Why single out these 10 particular Michigan B&Bs you need to try? After all, the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association has 80 member inns across Michigan, each of them periodically inspected and quality-assured. Answer: We’re featuring these 10 as Michigan B&Bs you need to try because all of them became members in the last year-and-a-half.
This seemed worth celebrating, so here we go, in alphabetical order, starting with Goldberry Woods B&B. Don’t you love their photo (top) of a kayaker on their property?
Click the links for more info about these outstanding Michigan B&Bs you need to try. Soon.
And please notice how different they all are. That’s part of the fun of choosing B&Bs over cookie-cutter lodging.
Goldberry Woods Bed and Breakfast, Union Pier
Staying at Goldberry Woods B&B will be a multi-sensory experience at any time of year. Depending on the season of your visit, you’ll hear birds chirping, leaves crunching under your feet, or experience the near-absence of sound after a new-fallen snow. The bed in your sunlit room might have a canopy made of branches by an acclaimed Michigan artisan. Your breakfast is sure to include the tastes of foods grown or produced right there on Goldberry’s micro-farm. They even have their own apiary. This 30-acre property features tall trees and a river you can paddle to Lake Michigan, only a mile away. Owner-innkeepers Julie and Eric Haberichter and their three daughters, who first came here on vacation in 2012 and never left, practice sustainable living to the extent possible. As a visitor, you’ll always discover ways in which Mother Nature is unfolding her next chapter.
Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast, Caro
One secret to a happy relationship: Take turns surprising each other with romantic getaways. A stay in the spacious Myer-Rosa Suite at Himelhoch B&B will be a wow and a revelation. Less than two hours by car from Detroit or Lansing, Caro is a great location for exploring Frankenmuth, Bay City, Saginaw, Birch Run, and Midland.
Owners Don and Melissa Hall take meticulous care of this Victorian gem and will tell you of its connection to a prominent family in Detroit’s retailing history. A recent review by Barbara J says, “Our visit was perfect from the moment we arrived. We rang the doorbell once and immediately we were greeted by the innkeeper, Don Hall. He graciously gave us a tour of the home and then helped us by carrying our luggage up to our room.” She said she also appreciated being able to choose next morning’s breakfast from a menu.
Judson Heath Colonial Inn, Saugatuck
People in Saugatuck marvel at the massive restoration that led to the creation of Judson Heath Colonial Inn out of a dilapidated structure that started its life 50 miles away, in 1837, as a stagecoach stop. But Jenn Davenport and Steven Boyd, a builder, saw its potential and proved equal to the task. Now they welcome guests to their eight guest rooms and prepare au courant breakfasts on a 1920s stove that chefs envy. A recent guest wrote: “Probably the best bed and breakfast food I have ever had. Freshly smoked meat and fish integrated into the breakfast fare.”
Park your car and walk to Saugatuck shops and your choice of 17 eateries. Enjoy your favorite beverage on the porch. Or ask Jenn and Steve to direct you to their favorite dunes trail, which offers outstanding Lake Michigan vistas.
Looking Glass Bed and Breakfast, Grand Haven
Our state’s dozens of lighthouses bring many travelers to Michigan. So do Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches and charming beach towns. An experience combining all three interests can be found during a stay at Looking Glass B&B in Grand Haven. Add the fact that shops and eateries are within walking distance and it’s clear why Looking Glass is among Michigan B&Bs you need to try.
Owners Brian and Sarah King understand the needs of families on vacation because they have a young family themselves. A reviewer from Farmington MI described the B&B as “very homey and inviting” and said her family of four “really appreciated the extra amenities that were available,” such as beach chairs, beach towels and a selection of DVDs and family games. “Meals were delicious and there were always snacks and beverages available for us.”
Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast, St. Johns
Some St. Johns residents still talk about the devastating 1992 fire that almost destroyed the huge Civil War-era mansion that in 2018 became Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast. But innkeepers Kjersten and Greg Offenbecker are replacing that memory with more pleasant ones. The couple donned their Nordic best to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters. They welcome prom kids to take photos with the house as a backdrop. And they make the inn’s large public spaces available for events.
Many guests who stay in the one of the inn’s five rooms express a sentiment similar to Teresa D, who wrote this in a review: “So this is the kind of place where you’re driving through a cute neighborhood, trying to find your B&B, and you see this beautiful mansion, and you say, ‘Oh my goodness, could this be where I’m staying tonight?!’” Yes, it is. This interesting article about Nordic Pineapple B&B covers the impressions of first-time B&B goers, a flapdoodle about a flag, and how Scandinavia influences the menu.
