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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.

Family Weekend 2022 at Astor House

As springtime approaches, we’re excited to offer our very first Family Weekend at the Astor House!  The event will be all about the magic of reading and sharing adventures together.  Tom and I have enjoyed hosting many guests who have traveled to the Inn with their kids.  We felt inspired to create a weekend, especially with our young visitors in mind.  May 13th-15th will be geared towards middle graders who visit the Astor House with a parent or guardian for a memorable and meaningful experience.

We’re honored to welcome Penguin Random House author Lorelei Savaryn as our special guest for this fun event!  Lorelei is the daughter/step-daughter of your innkeepers and we couldn’t be more proud as she prepares for the release of her second fantasy novel. Lorelei is the author of “The Circus of Stolen Dreams, released in 2020, and “The Edge of In Between,” a magical retelling of the Secret Garden,  which comes out April 19, 2022.

Both books have received Booklist Starred Reviews and are beautiful fantasy novels geared toward middle schoolers.  Read more about these novels here:  https://loreleisavaryn.com/

The Edge of In Between is the theme for this fantastic family weekend.  Guests will receive a Welcome Gift including an autographed copy of each of Lorelei’s novels, a certificate for Happy Joe’s Pizza, and other surprises.  The event will include some social time with Lorelei, a former teacher, and teacher’s coach,  and she’ll read excerpts from her novels as well.  You and your middle grader will be inspired by her personal story of success and by the deep and meaningful themes of her novels.

There’ll also be a Scavenger Hunt in the garden where our guests will be given a list of book-related items they’ll need to hunt for and find in the gardens surrounding the Astor House.  Once they find the items on their list, they’ll be rewarded with a special prize to redeem after the weekend of fun is a memory.   As the warm-weather season rolls on, an entire section of our garden at the Inn is being permanently dedicated to  The Edge of In Between, drawing our inspiration from Lorelei’s captivating descriptions in the pages of her book.

We’re going all out with special kid-friendly breakfasts, like my Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade Strawberry jam.  There’ll also be a very special breakfast to match the one described in The Edge of In Between when Lottie, the main character, shares a meal with a family.

We only have four rooms available for this very special event, so please don’t hesitate to make your reservation and secure your space.  We can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for our young visitors this spring at the Astor House Family Weekend.  Reservations by phone only at 920-432-3585.

Writer’s Workshop Weekend at the Astor House August 20-22nd!


Have you always dreamed of writing a book and getting it published? This weekend was planned with you in mind!

This is an amazing opportunity for budding authors to spend time with published author, Lorelei Savaryn! Lorelei is the author of THE CIRCUS OF STOLEN DREAMS, which released by world publishing giant, Penguin Random House, in 2020. Her second novel, THE EDGE OF IN BETWEEN, a magical Secret Garden retelling, comes out in Spring 2022. She is also currently working on a third novel through Penguin, set to release in 2023.

Here’s what’s in store for this motivational and inspirational weekend for writers:

  • Writers will arrive at the beautiful Astor House between 4 pm to 6 pm on Friday, August 20th. They’ll settle in for a two-night stay and enjoy a literary-themed gift basket to start the weekend out right. Friday evening is free for writing time, exploring the town, or relaxation.
  • Writers can send the first chapter of their work and their query to Lorelei prior to the retreat and will receive a 30-minute individual writing critique session and discussion with Lorelei on Saturday morning.
  • Writers will also enjoy a 45-minute Introduction to Publishing session and a 45-minute Plotting 101 session with Lorelei as a group during the day.

Lorelei will be participating in an author event through Untitled Town and The Lion’s Mouth Bookstore in Green Bay on Saturday, August 21st. All workshop sessions at the Astor House will be scheduled around Lorelei’s speaking engagement. (Final itinerary for our workshop will be established once the festival’s schedule is announced.)  Those who wish can attend Lorelei’s one-hour talk with the festival.

Writers will enjoy a “Q&A Coffee and Dessert Social Hour” with Lorelei at the Astor House Saturday evening. Social time will also include an authors’ excerpt reading from Lorelei’s first novel “The Circus of Stolen Dreams.”
Join us to further your craft in a luxurious, quiet, intimate setting with home-cooked breakfasts, time to write, and this amazing opportunity for insight and tips from Lorelei Savaryn

This amazing opportunity is still available for two more writers only.  Virtual attendance is possible for an enrollment investment of $100 or take part in the whole experience and stay at the Astor House B&B for the following rates:

Rates for Friday and Saturday night for one writer and a (non-writer) guest:  $550

Additional rate for a second writer to share a suite and participate in all Writer’s Workshops:  $180

Space is limited!  Call 920-432-3585 to reserve your spot today!!

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.

Fall in Green Bay

Tom and I are excited to be your new hosts at The Astor House! You’ll see website updates soon highlighting the home-cooked breakfasts we bring to the table, along with baked goods that have won countless awards at our local county fair.  Ownership has changed, but the five-star hospitality remains the same.

