 | Innkeepers Gwenn, Valerie and Glenn Eyer are celebrating 10 years of serving guests from around the world in Jacksonville’s only Bed & Breakfast. Gwenn Eyer states, “Many of our guests come from Illinois, but we’ve hosted guests from 39 states, and countries from Canada to England and France to New South Wales and Australia.” Blessings on State will recognize this 10th Anniversary milestone with a Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Thursday. Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast is a family affair, with Gwenn and Valerie as the innkeepers and Glenn as the out-keeper. Gwenn says, “My heart is in hospitality and caring for our guests. Valerie does beautifully giving guest tours and serving breakfast.” |
| Glenn is recognized for making a great Chicago-style waffle breakfast, complete with ice cream, but he is most comfortable doing the support work behind the scenes. Gwenn states, I have great visions for the lawn and gardens, but it take’s Glenn’s hard work and dedication to make it all happen.” Valerie, once named “the World’s Youngest Innkeeper” by Mary White, a noted author and B&B expert, has grown up in the Bed & Breakfast and enjoys engaging with guests. They have a small, but dedicated auxiliary staff that is also like family, with Mary Gray inn-sitting in the Eyer’s absence and Kelly Jones assisting on a daily basis. Blessings on State is an award-winning Bed and Breakfast that brings travelers to Jacksonville. Eyer says, “We have many first-time guests who have no ties whatsoever to Jacksonville but are looking for a getaway. Some of our guests find us a mid-point in their travels. Once we get them in to experience Blessings, we often keep them coming back! More than 120 of our guests have returned, with many staying multiple times each year.” After relocating from Alton eleven years ago, the Eyers have quickly become connected to their adopted hometown. Gwenn is active in the Jacksonville community, serving on the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau board and the Illinois School for the Deaf Advisory Council. Blessings on State is a member of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce. |  |
Gwenn says, “We love living in Jacksonville and sharing our community with our guests. Jacksonville has so much to offer, from historic sites and vintage homes like ours, to shopping and dining, and to sports, the arts and entertainment, that we can entice them to visit us and experience all the area has to offer.” She stresses the importance of community partnerships. “When our guests feel valued and are pleased with their interactions in the community, it gives us a stronger foundation for return visits.”
 | Blessings on State offers two luxurious guest suites, each with a private bath and private sitting room and gourmet breakfast included. Each of the suites is graciously appointed with its own style. Blessings is a place where porch sitting is a favored pastime and their guests spend many hours relaxing on the front wraparound porch. The inn caters to those seeking a romantic getaway while also providing exceptional accommodations for business travelers. They provide digital satellite TV, a 24-hour family friendly beverage and snack buffet, and complimentary Wi-Fi and a business center for those who need to stay connected. Rates range from $125-$150 per night. The Eyers invite you to come experience a staycation and to invite your friends and family to stay with them. |
For more information about Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast, visit www.BlessingsOnState.com or call 217-245-1013. Their website features information about inn specials and packages and more details about Blessings on State and the Jacksonville area. Check out the blog on their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
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