I’ll admit I’m not as regular a church-goer as I should be, but lately I’ve been making more of an effort at attending church to pay my respects for all that I am thankful for.  Most Sundays at First Parish Church in Yarmouth, ME the Interim Associate Pastor, Martha Hoverson, offers a short children’s sermon directed to the youth in the congregation.  This Sunday’s children’s sermon got me thinking.  Here’s how it went:

Martha:  “Does anyone here know what the word hospitality means?” (many hands shot up)

One child:  “It means inviting people into your home”.

Martha:  “Well yes, that’s part of it.  It means inviting people into your home...and being nice to them!”

This is the essence of what innkeepers do each day.  They open their homes to guests and offer friendship, kindness and stress relief. There’s not a single innkeeper who doesn’t have hospitality licked.  I think kindness runs through the blood of innkeepers.  Innkeepers are very good at delivering hospitality, and as I sat in church pondering this message, a few specific inns came to mind immediately. 

Leslie and Brian Mulcahy, Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, VT:  Here is a couple who should write the book on hospitality.  Everyone who comes to this inn as a stranger leaves as a friend.  It’s impossible not to.  Brian and Leslie are wonderful innkeepers who operate a gorgeous Vermont inn and restaurant.  Every time I need my kindness fix, I take a trip to Rabbit Hill Inn and I’m good for another six months!

Donna and Byron Cain, Brewster by the Sea Inn & Spa, Brewster, MA:  From the moment I met Donna and Byron, I knew they were high on the list of wonderful innkeepers.  They’re funny, encouraging and genuinely interested in their guests.  Their casual approach invites friendship and it’s simply impossible not to leave as a friend.  Donna’s chocolate chip cookies put the icing on the cake...or should I say cookie... too!

Dave and Sue LaBrie, Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, Niantic, CT: When you enter this B&B you walk into the living room and are immediately greeted with a warm handshake and smile from Dave, Sue or both.  Shortly thereafter, you are shown to the refrigerator and offered wine, soft drinks and a bottomless Biscotti jar.  The whimsical décor compliments Dave and Sue’s casual, friendly approach.  Everyone who comes here enjoys interesting and fun conversations with Dave and Sue.

This Thanksgiving, I raise a toast of thanks for all the innkeepers who’ve touched the lives of those in need of some hospitality and made my day!

For More INNformation:

Rabbit Hill Inn:  48 Lower Waterford Road, Lower Waterford, VT  05848, 800-76-BUNNY

Brewster by the Sea Inn & Spa: 716 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, 800-892-3910

Inn at Harbor Hill Marina:  60 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357, 860-739-0331

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