Last minute cancellation for the Savannah Room for this weekend!! 2 Queen sized beds, large flat screen TV, beautiful view and as always comes with a full breakfast for 2. $170 a night, 2 night minimum. 815-667-4600🍳🥞🥓
What, you say you have never seen Pelicans in Illinois? We've got em right here on the Illinois River. Starved Rock State Park has them in abundance.Its Wildlife Wednesday!
COMMON NAME: Pelicans
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
TYPE: Birds
DIET: Carnivores
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 10 to 25 years
SIZE: Body, 5.8 ft; wingspan, 10 ft
WEIGHT: 16-20 lbs
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN
Over half a dozen species of pelicans live in and around bodies of water on our Blue Planet. When you think of a pelican it is hard to not imagine the famous throat pouch for which the birds are best known.
Fishing and Behavior
Just like you use a ladle to scoop soup or chili, pelicans use their elastic pouches to scoop up fish. The white pelican, do not dive on fish from above but rather float along the water and scoop fish into their bills. Pelicans do not store fish in their pouch, but simply use it to catch them. The American White Pelican can hold up to 3 gallons of water in its bill! The American white pelican can hold 3 gallons of water in its bill.
Look for pelicans from March-November along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in Illinois. They do not fly in a strict “V” formation but more loosely and their large white bodies and wings will stand out with black tips at the end. They also breed in groups called colonies. Here at Starved Rock they can be found floating in front of the lock and dam or behind along the sandbar islands in the middle of the river.
The female and male will strut around and box in an attempt to attract a mate. Breeding pelicans form colonies along islands. During mating season pelicans will develop a fibrous plate on the beak called a nuptial tubercle. Their nests are made from sticks, grasses, and reeds. They do not nest in Illinois.
Fun Fact
Pelicans have a vertebra in their neck which prohibits them from ever raising their faces.
Wow! 😲 I just saw a sneak peak of what's in store for the Friday night airshow and it looks awesome! Between the Friday night show and the Saturday airshow, they are really pulling out all the stops!! Click the link below to get a glimpse on what all they are doing this year. Oh, and they are going to have a parade at noon on Sunday! 😁 AND WE STILL HAVE ROOMS AVAILABLE!! 815-667-4600
tbmreunion.org/
It's that time once again! The TBM Avengers will be at the Peru airport on May 18th and 19th. Along with the largest showing of restored TBM's in the nation, is a large consortium of other restored and vintage airplanes. And it's ALL FREE!! But donations are greatly appreciated. Along with that are helicopter rides, plane rides and food. It's truly an amazing show!! We have a couple of rooms left, so come check it out!! 🛫🚁🛩😃 815-667-4600
Spring flowers are popping up everywhere!! Let's learn more about them!🌸🥀🌷
Want to know more about local wildflowers? Botanist gives free talk
Botanist and Southern Illinois University instructor Chris Benda will appear for a free program, the Ecology of Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday at Starved Rock Visitors Center.It's been a pleasure working with Tangled Roots on this beautiful and tasty craft beer. 100% locally sourced!! We look forward to working with them in the future!!
Beautiful, tasty, anti-oxidant rich and everything locally sourced!!No filter required. Thursday beer release: Aronia Saison 🌺
This is a very special beer that is part of our Farm to Foam series. It was brewed with Pilsner malt and Nugget and Cascade hops that were grown at Tangled Roots’ own farms in Ottawa, Illinois, just two miles from the location where we brewed the beer.
Aronia Berries (sometimes referred to as Chokeberries) and Aronia Berry juice that was sourced locally from Brightwood Inn in Utica, Illinois, were added after fermentation was complete. The berries added a fruity, earthy, and slightly tart flavor to the beer that is amplified by the citrus notes from the Cascade hops and the floral and spicy flavors from a saison yeast strain produced at Omega Yeast Labs in Chicago. The berries also created a beautifully vibrant pink hue to the beer.
Omega Yeast Brightwood Inn & Farm
Tangled Roots Brewing Company
1 hr ·
No filter required. Thursday beer release: Aronia SaisonNo filter required. Thursday beer release: Aronia Saison 🌺
This is a very special beer that is part of our Farm to Foam series. It was brewed with Pilsner malt and Nugget and Cascade hops that were grown at Tangled Roots’ own farms in Ottawa, Illinois, just two miles from the location where we brewed the beer.
