Confessions of a Sonoran Foothills InnkeeperThis is last in a series of articles designed to provide travelers with the discovery of the bed and breakfast experience. The author has drawn on “real life” people, events and actions on which to base these stories. All names have been changed to protect the innocent and any similarities to occurrences known or otherwise, are purely coincidental.
Karen S. Friend has sold spur Cross Bed and Breakfast in Cave Creek. The INNLove articles have become a very well loved addition to Panorama Hills. We are trying to talk Karen into keeping the articles going as a former owner. If you love the stories that Karen has shared with us each month please let us know at azphm@earthlink.net , we will pass along all emails to her.
Season of Change
Thirty-six issues. It's hard to believe that more than three years have gone by so very, very quickly. When the first one of my INNLove: Confessions of a Sonoran Innkeeper articles was published in June 2004, Roger and I had only been hosting guests in our bed and breakfast less than a year. There were three bed and breakfasts legally operating in Cave Creek, and two or three operating under the radar.
Last year, we are the only ones left operating legally in Cave Creek. Andora Crossing Bed and Breakfast closed in March 2006 after the owner sold the property to a developer who saw an opportunity with the underlying multiple family zoning. The bed and breakfast in west Cave Creek closed when their SUP was not renewed by the town. And a new one being rebuilt on Continental Mountain Road was still in the construction stage after encountering more than they bargained for in structural and renovation issues.
This season, the B&B in west Cave Creek is closed for remodeling, the one on Continental Mountain Road is open for business and struggling through their first summer as the guest numbers trickle down due to the summer doldrums. And… Spur Cross Bed and Breakfast prepares to take on a new owner! Yes, we have sold the B&B to a lovely lady from Philadelphia who will carry on the legacy of providing first class lodging to guests in the Sonoran Desert. Our time here has come to a close as we pack our last boxes and wait for the movers to show up at 7:00 a.m. in the morning.
Now as I sit and write this column, I am reminded of all the lovely people who have passed through our door bringing good will and lasting friendships to us along the way. There have been good memories made here enough to last a lifetime. As I walk through the rooms of the B&B I can feel the spirit of all those guests who have made the property come alive with their laughter, stories, and sharing and caring attitudes. We will miss the interactions with them and plan to stay in touch with those that have crossed over from the guest list to friends.
Please welcome Carolyn, the new owner, as she takes on this exciting new venture to add to her already well-honed talents as caterer and coffee shop owner. There are sure to be some great meals and recipes to discover and delight you. The guest suites will be undergoing some changes as Carolyn puts her touch on them, and the website undergoes a new features which we're sure you’ll welcome.
It’s been a great and fun ride. Now we’re ready to stand on the other side of the counter, being the guests instead of the innkeeper, enjoying new sights, new places to discover and new recipes to enjoy.
Join me in a toast to Spur Cross Bed and Breakfast, may there be many happy guests who pass through the door and the sweetest of dreams for all who lodge here!!!
Karen S. Friend is the retiring innkeeper/business manager of Spur Cross Bed and Breakfast in the beautiful Sonoran Foothills of Cave Creek, AZ. Established in May 2003, the new innkeeper welcome your comments, questions and reservations at www.spurcrossbnb.com