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The Magic of Spring’s Bloom

By Lorelei Savaryn

Walk outside The Astor House, and you’ll be transported to a quiet oasis of nature in the middle of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Birds chirp and land on one of the many beautiful bird feeders, wind rustles through the leaves, and delicate flowers pop up in beautifully diverse beds tucked away all across the lawn.

And this summer, guests will find even more delightful surprises than ever before. I am lucky enough to be the daughter/step-daughter of the owners, Linda and Tom. I am also an author of novels for middle-grade readers. My new book, The Edge of In Between,is a magical reimagining of The Secret Garden, and you can find a miniature version of my magical garden right outside this beautiful B&B.

Discover the magical poem that leads you into the garden carved onto paving stones. Inhale the scent of forget-me-nots and irises popping through the soil after a long winter’s thaw. Peek into the hive where you might find the magical sleeping Tickles if they aren’t buzzing about. And if you spot a bright red cardinal, it might just be a lost loved one visiting from Ever After to let you know they’re okay.

You can purchase signed copies of The Edge of In Between from the parlor and follow Lottie on her journey from deep gray sadness to color and hope again while you sit on a garden bench, immersed in the story as it comes to life all around you.

Spring is the perfect time to visit The Astor House and to step foot inside the magical world of the In-Between, where anything is truly possible.

Now Serving Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee

“So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Willie Wonka said that too when, after being disheartened by the behavior of some folks, his faith in humanity was restored by the gesture of one.   Living through a pandemic is worrisome.   We can all cite moments of fear, anxiety, and frustration.  But there are those moments, too, when dreamers remember there’s a heap of good in the world. Perhaps it shines a little brighter in the midst of all the uncertainty.  I thought I’d share a true “feel good” story with you in hopes it’ll warm your heart as it has ours.

This place we’re living in and sharing with others is a dream.  And some of the things that have unfolded throughout the world pandemic have added a bit of unexpected magic to life. In 2002, my late sister called me to tell me about a show. She said my daughter, Lorelei, and I HAD to watch it.  The show was called Gilmore girls.  My sister said it reminded her SO much of the relationship between my daughter and me.  After she persisted for many months, Lorelei and I promised to sit down for the pilot episode once the first season was available on DVD.

We were hooked.  Admittedly, it felt like someone had been peeking into our lives a bit as we watched each episode.  We could relate to so much of the banter, the quirks, and the lives of the characters.  Lorelei dreamed of a career as a writer and could relate to the character of Rory who aspired toward a career as a journalist.   I worked as an Apartment Manager for large complexes and my husband and I loved staying at B&B’s.  That is where the dream of running an Inn was planted.  I found watching Gilmore girls inspired that dream further.

The show offered a platform we could deeply relate to and gave us a little escape to Stars Hollow each week.  It quickly became my favorite show of all time.  A favorite character mine and my daughter’s, and of so many people who love the show, is the owner of the diner in Stars Hollow, Luke Danes.   Throughout the series, he was known for having “The best coffee in town.”

For the show’s creator to put “Prince Charming” in jeans, a flannel shirt, and a backward baseball cap was nothing short of brilliant. Lorelei and I decided we didn’t like any of Lorelai Gilmore’s other suitors. We liked Luke.  As so many fans did, we hoped the two of them would eventually end up together. We were heartbroken when the series ended.

In 2010, Tom and I made a serious run at purchasing the Astor House; however, the timing wasn’t right.  But we never lost sight of that dream.

In 2016 Netflix produced 4 ninety-minute continuations of the Gilmore girls so we could learn what became of Luke, Lorelai and her daughter Rory.  My daughter and I got together to watch the Netflix series and we enjoyed every moment of it.  You can view the series at https://www.netflix.com/title/70155618 

Fast forward to 2019 and two amazing littles were added to the two beautiful children Lorelei and her husband had welcomed into the world between 2012 and 2014.  Tom and I absolutely adore our four grandchildren.  Lorelei was also on her way to becoming an author in 2019, as her first novel is being released this fall by Penguin Random House.  She signed a two-book preemptive deal.  It’s a dream come true.  Here’s a link to her page on the publisher’s website.

We had so many blessings to count over the years.  Lorelei’s husband landed a fabulous job.  Our son and his wife had the blessings of amazing career and travel opportunities as well, and Tom and I purchased the beautiful Astor House we’d had our eye on since 2010.   In February of this year, Lorelei decided to arrange a cameo video, as a surprise for me, from Scott Patterson.  (The actor who played Luke Danes on Gilmore girls.)  I was amazed, to say the least, and the video definitely made me smile.

