Willow Lake Bed & Breakfast

Click here to edit subtitle

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014

March 2014: Local Events and Attractions
It is finally warming up after a rough winter for most of the country, so we have gathered a list of upcoming events in our area to inspire spring travel!

March 1
MainStrasse Village Mardi Gras Celebration 
Grande Parade on Saturday begin at 8:00 p.m. will travel down Main Street.
Main Street, Covington, KY 41011
mainstrasse.org, 859-491-0458

March 5-23
Wicked by Broadway Across America 
Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
cincinnatiarts.org

March 6-8
International Wine Festival 
"This festival is a celebration of wine, food and music, and has earned its reputation as a world-class culinary event for both experienced and novice wine and food lovers. Offering a full complement of wine-related events, it is one of the Midwest's largest such festivals."
525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-723-9463

March 7-9
Bockfest 
"Bockfest is a celebration of historic Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati's brewing heritage and the coming of spring. There are several bock beer festivals that take place around the world, but Cincinnati's Bockfest is the oldest and largest in the United States."
1619 Moore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
bockfest.com, 513-604-9812

March 8-9
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Cocktail Hour with Music of the Mad Men Era 
Music Hall, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
cincinnatipops.org, 513-381-3300

March 15
Downtown St. Patrick's Day Celebration 
"Celebrate with traditional Irish fare, dancing and live entertainment on Fountain Square."
Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-763-8036, myfountainsquare.com

March 17
MainStrasse Village St. Patrick's Day Celebration
"Celebrate the luck of the Irish in MainStrasse Village."
Main Street, Covington, KY 41011
mainstrasse.org, 859-491-0458

March 27
Annual Friends of Boone County Arboretum Spring Tea
This year's event features guest speaker Tony Works discussing "The Language of Flowers" and it is located at the Boone County Extension Office. You can register online or with Lacey Laudick at the Boone County Extension office: 859-586-6101. The event will be 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM.

March 28-29
Globetrotting with the KSO: A Classical Hit Parade
"Travel the world through music with works by composers from nine countries and five continents."
Greaves Concert Hall, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
 859-431-6216

*Some events are free and some require advanced ticket purchase, so you may want to visit the associated websites and/or call the organization's phone number for details. Enjoy!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2014

Marsha and Nancy’s Excellent Bed and Breakfast Adventure
Get ready for a new kind of weekend getaway!
To highlight their latest culinary creations and send guests on their own mini-adventure, friends Marsha Burton and Nancy Swartzel have created a two-night progressive bed and breakfast tour featuring luxurious surroundings, gourmet recipes, and customized itineraries between their two properties.

Marsha and Nancy’s Excellent Bed and Breakfast Adventure guides guests on a scenic tour between Louisville, Kentucky and the Burlington, Kentucky/Cincinnati, Ohio area. After a one-night stay and full breakfast at either inn, guests depart the next day with a gourmet picnic basket and customized travel plan. A sample itinerary includes historical and picturesque activities along a 130-mile stretch in between the two inns, but other options are available. The adventure is tailored to each guest’s liking, whether that means antiquing, the arts scene, sports, horse racing, shopping, a spa break, or just sitting and relaxing on one of their relaxing porches.

After a fun-filled day, travelers make their way to the other inn for a one-night stay and experience another exciting city. Each morning, guests will enjoy a full gourmet breakfast. Among several options on the morning menu, guests may choose to sample a signature breakfast recipe from the Room at the Table cookbook: Auntie Pankie’s Garlic Cheese Grits at the Inn at Woodhaven and Crème Brûlée French Toast at the Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast Inn.

- For guests who begin the two-night journey at the Inn at Woodhaven, the sample menu for the gourmet picnic includes beef tenderloin with blackberry or Henry Bain sauce, crusty French bread, fresh fruit, roasted vegetables or fresh thin asparagus spears with couscous, pasta or tabouli salad, Race Day pie or lime-raspberry bars, and old fashioned lemonade or soft drinks.

- For guests who begin the two-night journey at Burlington’s Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast Inn, the sample menu for the gourmet picnic includes a roasted whole chicken, a loaf of fresh bread, garlic haricots verts, potato salad, fresh fruit, Ghirardelli chocolate brownies, and bottled water or soft drinks.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Friends of Boone County Arboretum: Second Annual Afternoon Tea
Looking for a unique way to spend the afternoon during a March getaway? The Friends of Boone County Arboretum organization is hosting an afternoon tea to welcome spring!

According to the invitation, "Enjoy an event of delicious food and savory tea, a silent auction, guest speaker and more! Tickets are $25.00 each and benefit the Friends of Boone County Arboretum. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Boone County Extension Service, by cash or check only."

