Cobden, IL – I spent the weekend in southern Illinois. I had never been to this part of the country but wanted to attend the annual Blessing of the Bikes at the Bald Knob Cross of Peace.
I was fortunate to stay at the Boars Nest Bed and Breakfast, and enjoy the Blue Boar restaurant. Dave Fombelle and his son Bob were tremendous hosts and their facilities were excellent.
The bed and breakfast is located on 100 acres of Illinois countryside, nestled in the woods, where the definition of “peace and quiet” lives. There are five units including the “honeymoon” suite and they are exceptional.
You have everything you need when you arrive. Comfortable queen size bed, nightstand with lamp, and digital clock radio. Flat screen TV, closet, comfortable armchair and footrest and couch. There’s a rollaway bed if needed.
The kitchen is equipped with stove, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, coffee maker AND coffee. Coffee cups, glasses, plates, flatware and dish cloths and towels. There’s a continental breakfast prepared for you and placed in the fridge. Fresh pastries and fruit are a great way to start the day.
The walk-in shower was a bonus for me. Very spacious, and loads of fresh towels and washcloths. There was even a fresh new bottle of body wash in the shower.
All in all, the facility was clean and quiet. Off the beaten path and tucked away from all the noise of the city. You won’t regret your stay and it’s priced right.
Hungry? Well, just a few yards from the Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find the amazing Blue Boar restaurant.
Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail the Blue Boar Restaurant & Bar is about more than great food. The fusion of Great Boars of Fire BBQ and Cajun cuisine excites the senses.
David and Bob spent many years on the competitive food scene, making their mark at the annual Memphis in May event for years. David’s passion for food spread to his son Bob, and the two of them set out to open a restaurant that was indicative of their talents in the kitchen.
The spacious Blue Boar has a rustic atmosphere and a wide open dining area. The friendly staff can bring you a cold beer, or your favorite cocktail. Choose from any of their appetizers like Irish Egg Rolls, or Wyatt’s Wild Boar Wings. Then select an entree like Salmon, Steak, Ribs or a juicy Pork Chop.
If you follow my blog, then you know the most wonderful thing about this journey I’m on is the people I meet. Dave and Bob were two of the finest hosts I’ve ever met on my travels. I spent hours sitting with Dave and listening to his stories of how proud he was of his family and how excited he gets when he feeds people.
His tales of competition and how he came to enter the restaurant business is a true success story.
I can highly recommend visiting this part of the country and make it a point to meet Dave and Bob. You can also visit their other restaurant, the Wyld Hog.
Whether you’re hunting or touring the Wine Trail, you’ll enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Boars Nest Bed and Breakfast, and you will need to loosen your belt after a meal at the Blue Boar.