Shortly afterward, I received an email from Scott’s assistant, letting me know he’d started a coffee company. She told me they’d looked up our B&B online after Scott had done my cameo video and they found our Inn delightful.  She wondered if we wanted to try a sample of Scott’s coffee brand.  Of course, we accepted.  That was in February. Needless to say, we fell in love with the coffee to the point we knew we’d never serve anything else to the Astor House guests. It was the best coffee I’d ever tasted. Additionally, we learned there was great integrity at Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee, like doing things to help the environment in source countries.

Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee is a perfect match for our home cooking and award-winning baking at the Inn.  We also learned we could easily become Wholesale Partners with Scott’s company. A fella I already admired for his acting skills.  Imagine that.   We all know what transpired in the US in March.  Tom and I never could have anticipated the world pandemic occurring just a few months after achieving our dream of living in and running the Astor House.

As with all adversity we’ve faced, and our family has had our share, we persevered through this challenge with a lot of faith and a lot of helpers.  One of whom was an absolute surprise and a delight, especially for me.  When we were finally able to open our Inn again after Safer at Home orders were lifted, we finally put in that order for the best coffee on earth.

We received so much incredible support from Scott’s assistant, Elaine, and we’re a small player in the grand scheme of things.  But even throughout the quarantine time, she reached out to us to find out how we were doing.  Once we were ready to place our order she helped us navigate our options.  She answered every question we had in a timely manner. She gave us pointers on our social media posts to help increase our visibility.

She even arranged a phone call between me and Scott Patterson himself.  This I found to be an exceptionally grand honor.  I have to say it was incredibly surreal to talk with Scott.  I’d heard his voice hundreds of times over the years of watching Gilmore girls and here he was on my cell phone.  He spent about 20 minutes sharing his enthusiasm at having us as a wholesale partner. He gave us tips on everything from displays to marketing.

It speaks to the integrity of Scott and his company that he would take time to chat with me about the Astor House and our partnership. Scott and Scotty P’s have been unbelievably gracious in helping us kick-start awareness of the Inn now that we’ve reopened.   We owe many thanks to Scott and Elaine for so kindly taking time to get the Astor House before so many people through their social media platforms.

Our loyalty was firmly in place because of the taste.  The interactions with Scott and his team have made us iron-clad wholesale partners and customers for life.

I’ve hit the jackpot in a few incredible areas of life.  Motherhood is one of those places.  I have two amazing adult kids to whom Tom is step father.  Lorelei and Kyle are my dreams come true.  Seeing them pursue the desires of their hearts brings such joy. They and their spouses have offered incredible support of this dream of the Inn.

Tom is my real-life “Luke Danes.” We’d been part of each other’s circle for a long time before we realized true love was right in front of us. He wears flannel in the winter.  He sometimes wears a baseball cap.  He finds my dozens of quirks amusing and he tolerates them with a smile and gentle teasing. He pays attention to the little things and his occasional rants make me laugh. He even cooks amazing breakfasts.

I still watch Gilmore Girls reruns and the Netflix “A Year in the Life” series continuation.  The parallels we can draw between our real lives and the show Lorelei and I love aren’t lost on us. Our story, too, involves a mom with a dream of finding true love and of running an Inn and a daughter with a dream of a career as a writer.  We’re honored to have Scott Patterson’s picture in our parlor at the Astor House, in a glass hutch along with bags of his coffee for sale.  I walk by it and think, “How did this happen??”  We’re enjoying the opportunity to introduce this fine coffee and company to everyone who comes to the Inn and everyone we know.  The guests, and our friends and family, are falling in love with Scott’s coffee.  We knew they would.

To any business that serves or sells coffee, we encourage you to look into Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee.  It truly is the best coffee on earth.  And you won’t find better a better team to inspire you and support the success of your dream.

Check out Scott’s amazing coffee blends and learn more about the company at https://www.scottyp.com/ And by all means, come enjoy a cup of Scotty P’s while you enjoy a relaxing stay at the Astor House.  With all of the uncertainty and unrest in the world, everyone could use a getaway.  And we thought everyone could use a true feel-good story, where a small B&B in Green Bay was helped through a pandemic, in part, by a beloved actor the family has admired for years.   Two worlds have delightfully collided.

We have so much to be grateful for as a family.  And helpers, in life, come in unexpected ways sometimes.  Scott’s efforts have reminded this dreamer of the good in life.  Faith in humanity can, sometimes, be restored by the gesture of one.

Indeed, “So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

 

Catering to that Inner Child

Seasons Greetings from The Astor House!