Aronia Berries (sometimes referred to as Chokeberries) and Aronia Berry juice that was sourced locally from Brightwood Inn in Utica, Illinois, were added after fermentation was complete. The berries added a fruity, earthy, and slightly tart flavor to the beer that is amplified by the citrus notes from the Cascade hops and the floral and spicy flavors from a saison yeast strain produced at Omega Yeast Labs in Chicago. The berries also created a beautifully vibrant pink hue to the beer.
Omega Yeast Brightwood Inn & Farm
That is awesome! We will definitely be trying that next time we are there!! How cool!! 👍👍👍
Do we get to try it this weekend?
Getting really tired of your games, Mother Nature!!🥶😨
Enough! This is B.S.!!!
Down piss her off, could you imagine the weather after she's mad?
We have a late substitution, as it appears that Harry Elephante has sustained a sprained trunk. Standing in for our precarious pachyderm is Mr. Quackels. Mr. Quackels is a pro and is ready to greet you for the Easter season. Thank you Mr. Quackels for saving Easter!! 😆🦆🐘😄
He is a rescue duck. Found him at Lily Pads :))
SEE!! I told you! The flowers are starting to bloom, the grass is green, the ivy is coming up! And, no, this is not a picture from last year. 😜 So, we have a little hiccup coming mid week, but after that, back to beautiful spring! 🌿🌷🌺🌸🌞
Alright! Now we have our Easter greeting committee ready to greet you, along with a cameo from Boomerang Foster (AKA Boomer) for the picture! Tulips will be blooming soon! Weather is warming up! Let's get some fresh air!!! 😁🐥💐🌷🥚🐰😃
one day I will go there
Adorable! Hey there Boomer!!! 🐶♥️😊
Our St. Patrick's welcoming committee is ready! Just a friendly reminder that we still have rooms available for our FREE IRISH BEER TASTING AND CORNED BEEF DINNER!!! Once again, this only works if you book directly through us. So call us or go on line to our official web site. 🍀🍻💚😄😁
815-667-4600 - brightwoodinn.com
Free Beer Tasting and Corned Beef!!😀 - mailchi.mp/265713021a13/free-beer-tasting-and-corned-beef
Free Beer Tasting and Corned Beef!!😀
We hope you'll be wearin your Green on Saturday, because we'll start out with an Irish Beer Tasting! We'll sample a smattering of the finest beers the great country of Ireland can offer! Belly up to the bar and place yourself in an old Irish Pub in Killarny, with the sounds of flute and fiddle in th...Just had a last minute cancellation! (Grrr) Who's up for some Eggs Benny and Bananas Foster French Toast!! Give us a call!! 815-667-4600 🥚🍳🥞🥓
Me!
Meeee!!!
Wish we could!
Brightwood Inn & Farm updated their business hours.
Happy Valentine's Day from everyone at the Brightwood Inn!! 😁🌹💑😄
(and we still have one room left for this weekend...... i'm just sayin ......... call us 815-6674600 )
Harry Elephante and crew are awaiting your arrival for Valentine's Day at the Brightwood Inn!! We just had a room open up, don't miss out and give us a call!!😀🌹🥂❤️
815-667-4600 and feel free to message us with any questions!
Say Hi to the new St. Valentine Welcoming Crew, Harry Elephante and Spot! 😄
Only a couple of rooms available for that weekend if anyone is interested!! 815-667-4600 😀
They are a welcome addition to the halls of Brightwood!
As of today, the weather forecasters are predicting a partly sunny 30° day for the 2019 Utica Winter Wine Walk. Wouldn't that be awesome! There are less than 2 weeks until the event and tickets are selling fast. Don't miss out!
www.eventbrite.com/o/utica-business-association-11752018282
With some fresh snow and "The Big Chill" looming in the near future, we decided to take a little hike down to the Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. It was beautiful! We heard that all the waterfalls are filling in beautifully now!! The weather is suppose to be decent this weekend if ya want to check them out in person!! 😀☺️🙃 brightwoodinn.com/
Just imagine what it will be like when it finally warms up and starts to melt :))
Ottawa Canyon Starved Rock State Park January 28, 2019 Ice Falls and Canyon walls were breathtaking. Only thing missing was the sun!
