Good Morning Glory

Fun Times in February

2012-02-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

Ron and I just got back from a great relaxing week in Tucson, AZ, where we enjoyed a hot air balloon ride, hikes in the desert and a night sky visit to Mt. Kitt Observatory. Now I know how to use my binoculars to watch the many birds we have around here. All this time I have been adjusting them incorrectly and what I thought were pine siskins are actually goldfinches with their winter coats on!

What we don't have much of in Grand Rapids is deep snow for snowshoeing or cross country skiing, although Mt. Itasca has a couple of downhill runs and cross country trails that they make snow for and is only 5 minutes away from us.

What we DO have is enough snow for beautiful scenery hiking without the mud, lots of firewood for our living room fireplace, very comfortable 2-room suites to snuggle in with your sweetheart (3 have fireplaces), an extensive movie collection you are welcome to use, and last but certainly not least, great freshly ground morning coffee to go with the hearty, full breakfasts!

Check out our ValentineRomance Package good for the entire month of February and plan a romantic getaway.

We hope to see you soon!

Karen

Let It Snow - Finally!

2012-01-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Greetings Winter Enthusiasts,

The snow has arrived in Grand Rapids, so we can finally go outdoors and enjoy all the fun of a winter wonderland has to offer.

The Mesabi Bike Trail is one spot we love to frequent. It has an abandoned iron ore pit now filled with water and a taconite "mountain." In the summer you'll find many warblers, hawks and eagles on the trail. So this is a great place for birdwatchers! Not to mention skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and bikers in the warmer weather. The Prairie River is also nearby and looks beautiful in the winter.

We currently have over 4 inches on the ground. Mt Itasca is about 5 miles east of here and they have a few downhill runs, cross country trails and make snow for both of them.

If you're visiting Grand Rapids for some outdoor activities, we have maps for over 21 different ski trails from beginner to expert and 2 trails are lit at night. Our Cross Country Ski Package is a great way to stay and play in Grand Rapids. It's available until March 15,2012 and includes a certificate for dinner at the Forest Lake Steakhouse.* We have 2 pairs of extra snowshoes for our guests to use at no extra charge.

We also currently have a Valentines Romance Package running the full month of February. So you can come and enjoy the beautiful white weather, while relaxing at our bed and breakfast with your sweetheart.*

Ron and I hope your New Year is off to a great start and we welcome you to our bed and breakfast if you're visiting Grand Rapids or the surrounding areas for work, or play.

Karen

*No other discounts or gift certificates apply. Cross Country Ski Package and Valentines Romance Package can not be combined.

It's a Great Start to the New Year at Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast

2012-01-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Ron and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy 2012 New Year and may it be prosperous (so you can come and see us!), healthy and full of family and fun!

We'd also like everyone to start doing a "Snow Dance" as we really need it up here! Having little to no snow on the ground means the hiking is still great (especially since there are no bugs or mud), but winter should mean snow and we'd really like to get the snowshoes out.

There are several great performances coming up this month at the Reif Center such as Deer Camp the Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot, Dailey and Vincent, and Ricky Nelson Remembered. Call us for our special Hot Lodging Package rates that provides discounted tickets and room rates.

ALL of February is romance month with our Valentine Romance Package. You can choose any suite, any night(s) for the package which includes flowers, sparkling wine and a dinner gift certificate at our favorite steakhouse - all for only $40 added to the regular suite's nightly rate.* If you find there is a Reif Performance you'd also like to include, we can add on the discounted tickets to your Valentine Romance Package. Give us a call, or visit our website for full details and to make your reservation:
http://www.morningglorybandb.com/specials

We look forward to making some of your best memories in 2012!

Karen

For Your Holidays: Morning Glory's Ginger Cookie Recipe

2011-12-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

This time of year can be very stressful, as we all know! So take some time out of shopping, shoveling snow or listening to "just one more thing for Santa to bring me" requests and make a batch of these great cookies!

They have been a family favorite at Christmas for as long as I can remember and they have become one of my grown children's and grandchildren's favorites too! Not to mention my guests have been known to enjoy a handful or two...

Serve with a cold glass of milk and listen to nothing but the sound of "mmmmm" coming from these great cookie.

Morning Glory Ginger Cookies

3/4 c shortening (Crisco)

1 c. sugar

2c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

3/4 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp salt

1 egg

1/4 c molasses

Cream sugar and shortening. Add the egg, molasses and mix thoroughly. Sift dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture and form into 1" balls. Roll in sugar and bake on greased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes @ 350 degrees.

The other nice thing about these cookies, other than they taste great, is they travel really well as they've been all over the world! Right son?

Have a wonderful day and take some time to stop and look at something beautiful!

Karen

Grand Rapids Wonderland

2011-12-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Some people groan about the beginning of winter - the cold, the snow, the caution needed when driving. But I see things differently - I see another season of unique Grand Rapid activities for my visitors to enjoy.

Here are just a few of the fun and exciting events ahead, many that we have packages that include room specials and discount tickets for:

The Reif Performance and Event Center will have The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol throughout December, as well as other performances. Morning Glory has discounted packages for these events.
In January The Reif will have Deer Camp the Musical - "You'll laugh your antlers off." Monty Python's Spamalot, The Peking Acrobats, Bluegrass music with Dailey and Vincent, Ricky Nelson Remembered by sons Matthew and Gunnar. And so much more! Morning Glory also has discounted packages for events in 2012.

As for other winter activities, Ron and Billy the Dog have been scouting the woods for great snowshoeing trails. The snow hasn't begun to fall yet (as of the date I'm writing this), but the hiking weather is still great and the lakes are "groaning" as they begin to make new ice. Billy says to come on up as he needs more hikes and more loving!

So while the winter weather can keep us indoors more often, rethink what that "indoors" can be like and head up to Grand Rapids for some fun, the arts, and a warm, welcoming stay at the Morning Glory.

Happy Holidays!
Karen

Welcome to the Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast Blog!

2011-11-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

Morning Glory B&B located in wonderful Grand Rapids, MN is about to enter into its 10th year of business and we're excited to be celebrating the end of our first decade with a new website and blog.

Ever since I was in my thirties (a LONG time ago), I have thought of owning a bed and breakfast. Back then it was the romantic notion of owning a big old Victorian house that I could decorate any way I wanted and people would come and pay me to stay there! What a girl's dream!

When Ron and I bought our home my outlook was a touch different. We didn't get the big old Victorian house, but we did get a big great house I could decorate how I wanted, albeit a bit differently than I would have in my thirties. And while people do of course pay me to stay here, the financial reward is not my main focus... it has become the gift owning our B&B has brought us - the beauty of learning differences in life and the goodness of people. We have met so many wonderful people that have left an amazing mark on us and hopefully we have done the same. As we have often said, "We wouldn't do this if all it meant was taking care of a house and - it's the great people we meet that brings the most joy to owning our B&B." It is the best job (outside of being a mom) I've ever had!

It is hard to believe that we are entering our 10th year in business this January 1st and, God willing, we will be happily innkeeping for a few more! I welcome you to join me in more blogs where I'll be sharing some fun things to do in GR, funny innkeeping stories - no, not any guest bloopers - and maybe a recipe or two!

So come back and visit our blog often, as well as share us with your friends, family and coworkers via this blog, or by "Liking" us on Facebook or following us on Twitter. But, there's nothing like coming to visit us in person!

Here's wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday season!
Karen