A Bed & Breakfast in Autumn
As the air begins to get cooler, the leaves start turning, and everything begins to smell of pumpkin and cinnamon…
We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to host our very first Bed & Breakfast. We wanted to celebrate the beginning of autumn’s embrace, so we packed up and headed up to the mountains for a cozy fall getaway. Immersed in the serene beauty of Big Bear, California, we hosted our very first farm to table retreat, bed & breakfast, culinary weekend – an all inclusive experience.
We imagined cabins, campfires, and locally sourced meals to bring our guests into a picturesque autumn weekend. And it was exactly that – a dream come true surrounded by the changing colors of fall and beautiful pines. Made possible in collaboration with Colorado Lodge.
The getaway began with welcome drinks, cured meats, cheeses and local pears by the campfire, setting a tone for relaxation and the space to breathe in the cool mountain air. Our guests had a peaceful rest that evening in their cabins, nestled in the heart of nature.
With plenty to see and do in the heart of Big Bear, this was the perfect location. The fall landscape was breathtaking when the sun came peeking through the pines in the morning. Our guests were able to explore on foot to the lake, mountain, or town.
Our team prepared a seasonal 4-course, outdoor dinner in the woods using the finest local ingredients. The table was adorned with foraged goods, florals, and everything fall. We spent the evening celebrating togetherness and savoring the flavors of the region.
We brought to the table:
A farm green salad with fresh pears, pumpkin seed dukkah, minty tahini and pomegranates
Charred oyster mushrooms and brown butter sage pasta
Grass-fed and finished steak with delicata squash puree
Gluten free pumpkin olive oil cake with a probiotic-rich cream cheese cinnamon frosting
Guests awoke to the aroma of fresh french-pressed coffee and delectable brunch baskets awaiting them at their cabin doors. They had the option of an intimate set breakfast table in their backyard or a basket delivery to enjoy together in bed.
We served a breakfast of locally sourced apple cider pancakes with sautéed cinnamon apples picked from an orchard close by. All organic — from the cardamom to the coffee, to the flour!
It was truly such a joy to bring to life, the very first Lighthearted Kitchen Bed & Breakfast. Everywhere I travel, I always wish there was a hotel that could offer all three things — a cozy atmosphere, organic and locally sourced foods, and the option to meet like-minded individuals. I’m never truly satisfied with my experience at restaurants or hotels, from the lack of genuine connection to the nuance in the food sources. I knew I had to create the experience myself, a dream I've held close to my heart for years.
Lighthearted Kitchen’s Bed & Breakfast series is more than just a getaway; it's the realization of a dream. It's about connecting with individuals who share the same values and appreciate the effort that goes into sourcing the finest ingredients. It's about creating a sense of community, where conversations flow as easily as the wine and every meal is a celebration of nature’s latest harvest.
The excitement doesn't end here. This is just the beginning of a series of experiences that will take you on more adventures, introduce you to new friends, and continue to teach you about the benefits of supporting local, regenerative farms.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support and enthusiasm drive me to make each experience better than the last. Together, we're turning dreams into reality, one dinner table at a time.