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Newly constructed in 1996 and nestled on 14 acres of meadow within the confines of Matthiessen State Park, the Brightwood Inn was designed to resemble a vintage farmhouse complete with a veranda and rocking chairs. All rooms have gas fireplaces (not active during warm weather) TV/VCR and phones with modem hookup. Six rooms have large Jacuzzi tubs and three have private balconies. Intimate dining room with seasonally adjusted menu features herbs fresh-picked from our garden. The entire inn is smoke-free and pets are not allowed. AAA 3 diamond.

Each guest room has it's own unique personality and desighn as well as pillow top mattreses with 250+ thread count linens. In the bathroom you will find Egyptian cotton towels and in hot tub rooms fluffy terry cloth robes for each of you. Our Library has a collection of books, games, complimentary beverages, bottomless cookie jar and big comfy chairs for you to relax by the fire with a good book in. In our gathering room you will find a small but fully stocked bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine during your stay.

In the morning the dining room serves a full complimentary breakfast to our Inn guests only. The hot dishes include Eggs Mornay, Banana Pecan Pancakes, Orange French Toast or a Mexican Frittata, and they come with a fresh fruit cup. These dishes sometimes include fresh ingredients from our garden or herbs from our culinary herb garden. There are also fresh made fruit breads, cereal, and fresh fruit on the side board that you can help yourself to.

Talk with the Chef as he harvests the ingredients for your evening dinner from our culinary herb garden. The dining room is open for evening dinners Thursday through Sunday. The Chef serves a five course meal for both Inn guests and the public. Reservations are required by 2:00pm of the day you wish to dine. The meal starts with appetizers in the gathering room, where you can have a cocktail or glass of wine while you mingle with other guests and talk to the Innkeepers. Then your choice of soup and salad is served in the dining room, then a fresh Sorbetto, your Entree and a hommade desert. There are always between 3 to 4 entrees for you to choose from and the menu changes bi-weekly.

Millions of people come to Starved Rock State Park each year to hike the many miles of beautful trails. The most popular are the inspiring canyons with the striking waterfalls that are caved out of sandstone. The park has many seasonal activites year round like spring wild flower walk, fall color weekend, "Flock to the Rock" to see the Bald Eagles and winter wonderland where you can go cross country skiing. You can rent cross country skis on the weekend anytime there is enough snow.

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