Castle in the Country Bed & Breakfast Inn
Restaurants: The Best of the Best near our Romantic Michigan Getaway 27 May 2012, 12:26 pm
During check-in at our romantic Michigan getaway, one of the first questions guests ask us is “Where would you suggest we go for dinner?” While there are many amazing restaurants in the area, there are three in particular we always make sure to suggest: Salt of the Earth in Fennville, Food Dance in Kalamazoo, and Butch’s in Holland.
Featured on the “Food Network Channel” in May of 2011, and located an easy 20 minute drive from our Allegan bed and breakfast, this amazing “Rustic American Eatery & Bakery” focuses all their attention and skill on local and fresh ingredients. With a stone oven for producing their own bread and a great eye for innovation, they craft their own masterpiece entrees and small plates with fresh produce. When we send guests to Salt of the Earth, we know they’ll be getting great service and amazing food. Their Aged Cheddar Peirrogies and Fried Brussels are fantastic and they always feature a new “Fresh Board” consisting of dishes made from the best in-season ingredients. We tell all our guests to save room for dessert, or take it back with you to the Castle so you can enjoy it out in the screened gazebo or in your luxurious guest room at our romantic getaway in Michigan. You definitely don’t want to miss out on their chocolate cake with sea salt frosting or their delicious S’more dessert with homemade marshmallow!
Featuring honest-to-goodness fruits, vegetables, meats, and eggs that come from the farm, not the factory, Food Dance of Kalamazoo takes pride in what they put on your plate. From their Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese made from grafton aged cheddar, house-made bacon, and fresh spinach to their Sesame Ginger Wild Salmon with a maple syrup sesame soy glaze, ginger sushi rice, steamed greens and a cucumber relish; each dish features fresh, organic, local ingredients. For those of you who prefer a gluten-free or vegetarian diet, we love to refer you to the menu for Food Dance since they’ve taken the guess work out and clearly marked gluten free and vegetarian items. And, for those of you who really want to know where your food comes from, their website shows you where every ingredient is purchased. Located just 30 minutes from Castle in the Country, Food Dance is in a very easy to find, “Foodie” neighborhood of downtown Kalamazoo and is definitely a restaurant you won’t want to miss during your visit to our Allegan country inn.
Located just 30 minutes from our romantic Michigan B&B in Downtown Holland, Butch’s is one of only 10 Restaurants in Michigan to hold Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence. They strive to bring out the very best in wine and beer offerings to complement their food perfectly. With a menu that changes seasonally, Butch’s serves only the highest quality food and they work very hard to provide guests with a full exploration of flavors all in beautiful surroundings. The beverages served at Butch’s have built the reputation that the restaurant works to uphold. With a global selection of wine, brews, and spirits, there is something for everyone. At Butch’s, they know that a good wine is a terrible thing to waste, so if you buy a bottle of wine with your dinner and want to save some for later, they’ll re-cork it so you can bring it back to our Allegan Bed and Breakfast with you or, shop their extensive wine and spirits shop where you can purchase a bottle of your favorites to bring back with you to enjoy in your own slice of paradise somewhere on our 65 wooded acres.
We always have lots of suggestions for relaxing and enjoying the end of the day in total peace and quiet, like the Adirondack chairs overlooking the pond, the front porch swing at the castle, or in the screened porch by our 80-acre private lake.
If one (or more) of these amazing restaurants caught your attention, why not add any of our bundled romance and spa packages, like the Royal Treatment or the Celebration Package, then choose a Dinner Voucher to one of these three local restaurants. These are three of the very best restaurants in the area, and the best way to get a reservation is through us at our romantic Michigan getaway. In some cases, it’s the only way!
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Restaurants: The Best of the Best near our Romantic Michigan Getaway.
Great Places To Check Out Before Checking In 7 Apr 2012, 3:59 pm
While the Innkeepers and staff are spending the afternoon getting ready for your arrival and making sure every detail is in place before you check in between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. at our Allegan Bed and Breakfast, we’d like to suggest some great places right down the road from us to check out before checking in.
Montage Market, located in downtown Allegan, is the perfect place to stop and pickup some specialty wines, sodas, or craft beers. With their gourmet grocery and deli items, you can put together your own snacks to enjoy while curled up in front of the fireplace in your guest room or out in the screen house by the lake.
If you’d like to grab a meal, or just a drink & appetizers before or after checking in, try The Grill House, just four miles north of our Michigan Inn & Spa. As a “grill your own” steakhouse they leave the cooking up to you! The Grill Master is right there to help you, but from choosing the meat to grilling it to perfection, you’re in charge.
If grilling your own steak doesn’t appeal to you, they also have a full pub menu that’s prepared for you. The Rock Bottom Pub menu features delicious gourmet pizzas, burgers, wraps, etc. and since they’re only 5 minutes away from the Castle, this menu is perfect for Take-Out selections.
