Beard and Lady Inn

Cross country road trip with my daughter and we tried very hard to stay out of chain hotels/motels. Beard and Lady Inn is the opposite of a chain motel--we could not believe our good luck at finding this little gem , brimming with beautiful personal details, in an impressive restoration in a tiny town in the Ozarks. We were the only guests which was just a little spooky, but gave us carte blanche to explore all the themed rooms. (We stayed in the Childhood Fears room) Gorgeous bathrooms, with all the towels and products, beautiful light throughout. The breakfast bar was basically just a keurig machine and some granola bars to tide you over--this is not a full service situation. It is however the most charming and wonderful project-with beautiful period art, photographs, books and imagination- oh and did I mention the train that goes by in the night? Magic! ps check out the apothecary and vintage store downstairs

The hotel is lovingly restored with so many beautiful historic details to add to the atmosphere of historic Chester. This was a railroad stop, and note, the train still goes by right across the street. You can book a trip on the scenic train which books way in advance. There are freight trains that occasionally go by at night and can be quite loud if you are near the front of the hotel or if you are a light sleeper. There were only one or two passing at night during the days we were there. The hotel is mostly untended and guests come and go with a code and their own keys, using the common areas together. The coffee is a K cup machine and there are various granola bars, cold cereal and oatmeal provided. There is a microwave and a freezer/fridge combo available. The patio area is lovely and there is a side yard set up to play croquet if you know how.