Laguna Beach 2/7/2008 7:55:00 AM
News / Business

Experience the Romance of Montana’s Bed and Breakfast Inns

If you ever need help with a surprise proposal, Betsy and Woody, innkeepers of Good Medicine Lodge in Whitefish, Montana, are experienced professionals.

“The suitor asked us privately if we would take custody of the ring and prepare a surprise presentation of our choosing while he and his intended spent the day skiing,” said Betsy. “We plucked the petals from several dozen roses, arranged a fluffy rose petal heart on the bed with a trail dropping off the corner and following a path through the door to the head of the stairs leading to the room. On a tray next to the rose petal heart on the bed, we placed the ring tied with ribbons and connected it to two champagne glasses. A champagne bottle on ice, a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and a crystal vase with a single rose completed the presentation.  The couple returned from their day on the mountain, and he delayed at the bottom of the stairs briefly while she went on up. Discovering the pathway led to the first shriek and then screams of utter delight followed.  We were almost as giddy, having played our role in putting it together. Later, they told us that they rolled on the floor in the rose petals and then scooped up armfuls of the petals and filled the large jetted tub with water and petals.”

Good Medicine Lodge also offers a special Valentine’s Package this year with rates ranging from $115 - $205. Included are luxury accommodations, full breakfast, complimentary evening appetizers and beverage. On February 16, the innkeepers will serve a champagne aperitif and will welcome Betsy Morrison and Luke Walruth of The Alpine Theatre Project who will perform an hour-long set of love songs. Good Medicine Lodge will contribute one-third of the room revenue to The Alpine Theatre Project.

For a different romantic experience, go to Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast in Missoula, Montana.  In February, a red rose and lovely hand made mints welcome guests upon arrival and candlelight dinners are offered on certain weekends. Innkeepers Elaine and Brady Anderson-Wood offer vacation packages and guided nature tours during certain times of the year. “Winter time at Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast is probably the most romantic time of all,” said Elaine.  “Both local and out of state people come to enjoy the secluded feeling that our twenty acres of wildlife habitat offers. Sometimes the trees sparkle with frost against a clear blue sky, accenting the majestic valley view.  At other times, the bed and breakfast feels like a cozy secluded castle where the snow and rocks create a unique display of light and shadows among pine trees and water gardens.”

“We have couples who come specifically to enjoy the bed and breakfast from the inside out as they watch the wild birds, read local history books and listening to the old player piano,” continued Elaine.  “Others enjoy their stay by hiking the mountain or taking a short excursion to one of the nearby ski hills or into Missoula for a cultural night out.  Some of the most memorable moments for us have included times when couples have come to renew their wedding vows or in some way start a new life together amongst the simple beauty that lies here on the mountain.”


Still undecided? Log onto www.iloveinns.com or http://www.iloveinns.com/montana-bed-and-breakfast/ and browse through the 19,000 B&Bs and country inns that specialize in other events and locations that may interest you. Many of the properties listed above are also in the best-selling bed and breakfast guidebook Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns with a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free Certificate. ILoveInns also offers Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates, a perfect solution to help celebrate any occasion.

About American Historic Inns and iLoveInns.com
American Historic Inns, Inc. (
www.iloveinns.com), founded in 1981, is the leading publisher of bed & breakfast guidebooks, with more than 2.5 million bed & breakfast guidebooks sold, and runs iLoveInns.com, a top bed & breakfast and country inns directory.

Note: For photos or interviews, please contact Deborah Sakach at 949-497-2232, ext. 308.