Brigitte's Bavarian bread and breakfast: European escape via Homer.

• Author: Ellis-Knapp, Jody
• Position: EXECUTIVE GETAWAY

In today's tough economic times, more and more people are choosing the "staycation" over an expensive resort trip. This is especially true in Alaska, where travel means costly plane tickets in addition to hotel bookings and car rentals. Yet, that longing for something exotic and unusual remains, even though we know we should keep our feet firmly planted in our own backyard and our wallets in our pockets.

Luckily, there is a great solution for that longing, a taste of Europe and a bit of old world charm right here in our home state. Brigitte's Bavarian Bed and Breakfast combines the rustic beauty of the Alaskan wilderness with European style and luxury. Located in Kachemak City, a small community adjacent to Homer overlooking Kachemak Bay, the B&B is an easy drive from Anchorage and surrounding communities, with all the comforts one might expect from an upscale resort.

EUROPEAN ROOTS

Owners Brigitte and Willie Suter have both lived in Alaska more than 30 years. Willie is originally from Switzerland and came to Alaska in 1970. "I came here to check out the state and never left!" He says Brigitte was "imported." They met in Germany back in 1984 when he visited friends and cooked up an Alaskan red salmon that he brought. The B&B originated with a cabin they built on their property to accommodate Brigitte's parents when they came to visit from Germany, with the intent to rent it out afterward. This idea grew into the beautiful European style B&B they operate today.

OLD WORLD CHARM

There are three rooms available, two separate cottages and one room that is attached to the main house. Each room has one queen size bed and one twin bed, with cots and extra beds available for larger parties. All have their own entrances and bathrooms. The cottages have private porches and sit amidst beautiful gardens and trails, with the furniture in each cabin designed and handcrafted by the owners.

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Amenities include meals prepared from the couple's own garden, including homegrown peppermint tea and Brigitte's own...