Nestled along Great River Road, the charming Green Tree Inn bed-and-breakfast provides a relaxing break from reality for visitors to Elsah.
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“We have people come from all over,” says Connie Davis, who owns Green Tree with her husband, Gary. “For locals, you feel like you’re far enough away to relax without having to travel very far. Plus, the village is so quaint, but you can take advantage of nearby Grafton, Alton and St. Louis.”
The couple bought the bed-and-breakfast in 2012, becoming its third set of owners and fulfilling what Davis calls a pipe dream.
If You Go
(618) 374-2821
greentreeinnelsah.com
The inn is open year-round. Please call or check the website for reservations and availability.
“We always stayed at B&Bs when traveling,” she says. “I love to cook, and Gary is an electrician, so it’s a good fit.”
When Davis lost her job a few years back, everything seemed to fall into place to make their dream a reality.
“We heard Green Tree was on the market, went to visit and were hooked,” she says.
Their first guest arrived June 18, 2012. Since then, they’ve had visitors from around the globe.
The inn offers five nature-inspired rooms – names include the Meadowlark and the Robin’s Nest – with plans for eventual expansion.
Davis prides herself on great food and personal service. She treats guests to afternoon snacks, such as homemade cookies and other baked goods, plus a hearty country breakfast that encourages them to linger and enjoy each other’s company.
“With the way society is, people don’t have as much time to cook,” says Davis, who grew up on a farm with an appreciation for country cooking. “I think they really enjoy the homemade food. Plus, I have an audience to test new recipes on.”
