Maryann Blackerby, a friendly innkeeper with snow white hair, greeted me at the door. She actually reminded me of my mother, and I instantly felt at home. At Maryann's side was the B&B mascot, Gizmo, a Schnauzer with fur that felt like velvet. He and I were friends right away, and he was waiting for me by the breakfast table the next morning.

After I literally caught my breath, (being a flatlander from Michigan made the altitude a bit overwhelming), we ascended the grand oak staircase, passing a quilt and stained glass window on the way to my room. I spent the weekend in the Charles and Martha Sheldon Room, named in honor of the builders of the house. My bed was a four-poster queen set against a backdrop of lace. I couldn't wait to sink into the four giant floral pillows. I soon found out that Maryann would turn the bed down and leave the bedside light burning when I returned at night.

The room was large and adorned with antique knickknacks. I had my own private bathroom with what seemed like a spa-shower, complete with a thick cotton robe for afterwards. The water came out full blast, and beat down on my shoulders with enough force to wake my tired muscles.

I awoke at six the following morning to the smell of cinnamon raisin muffins, but I didn't need to be up for a few more hours, so I remained nestled under the down comforter in my little sleep-induced paradise.

The brochure for the Sheldon House promises you won't leave the house hungry, and that vow was more than accurate. When I finally made it down to breakfast, I stuffed myself with one of the muffins, a bowl of honey toasted flakes, fresh pineapple, and the crème de la crème, Maryann's breakfast quiche which included green onions and other vegetables, along with bacon packed on a homemade pie crust. (CONTINUE...)