Cozy Bed and Breakfasts in Illinois Amish Country

If you'd like to go back in time and spend time in an area where everyone seems friendly, and you feel safe walking down the sidewalks in a small town, visit the old fashioned towns of Arcola and Arthur in Illinois. Both towns are home to annual festivals such as the Broomcorn Festival and the Cheese festivals that are held during the end of the summer. Pack up your bags, bring your family or a friend, then choose one of the quaint and cozy bed and breakfasts to stay at when you come to visit either town.

Two bed and breakfast that are located in Arcola are the Diamond House and the Flower Patch. Both of them sit side by side down a quiet brick road in the small little town. They are both ran by the same family, the Harshbargers, and are also home to the "legendary seven course breakfast." The seven course breakfast begins at 8 a.m. and is started off with a silent Amish style prayer that will make those from different religious denominations feel at ease. During the warm spring and summer months, guests can get a delightful colorful experience during the meals, because fresh herbs and flowers are used to "dress up the dishes,"giving them a unique and appealing presence.

Some of the dinner talk conversations at the Diamond House and Flower Patch may include area attractions, the Amish history and lifestyle or nearby shopping areas. Other activities at the bed and breakfast include six course gourmet and palate pleasing dinners, English High Teas, Art in the Gardens and a photo weekend. Each of the rooms at the Arcola Flower Patch are named after a type of flower or plant. Some of the rooms include "The Rose Room," The "Maple Room" and the "Fern Room."

At the Diamond House, all of the rooms are named after jewels. Some of the rooms are "The Diamond Room," "Emerald Room" and the "Ruby Room." Other extra special amenities offered (for an extra cost) include a bottle of wine, a dozen roses, candle-lit dinner for two, box of chocolate or a celebration cake. Both of the bed and breakfasts also offer special tour packages for a variety of occasions like "dinner and theatre," "a romantic get-away," and "antiquing weekend." The Flower Patch and Diamond House website offer more information such as current rate prices and how you can make reservations.

If you'd like to visit another part of Amish country, select to stay at Marsha's Vineyard located in Arthur, Illinois. Arthur is a very small rural town of just about 2100 people and offers crafts, antiques and Amish made goods. For a trip back in time, you can order an old fashioned ice cream soda or Green River drink from Dick's Pharmacy. Marsha's Vineyard offers two available rooms: "The Loft" and "The Garden Room." Both rooms are decorated with a country inspired design and include Amish made furniture and quilts. The Garden room includes French doors that lead to an outdoor patio and has one queen and a single size bed. For some late night or early morning entertainment, there is a television with a VCR. Inside the Loft Room you will find a large area that has both a king and single size bed, a small library with sitting space and a television with VCR. Both rooms have their own private bathrooms and central air. If you are looking to relax and sit back to enjoy some movie time, there is a selection of movies for your choosing and also cards and board games to pass away the time time as well. For the chefs who enjoy some fresh outdoor cooking, a gas grill is available too. Marsha's Vineyard is open every day of the week, all year round. You can make reservations via the website or you can call for more information.

So if you are looking to spend some time in Amish country, browse antiques and handmade crafts, see the horse and buggies trotting down the streets or you just need some quiet and relaxing time in a small town, there are nearby bed and breakfasts awaiting to make you feel at home. For more of an intimate setting or accommodations and a chance to feel more at home, staying at a bed and breakfast could be the experience you are searching for.