The ‘Bed and Breakfast Lady’ visits the Fuquay Varina Mineral Springs Inn and Gardens

The perfect word to describe the Mineral Springs Inn at first sight was charming. Not too large, not too small, just perfect for a girl's getaway weekend or a quiet romantic weekend for two. Located on Main Street, directly across from the Mineral Springs Park, this Victorian home is on the National Historic Registry. With five gorgeous rooms, each with its own unique character, I had chosen the "Goldfinch Room". The online registration process was smooth and gave me a confirmation email I could print, always a comfort for those of us from the baby boomer generation. My first discovery on arrival was the charming gazebo tucked away with rockers and climbing roses. The shiny Smart Car parked next to the stone fireplace made me smile and left me thinking of questions for John and Patty, my Innkeepers. I glimpsed quiet garden seating and fountains ready to be explored. But all of these treasures would have to wait, as my first order of business was some quiet time.

My host, John Byrne, greeted me warmly in the best tradition of southern hospitality and I felt immediately comfortable. After showing me around the public areas of the inn downstairs, John brought in my luggage and showed me to my room. And of course, answered the most important question when visiting a b and b, when do you serve breakfast? John gave me a quick history of the room and some of the pieces of Victorian furniture and left me alone for a much needed nap. The Goldfinch room was a delight to the eyes, decorated in blues and yellows (my favorites) and of course a Goldfinch print in an antique frame. The attached bathroom was another treasure to explore later with interesting looking amenities and a step in glass enclosed shower.

Hunger woke me an hour later and I turned to the area guide in my room for my dining choices. There were several menus, complete with prices, and the decision was easy. A restaurant "just up the hill" named Cooley's had crabmeat stuffed flounder, a favorite and a deal maker. I dressed and went downstairs and asked John (and his visiting nearly twin brother) that I was thinking of Cooley's. When they assured me they were having dinner there later, I knew I had made the right decision.

Cooley's is a family enterprise and the owner greeted and brought me a glass of white wine personally We talked a bit about the fun and frustration of being a small business owner. I did order the crab stuffed flounder along with sweet potato and a garden salad. Raised near Calabash, NC I admit to being a seafood snob, but this meal could hold it's own in any of the eateries along Highway 17. One tip for ladies traveling together to Cooley's, you can easily split an entree' and add salads or desert. These are huge potions!


After a leisurely meal, I ambled back (if you haven’t ambled lately, try it--it’s delightful!) towards the inn and set about to explore the gardens and that gazebo I mentioned earlier. The gardens were integrated with fountains, intimate seating areas, birdhouses, and angel statues. Many of the plants and trees had informational plaques giving the name and other facts about the plant. An 80 year old magnolia graced the lawn on the side of the house, while herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, and decorative stone made the gardens a delight around every corner. I met Patty, the mistress of the garden, out digging, weeding, and watering. Patty is a 35 year retired educator, but she had definitely found a new calling creating a tranquil outdoor living area. I saved the gazebo for last and was glad I did. The rocking chair was perfect for my mood and the overhead ceiling fan made the area cool and peaceful sounding. The best sound, however, came from the birds in the trees overhead. The serenade was so perfect, I thought at first it was a CD of bird sounds. About dusk something happened that I had not seen in forever--fireflies starting popping all over the yard. It seemed a long time since I had slowed down enough to experience the calming peace of nature. Even as I enjoyed the solitude, I kept wishing my hubby were there or my best friends—what a time we could have had! Finally, there seemed nothing better to do than a hot shower and to curl up in the fluffy robe provided in my room with a good book and say goodnight.

Our breakfast was served on beautiful china and included fluffy scrambled eggs, thick cut bacon, deli baked blueberry bread, a croissant and cheese and an assortment of gourmet spreads. Our host, John, entertained us with a musical mystery CD and local and family folklore. This was a charming (excuse the second use of this word, but it just sums it up so well) addition to the usual ebb and flow of breakfast conversation. Our innkeepers went out of their way to make our stay warm--you went away feeling they really loved what they were doing!

After a quick stop for photos at the Mineral Springs Park, I was on my way home. The water from the spring has been reported for centuries to be a cure for whatever ails you. Individuals traveled long distances to "take the waters". To my untrained eye, it looked like a pretty spring with nothing special to see. But just to be on the safe side, I took my shoes off and dangled my toes and hands for a moment or two. Who knows, Maybe I do feel better!

Thanks for reading my report and email me for more information about an idea you have for a girl’s getaway weekend or ladies cruise.

The B and B Lady

Sandy Wheeler, aka the diva cruiser, takes on a new role as the b and b lady. Sandy is always willing to go the extra mile to find fun and relaxing getaway travel for the girls! For more information about our Chicks at Sea ladies cruise, please visit www.ChicksAtSea.com.