Bed & Breakfast Loop Tour

By Monique Beeley

Utah is home to many unique Bed and Breakfast Inns and a loop tour is a great way to experience a variety. Our plan was to spend three nights in three B&B’s in southeastern Utah, and spend our days hiking in Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments. I was looking forward to checking out some new territory as well as scoring a little R&R.

Our first stop was at Sunflower Hill, secluded from Moab’s main drag in the heart of red rock country. The Inn has two beautifully restored homes, the Garden Cottage and the historic Ranch House, surrounded by magnificently kept grounds, a swimming pool and hot tub. Sunflower Hill was filled with the aromas of home. A crackling fire in the fireplace and homemade goodies on the table welcomed us. As we walked to our room I was filled with a sense of tranquility and peace. Our room was elegantly decorated; a patchwork quilt on the bed, fresh flowers on the table, beautiful French doors leading to the cozy balcony and a big jetted tub in the bathroom.

As we strolled through the grounds to the Garden Cottage for breakfast, my senses twanged at the fragrant aroma emanating from the kitchen. Breakfast was amazing, all homemade, fresh and delicious.

Natural Bridges, established in 1908, is the oldest national monument in Utah. It derives its name from the three natural bridges, Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo, named by the Hopi. The best way to view all three bridges is the 8.6-mile loop trail that winds through the canyon below. Sipapu, a Hopi term for opening between worlds, is the largest of the three with a span of 268 feet rising 220 feet from the canyon floor. Sipapu is the most impressive, although all are very spectacular structures of nature.

Back in the car we headed toward our next stop, the Grist Mill Inn in Monticello. I was looking forward yet another new home away from home. As we pulled up, we observed that the façade of the building was the remnant of an old flourmill. The historic Monticello mill was built in the 1930’s where it produced flour for local citizens until the 1960’s. Upon our arrival the innkeepers, Glen and Phyllis Swank, greeted us and gave us a tour of the restored building.

The charm of the Inn is enhanced by the many remnants of the original mill equipment still in place throughout the entry, great room and hallways. They showed us to our room, The Corbin Suite, cozy and warm, and not an amenity short of a luxury suite; a king size bed, a fabulous antique desk and a sitting area.

Breakfast was Phyllis’s specialty; homemade apple tart. It was a little like having warm, homemade apple pie for breakfast. What a treat! It was so good I think I ate a little too much and needed to hike some off.

We said our thanks to our wonderful hosts at The Grist Mill and headed south toward Hovenweap National Monument, about an hour from Monticello. The drive is very scenic and the sun was beginning to make it was through the cloudy morning. Ancestral Puebloans built the Towers of Hovenweep between A.D. 1200 and 1300. The Monument protects six groups of ancient ruins. The Square Tower Group is the only section of Hovenweep that is accessible by a paved road. We hiked the two-mile trail through the canyon that toured through several kivas, dwellings and the fascinating remnants of an ancient culture, impressive remains from a civilization that existed over 10,000 years ago.

Our final stop on our tour was at the Mt. Peale Inn and Spa located at the base of the La Sal Mountains in the small town of Old Lasal. There was a nip in the fall mountain air, cool and crisp. Arriving at the Inn after dark, we warmed upon entering our toasty, cozy log cabin. Our room was decorated Utah frontier style with a fantastic log bed and down comforter. We made ourselves at home and snuggled in for the night.

The sun peered through window early the next morning. I was overcome with awe at the first fantastic view of the towering LaSal peaks in the distance; Mount Tukuhnikivatz, Piute for “where the sun sets last,” Mount Tomasaki and the Inn’s namesake, Mount Peale. The smell of breakfast was wafting though the house. We hurried to the kitchen to find what smelled so wonderful. Homemade muffins! My favorite! We sat for a while sipping coffee and just taking in the view. So peaceful and relaxing. Alas, all good things must come to an end.

On the drive home, rejuvenated and much more relaxed then three days before, we chatted, comparing the three inns. Each is very different from the other two, yet all filled us with the sense of warm hospitality, peace and relaxing comfort. A very special thanks to our wonderful hosts.

sunflowerhill.com
thegristmillinn.com
mtpeale.com