Holly House Bed & Breakfast
Soldotna, AK
Talent and entertainment highlight this beautiful home. We were enchanted by this family for a day. It was a special part of our Alaska adventure, one we will never forget. With it's location above the Kenai River, private boardwalk overlooking the Centennial Park and fishing, and it's large back deck, we had found the perfect place to relax and enjoy the evening.
George Sr. greeted us as we walked up to the house. He told us that he had built the house and after seeing it, we understood his pride in it. Moments later, we met George Jr. He had taken a few days off from his job at the Alaskan Heritage Center in Anchorage to work at the B&B on some of his projects. They took us into their home and we found a place full of delights.
 | George Jr.'s artwork and handiwork was displayed everywhere and we were amazed by his talent. He has many projects on-going and many completed ones on display. His artwork adorned the walls. He was working on portraits-in-paper. And he is in the process of documenting his native dialect so that the language will not be lost. Presently only about 30 people speak the language. After a tour of the home, we went onto the back deck where we visited. George Sr. brought out some fresh-from-the-oven bread he had just prepared. Cindy was in heaven. She loves fresh baked breads. She visited with George Jr., while George Sr. took me down the stairway to the boardwalk amd showed me how he had built all this and had even reclaimed some of his property from the river that had been eroding the property line. I thought of how ingenious and how much work he had exerted to accomplish the task.
After relaxing for a while we rejoined CIndy and Jr. on the deck. A small squirrel entertained us until we went inside. |
Soon, Joanne, George Sr.'s wife, came home and showed us some of Jr.'s handpainted shirts and a native leather garment that was gorgeous. Also a priest joined us at the B&B and told us of some his adventures in Alaska. He is a long time friend of the family and had made some of the furniture in the home. A young couple from Utah joined us all in the living room and then we got a real treat.
George Sr. plays the banjo. George Jr. sang native ballads and explained them as well. Then Sr. and Jr. combined their talents and put on a short show that mesmerized us all. They even had a few jingles, about the B&B, that I suggested they put on their website.
We went out and had dinner in the motorhome. It was so peaceful on this side of the river that we sat in our lounge chairs for a while and enjoyed the serenity. The squirrel we had enjoyed earlier returned and put on another show. We threw him pieces of bread and he never seemed to get full. The birds started to gather too, so we cut the program short and headed inside to our suite.
The room had a private bath with a shower/tub combination. It had a king size bed with a twin bed also. There was a down comforter that was great and the room had a desk for Cindy to work at. The sun was still out at midnight but the great shades kept it from keeping us awake.
 | Scrumptous smells awoke us the next morning. As we entered the breakfast area, George Jr. was at the oven wearing a chef's hat and had a friend with him. We were introduced to Robin. She had come over to help George with breakfast. George Sr. began playing on the banjo again and the mood was so festive. In between his playing was soft Hawaiian music. Everyone was in a great mood and we talked with the newlyweds from Utah while George and Robin finished their preparation.
And was it worth the wait. He presented us with Quiche' de la Georges, a quiche with pork sausage, bacon, onions, bell pepper, spinach, herbs de Provence, cheddar and swiss cheeses and tomato wedges. We also had coffee, tea, homemade toast and jams. What a great start to the day! |
Too soon we had to leave this talented family and their wonderful home. We hardily recommend this B&B and hope you will check out their Website, make your reservations and be sure to tell them that Cruising America sent you!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
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