The joy of being an Innkeeper, part 1 | Captain Freeman Inn

by Donna Cain

Guests are always asking us how did we decide to be Cape Cod bed and breakfast innkeepers and the big question- isn’t it a whole lot of work? I always smile as yes, it is hard work, but as my mom always said “most joys in life are found with hard work” For this first segment I thought it would be fun to share my favorite parts of this business, and what I love to share with our guests. I am sure it is different with every innkeeper as each inn takes on it’s own character. But here are my favorite reasons….

I have always love to bake. I remember as a young girl having so much fun with an Easy Bake Oven. I don’t remember actually eating much of those cakes but rather the joy in giving those cakes to my family and watching their smiles. 50+ years later things haven’t changes much except now I have a much bigger oven:)

During our busy summer season, after breakfast, I love to sit down and think about what we will bake for our afternoon tea. My library of cookbooks and Pinterest always gives me inspiration. Every tea is unique and different and dependent on which guests are in-house.

For example, we have dear guests that love our molasses cookies. It use to be a house cookie with a bottomless jar so when they visit we always have a cookie jar filled with those delicious cookies. I also love pies. Pies are my all time favorite dessert so this year we have decided to make Wednesday’s tea- Pie Wednesday!

Last Wednesdays included apple pie– as that is a family recipe that I remember my grandmother making.

My mouth is drooling just looking at the picture. I have perfected my mom’s butter crust and this pie is over the top delicious. Joy #1 is watching the delight in guest’s face when they have something special for afternoon tea!

My joy #2 favorite reason for being an innkeeper is having the time to garden and have my fingers in the dirt. I also enjoy yoga and meditation time and think gardening has the same relaxation effects on my body, mind and spirit. This year we have an expanded country garden at the Captain Freeman inn. It’s filled with vegetables, herbs, flowers, fountain, bird baths and a darling little settee that use to be my moms. The birds  are chirping around me when I garden, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sharing this little slice of heaven with our guests. Plus, we have a huge garden bounty to include in our farm to table breakfasts at the Captain Freeman Inn.

The picture above was my inspiration from Pinterest. Our garden is not mature yet but will be just as beautiful this summer. The front of the garden will include a mass of irises and orange lilies.

Last but not least is joy #3 and probably my very favorite thing about inn keeping is that I get to spend all of my days with these two special guys…

After all, life is all about sharing the things you enjoy in life with your loved one…

Happy spring everyone. Consider a trip to the Captain Freeman and enjoy our beautiful gardens and new salt water pool.