Oak Creek Lodge, Bannister
This lodge-style home on 10 tranquil acres in rural southern Saginaw County has six rooms, but some of them can sleep additional guests, creating a family-friendly venue for reunions, retreats and other gatherings, such as groups participating in weddings at nearby Milestone Barn. On the other hand, if your “group” consists of just two people seeking a romantic mid-Michigan getaway, either the Oak Creek Suite or Redwood Suite is Oak Creek Lodge is ideal. The suite features a private entrance, living room, and a two-person jetted tub.
Owner Sandra Traver also markets the lodge as the Richard Bush Renewal Center, named for the Christian retreat leader whose ministry was influential in her life. The outdoor space at Oak Creek Lodge includes a pavilion that can be set up with chairs or tables and chairs, depending on a group’s needs. The lodge’s numerous five-star reviews mention the serenity of the property, the campfire, swimming pool, pool table, other games available on the lower level, coffee stations set up around the lodge, huge den, and nice dining area.
Saravilla Bed and Breakfast, Alma
Among our list of Michigan B&Bs you need to try, Saravilla has a great backstory. Rochelle O’Shay fell in love with Saravilla when she was only 16. She and some friends had gone to a movie in Alma and afterward walked up State Street and there, dominating all the other stately houses, was Saravilla. “It was huge and gorgeous, and I stood on the sidewalk in awe,” she said.
Cut to last June when she and her husband Kelly learned that the venerable B&B was for sale, following the death of one of its owners. Sixty days later, they were the new owners. Two months later — after the couple’s endless days of cleaning, landscaping, and updating of linens and bedding — all the while serving guests, Saravilla once again became a quality-assured member of the Michigan B&B Association.
Kelly’s years of restaurant experience shine during events held in the inn’s spacious ballroom and other first-floor spaces.
The Morris Estate, Niles
With a chapel and other event spaces on its 500 acres in Southwest Michigan, The Morris Estate has a well-deserved reputation as a first-class wedding and event venue. But let’s say it’s just the two of you or a group of friends and you just want first-class bed and breakfast accommodations. You’ll find that in the estate’s River House — six deluxe rooms with spa-worthy bathrooms and spacious, beautifully decorated common areas. Your hosts are Amber and Braden Janowski.
Accelerate your journey to a state of relaxation by scheduling an onsite individual or couples massage and/or a facial. In the morning, after your artfully served full breakfast, venture out on the estate’s paths along the St. Joseph River and take selfies at the covered bridge. For a nearby road trip, explore South Bend, IN, or the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
The Parsonage Inn, Grand Rapids
If it’s called The Parsonage Inn, there must be parsons, right? Two of ‘em. Deb and Steven Koster opened their bed and breakfast in Grand Rapids’ historic Heritage Hill neighborhood in 2017. Stroll to Wealthy Streets shops and restaurants — upscale pub food, Mexican, Eastern European meets Mediterranean… so many good choices. Avoid downtown Grand Rapids parking hassles by walking the mile or so to cultural and other attractions.
Like most B&B innkeepers, the Kosters continuously improve their hospitality and home, such as sidewalk and patio pavers in 2019 and the addition of two more guest bathrooms in early 2020.
Steven is an experienced genealogist, so if you’re stuck in tracing your family’s history, stay at The Parsonage Inn, and ask Steven your questions.
Washington Street Inn, Grand Haven
You don’t remain successful in the bed and breakfast business for 32 years, as Tony and Michelle Ciccantelli have, without knowing how to treat your guests well. Grand Haven’s Washington Street Inn, which operates seasonally, has many repeat guests.
A Brooklyn, NY, couple stayed there four years ago and then again for five nights this past July. In a review, Marie N. wrote: “We were visiting our son and wanted to stay in Grand Haven to enjoy the beach and downtown. Tony welcomed us and recalled the stories of our last visit. He is a perfect host, friendly, helpful and accommodating. The room and bath were clean and comfortable. Breakfast was served with a smile and was delicious. Common areas were also comfortable and welcoming.”
________________________
Can you see why all of these inns more than qualify as Michigan B&Bs you need to try?
Don’t miss out on news of Michigan bed and breakfasts. Get our almost-monthly quick-read newsletter delivered to your inbox. Subscribe now.