Glen Arbor Lodging offers top notch accommodations, unparalleled location, great customer service, and… drumroll please…. let’s talk about breakfast.
For each of our guests here on the property, the home-cooked breakfasts are a highlight. B&B guests in our historic Inn enjoy breakfast, inclusive of their room rate. And if you’re staying in our lovely condos, breakfast is also available for a fair market rate of $20/person. Those guests are welcome to join on the porch, at the big dining room table, or even have breakfast delivered up to their condo (which feels absolutely decadent!)
With a small boutique lodging business like the Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast, our tiny staff really make a difference in your experience. The Inn has served meals since it was originally built; serving simple hearty meals to the lodgers staying here while working for the lumber industry and now, 150 years later, still keeping the coffee steaming hot and the breakfast table full. Our Innkeeper Laura Cavender comes from a culinary background and her chef ‘chops’ have helped make Glen Arbor B&B stand out as a clear choice for foodie adventurers.
Here at Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast, the morning starts with fragrant locally roasted coffee from our neighbors down the road at Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company. Our favorite roast is ‘Cafe Glen Arbor’, and the fine folks at Leelanau Coffee have kept us caffeinated and happy for over 15 years with that particular brew. We typically have fresh coffee brewed by 7 AM for our early risers. Fill one of our beautiful pottery mugs and sit by the fireplace or out on the porch and watch the town come awake.
Once the coffee is topped up, the Innkeeper starts on phase 2 of the morning magic, with the smells of warm baked goods beginning to fill the inn. Every morning there is a uniquely different menu, featuring something savory and something sweet.
We are beyond fortunate to live in such an active community of farmers, makers, artisans and marketers, which gives us access to so much local fruit and veggies, milk, meats, even local flour! Drawing the line at orange juice though!
Typically at 8:30 or 9am breakfast is ready and our talented Innkeeper plates it up, creating a lovely and appealing presentation to bring out to the table for you to enjoy.
Here are a few examples of past breakfasts:
Sweet Sour Cream Pancakes; local maple syrup, nutmeg whipped cream, blueberry compote. Served with a side dish of Migas; corn tortillas, eggs, sauteed onions and peppers and greens with a garnish of sour cream and salsa.
Savory Cheddar Cornmeal Waffles with sunny egg and tomato basil relish. Served with a side of Strawberries and Vanilla Breakfast Panna Cotta
Asparagus Gruyere Quiche with a bright side salad, bechamel and a sweet side of Rhubarb Kitchen Cake with berries.
Carrot Cake Oatmeal with sweet cream and fruit, Savory Spinach and Sausage Strata
Cinnamon sugar Buttermilk Waffles with Poached Pears, honey whipped cream and berries, served alongside Herbed Frittata and carrot salad
Avocado Toast with Farmer’s Cheese, Omelette, Sweet Potato and a sweet side of our Blueberry Clafoutis
Three Potato Hash with crispy oven-roasted potatoes, fresh herbs, a poached egg and served with Blueberry Dutch Baby
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to eat with other people?
A: Of course not! Often our guests choose this property because they need quiet and respite and visiting with strangers seems exhausting. We understand. As the youngsters say these day; “We see you. We love that for you.” And if that’s your preference, breakfast can be delivered to the door of your suite or we can make a cozy breakfast table up for you in our living room or on the expansive front porch. Lot’s of options if your morning self is feeling less extroverted.
Q: What’s it like to eat at the ‘big kids table’?
A: I must say, after years of eavesdropping from the kitchen, the most surprising and interesting stories crop up around our big dining table. Friends are made, travel tips are traded like hot baseball cards, hiking plans compared and beach plans shared. No morning is the same, with different blends of guests around the table. Good food, hearty coffee, no hurry and good conversations. That’s your experience if you choose to eat at the ‘big kid’s table.’
Now, summer rolls around, and the porch is the favorite place for breakfast. Stake your claim to make sure you get your preferred table. There can be days when ZERO guests eat inside, and I totally understand. Butterflies, our porch flowers, cute dogs walking by, ambitious cyclists pedaling past, all while you’re noshing on Eggs Benedict and leisurely watching the town warm up to the day. Everything to love.
Q: My husband has Celiac, is it safe for us to eat at your B&B?
A: Buckle up! Complicated answer. I always encourage prospective guests with severe allergies and also immuno-compromised folks to give a call and talk to me (the Innkeeper) directly (231)334-6789. I’ve had guests bring their own safe meals and created clean space for preparation. I’m also able, happy and proficient at preparing gluten-free meals (or dairy-free, vegan, etc…) but please know that even with these conscious efforts, our kitchen is not an allergen-free or gluten-free environment.
We take pride in going the extra mile to make sure our guests can relax, be taken care of and enjoy the food without any concerns. It follows that we really take allergies seriously. As able, please make note of any additional accommodations at the time of making your reservation.
One note: your breakfast may look different. I will not try to recreate quiche, biscuits and gravy for someone who is egg-free, dairy-free and gluten-free, but instead create an alternate dish with simple, delicious and knowable ingredients.
Q: I’m on Ozempic and a massive breakfast is not appealing. Is it weird if I don’t eat?
A: We want you to enjoy your time here, and if that’s skipping breakfast to save room for a fancy meal at La Becasse, more power to you! Maybe you are hitting the bike trails and need to go light. I totally understand. Just let us know if you need to skip breakfast, if you want a small portion, or any other unique accommodations. Quite often we may have a guest who just wants some yogurt and berries and their best life is keeping it simple. We can do that. Just let us know.
Q: I’m not staying at the B&B, can I still have breakfast?
A: Unfortunately not. We keep our breakfast private for our guests. One option you may have to experience the charm and wonderful culinary offerings of our talented Innkeeper is by joining one of our special Tuesday Innkeeper’s Table dinners. See more information here and call to make a reservation.
Q: Is breakfast self-serve on a buffet? What should I expect?
A: Our coffee is self-serve but our breakfast is plated especially for each guest. The Innkeeper will bring your breakfast out to you at the big table, or elsewhere, if you prefer. If able, let the Innkeeper know when and where you would like to enjoy your breakfast.
Q:What time is breakfast served?
A: We aim to serve breakfast at 9am. With planning the night before, we can accommodate breakfast as early as 7:30am and as late as 10am. For late risers who still want a breakfast option later than 10am, we can offer a simple yogurt/granola option. Just let us know.
