A Bed & Breakfast in Autumn
Written by Chelsey Harlien
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 packed up and headed 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 — an all-inclusive culinary weekend, 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 rested peacefully in their cabins, nestled in the heart of nature. The fall landscape was breathtaking when the sun came peeking through the pines in the morning.
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 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 purée
- 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 at their cabin doors — locally sourced apple cider pancakes with sautéed cinnamon apples picked from a nearby orchard. 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 place that offered all three things — a cozy atmosphere, organic and locally sourced foods, and the chance to meet like-minded individuals. I knew I had to create the experience myself, a dream I’ve held close to my heart for years.
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. Together, we’re turning dreams into reality, one dinner table at a time.
With love,
Chelsey Harlien