BEE on the Brow Bed and Breakfast

BEE on the Brow Bed and Breakfast
By Marla Ballard, Reporter | Bamabell62@gmail.com

MENTONE, Ala. – Along the brow of Lookout Mountain seekers of tranquility will find Bee on the Brow Bed & Breakfast Inn. The guesthouse opened in October of last year. The proprietors Pete and Rachel Sterns have lived both across the United States and abroad while Pete served in the military and decided upon retirement Mentone was to be their forever home. “We dreamt of opening a bed and breakfast lodge for decades,” said Rachel.

The name for their retreat came from their admiration for the honeybee whose work yields a sweet reward. They also wanted their guests to fully connect with what it means to retreat to Mentone – to “bee” fully present. The couple features honey in their offerings at breakfast and snack-time as much as possible.

The home hosts a year-round view of the Sand Mountain range in the western sky. The three-acre property is frequented by native fauna and a wandering peacock. The Sterns have created several spaces for observing nature both indoors and out. “We want our guests to experience what is can be like to wake up above the clouds, be renewed, be still, be inspired, and just bee on the brow,” said Rachel.

An extensive renovation allowed the Sterns to give their classic Mentone home an updated charm. The four guestrooms are named for different types of honey and each has en suite bath and Smart TV. Rooms are located on both the lower and upper levels and host either queen or king-sized beds. Amenities vary from room-to-room; some offer a fireplace, soaker tub, extra bedding, in-room dining, or extra windows for better views.

Breakfast includes a locally sourced signature coffee blend and seasonal southern comfort staples with gourmet leanings.  At the time of making reservations guests should notify the hosts about any dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based needs. Breakfast selections commonly include; featherweight buttermilk biscuits, streusel topped hummingbird muffins, rosemary potatoes, peaches and cream brioche, brisket, and sweet potato hash. “I am currently working on my own version of Lane Cake to share with guests,” said Rachel. “Lane cake comes up several times in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and is about as southern as southern gets.”

Cozy spaces are allocated for putting puzzles together, reading, playing cards or board games, or just day dreaming. The hosts will make dinner reservations for their guests. Guests can choose to dine privately or in a group when eating at the Inn. Outdoors visitors will find a firepit and seating scattered across the property for optimal relaxation and restoration.

Contact the Inn via their website beeonthebrow.com, email: beeonthebrow@yahoo.com , or call 256-542-7725. Follow on Facebook and Instagram. Located at 16951 C.R. 89, Mentone.

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