March 29, 2011
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington

You can call the event organizer, Laura, at 859-586-6101 with any questions, or let us know if you need directions or additional information.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Our Breakfast Menu
We like to provide options for our guests at breakfast. Where you eat, when you eat, and what you eat can be customized to meet your needs. We have plenty of individual tables for privacy in our dining room and we can deliver breakfast to the suites by request. We offer flexible hours for service (7:00 - 10:00am) and we can accommodate business travelers who might prefer a quick continental breakfast. We also have a wide and varied menu and do our best to accommodate your dietary requests.
A few of our dishes rotate on and off the menu, such as our Breakfast Pie, Three Cheese Tart, and Meat-Lovin' Man's Quiche, but our basic menu is shown below: 

         First Course to Start Your Day


Fresh Fruit

delightful medley of seasonal fruit


Homemade Granola

our almond-oat granola is the perfect topping for fresh fruit


Second Course


Crème Brûlée French Toast

made-from-scratch crème brûlée stuffed inside French bread topped with caramelized turbinado sugar and maple syrup


Orange Marmalade French Toast

orange marmalade, cream cheese, and honey stuffed inside French bread with powdered sugar


Our Favorite Pancakes

gingerbread pancakes with fresh butter and maple syrup


Farm Eggs

fresh eggs prepared to order


Beverages and Side Dishes


Hot Beverages - coffee and tea

Juice - orange, grape, apple or V8

Sides - sausage, bacon, English muffin or wheat toast

Healthy Options - oatmeal and low-fat yogurt


TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

To celebrate our recent selection as one of the Top Romantic Inns in America by American Historic Inns, we are offering lower rates for select dates in February. You can check dates online or call us at 888-226-5096.

This Friday night, February 4th, we have lowered the rates if you want to surprise someone with an early Valentine's Day celebration! And select midweek rates (Sunday - Thursday) range from $80-$110 depending on the room type chosen for your stay.

Looking to add romance? Our Romance Package is listed below, as well as optional add-on services to make your visit special. Just let us know how we can help you plan the perfect getaway!



Romance Package
Details such as triple sheeting, down comforters, extra pillows, and plush robes and towels are already in place when you arrive. As you unwind and leave your cares behind, enjoy a soak in the whirlpool bath, cuddle up with a blockbuster movie and popcorn, or just enjoy each other’s company as you sip sparkling fruit juice. You are welcome to bring your own wine or champagne to enjoy during your stay, as glasses are provided. When you are ready for dinner, a list of area restaurants will be waiting. This package also includes a seasonal bouquet of flowers and complimentary homemade cookies on your pillow. We continue to offer a romantic environment the next morning as you experience a full gourmet breakfast served at individual tables set with white linens and fine china. Both our suites and the William Rouse Retreat include double whirlpool baths, steam showers, refrigerators, microwaves, and the option for in-room massage (at an additional charge). The suites also include fireplaces, separate living rooms, and the option to have breakfast delivered by request.

The Romance Package includes one bottle of sparkling fruit juice, a seasonal bouquet and popcorn. It can be added to any reservation for $75. Massages may be added to the retreat or suites; please visit www.massagetoyou.net for current rate information.

Add-on/A La Carte Options
These options may be added to any reservation request.

- Massage: Please visit www.massagetoyou.net for current rate information.
- Flower Bouquet or Roses: $65
- Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Cheese Plate: $45
- Sparkling Fruit Juice: $5
- Box of Chocolates or Candy: $20
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries: $25

(*Please note that the multiple night discount doesn't apply to the lowered February rates since these are already deeply discounted.)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2014

Cincinnati Museum Center: Cleopatra Exhibit
If you are looking for something unique to do during an upcoming stay, the Cincinnati Museum Center has a new exhibit, "Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt” which is the first U.S. tour of artifacts from two historical searches, and the second stop in the world for the exhibition.

Tickets include an audio tour and are $14-23 and the event is open daily. Check out their website for more information: http://www.cincinnatiusa.com/Attractions/detail.asp?AttractionID=121&source=nletter-nletter-news

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2013

Merry Christmas and Happy 2014 New Year!
From our house to yours, we wish you all the best for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
As you reflect on the year ahead and make plans, we'd love to welcome you to Burlington! Until then, here are some pictures to give you a peek inside the inn - these are some of our favorite shots from over the years during the holidays...

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014

From Our Kitchen to Yours: Homemade Almond Granola
Today we received a request from a former guest for our homemade granola recipe and thought we'd share it online too. The granola makes a perfect topping for fresh berries and in season fruits. Please feel free to drop us a note or give us a call if you have any questions about our recipes or other requests, we are here to help!
Willis Graves' Homemade Almond Granola

1 pound old-fashioned oats
1/2 pound sliced almonds
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oats and almonds in a large bowl. In a sauce over low heat, melt the butter and then add the brown sugar, honey, and vanilla. Continue stirring until the ingredients are melted and combined.