As another Holiday Season is upon us I found myself reflecting back on a season past when, being so very busy with holiday preparations and obligations, we didn’t watch a single one of our favorite Christmas movies.  Before we knew it, the new year was upon us and I couldn’t believe we hadn’t made time to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Rudolph” or “Miracle on 34th Street.” I vowed that year to make time to slow down and smell the roses, or the Holiday Paperwhites, as it were.  (I hear they smell as good as Gingerbread Cookies)

Remember holidays as a kid? Everything seemed magical and days stretched out forever.  We never missed the holiday classics.  We’d gather around the TV with siblings and neighborhood friends for a memorizing half-hour of Charlie Brown or Frosty the Snowman.  We were riveted by every line and we soaked in the dialogue like little bone-dry sponges.  It all added to the magic and the mystery.

Somehow, as little ones, we packed so much fun into a single day.  It’s no wonder we fell asleep by 9 pm despite our convictions about going to bed at all.  Perhaps, as kids, we just didn’t want the fun to end.  But once our head would hit the pillow we’d be off to dreamland, only to repeat the quest for slow-to-unwind adventure the very next day.

Remember as a kid how you noticed little things?  No matter what time of year it happens to be, kids tend to zero in on things adults all too easily overlook.   In summer, they might study blades of grass or watch ants build houses on the sidewalk.  And in winter they notice the intricate patterns of snowflakes that fall gently on tiny hands sheltered inside the wool mittens Grandma made.

What happens to that innate curiosity about the little things in life as we grow up? I happen to think it’s still in there somewhere. We just get caught up in daily tasks and responsibilities. Who has time anymore to study the grass, to marvel over the strength and determination of those tiny ants or to think about how miraculous it truly is that every snowflake is different?

Wouldn’t it be fun to just put the responsibilities aside for a while this holiday season and do something special to recharge your already worn out batteries?  We’d love to share our amazing home with you and help you create some well-deserved space for noticing the little things this holiday season. A visit to Green Bay might be just the thing. Or if you already live here, your getaway is waiting in a beautiful Victorian home just minutes away.

Green Bay is dear to the hearts of your Innkeepers for a lot of reasons.  It’s referred to as a small city. But we fancy it a town. One that embraces locals and visitors like a hug from a favorite relative you haven’t seen in years.  It boasts activities that truly invite people to slow down and connect with that inner child for a while.

Thursday through Sunday you can stroll through the trees or take a horse-drawn sleigh to view the WPS Garden of Lights at Green Bay Botanical Gardens, www.gbbg.org. 920-490-9457. There’s a new light display this year called “Butterflies in Motion,” along with more than 300,000 twinkling lights throughout the display.  Look for the enchanted icicle forest, glistening flowers, a dazzling 60-foot walk-through caterpillar and so much more! It’s a beautiful way to spend quality time with the family.  Be sure to dress warmly so you can stop along the pathways to soak in your favorite displays.

You can enjoy a local dinner theater production that is a favorite among Green Bay folks and visitors too.  A Frank’s Christmas is playing at the Meyer Theatre on various dates throughout the holiday season.  Put your to-do list on pause for a few hours and treat yourself and someone you love to a night of holiday fun and laughter.  www.letmebefrank.com. 920-494-3401.

Or visit The Festival of Trees at the National Railroad Museum through January 5, 2020.  www.nationalrrmuseum.org.    920-437-7623.

Through Jan. 12, 2020 –you can enjoy “Holiday Memories of Downtown Green Bay,” at The Neville Public Museum.   www.nevillepublicmuseum.org       920-448-4460.

The Astor House is the perfect “Home Base” for a grown-up “time-out.”

Imagine classic holiday music playing as enter the parlor on a quiet winter morning.  A steaming cup of coffee is offered and you catch yourself watching the steam rise from that cup…and marveling at the vintage ornaments on the beautifully decorated tree by the window.  No need to rush….no clock to beat.

Just a couple of days of fun activities…

Or time to relax in your cozy room and dive into that novel you can’t find time to read…

We’re all about leisurely mornings, home cooking and baking, and making sure every guest is warmly welcomed and comfortable during their stay.

Call us today and book your well deserved time to unwind, recharge and connect with the kid inside who just wants to laugh, say hello to someone new, focus on play and possibilities and see the world slowly.

We invite you to call our home your home for a night or two before the rush of the season sweeps away those chances to notice the little things.

