Painted Turtle Inn and B&B opens doors in St. Joseph

Fifteen years ago Christine Shull stayed at a bed and breakfast in Frankfort and she knew then that someday she would run one of her own.

 

She loves to cook, to talk with people, loves design and she's always wanted to be her own boss. "Everything about it is right up my alley," Shull says.

 

First there was family business, however. She and her family lived in Chicago and then in Indiana as they stayed close to aging parents. When her parents died the Shulls found it was a good time to move to a spot where they could be innkeepers.

 

Over the past four years Shull says she has educated herself on what it takes to run a B&B -- she even spent time working in three different bed and breakfasts to learn the business -- and this week she and her husband Joel celebrate the opening of the Painted Turtle Inn Bed & Breakfast in St. Joseph. 

 

Shull says before they decided on the location on 3205 Lakeshore Dr. they looked at existing inns, but after reviewing their options decided instead to take a home and turn it into the type of bed and breakfast they wanted. That move also gave more free range for Shull's design skills. 

 

Now they have completely remodeled and redesigned home to create five guest rooms, each with a private bath. Each of the rooms also have a theme. 

 

To keep up with the work, during the season this summer Shull expects to employ four part-time employees to help with the cleaning.

 

As for the guests' experience, when they check in and on each day of their stay, they will be invited to an afternoon reception featuring the hors d’oeuvres of the day. This gives them a chance to meet the other guests at the inn and enjoy an afternoon snack. 

 

Shull says her summer treats will feature local produce in season, such as vegetable pizzas, bruschetta or salsas made from locally grown tomatoes, peppers and herbs. In the winter, she will serve soups to keep her guests warm. Each morning, Shull prepares a gourmet breakfast that also features local produce in season and as many fresh, local ingredients as they are available.

 

And at the inn on Lakeshore Drive, overlooking the bluff, offers a view of Lake Michigan from each of its rooms.