Fall is making its presence known in Green Bay in some wonderful ways and residents of our little city are embracing it warmly. Just last week a flock of geese made their way across Monroe Avenue directly in front of The Astor House. Traffic, in perfect step with true Northeast Wisconsin hospitality, came to a complete standstill as the geese crossed the roadway outside of any designated crosswalk.

“Why don’t they just fly?” we wondered to ourselves as we watched from the wrap-around porch of the B&B. Still, it was truly heartwarming to see the drivers’ response to the impromptu parade. The geese were more interested in meandering than in crossing quickly, which is reflective of the general tempo of residents here in the fall.

It’s the perfect time of year for that extra cup of coffee before the rush of the weekday routine begins, or before heading out on the weekend to choose the perfect jack-o-lantern for the porch. As we wave farewell to yet another summer in Green Bay, it’s a great time to witness the earliest turning of the leaves, or, just maybe, to watch the geese stroll by in preparation of their journey south.

A trip to The Astor House in the fall is very special. In addition to the Packers Games, there are countless things to do in Green Bay to celebrate the season. To wet your whistle for the coming cool and crisp air and accompanying fun fall activities for families, here are a few events you can investigate.

Check out the first peek of fall colors at The Botanical Gardens, Barkhausen or The Wildlife Sanctuary

Click here for the Fall Color Report for Wisconsin.

October 5

Family Night Stargazing

5:00 PM-Neville Public Museum

210 S. Oneida St. Green Bay

920-4487874

www.nevillepublicmuseum.org

 

October 5

Comic-Con

10:00 AM-Brown County Library

515 Pine St., Green Bay (920) 448-4400

www.browncountylibrary.org

 

October 7

Haunted Green Bay Workshop

6:00 PMSt. Norbert College

100 Grant St., De Pere (920)403-4075

www.wnc.edu/tickets

For those who like to get spooked as Halloween approaches, Terror on the Fox is a popular and award winning attraction drawing fans of haunted houses from near and far.

Take a ride on the Terror Train, the iconic transportation into Wisconsin’s Halloween Tradition.

Find their calendar here.

 

5 Best Things To Do this Fall in Green Bay

things to do in Green Bay tour Lambeau FieldWe love the fall in Green Bay and all the wonderful things to do when the leaves begin to change color. Of course there’s football and when the team’s away visitors can tour the stadium or the Hall of Fame museum. On our sunny autumn days go for an enchanting walk in the Green Bay Botanical Garden or Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Looking for things to do on those less-sunny days? Check out a fascinating exhibit at the Neville Public Museum or go on a tasty brewery tour. Whatever you choose to do, make the historic Astor House Bed and Breakfast your home base while exploring Green Bay. Our comfortable suites, many with cozy fireplaces make the perfect romantic escape. Guests enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast every morning, all served with warm hospitality and attention to detail. Reserve your elegant guest suite for a wonderful autumn getaway to Green Bay. Continue reading

Try the 5 Best Restaurants in Green Bay this Fall

A gourmet meal and red wine on table in one of Green Bay's best restaurantsDine in the best restaurants when visiting Green bay this fall and experience excellent food, ambience and service. Enjoy quiet, intimate cafes and grand multi-story establishments with cocktail lounges and dining rooms on separate floors. All create the mood for a romantic, special evening out after a day exploring this fun city. Whether you’re looking for gourmet comfort food or daring flavor combinations, all are served with superb hospitality. A best restaurant experience is not complete without sophisticated cocktails, perfectly paired wine or unique craft beer. Talented mixologists, sommeliers, and even a on-site brewery are found at this selection of great restaurants.  Plan an unforgettable night out with your loved one and discover the foodie side of Green Bay. The Astor House Bed and Breakfast offer guests beautiful accommodations in the historic house, that’s close to all the best restaurants. Book an exciting getaway to Green Bay this autumn. Continue reading

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

Find Stunning Fall colors in Green Bay Wisconsin

Enjoy the Fall Colors in Green Bay at our historic Bed and BreakfastHave you ever dreamed of seeing the Fall Colors in Wisconsin? This year, make it a reality and visit us in Green Bay. Though we’re hesitant to say goodbye to summer quite yet, there’s no doubt that fall is one of our favorite seasons here in Green Bay.  Fall means football, of course, as we rally around our longtime team, the Green Bay Packers.  Packers Game days are an event in Green Bay, with all-day tailgating and celebrations at sports bars and living rooms around town. But, beyond football, fall is truly magical in Green Bay.  It’s a great time to get outside and take in the colorful splendor of fall around town and in our parks. The fall colors, set amidst the sparkling blue background of Lake Michigan, are breathtaking.  See it all, and experience a magical fall this season at our Green Bay Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today! Continue reading

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