Lambeau Field Tours in Green Bay

Try Lambeau Field Tours Next Time you Visit our Green Bay Bed and BreakfastHave you ever taken the opportunity to take on of the Lambeau Field Tours, and experience life behind the scenes for Green Bay’s most famous football team? The Green Bay Packers have a tied record so far in pre-season play, with their next game coming up soon. The official season for the Packers kicks off against the Chicago Bears on September 5, 2019, with their first home game of the season held at Lambeau Field on September 15 against the Minnesota Vikings. To say Green Bay’s football fans are excited about this year’s upcoming season is, as always, a massive understatement.  Football runs in our blood in Green Bay, and the games are more than just a football game; they are an event. If you’re an avid football fan visiting Green Bay this fall, whether for a game or just for fun, consider taking one of the Lambeau Field Tours, where you can get up close and personal with football’s greatest legacy. Book your room at the Astor House Bed and Breakfast in Green Bay today. Continue reading

Plan Now to See Fall Foliage in Green Bay

Fall foliage at our Green Bay Bed and BreakfastAs we bear down on Labor Day, and what for many is the last official weekend of summer celebrations, we can somewhat reluctantly welcome the start of fall. The countryside around Green Bay is already showing hints of colorful autumnal hues, which means now is the perfect time to plan a getaway to our romantic Bed and Breakfast.  As the air begins to cool, we’ll soon be surrounded by fall’s hallmark hues of crimson, orange, yellow, and green. You won’t have to go far to see the finest fall foliage the Midwest has to offer.  We have a few great ideas to make this fall foliage season one you’ll never forget. But first, you need to book your room at our romantic Green Bay Bed and Breakfast. Rooms will fill up fast during peak fall foliage season, so don’t wait! Continue reading

Business Travel to Green Bay

Green Bay Business travelEach year, the historic Astor House in Green Bay welcomes hundreds of new and returning guests. It’s not often that we mention the wonderful business travel that flows through our doors in Green Bay, but if you have plans in the near or distant future to do any business in or around Green Bay, we are happy to provide you with the perfect home away from home.  The Astor House Bed and Breakfast is conveniently situated just 15 minutes from Austin Straubel International Airport and 3 minutes from downtown Green Bay.  In addition to being easy to access, our Green Bay Bed and Breakfast offers guests unique and quiet accommodations, and a comfortable environment for relaxing and planning the next days’ business presentations. You’ll find that necessary business travel amenities, such as a copier and fax, are available for your use as well. Best of all, our weekday rates are budget-friendly, without sacrificing the comfort and quality you need while away on business. Book your room with us today, and experience the best in business travel accommodations Wisconsin has to offer. Continue reading

Come See the Beautiful Greater Green Bay Area

Greater Green Bay WisconsinThere are a large number of reasons to visit Green Bay, Wisconsin during the spring and summer months.  In the Greater Green Bay area, there are hidden treasures around every corner, with one of the primary draws to the region being its natural beauty. Situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, the beautiful surroundings and abundant outdoor recreation mark the greater Green Bay area as a wonderful weekend getaway destination.  From the art lover, the musician, or the foodie, to the outdoor adventurer, Green Bay is a charming town big enough to offer something for everyone.  Not only is Green Bay itself a wonderful place to spend a weekend getaway, but it is also the gateway to two of Wisconsin’s top travel destinations; Door County and Marionette County.  Come spend a weekend with us at our centrally located, historic bed and breakfast, and start creating those unforgettable summer memories. Continue reading

Romantic getaway in Green Bay

Green Bay Romantic GetawayGreen Bay, Wisconsin is, of course, well known and much-loved for its Packer’s Football.  With Superbowl XLVIII just around the corner, however, it’s time to think of other reasons to visit Green Bay this winter.  The Greater Green Bay area is full of hidden treasures, just waiting for you to come out and explore.  You’ll find a host of fun activities to choose from, ranging from family fun with the exotic animals at the NEW Zoo, beautiful outdoor wildlife sanctuaries, a rich tradition of history and culture, a vibrant performing and visual arts community, a thriving downtown full of dining and shopping opportunities, and plenty of recreational space for outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties.  In Green Bay, you’ll find a great variety of city amenities, yet still the quiet charm of a smaller town.  These attributes and more make a romantic getaway in Green Bay the perfect recipe for a winter escape.  Book your stay at the Astor House Bed and Breakfast, where the comfort and ambiance is second to none. Continue reading

Business Travel in Green Bay

Green Bay Business TravelAre you coming to Green Bay for business travel, and looking for a wonderful place to stay while you’re here?  The Astor House Bed and Breakfast may be the perfect solution for you.  Our five beautifully decorated rooms have spacious private baths, and are designed to cater to every comfort and convenience.  Four of these rooms are equipped with double whirlpool tubs, perfect for unwinding at the end of your day.  Most of our rooms also have gas fireplaces, and all are air conditioned with free Wi-Fi, cable television, a small refrigerator, and a host of other amenities sure to make your Green Bay business trip one of your best.  Stay at our charming and historic Green Bay Bed and Breakfast during your next business trip, and you’ll experience the ultimate in hospitality. Continue reading

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