide maple pocket door can still be pulled to close the room off from the rest of the bedrooms on the second floor, which provided the guests with privacy. Although all the rooms on the second floor have access to the balcony, the door is adjacent to the Secret Garden.

Secret Garden’s claim to fame is that the then Governor of Iowa, now Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and his lovely first lady, Christie, stayed in the Secret Garden during their “Walk Across Iowa”.  Upon returning to Terrace Hill and the Capitol in Des Moines, his personal chef evidently heard such rave reviews about the dinner we served that a few weeks later, she and her husband came to stay at the Blue Belle to check out our accommodations.

The Secret Garden features a king size bed, private bath with shower, and access to the third floor jacuzzi for two. The current rate is $110 a night. When I held my first open house at the Blue Belle Inn, a retired school teacher who was in her nineties told me that she used to rent this bedroom for $3.75 a month during the depression (less than the current tax on a one night stay). She shared a kitchen and a bath with other boarders. I’m quite sorry the price has gone up so much since then!  When I heard her story, it did give the concept of inflation new meaning!

Thankfully, The Secret Garden is very reasonably priced by today’s standards, and includes a hearty breakfast. If you like sunshine, flowers, and even bunny rabbits, you’ll love the Secret Garden. Like all of our rooms, I’ve tried to make it an enchanting blend of whimsey, romance and down home comfort that I think you’ll enjoy immensely.

Another secret that we have here at the Blue Belle is that we believe that a little fun makes romance all the more memorable. Our recent Secret Garden themed mystery dinner – The Secret Life of Peter Rabbit – featured Mary, Colin, Dickon, Robin Redbreast, Archibald Craven, as well as Mr. and Mrs. MacGregor and Peter Rabbit himself. We had a blast, and so did our dinner guests!  As one of our most recent guests wrote, “This room truly is a Secret Garden – I keep finding hidden treasures!” (JK, Hudson, IA) We hope you’ll come stay sometime soon and see what secrets you uncover.

   

 

 

 

 

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Cache La Blue Belle

Are you into geocaching?  One of my staff-members was hiking in the Hamlin Garland Wildlife Area last week when she stumbled upon a geocache. When she did a little research, we discovered that there are 770 geocaches hidden within 25 miles of the Blue Belle Inn. (Our zip code is 50472 and we’re in Mitchell County if you’d like to check it out.) According to http://www.geocaching.com/, geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt that’s happening all the time, all around you.  There are 6 million geocachers worldwide. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, and get to know an area better while having fun and getting exercise.

Some of the cache clues in North Iowa are named Prairie Playground, Skirt-Lifter, Big Blue North, Watertower Park, and Water, Water, Everywhere. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? For all I know, there could be a geocache hidden right here on the grounds of the Blue Belle Inn.

When you’re ready to start exploring our corner of the world and looking for geocaching treasures, visit www.BlueBelleInn.com, locate your favorite room, and cache in on the biggest treasure of all!

 

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April in Iowa – Rent 1 Night, Get 1 Night Free!

Wash away the winter blues with the Blue Belle Inn B&B and Tea House’s SPRING SPECIAL: For the first time ever, reserve one night at the Blue Belle Inn and get a second night FREE. The only restriction is that the offer cannot be used with any other special, coupon or gift certificate. Valid through Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014. Call 641-713-3113 to save a spot. (NeverNeverland is $85 a night, so you can stay two nights for $42.50 a night. Select Plum Creek or Heaven to Betsy and save $170.)

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Chicken Salad Croissant – It’s Baaaaccckkk!

It’s one more nice thing about spring – the Blue Belle Inn’s Chicken Salad Croissant is back on our lunch menu. Just call 641-713-3113 to let us know you’re coming (drop-bys are welcome, too) and we’ll have your table ready in a  jiffy.

 

Another favorite that’s back for spring and summer is our Very Berry Salad – our signature green leaf lettuce topped with garlic chicken bites, fresh berries and vegetables topped with our homemade, low-fat Creamy Raspberry Dressing. If you prefer, you can have a 1/2 salad with a cup of soup (this week’s soup is Tomato Basil with Toast Hearts de Provence).

 

Our new Italian Meatball Sandwich has also been a hit, and you’ll find all your old favorites, too, along with springtime dessert favorites like Key Lime Cheesecake, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and our much loved Fresh Strawberry Pie.

Come and see us soon! There’s no better way to celebrate spring!

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On the Banks of Plum Creek – Blue Belle Style

I tend to post a lot about the Blue Belle Inn’s tea house, whose delicious food occupies much of my time and energy. Lest our guest rooms be forgotten, I’m going to do a series on each of our guest rooms – unique features, recent improvements, little known facts, and a few quotes from our customers about what makes each room so special.