If you are coming along I-94, St. Julian Winery and Vineyard is the perfect place to
stop. Located right off of Exit 60 for Paw Paw, the winery is right on your way to our beautiful bed and breakfast inn. With a wonderful variety of red, white, and blush wines, St. Julian is a wonderful place to pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy by our outdoor fireplace or in the screened in gazebo overlooking the pond. I would recommend their Blue Heron wine, a semi-sweet, crisp white wine with bold pear and mango flavors. Warner’s Winery is in Paw Paw as well, directly en route to Castle in the Country. During check in, we will provide information about other wineries and tasting rooms in the area.
While you’re exploring the neighboring towns, be sure to use our Smart Phone App, complete with an interactive map, so that you can stay connected to our Bed and Breakfast in Allegan.
Don’t forget to check our Events Calendar for more information about these and other similar places as well as events in the surrounding area.
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Great Places To Check Out Before Checking In.
Sheets Fit For a King and Queen at Castle in the Country B&B Inn 6 Mar 2012, 2:50 pm
“I never want to stay in a hotel! Everything was excellent; the huge tub, the cozy fireplace, the awesome sheets!” Josh & Sara, Sterling Heights MI
I think we’re officially spoiled after our stay here! The robes, movies, gourmet breakfasts, whirlpool, even the sheets were beyond our expectations!…We are sad to leave but can’t wait to come back. Amy & Chris, Grand Rapids MI
“Our experience here – the wonderful breakfasts, beautiful nature walk, lovely suite and amazing sheets was one we will not soon forget! Kelly Ann & Chris, Ontario CANADA
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Sheets Fit For a King and Queen at Castle in the Country B&B Inn.
Our Romantic Michigan Getaway Makes the Grade! 6 Mar 2012, 2:47 pm
“We loved everything about our time in the Romeo & Juliet Suite! Thanks to Herb & Ruth for providing a wonderful place to relax! You have met your goal of providing a romantic retreat. A+” Cathy & Jerry, Bourbonnais IL
“Your B&B and our stay here in the Sir Lancelot Suite will be what we compare our future travels against.” John & Heather, Portage IN
We invite you to enjoy luxury and relaxation at our romantic Michigan getaway!
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Our Romantic Michigan Getaway Makes the Grade!.
Guests at our Romantic Michigan B&B find the Peace (or, a little piece) of Heaven 6 Mar 2012, 2:46 pm
Sometimes, in this hectic world we live in, all it takes is some peace and quiet to make everything right again.
“Our stay here has been wonderful, relaxing and above all peaceful. The small touches you take the time to do mean a lot! Your graciousness truly made us feel like Kings & Queens in our own private castle. Thank you for making our much needed rest a beautiful one!
Warren & Etta, Byron Center MI [Kingdom Suite]
From the first moment we opened the door we felt the peace and tranquility we were looking for. This serene feeling lasted the entire weekend…When we close the door to leave we are doing so knowing we’ll be back.
Tim & Carol, Ontario Canada [Royalty Suite]
“We decided to steal some time away from our busy schedules, pack up our things, and spend some quality time together before the birth of our first child. We heard great things about the “Castle” and we witnessed everything we heard and more. You have allowed us to create memories in your home, and we will forever be grateful. Please, continue to do all that you do so well – welcoming travelers and inviting them to share in your little piece of heaven.
Jeff & Erin, Dearborn MI [Royalty Suite]
Come experience peace and a little piece of Heaven during your stay at our romantic Michigan B&B!
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Guests at our Romantic Michigan B&B find the Peace (or, a little piece) of Heaven.
Another Happily Ever After at our Romantic Michigan Bed and Breakfast 6 Mar 2012, 2:43 pm
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Another Happily Ever After at our Romantic Michigan Bed and Breakfast.
Castle in the Country named “Top Ten Most Romantic in the World” by Bedandbreakfast.com 22 Feb 2012, 12:25 pm
Wow! We’re so excited and honored to be selected from over 11,000 Bed and Breakfast Inns as one the the top romantic inns worldwide by the largest Online directory www.bedandbreakfast.com, as our Southwest Michigan bed and breakfast was recently named one of the:
“Top Ten Most Romantic Bed and Breakfast Inns in the World”
And, it’s all because we’ve asked you (our guests) to tell us what’s romantic to you? You’ve told us relaxing in a whirlpool tub for two with a flickering fireplace, walking hand in hand through our wooded trails, sneaking a kiss in our Gazebo or enjoying a delicious breakfast together at your own table for two all have the makings of the Most Romantic Getaway for you.
