Vanilla Bean B&B

From time-to-time, Mr. VB and I like to dream about what we want to do in retirement, or pre-retirement. At the top of that list (in the event we don't win the lottery and live out the rest of our days on the beach, of course) is to operate a bed and breakfast. I realize there is much to learn before we jump into this. Like where would we want one? How would we market it? Should I serve blueberry scones or eggs benedict for breakfast? This book has helped me with some of those questions (we'll probably serve scones AND eggs benedict):  

In the meantime, we try to stay at a bed and breakfast whenever we travel. You know, to do a little research. It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

During our stays, the innkeepers typically find us whispering about what we would or wouldn't do if the place was ours. Here are a few of our favorites:

We stayed at Penon Blanco Lookout near Yosemite a couple of years ago. We were the only people staying there and had the run of the property. Breakfast was fantastic!

Unfortunately, because of the forest fires, we couldn't see much of this view.

After a day of visiting the wineries, we stayed at A Secret Vine in Hermann, Mo. for our one-year dating anniversary. Remember when you had those? The innkeeper had warm chocolate chip cookies waiting for us when we check in and delivered a hot breakfast right to our room the following morning!

Last summer, we stayed at La Pensione in Key West. Our room had double doors that went out onto a beautiful wrap around porch.

During the almost daily rain showers, we spent alot of time here, playing cards, people watching and having a drink.

Our next stop will be La Dee Marie in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Ste. Genevieve's wine country is one of the largest producing regions in Missouri...and the perfect place to open a bed and breakfast. And, wouldn't you know it...this one just happens to be for sale! Look at that beautiful porch! I can almost picture myself greeting guests with a glass of wine. I'll keep you posted after our visit!