The Grand Victorian in Bellaire, MI

Every year I go to Bellaire, MI. My family and I usually stay at a campground where my mother owns property. On this trip, however, we couldn't resist staying a night in The Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast. Since I was a baby, I've been going to Bellaire and I've seen this house through many changes. I can actually remember when it was just a pretty with green shutters and trimmings. In 1989 it became the "Richardi House". It wasn't in bad condition, nor was it in exceptional condition. In the early 90's, it was turned into The Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast, complete with an adorable sign stating it's "official" name. It had been completely restored and repainted and looks absolutely stunning.

Finally, after all those years of admiring the Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast, I was able to stay there. There are six different rooms available: The Richardi Room, Carriage Room, Blossom Room, Queen Anne Room, Balcony Room and Victoriana Room. The Balcony Room is spacious and beautiful, decorated with an 1860's Victorian revival bedroom. The bed is a queen size and is made of dark wood. Along with the dresser, it is beautiful and elegant in an understated way, as is the whole feel of the decor in the room. It has a private bathroom, so there is no need to think one would have to use a "community" bathroom in this historic Grand Victorian. It even has an exquisite fireplace. Unfortunately, although the Balcony Room was absolutely lovely, it was only the second-cheapest room. The lowest price for a room is $115 (The Victoriana Room) and the highest being the infamous Richardi Room ($195 a night). However, both the Richardi Room and the Carriage Room have King size beds and the bathrooms are spacious and have jacuzzi tubs, plus cable TV & DVD in the room. The other rooms do not have these amenities. In addition to a gorgeous, antique Grand Victorian room, you also receive evening treats, bottled water, sodas, morning coffee/tea, and a wonderful gourmet candlelit breakfast, plated and served on china and crystal.

The Grand Victorian is in the heart of Bellaire, Michigan. It's located on "the main drag", filled with little restaurants and shops, even a renovated movie theater called the Bellaire Theatre. There is a park right across the street and a stream that's often visited by ducks and swans. The entire village (it's too small to be considered a city or town) has that small town feel of everyone knowing everyone else. It's quaint and charming and clean. There are plenty of things to do in Bellaire without going far from the Grand Victorian. Newer and more modern shops pop up here and there, but mostly this quiet village appreciates the history behind their buildings and architecture.

The Grand Victorian is also located very close to Lake Intermediate. There are various public access points along M-88 to go swimming or boating. Bellaire even has a marina where you can rent a boat or watercraft to take on the crystal-clear lake, which is large and oblong. As I said, there is so much to do just in Bellaire and around the Grand Victorian. However, a few miles can take you to other quaint villages, such as Central Lake. Bellaire is an hour north of Traverse City and about an hour south of Charlevoix, which are both large cities. The Grand Victorian rests in the small village of Bellaire, with all its charms, and yet it is still within reach of many attractive destinations.

The Grand Victorian has numerous recognitions in publications, cited as "Best B&B to Visit Again & Again" by Arrington's B&B Journal's Book in 2005. I think it's well-deserved. The food was superb and succulent. The house was more beautiful on the inside than I pictured all these years, clean, simple, elegant. I know that it will be a long time before I can afford to stay even one night here, but now my curiousity is happily satisfied at what the Richardi House has become.

For more information about staying at The Grand Victorian, call toll Free: 877.438.6111 or go to http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=1895grandvic