Postured as a grande dame of the South Land, Tarrer Inn faces the town square of tiny Colquitt, Georgia reminiscing of yesteryear. She remembers welcoming weary travelers, delivered in white horse-driven carriages, to the Hunter House at the turn-of-the-century and the nods of approval from discerning guests. Now, at the end of the century, she basks in welcoming guests to Tarrer Inn, the gem of Georgia’s Plantation Trace.
Constructed in 1861 as a boarding house, the original structure burned in 1902. Rebuilt in 1905 as The Hunter House, lodging and dining at the inn became synonymous with elegant southern hospitality. The tradition continues today in grand style.
In 1994, the former boarding house metamorphosed into a first-class bed and breakfast inn. Unlike most bed and breakfast establishments, Tarrer is not individually owned. Rather, it's owned and operated by the Colquitt-Miller County Historic Economic Revitalization Organization for historical preservation. The inn was added to The National Registry of Historic Places in 1976, and Colquitt's Ruth Tarrer Jinks Foundation provided a grant to renovate the old Hunter House in 1994. The undertaking developed into a community project costing $2,000,000; the inn was named in honor of Mrs. Jinks' family. At the end of each fiscal year, profits from the inn are distributed among other non-profit organizations within the community.
Situated on a corner lot, Tarrer Inn is dressed in carnation pink stucco. A kaleidoscopic mini-garden adorns the exterior entrance, and a magnificent staircase— twice the width of most—awaits the eye-sparkling admiration of guests crossing Tarrer's threshold. An exquisitely decorated parlor and three dining rooms comprise the first floor. The imposing staircase leads to twelve guest rooms on the second floor, each reflecting designer detail and tastefully appointed with antiques. Tarrer takes pride in being amenities-oriented. Each guest room includes a private telephone line, cable television with remote control, individual thermostat control, clock radio, nightly turn down service with evening chocolates. An in-room coffee bar provides at-dawn coffee for early rising or through-the-day coffee drinkers.
For couples seeking romantic rejuvenation, "Miss Ollie's Room" ranks as my first choice bed chamber. A capacious corner room, "Miss Ollie's Room" features an antique bed festooned with a gold brocade duvet, piped shams, and a rippling dust ruffle. Plumped down pillows are propped to cradle weary heads, and fine embroidered linens swathe the bed with paper white crispness. Setting the mood for a leisurely breakfast-in-bed, a silver footed tray sits upon the bed holding delicate Limoges cups and saucers. The fireplace, located between two windows bedecked with wide-louvered plantation shutters, features a design hand-painted on the mantle to match the floral wallpaper; an antique gold mirror hangs above. Two comfortable chairs flank the fireplace. The adjoining private bath is roomy, meticulously decorated, and well-illumined.
Guests at Tarrer Inn receive a continental breakfast consisting of juice, fresh fruits, a variety of breakfast breads, coffee or tea. Depending upon the occupancy rate, guests may receive breakfast in their room or enjoy a buffet in one of the dining rooms. Tarrer proudly hails a master chef, and excellent evening meals are always available for the inn's guests.
Located in southwest Georgia approximately one hour's drive from Albany, GA, Tallahassee, FL, and Dothan AL, Colquitt's latest claim to fame are the March, April, and October productions of "Swamp Gravy" (912-758-5450 or www.artswire.org/~highperf/hp/hpstories/Swamp.html). An award winning folk-life play, based on daily life in southwest Georgia, "Swamp Gravy" performed at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and throughout the Southeast in 1997 with rave reviews.
Whether treating your children to an unforgettable serving of Swamp Gravy or looking for a place to cloister in elegant seclusion for however long you grab, Tarrer Inn doesn't disappoint. Come prepared to sink into opulent surroundings where you'll be treated like royalty.
INN: Tarrer Inn (AAA's 3-diamond rating); LOCATION: 155 S. Cuthbert St.--Colquitt, GA 31737; TEL: 912-758-2888, FAX: 912-758-2825, E-mail: tarrerin@tfn.net; ACCOMMODATIONS: 12 guest rooms with private baths; CHILDREN: Yes (cribs and rollaways available)--Room #3 recommended; BREAKFAST: Continental; RATES: $62-$89; CREDIT CARDS: All major; RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS: Tarrer Inn (758-2888), Steer Hole (758-2956); PUBLICATIONS: Featured in Southern Living magazine (Fall 1996); WEB SITE: www.tfn.net/Tarrer
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