Husband-wife team Dean and Lori Murray own and operate the Eastlake Inn Bed and Breakfast, located just minutes from the attractions of St. Louis but with the relaxing charm of small town life. Lovetripper.com recently spoke with Lori and Dean about the romantic charms of their 1920 bed and breakfast home.

Describe your most romantic room.

Our most romantic room is our Magnolia Room. This large and spacious room (16'x24') has a lucious king size bed that you don't ever want to get out of! The fireplace in the room adds to the romance of this room. You can also sit by the fire in a pair of rocking chairs and enjoy a good book as you relax in this peaceful room, filled with antiques with a decorative lace wall hanging behind the bed. A double set of doors leads you to the Magnolia's "Dream Bath". The bath has a cathedral ceiling which adds to the spaciousness of this room. A two-person Jacuzzi awaits you filled with bubbles. This bath also has a double shower and his/hers vanity overwhich hangs two antique empire mirrors.

Pretend you are a couple visiting your property for the first time. What would you plan for your special weekend?

Coming to the Eastlake Inn, arrival is between 3 and 5 p.m. A tour of the inn is first on the agenda. The spacious living room is for the guests. Enjoy a good book as you relax by the fire. The adjacent sunroom offers a TV and VCR if you would like to catch a private movie. On to the upstairs where you can check your belongings into the luxurious Magnolia Room.

We'd recommend dinner at one of Kirkwood's finest restaurants. There are eight located within a 1/2 mile of the inn including Sunset 44. They offer a wide variety of wonderfully prepared dinners along with an excellent selection of wines. Don't know what to chose? Bob Menendez, the owner will be most happy to help you with your decision. After dinner you can stroll among the quaint shops of Kirkwood or return back to the inn. Early dinners can accommodate after dinner entertainment at the Fox Theatre, Powell Symphony Hall, or perhaps one of St. Louis' sporting events, hocky, baseball, football. The next morning you can awake to freshly brewed coffed and a full gourmet breakfast in the dining room, enjoyed with other guests, or a more private breakfast basket brought to your room. . . your choice!

What are some of the most unique aspects of your property?

The inn was purchased by Lori in 1991 and opened in March of 1992 to take the first guests. Lori married Dean in 1996. Dean's excellent ideas and experience as a chef on Martha's Vineyard, added an extra plus to the inn's already excellent reputation. The house was built in 1920 and unfortunately cannot boast any ghosts or exciting history. It remains a stately, well kept home on one acre, surrounded by 100-year-old catalpa trees, dogwoods and redbuds. Two patios offer a quiet retreat for guests of the inn. If you are a dog lover, you will be excited to meet Bebe' and Sir George, the inn's golden retrievers. Bebe' is a trained therapy dog, and Sir George is in school as we speak.

What's a typical breakfast at the Eastlake Inn?

A typical breakfast begins with fresh brewed coffee or a wide assortment of teas. Breakfast is enjoyed in the main dining room or, weather permitting, on the patio, which the guests enjoy immensely. The favorite recipe is the Blueberry French Toast Cobbler, especially since the blueberries are brought each year from a trip to Michigan. This past summer, Dean brought home 30 pounds of blueberries to preserve, which the guests will be able to enjoy the entire year.

What the best time of year to visit your property?

Any time is a good time to visit the inn; there is always something to see or do. Spring is beautiful with Lori's perennial garden just starting to "pop". Tulips are up, and the Magnolia Trees are in bloom. Summer enjoys all the warm weather activities, and the gardens are in full bloom. Fall is especially nice with the trees turning colors, and the cool crisp air allows for a fire in the fireplace. Winter time is a time for snuggling by the fire, and taking in play at the theatre.

Are there any local festivals or special events of special interest to romantic travelers?

Beginning in June, you will find some kind of festival almost every weekend in the St. Louis area. "Tastes" of the area are particularly enjoyable, as restaurants from the area bring in their "best" for you to sample.

Do you host weddings at your property?

Unfortunately we do not host weddings or receptions. We can refer you to wonderful sights in the area, such as the Botanical Gardens, for your wedding, then come back here to the inn for your romantic honeymoon!

Do you have a romance or honeymoon package?

The Romantic Honeymoon package for the Magnolia Room includes two dozen roses, a bottle of champagne of wine, and chocolates for $200. Breakfast is included, of course.

For More Information:

• www.eastlakeinn.com