BLUE SPRING MANOR: Vincent, Alabama
By GERRY H. DAVIS
I was on my way to Vincent, Ala. A dot on the map. Take the Pell City Exit and then 231 S. I drove and drove taking Highway 231S to Vincent. At the traffic light in Vincent you turn right onto Shelby County 83. The countryside was beautiful and farms were well manicured making the combined 231 S and 83 drive very pleasant. Finally, I see a small sign denoting Blue Spring Inn.
BLUE SPRING MANOR,2870 Highway 83,Vincent, Ala. 205-672-9955 http://www.bluespringmanor.com/ .
1. Upon entering you are in welcoming surroundings. You immediately knew you were at a very special B&B. The large main room is comfortably appointed. You can look out to the back porch, flowers all around, and on to the back yard with pool and hot tub.
The open kitchen is to your right. Huge bright red tomatoes fresh from the garden, were on the kitchen counter. You knew immediately they would not taste like the red card- board balls you buy in desperation at the grocery store. There were various other fresh produce items and a big basket of breads. The air was filled with delicious tempting aromas many for what you knew would be the ingredients of delectable dinner selections.
I was immediately greeted by Doris Harris. She and her husband Ray are the Innkeepers. What a warm friendly greeting. You could tell she enjoyed what she did. I quickly knew I was in for a delightful stay. After some chatter and viewing of the downstairs, Doris shows me to the steps and upstairs and to my room.
2. Room - The Kilimanjaro Suite. My hostess tells me a bit of the Manor's history, pointing out that the art work was local and for sale and that each room was differently themed. Before entering my room, she pointed to a table with coffee pot and cups.
My room was African themed. It was nicely appointed but not over done. The creative colors all blended perfectly. The bathroom was very nice with a sauna, a toilet closet for privacy with a basket of magazines. The towels were large, the miscellaneous amenities were useful. Everything was just right. I really couldn't find a thing missing.
The view from my room was towards the back fields as well as - the swimming pool and hot tub. From African décor, to the manicured gardens of Blue Spring Manor and onward over the beautiful bucolic fields of Vincent, all the ambiances were more than pleasing. This [absolutely] well appointed property has 4 guest rooms and 4 guest suites. All rooms have telephone, cable TV and VCR, whirlpool tubs.
Although I was in a large home I did not feel as if I was really in someone's home. I was in an attractive country Manor House of sorts. It was definitely comfortable and friendly. I felt right at home. Female Friendly would be an understatement.
Dinner was truly delicious. All the delightful mix of guests were friendly and talkative. We were inquisitive of each other and exchanged all sorts of tidbits. I learned that here in rural Vincent, Alabama, at the Blue Spring Manor one can have a massage and spa treatments with a licensed massage therapist.
3. After dinner I enjoyed sitting on the porch. Fresh flowers were all around, the air clear and clean. The sky dark and the setting so restful. What a pleasant experience. What an escape. What a delight.
Before going up to my room Doris asked me if I ate all types of breakfast, was there anything I preferred not to have and what time I would I like to have breakfast? Such big decisions! I anticipated a special breakfast.
Ready for bed I snuggled in a most comfortable bed. The TV did not get turned on and soon I was in dreamland. Morning arrived. The birds singing, the pure countryside air was an obvious as I looked out the window and too there was the gentle aroma of breakfast being cooked downstairs. What a way to start the day!
Breakfast was delicious and more than ample. Ray helped with breakfast. The pride and joyous team work of the Harris's is prevalent. It was hard to leave BLUE SPRING MANOR. Ray gave me directions to the Interstate which took me through rolling farmed fields and cut off several miles.
BLUE SPRING MANOR is a must-visit destination. Even if you can only stay a night, it will do so much for your well being.
Copyright 2007 The Southern Ledger. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
