The Inn at Crescent Lake, Excelsior Springs
November 2022
Peaceful. As guests drive through the inn’s wrought iron gates, that’s how they describe their first impression and subsequent stay at the Inn on Crescent Lake.
This stately early-1900s Georgian Colonial sits on 22 tree-lined acres. Behind the mansion, a small, crescent-shaped pond offers fishing, a paddleboat and electric-powered bass fishing boat. A half-mile wooded trail follows the Wabash Railroad footprint that formerly ran at the property’s edge. The new patio boasts a fire pit, and a lovely pool is open early-May through September. Ten artfully furnished rooms and suites include a two-story carriage house and pool house suite. Central air and heating in four separate zones keep the mansion comfortable in every season.
The McCleary’s originally owned the house for 70 years, and their philanthropy helped shape Excelsior Springs. Current owners since 2019, Mike and Monica Hunter, were born and raised in Missouri and share a passion for the state’s history and beauty. They raised two sons, Austin and Luke, on a farm near Cameron. Today, the entire family operates the inn with unobtrusive, uber-friendly hospitality.
“Our guest’s most common comment is that they simply want to relax,” says Mike. “This property makes people stop and enjoy each other’s company, and we want to protect that.”
Upon arrival for our girl’s getaway, my friend, Diane, and I, immediately noticed the mahogany woodwork’s craftsmanship and original chandeliers. The entryway’s cage elevator once transported wheelchair-bound Dr. McCleary to the second floor. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast on the east sun porch where a coffee machine churns out complimentary lattes, cappuccinos and espressos 24/7, and water cascades from the original tiled fountain.
A nod to Mrs. McCleary, who hosted teas for up to 300 women, Monica converted the main dining room into a self-serve tea room. Homemade cookies sit under a glass-domed server beside an assortment of teas.
Coming full circle, the Hunters are involved with several local residential homes for special needs adults. Annually, the Hunters team up with the non-profit A Mother’s Rest to donate a weekend to ten women who need a break from caring for a special needs adult or child. In addition, the Hunters enjoy hosting weddings, family reunions, corporate events and fundraisers.
“A Mother’s Rest partners with one bed and breakfast in almost every state, and they determine who comes to stay with us,” says Mike. “Last year, we hosted foster and adoptive moms of special needs kids.”
Visit CrescentLake.com for more information.
The Silos At Prairie Vale, Green Ridge
August 2022
Upon our arrival, Kit, Sam, and Mucky came running, meowing in greeting. Near the farmhouse patio, Benny, the slightly intimidating but harmless resident turkey, strutted his massive plumage while Cupcake, the three-month-old white goat, scampered around the yard.
The animals are definitely entertaining at Wendy and Doug Needy’s Prairie Vale Farm. Equally delightful are the two cozy and artfully tricked-out grain silos, “Lil’ Silo on the Prairie” and “Farm Punk.”
“One of our daughters felt a bit disenfranchised because she didn’t have her own room with four girls in the house,” says Wendy. “So, Doug decided to turn one of our eight grain silos into her bedroom. She became the talk of her friends and acquaintances!”
Doug, who grew up across the road where his parents still live, cleaned the silo and saved the metal floor to create the bathroom ceiling, added a small kitchen and built a loft for the double bed. A plumber and septic system installer, he welded the stairway and added insulation. After their daughter went to college, the Needys turned “Lil’ Silo on the Prairie” into a bed and breakfast. It was such a hit, they added “Farm Punk,” which features a queen bed and cedar shingle ceiling.
When my husband and I arrived, Wendy introduced me to her menagerie. I cuddled week-old baby goats, Millie and Jack, and bottle-fed adorable Cupcake. I held newborn kittens that didn’t have their eyes open yet. The donkey and miniature horse ate grain from my hand.
Afterward, I plopped into the hammock by the pond where guests can fish using poles provided by the Needys. Guests can also borrow bikes and cruise nearby Katy Trail. Come evening, yard games and s’more fixings at the fire pit invite relaxation. We lounged by the pond and watched the sunset as turtles peeked out of the water.
If you don’t bring your own dinner, the German town of Cole Camp lies 30 minutes to the southwest with several excellent restaurants and boutique shopping. Sedalia is 20 minutes away. Shops and greenhouses in the nearby Amish community of Windsor sell plants, produce, furniture and bulk spices and food.
The next morning, Wendy’s yummy breakfast in our frig included ramekin French toast with homemade blueberry syrup, mixed fruit, local sausage and freshly-roasted Omega Coffee. Before heading home, I fed the animals again, with extra grain that Wendy had placed in our silo, and I bought bars of her scented goat milk soap. Guests receive miniature bars in the bathroom along with her homemade goat milk caramels in the fridge.
Visit TheSilosAtPrairieVale.com for more information.
Silver Heart Inn B&B, Independence
February 2022