And when the party’s over, the newlyweds can retreat to their spacious honeymoon suite, with its king bed, sky lights and ensuite bath featuring a steam shower, sauna and whirlpool tub. The property has four other guest rooms, including a separate apartment with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and its own entrance.
The bridal party has to arrange for such amenities as tents, catering, photography and an alcohol permit – even a lifeguard if youngsters are expected to swim – but Kevin can provide local contacts, established over three decades as an electrician and Leslie’s equally long career as a Spanish teacher.
The couple opened the B&B business 13 years ago after what Kevin calls an “aha!” moment, and have welcomed guests from around the world ever since, many visiting local colleges, including prestigious Colgate University. He says his heart sings every time nervous freshmen and their families arrive in fall get to know peers who are also Peaceful Pines guests. “They meet each other before going off to the big school.”
There are family reunions, company retreats and graduation parties, too. But, he adds, “A minister told me I’d be crazy to get into weddings. But I think that’s my purpose.”
*
Peaceful Pines B & B
Kevin Strasser and Leslie Briggs, Innkeepers
6125 Briggs Road
Hamilton, NY 13346
315-824-2469; 315-382-4034 (cell)
“
People say it’s so quiet here, they’re not used to it