Stir the butter mixture into the large bowl of oats and almonds, then spread it all into a large 10x14 casserole pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 30 minutes, stirring the mixture every ten minutes. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Makes about 8 cups, keeps for up to one week.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014

Bob and Nancy in the News!
Yay! Bob and Nancy received some much deserved recognition by a Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky reporter, Mark Hansel, in the linked article. He interviewed them since Burlington's Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast was recently rated as a National Top 10 Inn! You can read his article by clicking on the link below...

Article: http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/20131209/NEWS/312090024&site=AB?nclick_check=1
(This was posted by someone who works for Bob and Nancy; I have worked for the Swartzels over the years, and they are two of the kindest and most authentic people I have ever met. Those of us who get to work for them are lucky, just like all their guests for whom they work to create a memorable escape and getaway. Join me in congratulating this deserving duo on such a big honor to be a top 10 destination!)

TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013

Summer Fun in Northern Arlington
It's the time of the year for family travels and summer getaways! Here are a few links to help get the fun started in/near Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Enjoy!


Northern Arlington Links
MainStrasse Village www.mainstrasse.org
Newport Aquarium www.newportaquarium.com
Newport on the Levee www.newportonthelevee.com
Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau www.nkycvb.com

Cincinnati Links
Cincinnati Zoo www.cincyzoo.org
Cincinnati Reds Baseball www.cincinnatireds.com
Cincinnati Bengals Football www.bengals.com
Cincinnati Art Museum www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Cincinnati Museum Center www.cincymuseum.org
King's Island www.pki.com
The Taft Museum of Art www.taftmuseum.org
Cincinnati Jazz Festival www.qlzprod.com
Taste of Cincinnati Festival www.tasteofcincinnati.com
Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati www.oktoberfest-zinzinnati.com
Regional Tourism www.cincinnatiusa.com

Antique Shows
  • Burlington Antique Show - Held the 3rd Sunday of the month (April - October), the Burlington Antique Show has been visited by producers from the Antiques Roadshow and American Pickers. www.burlingtonantiqueshow.com
  • Tri-State Antique Market - At the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, six times each year (1st Sunday of the month, May thru October) browse for antiques and collectables. www.queencityshows.com
  • MainStrasse Village Antiques Marketplace - Held seven times each year (4th Sunday of the month, April thru October) in Covington, Kentucky. www.mainstrasse.org
  • Cincinnati Antiques Festival - Sharonville Convention Center, October Dates TBA. www.cincinnatiantiquesfestival.org
Antique Shops (Northern KY/Cincinnati)
Antique Shops (Lebanon, Ohio area)
  • Ambassador's Antiques 513-934-5677
  • Broadway Antique Mall 513-932-1410
  • Gerhardt Tribal Art 513-932-9946
  • The Lemon Tree Antiques 513-934-3077
  • Miller's Antique Market 513-932-8710
  • Oh Suzanna 513-932-8246
  • William & Mary 513-932-4030
  • Website for all: www.historicdowntownlebanon.com
Antique Shops (Waynesville, Ohio) 
Waynesville, twenty minutes northeast of Lebanon, is 
the home of Benner’s Colonial Traditions, who crafted the custom kitchen cabinets in our kitchen and several bedroom furniture pieces.
Auctioneers
BB Riverboats 
Located in Covington, Kentucky, BB Riverboats offers lunch and dinner cruises on the Ohio River. www.bbriverboats.com

Big Bone State Park
A short drive takes you to Union, Kentucky, where Big Bone State Park is located. Giant mammoths, mastodons, ground sloths, and other prehistoric animals, driven southward towards the end of the Ice Age, were attracted to the salt and minerals found in the swamp area now known as Big Bone Lick. Many of these prehistoric creatures became trapped and perished in the quagmire surrounding the swamps' ancient sulfur springs. Today, there are hiking trails, camping and picnicking grounds, a gift shop/museum, and a herd of buffalo. Visit Website

Big Bone Lick - Jane's Saddlebag
Unique merchandise and gifts. www.bigbonelick.com

Boone County Fairgrounds 
Kentucky's Boone County Fairgrounds, located in Burlington, is home to the Boone County Fair, antique shows, horseshows, bluegrass festival, and car shows. Check schedule for events. www.boonecountyfair.org

Boone County Parks and Golf Courses
Boone Links and Lassing Point Golf Courses www.boonecountygolf.com
Boone County Parks www.boonecountyky.org/Parks

Cabin Arts and Quilt Shop
Located down the street in Burlington, the Cabin Arts and Quilt shop has everything for your quilting and gift needs. 1,500 bolts of fabric, quilting supplies, handmade toys, quilt and craft classes, unique local handicrafts, quilted treasures old and new. www.cabinarts.com

