Granny O'Neil's River Inn- Bed and Breakfast

Doug and I took a road trip along the Mississippi River over the Fourth of July.  We had our first Bed & Breakfast experience.  It was lovely.  We had great host and hostess, Gigi and Bill, at their modern 105 year old brick home decorated with antiques and collectibles in Savanna, Illinois.  Chef Bill cooked a breakfast that included an omelet made to order, fresh fruit, baked coffee cake, orange juice, and coffee. The food just kept coming.  We were served in style.

The great Mississippi River

Granny O'Neils's B & B

A view of our room

 Look for the little yellow bench.

We arrived later in the afternoon, and searched for a place to eat supper.  We found a local attraction in Savanna, Poopy's. Yes, that's what it is called.  It is not the stereotype biker bar.  It boasts great food
with a diverse menu.  It was quite the experience, with large plates of mouthwatering food.
It is Illinois biggest biker destination, a must-stop for motorcycle enthusiasts.
The Great River Road draws motorcyclists from all over because of the mighty Mississippi River on one side, bluffs, beautiful farms fields, and plenty of twists and turns.

 

This is half an order!

We awoke the next morning to one of the finest breakfasts around.

This is Bill's fresh baked coffee cake.

Gigi

Chef Bill & Gigi in the kitchen where it all begins.

The coffee cake Bill made is my recipe for the day.  It was baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups ripe bananas, 4-5
• nut meats
• 1 cup streusel:  1 tsp. cinnamon,  3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 oatmeal, 1 tbsp. flour
• caramel ice cream topping

Grease a bundt cake pan.  Then coat pan with chopped nut meats.  Prepare the yellow cake mix by adding 3 eggs and 2 cups ripe bananas.  Mix them together.  Layer 1/2 the batter in the pan, then the strudel mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and oatmeal.  Line the rim of the  bundt cake pan with caramel ice cream topping. Then the second 1/2 of the batter.  Cook 14 minutes in the microwave.  As soon as it is done, flip it onto a platter.

Here is a link to Granny O'Neils River Inn: Gigi's Guest House B & B

Scenic views of our trip along the Great River Road

Arriving in Galena
Galena is the perfect place to visit.  The rolling hills, scenic roads, and historic charm revitalize the spirit inspired by nature and overlooks the banks of the Galena river.  Main street embraces a simpler time.

Our trip could not be complete without chocolate...
Chocolat', fine domestic and European chocolates.

Savoring my truffle from Chocolat'.

The Ulysses S. Grant Home in Galena, Illinois is the former home of Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general and later 18th President of the United States. The home was designed by William Dennison  and constructed in 1859 - 1860. The home was given to Grant by residents of Galena in 1865 as thanks for his war service, and has been maintained as a memorial to Grant since 1904.
For more go to: Ulysses S. Grant Home

The Mighty Mississippi River

At its widest point, the Mississippi River stretches out over 7 miles (11 km) in width.

The length of the Mississippi River is approximately 2,320 miles (3,730 km), slightly shorter than the Missouri River.

Mississippi River Facts: Fun Facts