STYLE
THE pendulum
PAGE 18 // WEDNESDAY. MARCH 3. 2010
The Acorn Inn of Elon provides more than just a place to stay
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BRIAN ALLENBY | Staff Photography
A ■ « S* «n Mannflrri Ave and Is owned by two Elon alumnus. Owners, Mike and Melissa Brown opened the
[nn“iXTembe°;ilS"'K^''an"d Parents, guest speakers and job candidates of Elon.
Sarah Carideo
Reporter
It seems like many of Elon University’s alumni
cannot bear to leave their alma mater. Instead,
several stay in the area and contribute something
new to the community. In November 2001, Mike and
Melissa Brown did just that when they opened their
bed and breakfast, The Acorn Inn of Elon.
Mike Brown had been jogging when he noticed the
vacant lot available where a house had burned down.
He was struck with the idea of doing something with
the space. After looking further into the options, he
found it was large enough for a bed and breakfast.
After applying and receiving a special-use permit,
the Browns began breaking ground eight months
later.
The Browns said they intended to try this project
as an experiment for retirement.
“It only too two weeks to figure out there was no
way. It’s just took much work,” Brown said.
Even though it came with a lot of work. Brown said
it “would probably be a pretty safe risk" because they
knew that the university has a high population of
people from the Northeast, so there was a need for a
place where visitors could stay.
The next important step for The Acorn Inn was
deciding what facilities would be offered and at what
cost.
The Acorn Inn has 12 suites, which includes a
sitting room with a hallway to the bedroom. The
Web site states the suites are luxurious. Brown
said this is because “all suites have a king bed
with a high residential quality mattress, a fireplace
and a whirlpool tub.” The suites also come with a
refrigerator, microwave, two televisions with HBO,
high-speed Internet and a bathrobe.
Brown said The Acorn Inn’s facilities could be
described as “polished” and a “level above” what is
offered from the large hotels and motels in the area.
He added that local ownership is what makes
The Acorn Inn most unique in comparison to other
places.
“There’s a level of service not achieved with a
larger place,” Brown said. “There’s a comfort in
corresponding by phone and e-mail and meeting
them at breakfast. There’s a relationship that’s built
that’s not as likely at a larger place.”
Another important aspect of The Acorn Inn is
the rates in comparison to those offered at nearby
lodgings.
“We looked at the competition and essentially we
tried to give as much as we possibly could for $100,”
Brown said. “We took the attitude of a consumer
because we stay in hotels ourselves. It’s a pretty
standard rate that delivers a more-than-average
product.”
Brown said a majority of the people who stay at The
Acorn Inn is related to Elon University, whether they
be parents, guest speakers or job candidates. This
has been a challenge because most of the business
happens during only eight months of the year.
As a result, they try to offer special events for
customers by having a romantic getaway package
and accommodating larger gatherings like family
events, parties and conferences.
Most notably The Acorn Inn has developed an
event that is open to the public called Front Porch
Music, which features food, wine and live music.
These events happen during the summer months
when school is out and business is quieter.
“It gives us the opportunity to showcase what
we’re capable of,” Brown said. “It’s a change to shout
out to the community, ‘We’re over here and we’re
pretty cool.’”
In the future, Brown said he hopes to continue to
use the great space they have for events and to offer
catering packages for parties.
Brovm said he wants to dispel the rumor that it is
difficult to obtain a reservation at The Acorn Inn and
encourages people to keep trying. But, he admits it is
slightly harder during the peak times of the year.
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March Is
National Nutrition Month 1
Stop by our Moseley table on
Wednesday, March 10
from 10am-3pm
. Speak with our on-site registered
dietician, Kate Ruley
. Try some healthy snacking samples
. Learn how Dining Services supports
your healthy and balanced dining
initiatives
. Pick up some information and
brochures on healthy eating
on-campus and at home
^^^UNIVERSITY
For all menus, questions and dietary
assistance, please contact us at
www.elon.edu/dining.