Sweetwater Does the Farmer's Market

Sweetwater has begun doing the Downtown Farmer's Market on Wednesdays! We are so excited to be a part of such a great community event.

We began doing the Farmer's Market as a way to reach out to our local community. After coming to see us, we invite you to take a stroll through our gardens and see what we have to offer!

Our selection at the market varies from homemade bread made by Chef Joe to other Baked Goods by Bridget. Come by to sample some treats and sign up for our email list. By signing up for our email list, you are entered in a drawing for a free night's stay! We will be drawing for the free night's stay at the end of December.



Bridget and Izzy having fun at the Farmer's Market


Izzy being silly!

Put it on your calendars...we will have a booth at the Downtown Arts Fair November 14 and 15. Come by and see us!

-L

Fall is Here!

We are so excited that Fall is here. Between the great weather, our football guests and Halloween, we are busy. Just how we like it!

Check out our cool scarecrow Rachel and Kenny put together!









-L

Catering staff party at Bridget's

Bridget's catering staff party at her new found farm. She loves her new home especially her back yard!! MCH

Gators Trample Troy Weekend!

Gator Breakfast at the Inn!! Yum Yum Go Gators
Our very special repeat gator fans. We love you guys. MCH

Our Furry Friends

One of the many great things about Sweetwater are the furry companions that greet you when you arrive. We just wanted to share our friends with everyone in case they're in hiding when you come.


Butterscotch takes a nap in the Gazebo. I'm a little jealous of him at times...

(Photo by K-Gallery)


Mama Kitty decided the stroller was hers for the day.



Butterscotch graces the wedding party with his presence!

(Photo by Rob Witzel)


The cat on the left has a few names, but I call him Boots. I've also heard his name was Scooter. None of us are really sure what his real name is, but we love him just the same.



Man, Butterscotch has it tough.



Katie found Butterscotch nestled in the planter outside the office.



I guess you can tell which one is my favorite!
-L

Mmmm Breakfast

I may be a little biased, but I must say our Breakfasts every morning are amazing.

From Homemade Crepes sprinkled with Powdered Sugar to Ham and Swiss Stratas to Portobello Mushroom and Spinach Quiches to Oatmeal Apple Casserole, we strive to serve something new and wonderful every day!

Our signature dish and the most often asked for recipe is our famous Sweetwater French Toast Casserole. I know I know, I may get into trouble for doing this. but here it is!

The Recipe and a Picture:

Sweetwater Branch Inn’s

Decadent French Toast Casserole

In a Sauce pan combine the following items:

1 Stick of Butter

1 cup Brown Sugar

2 Tsp. of Karo Syrup

Remove from the heat and pour mixture into a 9x12 greased

(with butter not “pam”) pyrex dish.

Layer French or Cuban Bread Slices (approx. an inch thick) over the mixture.

Mix 6 eggs and 2 cups of milk together and pour over the bread. Top with sprinkled cinnamon.

Allow to soak over night.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour!!

(not convection bake)

Enjoy!!!

Of course, we do add our own special touches to it every day. You don't think I'd give away all the secrets!



This picture DOES NOT do our French Toast Casserole justice!

-L

National Tourism Week

The Hospitality Council of Gainesville really wore themselves out this week celebrating National Tourism Week! They hosted an array of events--everything from concerts to burrito eating contests to bed making contests! They also showcased Gainesville's natural beauty by promoting the Butterfly Garden, Kanapha Gardens, and Poe Springs. Gainesville really is "where nature and culture meet!"

Of course, we here at Sweetwater were THRILLED to participate in all of the fun! We kicked off the week on Monday by shuttling everyone down to Wayne's Bedding to cheer on our housekeepers Angelica and Claudia as they participated in the 17th annual bed making contest. Although they did not finish first, their thoughtfully appointed corners and tucks did garner quite a few compliments. We were all so proud! Claudia even made the front page of the newspaper the next day! Taste a little of the chaos with this video:

On Wednesday, we attended the Hospitality Council Awards Luncheon in the absolutely gorgeous Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Even baby Grant came to the luncheon--who I must say is already exhibiting a VERY professional demeanor. After a delicious lunch and a recap of the week's events, it came time for the awards. I'm going to go ahead and say this was MY favorite part, as I was both surprised and honored to be awarded the 2009 Hospitality Service award by the Alachua County Hospitality Council. How extremely touching it is to be recognized by both my amazing boss Cornelia Holbrook as well as the City of Gainesville! Truly a very proud moment!!!

After a long week of celebrating Alachua County's prosperous hospitality industry, we were absolutely worn out! But not too tired to host and celebrate a beautiful wedding, which I'm sure you can check out soon on our sister-blog.

Don't forget to visit the Hospitality Council's website for great links to natural wonders and entertainment in Alachua County.

-Izzy

Love is in the air!

Spring is here, and summer is quickly approaching! Come celebrate the most romantic season here at Sweetwater.

Any new 2-day booking that takes place between May 1st and August 31st, 2009 is eligible for a a free wine and truffle package delivered to your room--really, no extra charge! Please, be sure to ask when making your reservation, as these very special packages do require a bit of notice.

Your package will include a bottle of red wine and two Sweetwater signature wine glasses along with two of Chef Joe's absolutely DECADENT homemade truffles delivered to your room!

Book that romantic weekend you've been thinking of and we'll do our part to make it memorable. Stroll through our gardens while they're in full bloom. Sip your wine in the rocking chairs on our magnificent veranda or on the garden swing. And, don't forget to say "Hello!" to Butterscotch!

Go to sweetwaterinn.com to make a reservation, or call us to book over the phone at 352-373-6760.

-Izzy

It's a Boy!

As many of you may know, our lovely owner, Cornelia, was pregnant. Happy happy news! She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on April 12, 2009 at 1:29am. Grant Anthony Fitzgerald weighed 8 lbs 12 oz. Wow!

Everyone is healthy and doing well! We are so happy and thrilled for her.

Congratulations!



Isn't he gorgeous?

-L

Coming Soon!

Hello! Soon we will be posting lots of fun ideas, seasonal promotions and interesting news!
For now, enjoy some Butterscotch because I know we all do! -L






Photography by Footstone