After many promises to return as soon as possible, we left Tony and Rhonda and headed south to Springfield, MO. Instead of staying at a chain hotel, we decided to "chance it" and we booked a room at historical bed and breakfast. When we lived in Springfield, we didn't have time or interest in the history of the area. I wasn't even aware that Springfield even had a history. LOL! It turns out that it's history is fascinating and something I hope to explore in the future.
Tucked on a corner that borders the historical district and SMU was the Walnut St. Inn. It's Victorian feel immediately caught my eye. Sprinkled all through the house were old photos with little bits of the house's history, taken from the builder/owner's journal and I read every single one I could find. (I have to admit though that it was a bit strange to be looking into the face of the owner's daughter while I was sitting on the toilet. That little piece of history could have been better placed. LOL) The original owner landed in Springfield during the first 50 years of it's founding and built a successful wholesale grocery business. He went on to become a prominent member of Springfield, enhancing the city's appeal and growth. The history of the house and some of Springfield's history can be found here: https://walnutstreetinn.com/history/
I picked the room because of the gas fireplace and the large windows that let in lots of natural light. The bedroom was large and well furnished with antique furniture that fit the time period perfectly. The adjoining room housed a wardrobe (and no, unfortunately it did not take me to Narnia), a dresser that was coverted into a vanity/sink area, a free standing tub with a shower curtain that hung from the ceiling, and a "water closet" that looked like they took it out of Mrs. Olsen's house on "Little House on the Prairie." It would be our home for 2 days and 2 nights. The grounds were small but tastefully decorated and the spring flowers were in full bloom. There was a cute carriage house in the back near the parking area. What Darrell liked was that it was only 2 blocks from the graduation venue on SMU's campus and was easily walkable. He hates city traffic as much as he hates Penn State traffic! Evidently he puts practicality before ambiance.
The staff there was incredible! Jessica, the desk clerk, was a hard working girl with a big smile and friendly demeanor who is working towards becoming a pharmacist. We only had 2 hours between the time we picked up Darrell's graduation gown and our first baccalaureate. I cringed when we pulled it from the bag. It looked as if he had worn it the whole 32 years it took him to get his degree. I found an ironing board and set the iron to a "cool" setting per the instructions in the gown's bag. The minutes ticked away as I ironed and ironed, moving the iron to hotter and hotter settings with no results at all. I tried steaming it in the shower but that didn't work either. I discovered the laundry room and asked if I could stick it in the dryer with a damp towel but was told that legally they couldn't do it. But Jessica saw the look on my face and relented and allowed me to do it. Kudos to you, Jessica! You made my day and my hubby looked very regal in his graduation gown, hood and cap!
Breakfast the first morning was on the sweet side (as was the wait staff), pancakes with fresh fruit and a creamy sauce with just a touch of lemon flavor, bacon, and a small bowl of melon and grapes. I'm not a pancake or a lemon person, but I must say that I ate every bite and thought it was delicious. I even considered asking for 2nds. The next day, breakfast was more on the savory side, eggs with fresh veggies and a fruit cup, also very delicious. The dining area was very charming and I was especially drawn to a corner with a flowering plant and a victorian lamp with a shade that looked like they took it off of a flapper. (See the photo gallery below) Others that were staying there too chatted with us like we were old friends. That is one thing I love about B&Bs. There's more of a family feel and you meet some pretty interesting people. The common rooms were full of comfy chairs and things to do for all ages and it gave us a respite from the big city, transporting us out of the city to a more relaxed and quiet era.
So if you're ever near Springfield and need a place to stay, I highly recommend the Walnut Inn! You won't be disappointed. Be sure to check out their website. https://walnutstreetinn.com/
Tucked on a corner that borders the historical district and SMU was the Walnut St. Inn. It's Victorian feel immediately caught my eye. Sprinkled all through the house were old photos with little bits of the house's history, taken from the builder/owner's journal and I read every single one I could find. (I have to admit though that it was a bit strange to be looking into the face of the owner's daughter while I was sitting on the toilet. That little piece of history could have been better placed. LOL) The original owner landed in Springfield during the first 50 years of it's founding and built a successful wholesale grocery business. He went on to become a prominent member of Springfield, enhancing the city's appeal and growth. The history of the house and some of Springfield's history can be found here: https://walnutstreetinn.com/history/
I picked the room because of the gas fireplace and the large windows that let in lots of natural light. The bedroom was large and well furnished with antique furniture that fit the time period perfectly. The adjoining room housed a wardrobe (and no, unfortunately it did not take me to Narnia), a dresser that was coverted into a vanity/sink area, a free standing tub with a shower curtain that hung from the ceiling, and a "water closet" that looked like they took it out of Mrs. Olsen's house on "Little House on the Prairie." It would be our home for 2 days and 2 nights. The grounds were small but tastefully decorated and the spring flowers were in full bloom. There was a cute carriage house in the back near the parking area. What Darrell liked was that it was only 2 blocks from the graduation venue on SMU's campus and was easily walkable. He hates city traffic as much as he hates Penn State traffic! Evidently he puts practicality before ambiance.
The staff there was incredible! Jessica, the desk clerk, was a hard working girl with a big smile and friendly demeanor who is working towards becoming a pharmacist. We only had 2 hours between the time we picked up Darrell's graduation gown and our first baccalaureate. I cringed when we pulled it from the bag. It looked as if he had worn it the whole 32 years it took him to get his degree. I found an ironing board and set the iron to a "cool" setting per the instructions in the gown's bag. The minutes ticked away as I ironed and ironed, moving the iron to hotter and hotter settings with no results at all. I tried steaming it in the shower but that didn't work either. I discovered the laundry room and asked if I could stick it in the dryer with a damp towel but was told that legally they couldn't do it. But Jessica saw the look on my face and relented and allowed me to do it. Kudos to you, Jessica! You made my day and my hubby looked very regal in his graduation gown, hood and cap!
Breakfast the first morning was on the sweet side (as was the wait staff), pancakes with fresh fruit and a creamy sauce with just a touch of lemon flavor, bacon, and a small bowl of melon and grapes. I'm not a pancake or a lemon person, but I must say that I ate every bite and thought it was delicious. I even considered asking for 2nds. The next day, breakfast was more on the savory side, eggs with fresh veggies and a fruit cup, also very delicious. The dining area was very charming and I was especially drawn to a corner with a flowering plant and a victorian lamp with a shade that looked like they took it off of a flapper. (See the photo gallery below) Others that were staying there too chatted with us like we were old friends. That is one thing I love about B&Bs. There's more of a family feel and you meet some pretty interesting people. The common rooms were full of comfy chairs and things to do for all ages and it gave us a respite from the big city, transporting us out of the city to a more relaxed and quiet era.
So if you're ever near Springfield and need a place to stay, I highly recommend the Walnut Inn! You won't be disappointed. Be sure to check out their website. https://walnutstreetinn.com/
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