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JailHouse
Inn

Preston, MN

The Court Room

  Spending a night in jail has never topped my “most wanted” list. But after a couple of nights in Minnesota’s old Fillmore County jail, I am ready to do even more time.
   Meticulously restored, the nineteenth century  jailhouse now serves as a uniquely different bed and breakfast inn. Recognized as a National Historic Place, the building was constructed in 1869 to serve jointly as a jail, sheriff’s residence, and courthouse.
   Owners and resident innkeepers, Jeanne and Marc Sather, creative as they are hospitable, cleverly weave the jailhouse theme throughout the inn. The original use of significant areas is denoted through the room or suite’s name:  Processing Room, Detention Room, Drunk Tank, Court Room, Cell Block (where guests actually sleep behind bars as inmates once did). My favorite room is The Court Room which includes a sitting area, a companion whirlpool bathtub and shower, and a private entrance from a ground-level brick patio. 

   Breakfast is served in the dining room or the cheery sun space adjoining it. A far cry from jailhouse grub, the morning meal is an artistic presentation which is as tasty as it is attractive.
   Situated in a pastoral section of southeastern Minnesota, JailHouse Inn offers guests a chance to relive history in a special kind of way.

Strong Points

   Hospitality plus, Historical significance,  Bikes (& bike storage) available, Victorian antiques, Early coffee, Gourmet breakfast,  Complimentary coffee & homemade cookies in evenings, Unusual tubs, Fireplaces in some rooms, Internet access, Off-street parking, Wheelchair accessible,  Special packages.

Stonington, CT

   The road leading to Another Second Penny Inn sets the tone for a visit to a Colonial home built almost 300 years ago. In fact, what I traveled upon is actually known as a “trail,” and its quietude conveys a sense of serenity punctuated with timeless beauty.
   The amiable owners and resident innkeepers, Sandra and Jim Wright, have done an outstanding job converting an historic structure into an enticing B&B with modern conveniences supplemented with a multitude of amenities. The name of the inn is based upon an old parable.
   To my delight, I was assigned to The Russell Suite. During Colonial times, when the property functioned as a tavern, this area was used as a dance hall and featured a “raisable wall;” the hooks are still in place, with all of their secrets.

    The 5-course breakfast at Second Penny Inn is truly an event and a highlight of any visit to the inn. A typical menu includes home baked bread, a fruit dish, a hot or cold cereal, an entrée, and a breakfast dessert.
   Only minutes away from the picturesque village of Mystic and historic Stonington borough, Second Penny Inn offers an ideal base for a New England vacation.   

Strong Points

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