Recess Inn Bed & Breakfast

The town of Ethel was twenty-one years old when the school building was built that is now the Recess Inn Bed & Breakfast. Ethel had used a two room wood frame school building from 1890 until the brick school was opened in 1910.

The first teachers to teach in the new school were: Principal Paul E. Phipps from Ethel, Miss Naomi Cherry from the Star community east of Ethel, and Miss Myrtle Shoemaker from the town of Elmer.

The school building was used continuously until December 23, 1980.

Take a step back in time as you experience bed & breakfast in a renovated old historical brick schoolhouse. A perfect hideaway for honeymoons, anniversary couples, hunters, business travelers, vacationers or pamper seekers.

Recess Inn offers a very secluded, quiet and relaxing atmosphere, yet we are only a short drive from the local communities of Kirksville, Macon, Moberly and Hannibal. We are also within reasonable driving distance from the larger metropolitan cities of Kansas City and St. Louis.

Plenty of water fun awaits on the region's two major lakes near Macon, only a short distance from the Recess Inn. Hiking, fishing, golf and occasional hay rides await you.

For your leisure, experience the tranquility and enchantment of the streets of old downtown. Take a stroll along quiet country roads, or enjoy a picnic lunch prepared and packed by your hosts for you to take to a nearby lake.

Recess Inn features four comfortable guest rooms, each with private bath and decorated with lovely antiques and quilts.

The Parlour is named The Oral Hawkins Room. Mr. Hawkins was a beloved local teacher and school administrator from the Ethel area. The Library features a nice selection of antique school books and school yearbooks. Look back through your childhood reader or enjoy relaxing with complimentary refreshments.

For your eating pleasure, enjoy a hearty good old fashioned country breakfast served "Grandma Style".

Fond memories will bring you back!