GROTON - NOW A GREAT R&R TOWN

Take a step back in time, rendezvous with nature and enjoy the luxury of finding your own space in this countryside wellness center that's more than a B&B. It's a mere 20 minutes from Ithaca, 10 minutes from Route I-81 in Groton, N.Y.

Suzanne Camin accommodates her guests in five bedrooms with different degrees of comfort, each with a garden view, and she's done a lovely job of turning an old barn into 'a sanctuary for the soul and body' - Angel Arms.

Within minutes of making Suzanne's acquaintance you'll meet the resident dog, Lady, and his playmates, cats Sox, Jordan and Odie. Outdoors, the butterflies and hummingbirds are quite fascinating as they flit from flower to flower.

Exploring Angel Arms' six acres of wildflower and herb gardens, perennials, trees and bushes on a quiet stroll throughout the grounds is a delightful experience. Wandering down the paths, or sitting awhile on the chairs or benches and pondering your thoughts - it's a far cry from the hustle and bustle of city life, and a joy to savor.

The common Great Room is full of warmth provided by a working woodstove and fireplace, which is as great a conversation piece, same as the collection of angels Suzanne has scattered throughout the various rooms. It's easy to fall in love with the Library loft - the ideal retreat for some quiet reading or meditation after a day of sightseeing or activities.

Breakfast is a feast with Suzanne at the helm. Even if you stayed for a week or more the menu will always offer a different variety of fruit, sauces, bread, muffins, main dishes and drinks. And just to tantalize your taste buds here's a sample of the filling breakfast guests enjoy every morning at 8:30 a.m. (Susan selects a different pattern (from her collection) for the place settings at every sitting).

Fresh fruit salad or warm fruit compote offers a choice of pears almondine, fruit frappes, seasonal fruit parfaits and frozen grapes in cantaloupe boats. The freshly baked bread and muffins include rose scented geranium muffins or cakes, angel biscuits and fruit breads. The tasty sauces and herb butters are irresistible - pansy, yogurt with spices and honey and fresh basil or chive.

And that's just for starters. Suzanne sets the main dish menu for breakfast, but I'm sure she will accommodate special requests. House specialties include egg quesadilla, vegetable quiche or in phyllo dough, fluffy French toast on cinnamon or fresh pear bread, farmer's eggs with home fries, eggs Suzette scrambled with tomatoes, olives, chives and sour cream over stir fried vegetables. Her meat dishes include squash or zucchini sausage boats, biscuits and gravy and bacon biscuits.

Drinks range from orange/pineapple, cranberry, apple and white grape juice to all types of tea and coffee.

Local laws do not permit other meals to be served at Angel Arms but there are many excellent restaurants in and around Groton.

The Wellness Center is open year round for body work and energy work. Treatments include cranio-sacral therapy, myofacial release, herbal body wraps, ear candling, pleiadain light work, herbal consultations, bodytalk, paraffin hand and foot wax. Psychic readings are also available.

For 'hungry' fishermen, Fall Creek awaits across the country road. If you prefer visiting museums or art galleries Suzanne is a whiz at directions (and drawing maps). She is a walking (and talking) encyclopaedia on the area's attractions, just ask. See below for more on trail riding, just one of the many popular activities available in the area.

For more information call 607-838-0497 or visit www.lightlink.com/angel

TRAIL RIDING

Bob and Lorraine Aichelle operate the riding center with as much ease as managing their household. The family and their 'helpers' care for the horses (youngsters who perform chores and who are also interested in learning to ride).

Bob takes guests on trail rides to enjoy the scenery, give the horses a workout and everyone returns happy. There's something about horseback riding in the open countryside - the wind whispering among the leaves and feeling the warmth of the sunshine on your face - this is what I call 'life in the leisurely slow lane!"

Take a look at our photos and you will see what we mean.