My family and I just returned from our pre-deployment vacation to Yellowstone National Park. Enroute to YNP we stayed at the Lambright Place in Cody, WY for two nights and we returned to Lambright Place for a third night on our way back home to Rapid City, SD.

Jim and Mary Crow were wonderful, warm innkeepers. They were all too helpful and understanding when our travel plans needed to change due to shifting military delployment obligations. We stayed in the bunkhouse which had a cozy western atmosphere and our 3-year-old daughter loved it so much she asked if we were moving in permanently! We awoke to a gourmet breakfast with egg casserole, fresh fruit, cakes, juice, coffee and tea. Jim and Mary sat down with us and Mary held our 4-month-old son to give us the opportunity to enjoy our breakfast. Jim served as our personal consierge! First he escorted us to the Buffalo Bill Cody Historical Center. Later, he recommended the Wyoming Rib and Chop House for dinner and even called to make our reservations for us!

When we returned from a lovely dinner, Jim honored our request and built a log fire on their patio fire pit while my wife and I put our two kids to bed. We then joined Jim and Mary beside the warm fire in the cool mountain night air for some great wine and wonderful conversation.

The next morning Mary fixed yet another delicious gourmet breakfast and we set off for Yellowstone. As we were leaving Cody, my wife and I were already talking about how wonerful the experience was and we were telling each other how much we were looking forward to staying at the Lambright Place again on our return trip home.

Upon our return to Cody we felt as though we were coming home. Jim happily greeted us as we stepped out of the car and invited us to join him, Mary and Mary's family to watch the Kentucky Derby. What a wonderful experience that was! It was impossible to feel like guests because we were made to feel so much like family! Mary had prepared a fine display of crackers, chips, fresh vegetables and 4 different home-made dips to enjoy as we watched the race. After the race, Mary took our daughter along with her own granddaughter for a stroll around the block in a wagon while Jim and I swapped "war stories". Mary and Jim really treated our children like they were their own grandchildren always engaging them in conversation or holding them and making them feel at home too. Toward the end of the evening, we shared pictures of our trip to YNP with Mary and Jim and laughed and talked about family, friends and each other.

On the morning of our final departure, Mary fixed us this delicious artichoke souffle, fresh fruit and coffee cake. We sat and talked awhile not wanting to leave! As I shook Jim's hand and gave Mary a hug I honestly felt like I was saying good-bye to family.

I whole-heartedly recommend the Lambright Place to anyone travelling to or through Cody, WY and want not just a place to stay but a wonderful home to rest your head and fill your belly. My wife and I are already planning our next trip to Cody -- if for no other reason but to see Jim and Mary again!