Civil War
Harriet Beecher Stowe House www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum www.springgrove.org
Behringer-Crawford Museum www.bcmuseum.org

The Dinsmore Homestead
The Dinsmore Homestead, located in Burlington, is a living history site. Learn what rural life was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Check schedule for special events and operating days. www.dinsmorefarm.org


Eagle Bend Farm
The Eagle Bend farm, located in Burlington, is where our inn gets the farm fresh eggs used at breakfast. It is also the largest alpaca farm in the state. Tours are available with advance notice. Their Fiber Workshop store is filled products for sale such as beautiful raw fleece and items made from the alpaca. www.eaglebendalpacas.com


Little Britain Farm
For horse lovers and those seeking an unique location, the Little Britain Carriage House is available for tea, weddings, receptions, and group functions. www.littlebritainhouse.com/links.htm

Rabbit Hash General Store
In the nearby historic community of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, visit the General Store. Open every day, year-round, 8 AM to 7 PM. There you will find Bybee Pottery, Elmwood Inn Teas, Shortbreads, Curds, Berea Brooms, Sunflower Sundries, Soap, and other Kentucky-made products.

Riverbend Music Center
Cincinnati Ohio's premier outdoor concert facility.  Riverbend Music Center hosts many genres of music.  www.riverbend.org

Hollywood Casino
Casino is located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. www.hollywoodindiana.com

Turfway Park
Home of the Lane's End Stakes and Kentucky Cup Day of Champions. Live thoroughbred and simulcast horse racing. www.turfway.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Summer Scenes at Willis Graves
Hello friends and guests! We've been so busy this spring that the blog went silent for a bit. But we are back, and just in time to give you some ideas for summer travel. Later this week we will have a list of some summer attractions in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area, but first, here is our video redone to highlight the inn during the spring and summer months. It sure is a beautiful time of year!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2010

Customized Gift Certificates
Are you looking for gift ideas? Consider giving or asking for a relaxing getaway at our inn. We can customize gift certificates for any amount over $25 and they are redeemable towards a romantic and relaxing Burlington’s Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast stay. As always, just let us know if you have any questions or if we can provide additional information.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013

Taylor Morris Update
Nancy and Bob's son, Dan, was teammates in the Navy with Taylor Morris, whose storywe have shared with you along his journey to recover from an explosion in Afghanistan. This week, Taylor and his girlfriend were invited to the White House for the swearing in ceremony, to be on the Citizen Co-Chair float in the parade, and attend the Commander-in-chief Ball.

As you read their latest blog post update, I have no doubt you will be as inspired as we all are by how Taylor is recovering from injuries that led him to be the 5th person at Walter Reed to ever survive a four limb amputation. At the end of the update, Taylor's girlfriend shares they are heading soon to the x-games in Colorado and Taylor has been fitted for a snowboard. Wow!

Taylor is truly a hero.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2012

Burlington's 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Making Contest
It’s time to preheat the oven, gather your creativity and supplies and enter the 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Making Contest sponsored by the Historic Burlington Business Association!
As part of the 2011 Historic Burlington Christmas celebration on December 2nd and 3rd, we are inviting people to register and participate in this exciting contest; judging will take place at Noon on December 3rd. On December 3rd, Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm will have a satellite shop with yarns, a spinning demonstration, and an Alpaca on-site.

The Prizes for the Adult and Child Categories are "To Be Announced"
- check back soon for updates!

All ages are welcome to participate, but houses in the adult category must be made from scratch: photos will be required to prove that they are made from scratch, examples must show the person making the house in the photos.

Deadlines
All houses will need to be displayed in the lobby of the Old Court House at 2988 Washington Square during the Historic Christmas Celebration to qualify. The Old Court House is at the corner of Rt. 18/Burlington Pike and Rt. 338, in the center of historic downtown Burlington. Creations must be delivered on Friday between 12:00-5:00pm. Judging will take place at NOON on Saturday, December 3rd!

How to Enter
To register to participate in Burlington’s 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Making Contest, call Nancy Swartzel at 859-689-5096.

Contest Rules/Details
ALL HOUSES ARE TO BE MADE FROM SCRATCH IN THE ADULT CATEGORY. THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL AGES. KITS MAY ONLY BE USED IN THE CHILDREN’S KIT CATEGORY FOR AGES 12 AND UNDER. For adults, photos taken during the process of making of the Gingerbread House will need to be shown with the person making the house in the photos to qualify.

Need inspiration on how to make a gingerbread house from scratch? Martha Stewart is a valuable resource. Her book, Martha Stewart‘s Christmas Entertaining, Decorating, and Giving (1989), provides details and step-by-step instructions.

Swartzel, . "http://www.willisgraves.blogspot.com/." http://www.willisgraves.blogspot.com/. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan 2014. <http://www.willisgraves.blogspot.com/>.