As we drove up to the Simpson Hotel, in Duncan, AZ the sign was welcoming. Owner/Manager Deborah Mendelsohn immediately fixed us some tea and, feeling tired, we sat and relaxed for a while.
This B&B; was charming. Deborah had to gut its insides to restore it to prior beauty. This has been achieved with great care and hard work on her part. When she purchased the building, the beautiful oak built-in breakfront in the dining room was in pieces. With a lot of hard work, she has successfully restored them and put them back together.
The Simpson features delicious breakfasts that are nutritious and balanced. With a strong commitment to locally sourced delicacies, including vegetables, herbs and fruits in season, desert flower honey, eggs from free-range chickens, and fresh, pure well water from the Outpost store on Highway 75, Deborah is helping to organize a local community effort to keep food crops growing in the Upper Gila Valley. Plate scrapings, coffee grounds, and tea leaves go into the Simpson’s compost bin, which will help fertilize herbs and vegetable in next year’s hotel garden. Deborah also follows many other green practices.
An area of the house that I personally found appealing was the dormer upstairs filled with a doll house and toys. While we were guests that was a little boy staying in another room who was delighted to have this play area with different toys.
Norm and I look forward to returning. We know Deborah will have accomplished a great deal more. I know she was working on a front room on the first floor and we look forward to seeing the finished results.
Simpson Hotel
Deborah Mendelsohn, Owner/Manager
116 Main Street, Duncan, AZ 85534
928 359-3590
www.simpsonhotel.com
Maralyn D. Hill and Norman E. Hill
Books By Hills
GLOG: Global Log
SLOG: $uccess Log
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