360 animation of Ottawa Canyon this morning!! It was a nice morning for a hike!!😀 p.s. more pics to come! 😉
Just a little reminder that FLOCK TO THE ROCK is this weekend!!🦅🦅 I happen to know of a great place that has fireplaces and hot tubs to greet you when you get back from Eagle watching!! 😀🦅😄 815-667-4600
We'll be back for the Winter Wine Walk! 🍷🥂
Great news! Brightwood Inn has teamed up with Awesome Ottawa Tours to offer you a very cool package!! Stay 1 night at Brightwood Inn and get 2 vouchers for Awesome Ottawa Tours "Hidden Caves and Forgotten Graveyard" Tour! Packages start at $205 and as always come with a full breakfast! Flock to the Rock is THIS WEEKEND at Starved Rock so there are a lot of things to do!!
Call 815-667-4600 for all the details!!!
Terry Mead Mohring
I would love to do that tour! I have never heard of it before.
Stephen Widner
And you can do a one night stay? Isn’t it usually a 2 night min?
Hey Everyone, I just found something new to do in our area that looks like fun!!
Tom Aussem of “Awesome Ottawa Tours” Wants to show you some of our local history with his “Hidden Caves and Forgotten Graveyards” Hiking and biking tours. Check out my blog for more information. This definitely seems like something we want to do!
brightwoodinn.com/uncategorized/something-new-to-do/
Hey! We just signed the Inn up to Instagram!
brightwood_inn
Follow us if you like!😀
Well, looks like Mother Nature has got some more snow headed our way for the weekend. Soooooooo, let's have a "SNOWED IN PARTY" at the Brightwood Inn!!🎉🎊 The timing of this weather event is perfect! Arrive here on Friday before the snow hits, it will snow all day Saturday and then the roads should be fine late Sunday morning or afternoon. Plus we'll throw in a Pizza party Saturday night for free!🍕🍕🍕Plus on top of all that we'll give you our weeknight prices if you stay Friday and Saturday. So, 2 breakfasts, 1 pizza party, weeknight prices and lot's of snow!! Call us with any questions, inquiries and pricing! 815-667-4600
Is there a promo code to get this deal?
Winter is the best time of year to see the magnificent rock formations in Starved Rock State Park. Also the only time you will see frozen waterfalls. Just 4 minutes away from Brightwood Inn & Farm
Bout 5 years ago.... Miss ur guys place
Superb
Whether you're a "Bring it on" person, or a "you can have it" type of person when it comes to snow in Illinois, you don't have a say when it comes to Mother Nature. So, Be Prepared! Everyone off to the store and stock up on your milk, bread, whiskey and firearms!!! 😆😂🤣🤪
Omg that dog! 😂
Anybody else feel the same???
Yes, I feel the same way!! 😄
That's why mine are still up 😉
Yep!
Bare naked.
The date, January 4th and 5th 2019, says it could be like those two snowman friends freezing outside. However, the weatherman says it will feel like autumn in the woods. They are calling for SUNNY & 50 DEGREES THIS WEEKEND!!! It's going to be a great weekend for hiking and we have rooms for you. Call us at 815-667-4600 to book. Have to work this weekend? We have great weekday deals. Check them out at
brightwoodinn.com/category/specials/
See you soon!
Just FYI, the Brightwood Inn now has it's own personal weather station and it is synced up with Wunderground! So now, if you're ever wondering what the weather is like here.....
www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/il/oglesby/KILOGLES4
Oglesby, IL 10-Day Forecast | Weather Underground
Weather Underground provides local & long range weather forecasts, weather reports, maps & tropical weather conditions for locations worldwide.Next on my wishlist is a video cam :))
This is a busy time of the year so this is just another reminder of the deal we have on our GIFT CERTIFICATES!! For every $100 you purchase we throw in an extra $25 as a thank you. Hope everyone is getting all their ducks in a row for the Holiday festivities!! brightwoodinn.com/ 815-667-4600
The Brightwood Inn Christmas Greeting Committee
Beautiful
Love it! Looks very festive and homey 😁👍🤗
What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve???
Well here's an idea for you, ring in the New Year at the Brightwood Inn!!! Get all your friends together and rent the whole place or get a couple together and rent a few rooms! The choice is yours! So when getting together with friends and family for some holiday cheer, bring this up as a possibility. We've had groups in the past that had a Ball!! Give a call and discuss the options!! 🤩🥳😄🥳
815-667-4600
Hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Some of the Christmas decorations in the Dining Room/Library
Merry Christmas!!!
Looks great! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas. I enjoyed my stay there very much a few years ago. I need to come back again.
I remember a wedding cake sitting there! 😄. Merry Christmas to you both!
