innkeepers's blog

Time slows......the northern wind blows across the Great Lakes and brings winter to our historic town of Emlenton. The nostalgic valley creates a beautiful back drop against the Hemlock covered mountains as the white veil of winter is draped upon the forest. Tiny lights from the homes fill the dark evenings like jewels on the hillsides of the terraced town.

     Recently, The Barnard House was awarded funding from The Progress Fund for a wonderful bicycle arbor sign. This cool eclectic sign will create an arbor over the old railroad steps leading down to The Barnard House.Our childhood friend, August Romano created the concept of cutting old bicycles into pieces then utilizing the parts to create a nine foot hign archway. The sign will be painted by a local artist, Doug Alder and will be bright colors and double sided making it viewable from the river and Main Street in Emlenton.

            The cooler breezes that have stayed with us along the Allegheny are creating unique environments. From our porch here at The Barnard House we can watch the Blue Herons and Eagles fish for their daily catch. The high murky water's are a benefit to the fish since it provides a great cover to hide from the predators. The vegetation has enjoyed the increased rain fall and has recovered from the heavy ice that scrapped the riparian in winters wrath. 

    Our National Holiday was truley felt along the Allegheny. Our first International guest, Regula Scheidegger came to Emlenton. Regi, for short is an amazing young woman who traveled to us from New York where her journey on a German bicycle began. She left Zurich to have an advantur. Regi tells me this is common in Switzerland prior to middle age. I asked if has brought her clarity. She laughed and answered," my trip has just begun!"

Summer is upon us with its hot days and warm nights. Here at The Barnard House there are many ways you may enjoy this beautiful area known as " The National Historic Oil Region."

After months of renovations the historic Barnard House will stand proud along the Allegheny River as commerce, regional organizations, community leaders, local and state government officials gather on June 19th to celebrate the homes Grand Opening. This date hallmarks the first days of summer as well as the Kentzel families labors to create a unique concept in lodging by showcasing local foods, services, and suppliers and focusing on the region with all of the wonderful amenities it has to offer within a home filled with nostalgia and history.