DILLON HILL B&B: A Review

I don’t like bed and breakfast places. That’s a pretty foolish thing to say because I’ve had only good experiences when we’ve used them. But there’s something about the idea of inviting myself in to a complete stranger’s home that bothers me. It’s okay with relatives but not with strangers. That being said this past weekend may have completely cured me of my little phobia. We stayed in the Dillon Inn Cabins and Bed and Breakfast in Wevertown, NY and couldn’t have had a better time.

For our fortieth anniversary our daughters gave us a gift that was a little different. Not everyone gets a tour of a mine followed by a night in a farm house as a gift. Leave it to our kids to come up with that. The best part is we really enjoy that kind of idea. I’ll write about the mine tomorrow. Today let me tell you all about the farm house.

The Dillon Inn is located on a dirt road on the edge of the hamlet of Wevertown, NY in the Adirondack Mountains. Close by is Gore Mountain, a major ski area, and the headwaters of the Hudson River. The driveway to the Inn is cut out of a hillside and lined on one side with an impressive wall made of local boulders. A large white farm house surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens comes in to view at the top of the hill. Along the edges of the clearing are two cabins, also white, and also attractive. The overall impression of the building and grounds is one of beauty, order and comfort. A welcoming committee of three rather happy Bassett Hounds came bounding up to show us the way in.

A bed and breakfast is only as welcoming and as friendly as the hosts. The accommodations could be as luxurious as a five star hotel but if the owners in residence are cold and imperious then pleasant memories will not be made. At the Dillon Inn the owners, Mike and Nina Dougherty, are friendly, kind and genuine folks who welcome their guests warmly and sincerely. They will provide as much privacy as a guest wants or some interesting and enjoyable conversation. Always accommodating and never intrusive is the balance that they achieve in an effortless way. Mike was more than happy to share the history of the home and the work they have accomplished to make it the showplace it is today. Nina talked about the gardens that embellish the grounds and about the everyday operation of the Inn.

The living room with a beautiful stone fireplace was comfortable and inviting. The entertainment center was well equipped with TV and a substantial library. A screened in porch provided a bug free outdoor sitting space. The dining room is a gorgeous and warm space with windows overlooking the back yard. Each guest room is unique in decoration, all tastefully done and comfortably furnished. We stayed in the Sawmill Room which is paneled in natural woods and accented with wood furnishings surrounding a lovely four poster queen size bed. The rooms all have plenty of natural light plus lamps and recessed ceiling lighting that allow the guests to set whatever level of light they like. All the rooms are quiet and well insulated. Every room has a private bath equipped with an excellent modern shower. Linens and accessories are of the finest quality. Mike and Nina have made an old farm house into a really fine place to spend a night or a week.

The breakfast prepared by Nina was superb. On the morning of our stay she served a perfectly cooked frittata with broccoli, mushrooms and cheese. This was accompanied by bacon, home fries and an excellent whole grain toast. Coffee, which each guest can make to his or her liking, and juice, rounded out the menu. In the evening a fresh and delicious home made apple tart was set out for snacking. Mike and Nina also had several recommendations for other meals at local restaurants. We went with their suggestion of the Black Mountain Lodge and were completely satisfied.

If you’re a skier the Dillon Inn has packages available featuring the great facilities of Gore Mountain. If you’re a “leaf peeper” the Inn is situated in a beautiful area for your particular interest. Whitewater rafting is a very short ride away from the Inn and hiking trails are just a few steps from the front door. Many other attractions are nearby including the mine tour.

So if you need a little quiet time or if you want to give a sure to be appreciated special gift contact the Dillon Hill folks. Their website is www.dillonhill.com and it has photos and lots of other information. The photos, as beautiful as they are, don’t really do the place justice. Take it from a guy who didn’t really care for bed and breakfast places, this is an ideal place to stay. If you like reasonably priced comfortable, quiet, luxurious and hospitable accommodations then you can’t go wrong here.

Have a fine day.