Lincoln Way Inn A Gem in the Country by Steve Meiners
Did you know we have a five star bed and breakfast just 6 miles away from us? If you are a ‘local’ you probably do, but if you are visiting the area you might drive right by The Lincoln Way Inn and not know it was there. This wonder- ful B & B is located in Franklin Grove, Illinois. The facility is a completely restored 1912 home featuring 5 bedrooms, great indoor and outdoor spaces for enjoying breakfast or just relaxing around the outdoor fireplace. They also have a two story carriage house with heated, indoor parking for guests and a meet- ing room with kitchen on the second level. Recently The Lincoln Way Inn also started hosting weddings and events (up to approximately 125 people).
Lisa & John
What a great addition to our local community! Since the Ashton/Franklin Grove area is not in the middle of a hot tourist attraction you might wonder how the facility came to be. Well, it is a good story! Lisa Marie and John Ayres are the innkeepers. Lisa had worked for about 25 years in the Hospitality Industry before she became affiliated with a group called Tawani Enterprises. This group seeks out and restores historic properties primarily in the Chicago area. Lisa was involved with site location and renovation work. That explains her passion for B & B’s but it does not give you a clue to how she ended up in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Lisa and John were Chicago people but they both shared a goal to get out of the city and closer to nature. They be- came involved with The Nature Conservancy at the Nachusa Grasslands. They came to really like the area here and purchased some acreage just north of Franklin Grove. Initially it was their weekend getaway. Eventually it became their home. Once they relocated Lisa was allowed not only to find a restoration project locally but ‘retired’ to actu- ally run the B & B herself. Lisa and John are partners with Tawani Enterprises on The Lincoln Way Inn. Lisa and John expend an incredible amount of energy in exceeding their customer’s needs. From natural fibers in all beds and bedding to using locally grown provisions in their breakfast offerings, no attention to detail is spared. Lisa
is almost always there! She is an amazing cook (ask her how she uses the honey from her bee hives at the farm). She is also a delightful host and will point you in the right direction to enjoy some of the local dining, state parks or other attractions. John, who still has his day job in the city, works hand in hand with the staff on weekends and events. This is a truly a family affair! Check them out at www.lincolnwayinn.com.
Crest Foods held their annual 40 Year Employee Dinner at the Lincoln Way Inn Bed & Break- fast this May. Lisa and John were able to fit all 22 people who at- tended at one large table in the din- ing area. We enjoyed wandering through the beautiful house and seeing all of the work and details that went into the restoration.
18 Crest Ink July, August & September 2017
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