While making travel arrangements for a weekend in Jim Thorpe, my husband and I decided to take a chance and stay at Hill Home Forge, a B&B that we couldn't find a review for anywhere on the Web. However, we were enticed by the beautiful scenery in the photos we saw on their Web site, as well as the comfortable-looking rooms. We were also intrigued by the fact that Hill Home Forge is owned and operated by artists, and it appeared that their art was incorporated throughout the facility. To be honest, the fact that the owners were artists scared me just a little bit, too. In the past, we'd had "artistic" landlords who could never seem to find the motivation to fix anything, clean their house or mow the lawn.

I am so happy to say that my fears were totally unfounded. Nic and Eileen East (the owners) run a first-rate B&B that is not only spotless, it's immaculate. Tasteful and interesting artwork is incorporated in both expected and unexpected places throughout the guest rooms and common areas. One of the nicest features is the extensive use of stained glass.

We stayed in the King Suite, which has an absolutely awesome king-sized bed and a great view of the woods from the balcony.

One of the most attractive features of Hill Home Forge is it's location, an easy 10-minute drive outside of town. It's set back in the woods on an extremely quiet road, and also has easy access to hiking trails. The location is absolutely beautiful and very, very quiet. (I suspect it could get rather loud in town, considering that when we were walking around there was a lot of traffic, including several loud motorcycles.)

Let's talk about food, shall we? We placed our breakfast orders the night before. The choices were waffles, apple-stuffed French toast, eggs made-to-order or several different omelet selections. The side items included fruit, breakfast meats, toast, OJ, coffee, tea, etc. Everything was homemade and delicious. The breakfast room is sunny and bright. The huge windows overlook the woods and mountain behind the property.

Nic and Eileen are so personable that we truly felt like we were staying at a friend's home. (But don't worry, they aren't intrusive in the least.) After breakfast, we were treated to a tour of the building, including their art studios.

That reminds me: You can also take different art classes right on-site in things like jewelry-making or stained glass. One couple who was there during our stay was working on stained-glass sun catchers.

I also want to mention the restaurant that Nic recommended to us, Macaluso's Restaurant at the Lantern Inn. It's about a 10-minute drive outside of town. It's slightly upscale, but comfortable and not pretentious. The food was absolutely fantastic. I had the rosemary lambchops (one of the specials) and it was so good I think I actually moaned several times while eating.

If you want more info on Hill Home Forge, check out their Web site or call Nic and Eileen. I'm sure they'd be happy to answer any questions. As for us, we're already thinking about our next visit.

Hill Home Forge Bed and Breakfast guests also can learn about making stained glass if the sign up for one of Nic East's classes at the introductory or more advanced levels.

Of course, they also can simply enjoy the in the woods location on the mountaintop near Flagstaff. It's about two miles from the heart of Broadway.

Nic and his wife, Eileen, lifelong artists who moved from Philadelphia to Jim Thorpe to gain the studio space they wanted, began offering a room to guests. Eventually, they created the Woodland Suite, and the Woodland Loft (both with fireplaces) and the Garden Court bedroom.

And then they realized their guests wanted to know more about stained glass and that Nic enjoyed teaching them. "Many of the guests who stay with us do take stained glass classes, too." Eileen says.

Nic loves color and their home is filled with his stained glass. When he teaches, he doesn't lecture or demonstrate. He works with students at his workbench.

Nic, who was a metalsmith and college art teacher, also makes lampworked beads and works on stained glass projects by commission. Every stained glass beginner will complete a sun catcher.

Guests who stay with the Easts receive a full breakfast with free range eggs, whole grain breads and organic produce that Eileen has prepared. Info: www.hillhomeforge.com. 570-325-0216.