I’m starting with “On the Banks of Plum Creek” because it is one of my favorites.  I lived in Plum Creek for over a month when the Blue Belle was under renovation while I waited for my original living quarters in the basement to be finished. The wonderfully spacious whirlpool for two in Plum Creek is one of the reasons it’s the favorite room of many of our guests. There is also an old-fashioned claw-footed bathtub that’s great for bubble baths.

 

“On the Banks of Plum Creek” is named after a Laura Ingalls Wilder book. I fell in love with this book in 3rd grade when my teacher read a chapter out loud to us every day after recess. I chose the quote that we use in our brochure –  “The creek was singing to itself down among the willows, and the soft wind bent the grasses over the top of the bank. All around the door green vines were growing out of the grassy bank, and they were full of flowers. Red and blue and purple and rosy-pink and white striped flowers all had their throats wide open as if they were singing glory to the morning.” – from “On the Banks of Plum Creek”  by Laura Ingalls Wilder    – because Plum Creek faces east, and I love the way the morning light filters into the room through the round windows in the turret alcove at the end of the room.

Our guests love to recline in the chaise lounge while they watch a movie or read a favorite book.

Snuggling in front of the fireplace is another favorite pastime.

Sweet dreams are easy to come by with a comfortable king sized bed and a handmade quilt.

While I don’t think Laura’s log cabin, dugout or little house on the prairie was quite this luxurious, we’ve tried to add many touches that are reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie books – a log cabin quilt, a fiddle like Pa used to play, sun-bonnets for Laura and Mary, and a tin cup, to name a few.

Plum Creek is one of our most spacious rooms. Its 9 foot tall ceilings give it a big, airy feeling. The small touches give it an intimate, personal feel. Plum Creek is $170 a night with periodic discounts on Monday through Thursday nights in our slow seasons. Our rates include a full breakfast and complimentary movies, popcorn and hot beverages.

Laura Ingalls Wilder fans may want to travel to Burr Oak, Iowa to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum or, to Spring Valley, Minnesota or Pepin, Wisconsin to visit other area Laura Ingalls sites.

Many of our guests enjoy eating dinner at the Blue Belle. Our mystery actors recently performed “Little Oops on the Prairie”,  a fun dinner theater spoof based on the characters in Plum Creek. While many people come to the Blue Belle to relax, or find romance, a little laughter is also good for the soul.

Here’s what some of our most recent guests had to say about “On the Banks of Plum Creek”:

“Thank you for sharing your lovely inn with us. It was a great fall day for a two hour drive, a leisurely stroll through area antique shops, a delicious dinner in the parlor, a stroll around town, a whirlpool and a restful night’s sleep. And now, we get to enjoy breakfast! I hope you get as much joy as you give by providing this hospitality.” (L & D, New Prague, Minnesota)

“What a wonderful house – and a wonderful experience. We loved exploring the rooms and the town. The food was the best and we can tell how much love and care is put into everything. Great bed! Usually, I can’t sleep in another’s bed, but I slept great both nights. May God bless you as you offer this great resting place to many.” (W,  Zimmerman, MN)

“My favorite place to spend my birthday – I love this place. You do know how to decorate.” (J & W, Cresco, Iowa)

“Lovely attention to detail. We enjoyed every thoughtful touch. Thank you for following your dream and for sharing it so elegantly.”  (A & A, Mantorville, MN)

“What a wonderful place to spend a quiet and relaxing honeymoon evening. Everything was first rate from the meals to the company to the memories! We will definitely be returning to this fabulous destination very often in the future.”  E & S, Pearland, Texas)

“Thank you for a wonderful stay. This room is very nice. Loved sitting by the fire and sharing special moments. Everything from the furnishings to the hospitality made us feel comfortable. May God bless you and your staff.”  (J & M)

“This was our 20th Valentine’s weekend with the Blue Belle Inn! We had a wonderful time again! We hope to have 20 more years with you at the Blue Belle. The food was wonderful! This is our Gold Standard for B&Bs! Thank you for the great time! Love Always!”  (D & P)

“Came down from Austin very late on a bit of a stormy night. My husband surprised me with an early 11th anniversary night away. Arriving to such a  beautifully decorated, warm, inviting house made the drive well worth it. We enjoyed the giant tub and the joy of getting away from the craziness of our everyday lives. I thought maybe I’d be awake most of the night listening for the noises such great homes produce, but instead, I slept like a baby. Thank you so much for providing the atmosphere for us to enjoy one another and remember all the reasons we were married 11 years ago. We have a wonderful new memory to add to our next decade!” (B & D, Austin, MN)

 

 

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