Sometimes when we travel, we find unusual lodging gems tucked away in the tiniest American towns. The Sage House B&B in the quiet village of Port Huron, Michigan is just such a jewel.

The outside of the house is understated, but the interior quickly wins all hearts.

The parlor, dining room, and three distinctively decorated and impeccably clean guest rooms are extremely pleasing and comfortable, but the piece de resistance of the Sage House is unequivocally the talent of the Innkeeper - Ms. Joan Volker.

A baker extraordinaire

Joan is the consummate baker. She performs her daily oven magic in the Inn's large kitchen where she creates delicious mouth-watering baked goods for her delighted guests. Joan also finds time to practice her art at the local bakery where she produces a variety of bagels that are the talk of Port Huron, and easily rival the best that New York bagel shops have to offer.

The Volker Secret

Joan was happy to show us her baking "secret." A well aged (11 years old) "yeast starter" helps her create her marvels. For those readers who may not know that a good "starter" makes the baker, check out this dictionary explanation.

After a restful night at the inn, we woke up hungry. We had great expectations about breakfast, so we made short work of the morning trek down the creaky old staircase to the dining room. The journey became a sensory adventure when we picked up the enchanting aroma of fresh brewed coffee and tasty goodies from the genies oven. Yummmm.

More about the house

Each air-conditioned Queen Anne guestroom in the historic house is luxuriously appointed with a pillow-top queen bed and private bath with Jacuzzi tubs and plush and cushy towels. Handy conveniences include cable TV and free high-speed internet.

The second floor bedroom settings and furniture selections are reminiscent of a time when the grand house, built in 1878, was the private residence of the Sage brothers – both of whom worked for the railroad. Port Huron was a booming port and rail center in the last decades of the 19th century.

An interesting fact is that in the fifteen years after the Civil War, almost 600,000 immigrants entered the United States through Port Huron, Michigan. It's hard to imagine, but during that period, Port Huron was the second largest immigration port of entry to the US after New York City.

A sea captain named Alfred Chambers bought the Sage house in 1901 and stayed there until he passed away in 1935. After that, the house, like many old estate homes, lived many lives with still more stories. It was a small apartment house when Joan Volker purchased the property in 2003.

There is little doubt that Joan's extensive renovations and dedication to Victorian detail have rekindled the exact spirit of the time when the Sage's were most proud of their fine home. If the Sage House were haunted - it would be by very satisfied ghosts.

A bargain if there ever was one

The nightly room rates at the Sage House are budget buddies, especially when you consider a delectable breakfast is included in the price.

About the area

The Sage House is located in Port Huron, Michigan - a city with an interesting and eclectic past. Port Huron is situated on the St. Clair River at the mouth of Lake Huron. Detroit is a scant 45-minute drive.

The City owns and operates 3.5 miles of water frontage, including two beautiful public beaches. If you are a boater, you will like to know that it also operates the largest municipal marina system in the state of Michigan.

Port Huron is part of the Bluewater eastern shore area of Michigan, and is the boyhood home of Thomas Edison. It is also the location of The Bluewater Bridge to Sarnia, Ontario. The Thomas Edison River Walkway, featuring a statue of young Tom Edison, is also within easy walking distance of the Sage House porch.

For more information about the Sage House B&B email Joan Volker at sagehouse.joan@gmail.com or phone 810.984.2015. The website is:
www.sagehouse.net

Happy travels!

© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff