TRISHA'S BED & BREAKFAST CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Trisha Wischmann and her family welcomed their first bed and breakfast guests in Sept. 1988. After ten years, the Wischmanns are still providing the same quality service to guests from places near and far. They are marking the occasion with a celebration the last weekend in September.

The family business includes Gus and Trisha's sons, Derek and Ashley, who are still living at home. They help with check-in, entertainment, touring, innkeeping chores, food service and numerous other tasks. Their oldest son, Richard from Rolla, still lends a helping hand with building projects and major repairs. Calvin and Lorene Walter, Trisha's parents, of Jackson continue to contribute to the operation.

"Mom is a good baker and she helps me with luncheons, teas and dinners," said Trisha. "Dad still polishes the silver and helps in the garden. It really is a family affair."

Spending time with guests is the best part of innkeeping, the Wischmanns said, but it takes effort on everyone's part to pull off a unique experience. The Wischmanns try to provide a relaxing, quiet get-away form the rushed world. Travelers staying at the bed and breakfast have increased steadily over the past 10 years.

"Good service seems to be a rarity these days," said Trisha. "Innkeepers are attempting to provide quality service."

Trisha's B&B Tea Room and Gifts is offering all of these to travelers. "For our local clientele, we provide a lovely Victorian setting for small, intimate gatherings in our tea room," said Trisha. "I teach etiquette and the history of tea to all ages, both private groups and Girl Scouts. I've had three-year-olds to 92-year-olds attend my teas

"We also help celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, girl's coming-of-age parties and many other delightful experiences," said Trisha. "We attempt to celebrate life with gracious hospitality here and I think I enjoy it as much as the guests. That's what's so delightful about this business. It's fun to help people feel happy and have a good time."

The anniversary celebration will feature an open house and gourmet food set in a "Gone With the Wind" theme. Lunch will be served on Friday, Sept. 25; a high tea will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26; and a reception open to the public will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, featuring an antebellum theme. Reservations are required for all events. The bed and breakfast is located at 203 Bellevue in Jackson. For more information, call (573) 243-7427 or (800) 651-0408.