Mehard Manor Bed & Breakfast
Mercer, Pennsylvania

(With their 6 children finished with college and retirement at hand Lucille & Jerry Carlson of Redding, Pa. found themselves pondering the Bed & Breakfast Industry. The kids had stayed in Pennsylvannia, so they began looking for the perfect place. What they found was Judge Samuel Mehard's 1913 Georgian Colonial manor, in Mercer, Pa. Six months later, they opened their doors to the public.)

The outside presentation on the walk up to the home was stunning. The home was freshly painted along this tree-lined street. A beautiful Fall wreath hung on the door. The flower beds on each side of the walkway were accented by two hybrid plum trees. And upon ringing the bell, we were greeted by the biggest smile yet. Behind the smile stood Jerry. His extended hand told us we were home for the evening.

Upon entering, Lucille joined us and led the grand tour. She explained the home in a way that brought the 53 windows, 8 fireplaces, common areas (one with a piano) and four guest rooms to life and in a way that made you experience each. Downstairs was the entry, office, solarium, common area, formal dining area and kitchen facilities.

Fifteen steps take you to the Victorian, Westminster, Swedish and English rooms. We chose the latter and were greeted by the Union Jack, deep mahogany furnishings, a keyed three drawer dresser, chandelier, pictures of the Thames River and Battenburg Lace curtains. There was two highback chairs, a long dressing mirror, deep plush carpet, a chamber pot, linen and oil lamps.

Outside the room was a waiting refrigerator stocked with beverages and goodies. One of the common areas led me through the french doors and into a mini-retreat. Everything to relax and recoup was within arms reach. A 35" large screen TV/VCR, video tapes, leather couch & chair, games, books, telephone,

A small gift shop is set up next to Lucille's wedding dress that has her wedding photo next to it. It really helps with the overall ambience. There were also two suits of armor. Everywhere you looked was something interesting that called for you to come play. We spent some time with the Carlson's discussing the Internet and their website and then headed off to England and a great nights sleep. (All of Lucille's linen is 100% cotton and is hung outside to dry and then ironed, boy it makes a difference.)

The next morning, I felt so great I decided on a walk to check out the area. I found historical sites, shopping and fantastic people. There was even a library right across the street. Walking back up to the inn, I couldn't help but be impressed again with it.

Breakfast was a treat! Served in the solarium by candlelight and beautiful floor length windows, we relaxed to soft music and a fantastic fruit plate that was composed of watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapes, bananas, kiwi and pineapple. Zukini, banana-nut and lemon poppy seed breads were waiting in baskets. For our beverages, Cindy choose cran-raspberry juice and I had white grape peach juice. There was a carafe of hot water for my Lipton Tea and another with Cindy's coffee.

Lucille appeared and informed us that we would be having "Dutch Babies" with blueberries and sauce. She then disappeared quietly closing the door behind her. A very nice touch. There were so many little touches at Mehard Manor that we were still discussing the Inn days later. The meal arrived sprinkled with powdered sugar and sausage links alongside. The ummms and ahhhs were a little loud as we enjoyed the breakfast.

Too soon again, the road beckoned us to the next journey. After saying our good byes, our hosts escorted us to the door and wished us well. We recommend Mehard Manor to anyone in Mercer, Pa. that would enjoy in-town convenience with a private, quiet environment.