How many years have you been innkeepers / in the hospitality business?
Slobo and I have each been in the hospitality business for over 25 years, and in fact met early in our careers when
we worked at the same resort in Germany’s Black Forest. While Slobo focuses on the food and beverage concept and operation, I manage guest services and management so we make a great team. When we decided owning a small bed and breakfast or inn would be a perfect next step for our lives, we searched the nation for the perfect place to call home. When we discovered the Goldmoor Inn’s distinctive European style, beautiful accommodations and restaurant, and the vibrant destination of Galena, we felt we’d found our treasure. We’ve just celebrated our second anniversary as Galena residents and owners of this lovely 21-acre estate and we couldn’t be happier.
What is your favorite part about our community/Galena?
The history of Galena and the list of attractions and outdoor activities is impressive but the people make it a community! We’ve found the business owners and innkeepers to be especially supportive and we appreciate the welcome we received.
Favorite event in Galena or way to participate and give back?
We especially love the holiday and winter season, and volunteering to fill countless luminaries with sand and candles for the Night of the Luminaria was truly rewarding. Seeing the glittering lights lining the streets put us in the holiday spirit instantly and we were happy to lend a hand in creating this beautiful night!
What fun things can your guests expect when they stay at Goldmoor?
Nature surrounds us and when you sit in the restaurant for breakfast or dinner you can watch many different birds having their own breakfast or dinner at the bird feeders. (Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Junco, Chickadee, Goldfinch, Blue Jays or Woodpeckers are plentiful), or you can pick up our guest binoculars and gaze over the Mississippi River and look for American Bald Eagles in the trees and geese in the shallow waters. If you are an early riser you may see a herd of deer grazing the lawn or just wandering through.
In addition, guests can also relax and take their favorite beverage to the white Adirondack chairs overlooking the views or sunsets over the Mississippi. Art-lovers can enjoy or take home a favorite from the gallery of oil paintings we have on display and for sale in our restaurant. They were created during our first Artists in Residence program by artist Catherine Whitehead, and we hope to add to the collection during next year’s program. And foodies can enjoy a special dining experience at our Chef’s Table situated in our gourmet kitchen.