As the owners and Innkeepers here our romantic getaway in Michigan, Herb and I are thrilled with this designation because we believe its our “mission” as a business is to provide a great place for couples to reconnect, relax and find the time and quietness to enjoy each other. Now that’s romance to us at Castle in the Country and thankfully, many of our guests see it the same way.
Here’s just a sample of the amazing reviews our guests have posted about our romantic Michigan getaway at BedandBreakfast.com:
“A beautiful home, serene setting, warm hospitality. Attention down to the smallest detail. Food was exquisite! The perfect backdrop for a most memorable honeymoon. We can’t wait to return!”
”We had a wonderful stay this past week at the Castle in the Country! First of all, I can’t believe how much time they put into details at the Castle in the Country. Anything we needed, it was provided. The room was incredibly clean and smelled absolutely wonderful. Just a subtle, clean scent. We stayed in the King Arthur suite. Amazing view, great mattress, awesome tub. Two person shower was great. The food was incredible. We enjoyed everything, from the menu and the variety to the soft music and individual tables so you don’t have to sit with people….”
Let us help you find your Most Romantic Getaway in the World. Our Southwest Michigan bed and breakfast may be just a two or three hour drive away from your everyday world, but we’ll do our best to make an amazing getaway for you within the “middle of nowhere” and far, far from ordinary.
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Castle in the Country named “Top Ten Most Romantic in the World” by Bedandbreakfast.com.
Recipe for Apple-Filled Croissants 1 Feb 2012, 5:59 am
The trick with croissants is keeping the butter from melting while working the dough. In this “quick” recipe, we cut a massive amount of butter into dry flour instead of softening it and spreading it over the rolled out flour. This allows us to immediately roll and fold instead of chilling the dough first. We substitute the apple with other seasonal fruit items when available.
To make 24 Croissants
Ingredients:
5C AP flour
1Lb butter, cut into ½ inch cubes
3 T sugar
1.5 T yeast, instant active
1.75 C milk, warmed
2t salt
More flour for work surface
2 tart apples, diced
2T sugar
1t cinnamon
Procedure:
- Cut butter into 3.5C flour with until largest pieces of butter are the size of lima beans and flour has taken on a yellowed, cornmeal-like appearance. (Watch closely-do not allow butter to melt.) Put the mixture in plastic bag and place in cooler or freezer. The cutting-in can be done with a pastry cutter, food processor, or stand mixer.
- Mix remaining 1.5C flour with milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow to rise 20-30 minutes-should begin to foam
- Add flour/butter mixture and salt and combine to a sticky mixture with butter particles
- Turn onto floured work surface and roll out to a large rectangle about ½ inch thick. Tri-fold twice, book-fold twice-do not allow butter pieces to melt. (A tri-fold is what you would do to a sheet of paper before inserting into an envelope, a book fold is simply folding in half, then in half again.)
- Refrigerate dough for 1-24 hours, cut into 4 equal blocks.
- Combine diced apples with sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll out each block into a 10 inch diameter disc. Cut into 6 wedges.
- Place an equal amount of apple filling on each wedge and roll from edge to point. Arrange onto baking parchment and allow to rise until doubled in volume (about 1 hour.)
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 400 for 16 minutes.
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Recipe for Apple-Filled Croissants.
Recipe for Cranberry-Orange Muffins 23 Jan 2012, 4:00 am
Cranberry-Orange Muffins
Fresh cranberries are available in late fall through the winter months. This recipe uses their tart flavor against what would be a typical sweet muffin. The combination of spices adds a holiday touch, the allspice/ginger combination being more traditional.
Serves: 12
Ingredients:
Dry:
2C All Purpose Flour
1T Baking Powder
½ t salt
¼ t cinnamon
1/8 t ground cloves (or allspice)
1/8 t ground cardamom (or ginger)
Wet:
2 Eggs
1 C Milk
¾ C granulated
6T butter, melted
Juice of one orange
1 ½ Cup Fresh Cranberries, chopped
Zest of one orange, grated (orange part only)
Procedure:
Combine all dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another and thoroughly mix the contents of each bowl with a whisk seperately. Combine wet ingredients into dry, add chopped cranberries and orange zest and combine until moistened. Do not overmix. Divide batter into 12 muffin cups and bake at 400F for about 16 minutes, until golden brown and delicious. Serve within an hour of baking for best result.
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Recipe for Cranberry-Orange Muffins.
Snowshoes on-site, no charge 20 Jan 2012, 3:00 am
Looking for some outdoor fun in the winter? If you can walk, you can snowshoe. We have multiple pair of various sizes for anyone staying with us.
Two magnificent buildings wrapped in 65 secluded acres at our Michigan Inn and Spa and Retreat, Romontic Allegan Bed and Breakfast featuring 10 rooms or suites with Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, king or queen sized beds, and private baths with all the amenities a discriminating guest appreciates. You can read the original blog post here Snowshoes on-site, no charge.