This is a great time to purchase Brightwood Inn Gift Certificates. For every $100 you spend, we give you $25 as a thank you from us to you! 815-667-4600 brightwoodinn.com/
A couple of things going on in the area for you to do this weekend. (if you get tired of looking at all the beautiful fall foliage)
First is the 4th Annual Wine & Art Walk in downtown Ottawa on Saturday. Wine, appetizers, Art and music all throughout participating Ottawa businesses.
www.thelonebuffalo.com/wine-walk-ottawa/?fbclid=IwAR0UgvF4Ez_PgnUHldGJcJ8rh0GwwEM8nMeEK6ul1mPy_2z...
Second is Utica's Veterans day parade and Air Show. Fly overs, vintage military vehicles, floats bagpipes and more! (by having it the weekend before Veterans day they are able to book some real quality groups) It is THE best Veterans Day Parade for many miles!!
utica-il.gov/event/veterans-day-parade/?instance_id=3737
Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are going to almost double in size!! 😮😳😯
www.newstrib.com/free/springfield-acquires-buzzi-property-for-million-video/article_203e37f8-d89a...
Matthiessen — and Starved Rock — just got a lot bigger (VIDEO)
Matthiessen State Park just got bigger — a lot bigger — and Starved Rock, too. Both have been expanded under a land acquisition that will bring new trails, campsites andToday is October 27th and the leaves have finally changed their colors.. This is the best color so far. Should be great for the next couple of weeks.
Crystal Ann Downey
Kerryn
Next week Only,🧟♂️ SPOOKTACULAR 🎃SAVINGS, 👻Sunday October 28th through Thursday November first, you can get a deal on a one night stay and an even better deal on a two night stay!! Deals as low as $90.00 for a one night stay and $72.00 for a two or more night stay!! 💀 Fall colors will still be awesome! Come hang out at the Brightwood Inn this Halloween week!! 815-667-4600 for more details.
Today is October 27th and the leaves have finally changed their colors. This is the best color so far. Should be great for the next couple of weeks.
Colors are finally starting to pop a little more now as we come upon the final weekend of October. This is the view from the Aspen Suite today. I have a feeling the colors will still be nice going on into November! 🍁😊🍂
Today is October 27th and the leaves have finally changed their colors.. This is the best color so far. Should be great for the next couple of weeks.
We took a little hike at Matthiessen Park yesterday. The colors were just starting to come on, but it was still beautiful with the sun out and the grass so green. The picture of the Maple is a close up of one that we can see from the back of the Inn. The weather looks absolutely GORGEOUS next week. I highly suggest you get out there and take it all in. I also highly suggest you stay at the Brightwood Inn when you do so. 😊😊The owl is a Barred Owl that for some reason, found it's way into our garage yesterday. We had to leave the garage door open all night (thank God we live in the country) so that it could get out. This morning, he was gone.🦉
We’d love to!!! If not this year - next year! ❤️
Anyone in the Streator area can now buy "Kevin's Homemade Granola" at More on Main in Downtown Streator!! But don't just go for the granola, they have awesome panini's, salads, soups and the best coffee and tea around!!
www.facebook.com/mainstreetmarket/?ref=br_tf
Best granola I have ever had! I recommend anyone in the area pick some up!
Best stuff on earth!!!
This is so good.
Y.U.M.!!!!
The. Best. Ever.
Engagements, Elopements, Small Weddings, inside, outside, formal, casual, spur of the moment and pre-planned, we've done them!! Let the Brightwood Inn host yours and have a stress free good time! We have packages were we do all the footwork or you can do it all yourself. Save yourself time, money and stress and come to the Brightwood Inn!
Vintage Illinois Wine Festival is this weekend!! I just wanted to pass this along from our friends at August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Co. They will be having a Pre-Celebration on Friday from 10am-8pm. Specials on wines and and live music from 4:30-7:30. Then on Sunday, Make Your Own Mimosas!! For more info on the Festival -
www.vintageillinois.com/
Awesome! Thanks for sharing....looking forward to seeing you guys and a fun weekend ahead! 😁🌞🍷🥂
Walked into the office today and BOOM, we have a beautiful Monarch Butterfly!!😃🦋😊🦋😁
Amazing. Thank you for sharing.👍😄
Thank you for sharing❣️
Beautiful! We just missed it by a few days!
Set him free 😁👍
Mallory Mojarro
Very cool!
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center
Welcome to the official Facebook page for Starved Rock Lodge, only hotel located in Starved Rock State Park.
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