Algonquin Bed and Breakfast Celebrates 200 Years of ‘Sense and Sensibility’

The British Regency period is coming to the , this year, along with Jane Austen.

The will offer a series of teas dedicated to the 19th century British author.

Tea time has been a fixture at the bed and breakfast since its beginnings in 1995, and the Christmas teas have been very successful, said Sherry Brewer, owner of the .

“The Jane Austen events are a whole new aspect of what we are doing,” Brewer said.

“We tend to cater to women, and Jane Austen is very popular. She is very compelling as an author,” said Carolyn Shellhart, innkeeper.

The first tea focuses on Sense and Sensibility, Austen’s first published book, and includes quilling, a traditional papercraft. The Jane Austen series will continue throughout the year led by Linda Levengood, a Jane Austen enthusiast from Crystal Lake. Each tea will focus on one of the author’s books and include a dessert tea and hands-on activity.

“Linda uses a lot of props. She’ll have dresses, hats, jewelry and with the food, we’ll try to incorporate some of the things that were popular at the time,” Shellhart said.

The offers both a beautiful place for out-of-towners to stay when visiting Algonquin as well as a place for local people to hold meetings, events and celebrations.

Brewer has lived in the Victorian home since 1974, but she started operating it as a bed and breakfast in the mid-’90s, after her children grew up.

“There’s never a dull moment. I never know who’s going to come through the door next. I’ve had people stay here from Africa, Malaysia and Algonquin,” Brewer said.

She said the first thing she asks new guests is “What do you do to stay out of trouble?”

“I get so many answers. It’s lots of fun to hear people’s stories,” Brewer said.

The inn recently opened a new room that is available for networking groups.

Brewer also opens the home to events like baby showers, bridal showers and anniversary celebrations.

Brewer said she enjoys hosting children’s events, such as a Manner’s Class for children 5 to 11. A new offering is The Art of Conversation, for girls 10 to 13.

Tickets are still available for this weekend's Sense and Sensibility Tea times, which are being held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $22 each and can be purchased by calling Sherry at 1-847-854-9667.