Beaumont Inn Innkeeper's Blog

Get the latest news and happenings from Innkeepers Chuck, Helen & Dixon Dedman!

Read Chuck's Blog from 2010 & 2011

January 30, 2012
Helen: Perryville & Preservation

Have you been to Perryville, Kentucky lately? Well, if you haven’t put that on your to do list the next time you visit! It is a budding success story built on relationships. Perryville, just 9 miles west of Harrodsburg, in Boyle County, is the site of a Civil War Battle fought October 8, 1862, known to be the bloodiest battle of the War. (Aren’t they all the “bloodiest?”) A very popular re-enactment is held every year. This year, October 5-7, 2012, the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of the battle will be celebrated with many interesting events.

Now back to the success story. Not only does Perryville have the Battlefield State Park, but it is also home to Merchant’s Row, pre-Civil War avenue of homes and store fronts. Over the years many attempts were made to restore and preserve these treasures but not until the last few years have the “stars become aligned.” Through the partnerships of the Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association, City of Perryville, Boyle County Government, Kentucky Heritage Council, National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Main Street Program of Perryville the Row is becoming a vibrant commercial district. New life was given to these already existing partnerships when local citizens and former citizens of Perryville became involved in the Main Street program. Through the leadership of Vicki Goode, Lisa Bottoms, and Robby Mayes storefronts were repaired, painted and rented. This little street boasts an antique shop, wedding shop, gift shop and hopefully, soon, a bakery. These folks wanted their unique town to be “all it can and could be.” It is well on its way because of hard work, organization and working together. Hmm, what an example for the Federal Government?! For more, go to www.betterindanville.com.

Just last week I was in Frankfort for the Kentucky Main Street awards. The opening ceremony was the drum core of Kentucky State University. It was fantastic! Young men and women performing in perfect precision. Now you are thinking why would that be something a preservation organization would be interested in? How is that performance preservation? Well, it is a preservation of a culture we are losing. In the town where I grew up we had an all African American high school and two African American colleges. I honestly don’t know if they had sports programs but I do know they had the most entertaining marching bands. Streets were packed whenever there was a parade because these bands entertained every step of the way, dancing, drum rolls, and somehow playing music the whole time. There are very few African American schools or colleges left since integration, which is the right thing but somehow, that talent, culture and entertainment needs to be saved. Sure did bring back great memories for me!

-Helen

January 19, 2012

Okay, we’ve closed the books on 2011 and are up and running for 2012. Thanks to all who visited with us this past year as we know you had a choice for travel destinations and appreciate you choosing to spend some time with us. We hope you found your visit to be a memorable one and we look forward to your return.

Our 2012 rates, package and events information are now posted on our website, and we hope you will take a look and find something that strikes your fancy for the coming year. There are a few new events this year and the ever popular Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Wine Trail are fast becoming the #1 travel attraction for our area. We will be posting a few new “Bargain Specials” in the future so don’t forget to check in from time to time to our website or follow us on Facebook to take advantage of these great opportunities.

Our winter work is underway with kitchen maintenance, deep cleaning and paint/patch work taking place around the Inn. Helen has been busy scheduling re-carpeting, new upholstering and drapery replacements where needed. Dixon has been on the search and acquisition of new flat screen TV’s for many of our guestrooms as we continue to prioritize our upgrades and move forward as funds allow.

New for 2012 is the change from our Sunday Brunch Buffet to an order off the menu Brunch which has proven very popular for the first couple of Sundays. We decided to give it a trial run for a few months and then determine which course to chart. So, if you are able to partake, give us your feedback and let us know how you like it! You can check out the menu on our website.

You will also notice a new enthusiasm throughout our quaint historical community as many downtown projects are initiated and/or completed over the next few months. As “investors” with many, many other town leaders and promoters, we are so excited about this new movement to enrich, restore and rehab our downtown community. Through CAP, our Community Advancement Partnership, some 40 to 50 organizations and individuals have joined together to raise awareness and energy for structural investment in our downtown community. From our new Public Library and Judicial Center to a multi million dollar model block project centered around our local YMCA to the half a billion dollar expansion investment by our three largest local industries (Corning, Hitachi, Wassau Paper), these projects have created new jobs and sustained hundreds of others. In addition, in the planning are numerous streetscape improvements and beautifying art projects such as large downtown murals depicting our rich history. These are exciting times!

Don’t forget about our special Winter Rates, so make plans to come visit with us soon!

-Chuck

Read Chuck's Blog from 2010 & 2011