By Alicia Squillante
If someone were to tell me that a slice of sweet Southern pie was to be found right here in our own backyards, a month ago I would have been skeptical.
However, such a slice can be found at none other than the Palmer House Bed & Breakfast in Lithia. It is most certainly a gem of an establishment and any excuse you can make, you should go. The staff of the Osprey Observer recently had their annual retreat at the bed and breakfast, and while much can be said about the camaraderie and banter between the girls, the shining star was still squarely on the Palmer House.
Built in 2000 and opened to the public in 2002, the Palmer House was the dream become reality of Gail and Bob Palmer. While not originally intended as a bed and breakfast, after the encouraging comments of her friends, Gail decided to add on the guest house and the Palmer House was born. There are currently 5 bedrooms, each uniquely themed and exquisitely decorated to match. I happened to luck out and stay in the Southern Cabin, a glorious room on the second story over-looking the wooded acreage of the property. The bed was a bit on the tall side, but the comfort more than made up for that. The room also came with a small mini-fridge stocked with drinks and a microwave with buttered popcorn packets on the dresser. Just outside the door was a small cabinet with an assortment of DVD’s for your perusing pleasure. The bathroom was clean and cozy with the cabin themed decor. There was a single-person Jacuzzi and a stand-alone shower with big, white fluffy towels. The breakfast the next day was exceptional for my limited palate: breakfast quiche served with fresh fruit and fresh baked bread. “The Palmer House in Lithia was like a hidden treasure,” said Sandy Lee of the Osprey Observer. “I had heard of it but never been there and was so amazed at the level of detail everywhere I looked. The rooms are beautiful and the grounds are just gorgeous. “
The Palmer House Bed & Breakfast is located at 2221 Hinton Ranch Rd. in Lithia.
For more information on the Palmer House, please call 654-0961 or visit www.palmer-house.com
