Some innkeepers are shy, some are gregarious. Julie Rolsen, co-owner of Hannibal, MO’s Garth Woodside Mansion and Woodside Dining Room is not only a ham, she’s also a Kitchen Diva! Since ham and kitchens go so well together, it’s no surprise that Julie wants to share her kitchen insights with others. But 24-7? Julie is the only innkeeper I know who can pull off a kitchen cam, where guests tune in and watch on their computers as Julie prepares breakfast and dinner 27-7-365! In fact, she shares, “Even though it seems like there are 27 hours in a day there is really only 24 of them here”. When Julie is not in the kitchen, a lively Garth video is viewed, but for the most part, she’s there making breakfast in the morning, prepping for dinner in the afternoon and cooking dinner in the evenings. Julie has joined forces with Justin.tv to bring the kitchen cam to this BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection inn as a “hook to the cook” for everyone to enjoy! The kitchen cam is permanently located in the center of the kitchen, situated perfectly for catching Julie’s every move.
Photos and videos, Facebook and Twitter are all ways innkeepers are connecting with guests, but kitchen cams? Only Julie as far as I know. Guests love watching Julie behind the scenes in the kitchen. She shared stories about one couple who brought their small laptop to the dining room and watched her make their dinner while they were on the other side of the wall. How’s that for keeping you on your toes? After they’ve left, guests will sit down for their morning coffee in their own kitchens and tune in to see Julie in her kitchen working away. A live chat option allows for conversation too, so for true Garth fans, this is a great way to stay connected. It also keeps Julie on her toes, as she never knows when the health inspector…or a minister might tune in. In fact, one of her most avid fans is a minister who frequents Garth Woodside Mansion regularly, and when he can’t get there in person he tunes in via the kitchen cam.
Julie’s kitchen prowess goes beyond breakfasts for Garth Mansion guests and dinners at Woodside dining. She also owns the Main Street Kitchen Store in Hannibal where a range of specialty kitchen items and foods are available. Due to all her online followers, Julie has made many of the most popular items available for ordering online. Simply visit Main Street Kitchen Store to browse through the Kitchen Diva’s stock.
And to round out her cutting edge kitchen corner, Julie also posts a kitchen blog which includes her musings about everything including the kitchen sink! Read about St Patty’s Day green pie, daffodils, the llama herd (about to double in size with the imminent expected arrival of two babies) and more. I’ve just read through many of the entries, and the blog offers insight into Julie’s light hearted humor and the life of an innkeeper.
While visiting Garth Woodside Mansion is person is the best way to get to know Julie, and her husband, John, a retired USAF colonel (and equally amusing, kind and fun innkeeper) watching Julie on the kitchen cam or reading about her kitchen musings in her blog, are the next best thing to being there. Take a real trip to Garth Woodside Mansion, and then follow along from the armchair. Believe me, you’ll get hooked on the cook!
If you go:eath, and 125th anniversary of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) dinner is offered with a Modified American Plan for only $20.10 per couple.
Garth Woodside Mansion, 11069 New London Road, Hannibal, MO 63401, 888-427-8409.
Voted the # 1 bed and breakfast in Missouri by inngoers. The 39 acre estate, stunning views, grand architecture, uncommon full breakfast, canopy beds, plush robes. Unusual amenities and more are preserved at Garth Woodside Mansion the ideal pick for your stay in Mark Twain Country.For 2010, the ‘Year of Twain’(100 years after his d
Watch Julie make a pie in 34 seconds! Go to www.garthmansion.com to see a number of additional Garth Woodside Mansion videos.