Woodstock, Hotels + Resorts, Illinois

Cherry Tree B & B Is MoreThan a Movie Set

Stunning, old-world charm with modern conveniences is how we would describe the Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast in Woodstock, IL. Made famous by a movie feature, the Cherry Tree B & B is more than a movie set. Built in the 1800s, this nearly 7,000 Victorian home is owned and operated by George & Lori. George & Lori like to create experiences for their guests and it shows. This could include cocktails in the sitting room, a massage from the on-site professional masseuse to a customized breakfast to fit any dietary requirements. If you’re headed to Woodstock, IL you simply must stay at the Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

Bill Murray Slept Here

Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast is made famous by the 1993 movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray would wake up and repeatedly walk down the stairs of this house. Movie buffs might be asking, ” But didn’t Groundhog Day take place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania?”. “YES” however, it was filmed in Woodstock IL. This is in large part due to the director of the film, Harold Ramis, and actor Bill Murray is from the Chicago area so they could film and be close to family during production.

So it was this house that “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher repeated every morning at six o’clock on February 2nd until Phil got the day right from the bedroom in the house. The Cherry Tree Inn B & B is much more than a movie set. It’s a beautiful home with wonderful hosts that will make your visit to Woodstock, IL anything but a Groundhog Day.

Betcha didn’t know: Bill Murray is part owner of an independent Minor League baseball team in Minnesota called the Saint Paul Saints.

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

The house is stunning and makes a beautiful first impression. We loved that it is an old home with all the modern conveniences you could want. The idyllic porch welcoming guests is just the first wonderful impression the house makes. Look at this porch! It wraps around three sides of the house. Guests can enter from the front or the side with plenty of seating all around. It was especially wonderful at night to sit in the rocking chairs.

The house has 7 total bedrooms, though due to Illinois lodging laws, only 4 of the 5 guest rooms are rentable.  The 5th main-floor bedroom was converted into a massage room. Guests are welcome to book a massage with the in-house massage therapist, Alice!  Each of the 4 bedrooms has its own private bath. Breakfast is served daily at 9 am at the Cherry Tree Bed & Breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast- wow!! Lori is a wonderful chef who can be quoted as saying “I don’t use recipes”.  To say she’s accommodating is an understatement. Prior to our stay, we indicated that we were vegan. We did wonder how this would play out. Spoiler Alert: AMAZING VEGAN FOOD!!  More about the food in a bit, let’s take a look at the house!

A look inside

A beautiful and grand staircase. Right below the staircase is the main floor bathroom for anyone to use.

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set
Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

The Black Walnut Suite

We were assigned to the Black Walnut Suite and it was a lovely assignment. Our bedroom was comfortable and cozy. Truly, it had all the comforts of home. A big comfy chair, a TV & DVD player along with a DVD of Groundhog Day (of course!!), a closet and dresser storage, decorative fireplace, and literature for the area of McHenry. Our private bath was in our room and had the most amazing shower with wall jets.

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

The Details

Our breakfast table was formally set with different linens, place settings, and serving dishes each day. Having had the experience in college of living and working in a B & B we know exactly how much work George & Lori are doing to create the atmosphere for guests. We very much appreciated all of the detail and hard work that went into pulling off these gourmet breakfasts!

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

The Food

We mentioned that Lori is a wonderful chef. She created the most amazing meals for us. It was so wonderful to enjoy the smell of breakfast as we were getting ready for the day.

Freshly squeezed orange juice was available and the coffee came from a local coffee shop that we also had the pleasure of visiting. Everything that Lori made for the guests she provided the same but vegan options for us. We couldn’t have asked for a more lovely dining experience.

Pictured below are the vegan pancakes with fruit toppings that included cherries. Lori explained that her and George source as much of the food locally as they can.

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

Another morning we had vegan strawberry yogurt, vegan biscuits and gravy, and avocado toast with balsamic vegetables. Oh, my word!! It was all so good.

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

The breakfast potato scramble with a local, vegan patty was so good!!

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

Lori & George brought these vegan apple raisin bread pudding with cinnamon cream sauce treats to us while we were sitting on rocking chairs on the porch. For real! It was so good and they were fresh out of the oven. Heavenly!
Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

More Details

Beautiful no matter where you look!

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set
Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

  

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

The skeleton key to our bedroom.

Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

We can’t say enough good things about our stay with George & Lori.  Located just minutes from “The Square” of Woodstock, an entire city block that is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982. It’s a completely adorable and idyllic small-town. A stay at the B & B put our visit to McHenry County over the top.

Our stay was hosted by Visit McHenry County our opinions are all our own!

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Cherry Tree B & B More Than a Movie Set

Getting To Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast

Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast

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344 Fremont Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-308-5946

3 Comments

  1. Find the Silver Lining When a Road Trip is Full of Detours - Dining Duster

    October 21, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    […] been to. So we were excited to check it out. Some of our other IL travel adventures are here , here and here. In typical Dining Duster fashion, we extended the trip by a few days so we could Dine, […]

  2. Kim (Oh My Omaha)

    July 11, 2018 at 6:30 am

    This looks like a beautiful place to stay! I loved the movie, so now you’ve got me tempted to make a special trip to Woodstock.

    1. Kelly & Dusty Ratcliff

      July 12, 2018 at 9:38 am

      It was so lovely. You’d love Woodstock. It’s so charming.

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