We are asked many questions as innkeepers and one we chuckle at is, “What do you do after breakfast?”  Many people dream of owning and running a bed and breakfast without truly understanding the behind the scenes work that takes place. Yes, it is a wonderful career full of meeting new people, living in a really unique place, and being your own boss.  But behind the curtain is where the innkeeping wizards of hospitality do their “magic”.  So here it goes!  This is what a day in the life of an innkeeper looks like!  I’ll try to post as many pictures as this blog will allow.  This gal is not a wizard with the computer so bare with me…

Our day starts with breakfast of course and a very large mug of coffee for me!  I usually arise about 2 hours before breakfast so I can take my time and not feel rushed.  I won’t go into the details of breakfast because this question asks about after breakfast.  After serving breakfast we usually spend time chatting with our guests, answering questions, and catching up on their interests. 

The rest of our day(s) are spent preparing for our arriving guests, doing laundry, folding sheets and towels, making beds, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping floors, dusting, answering the phone, taking reservations, answering the doorbell, giving inpromptu tours, doing book work, sending out confirmations, emailing thank you notes to our guests, baking, cleaning our upstairs living quarters, ironing tablecloths and napkins, maintaining our website, keeping up with social media ( including this blog ), checking in arriving guests, and probably a dozen more things I can’t even think of at this moment.

Whew! And I forgot to mention maintenance and gardening!  Hey, don’t I have my husband well trained?  I couldn’t do it without him! I am so blessed by this man and our mutual calling to serve others.

After a hard days work there is nothing like a special treat…So I’ve included this recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate..if this winter is like the last, you’re going to want to make this!!

Mexican Hot Chocolate

3-4 tablespoons of sugar

3 tablespoons of cocoa

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

2 1/3 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a small heavy duty saucepan combine sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon.  Over medium heat, gradually stir in milk and stir constantly until hot, do not boil.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, Beat with a wire whisk until frothy and pour into cups.  Top with some whipped cream or marshmallows!

Now you know what an innkeeper does after breakfast!  It’s a 7 day a week multiple hours a day job but it is a great way to live.  We’ve helped several innkeepers get started with their own inns and we are always happy to answer questions about our  career.  If you are considering innkeeping and want to experience the life style give us a call!  We are happy to show you the ropes:)