Brierwreath Manor was the first bed and breakfast I or my fiancé Ariana ever been too. With that, I say that Mike and Lyn Cook have the set the bar extremely high for any other b&b we will visit. As Lyn opened the door to their home, we were welcomed like family. Their home was decorated to reflect the Queen Anne style of the house. Pictures, candlesticks, dolls, crystals and knick-knacks beautifully cluttered the shelves and tables of their living and dining room. As our grandmotherly hostess took us up the stairs to our room, Lyn told us a little about her home and described the amenities her and her husband set out for us. In a corner of the upstairs they had set out brochures and cards of some of the business and establishments of the area. Then she showed us a pleasantly filled drink bar with teas and coffee for our enjoyment at anytime of the day. The room that we reserved was the Mayor’s Suite, decorated as any Victorian lady would have been proud to show off. The room has a gas fireplace in the corner, which any couple would love to snuggle by. On the way to the shower, there is a sitting room were Lyn placed candy and cookie jars for us to snack on while we relax and get ready for our excursions into the heart of Galena . As our hostess gives us the keys to our room and their home, she tells us that breakfast is at 8:30 to 9:30 am and leaves us to get ready to explore Brierwreath Manor and downtown Galena .

Exiting the home of our new found family, Ariana and I took an extremely short walk, one block over to the heart of Galena . Brierwreath Manor is just at the corner of Bench Street and Diagonal Street , which opens near one end of downtown. With this location my fiancé and I could go explore the shops and bistros, then come back to drop our treasures off, without ever needing to get in the car or look for parking.

Eating was another pleasure at Brierwreath Manor. Lyn cooked up, what I call, a breakfast cake with slices of apple and pieces blueberries and walnuts covered with apple cider gravy. A breakfast fit for a king. This, along with a couple more of her recipes, is on their website for you to enjoy at home (which I have). Lyn and Mike asked to if we minded if they could join for breakfast. Naturally we accepted their invitation. Chatting for almost 2 hours that morning with our hosts, it felt like being at home.

Lyn and Mike Cook are gracious hosts; they welcome you in to their home like family and treat you like royalty while you are there.

There is no higher compliment Ariana or I can give Lyn and Mike Cook of the Brierwreath Manor, other than thank you for an unforgettable time spent with them and I can’t wait to be welcomed back into their home again.