stay a while
A Day in the Life of an Innkeeper
by Ellen Goldberg
President of the Loudoun County Bed & Breakfast Guild LoudounBandB . com
As the owner of Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn for the past 18 years , I thought it would be interesting to shed a little light on the life of an innkeeper and what a typical day might look like .
Early in the morning it ’ s time for breakfast preparations : cutting fruit , setting up the griddle , brewing coffee . As guests wander into the kitchen after a restful night ’ s sleep , we ’ ll engage in conversation and I ’ ll ask where they are from and what brought them here . I offer suggestions
for how best to enjoy Briar Patch and all that rural Loudoun has to offer . If they are here for a wedding , it may be time to send women in the bridal party off to the cottage for hair and makeup preparations .
During the afternoon , many getaway guests relax and take a dip in the pool , feed the horses , and walk our 47 acres . Some set off to explore the wineries , breweries , distilleries , shops and restaurants , or take scenic drives , go hiking or horseback riding — there is so much to do in the area ! Wedding parties and guests may spend the afternoon getting ready or taking in fun places nearby .
For getaway guests , evenings mean heading off to a great spot for dinner , and Loudoun offers an amazing array of options including farm-totable gourmet meals as well as Thai , Mexican , Italian and other cuisines . For Briar Patch weddings , evenings become an exciting whirlwind from the ceremony to outdoor cocktail reception with lovely mountain views to dinner and dancing in our event building for a rocking-good time !
Obviously , I wouldn ’ t stay an innkeeper for all these years if I didn ’ t get great enjoyment from serving as a concierge to our beautiful Loudoun County and being part of a couple ’ s joyous wedding . It makes the sometimes hard work of the daily routine all worth it !
wander I fall • winter 2020 47