Blueberry Brooke: The Most Charming Bed & Breakfast in New York

Last updated on October 28, 2019.

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Dragonfly Inn from Gilmore Girls? Because I have! And you can get as close to that experience as possible at Blueberry Brooke in Deansboro, New York. No, there’s no Michel at a front desk, Sookie isn’t in the kitchen, and I don’t think that they’ve ever held a wedding for twins. But, Blueberry Brooke is REAL. And it’s the perfect little getaway full of all of that Gilmore charm. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to book your weekend retreat at this New York bed & breakfast.

Special thanks to Blueberry Brooke and Oneida County Tourism for hosting me for the weekend.

Blueberry Brooke Pond - Bed & breakfast in New York

The History of Blueberry Brooke

Blueberry Brooke is owned by Virginia & Robert Palusky, following an investment that Ginny made with her father to buy the property. At first, they weren’t sure what was going to come of the old, worn-down 1860s farmhouse they had purchased. But after some time, it was decided that the buildings and location would make the perfect bed & breakfast.

Believe it or not, Ginny did most of the work on the house herself. She knocked down the old walls and gutted the building to its bones. (If you ask her, she’ll gladly show you photos!) She and Bob then built and designed the inn as only artists can – with every intricate detail well thought out and executed. You can see the passion and love that was put into every detail.

There are five guest rooms at Blueberry, each decorated in Victorian charm by Ginny. (They’ve even been featured in Victorian Homes and Romantics Homes magazines!) You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time in each of the bedrooms. Just another way to make you feel like you’re ‘getting away from it all.’

Getting There

I have to say, I’m so happy that I was able to visit Blueberry Brooke in the peak of fall. Driving along the country roads, winding around curves and over the hills, was the perfect start to my weekend retreat. I’ll admit, I even stopped the car a few times to take pictures at the side of the road!

When you get to Blueberry, you might feel like you’re going the wrong way – but you’re not! That’s party of its charm! The bed & breakfast is located down a private road. You’ll cross a stream and approach the forest right before you get there.

Arrival

When I arrived at Blueberry, Ginny was waiting for me with a spread of tasty treats. There was a cheese platter, crackers and dip, cookies, chocolates, a fresh-baked almond cake, and a variety of cookies. Even though it was just me, she went all out! She wants to make each and every guest feel welcomed and at home.

I got a brief tour of the house with all of the necessary information I needed for my stay. The best part? Ginny asked me what I like to eat for breakfast. That’s a tough question though because I love all breakfast foods! She said she was thinking of making crepes and my eyes lit up. I. Love. Crepes. So much! Guess what I got for breakfast both mornings?

Breakfast at Blueberry Brooke

This is a bed and breakfast, remember? And I’m not sure which I enjoyed more – the bed or the breakfast! Breakfast was a feast. Fresh crepes, bacon, mini corn pancakes, a fruit platter, and two types of fruit sauces. While I was eating, mini loaves of fresh baked bread came out of the oven. The kitchen smelled amazing! Served to me with butter and basil, I was in heaven. I was so full, but it was worth every single bite.

You’ll Feel Like Family at this Bed & Breakfast in New York

A lot of people are apprehensive about staying at bed & breakfasts. They don’t like the close interaction with the homeowners. But me? I think that’s part of the experience! And I have to say, I left there on Sunday morning feeling like I was leaving family. Ginny and Bob were such wonderful hosts. They took every opportunity to make my husband and me feel welcome and comfortable at the inn. Their dog, Daisy, quickly became my best friend, and I even got to meet their son and daughter-in-law in the morning at breakfast.

One of the best parts is you can tell how much the Paluskys care about their guests. They were eager to learn my story, and they’ll want to know yours too! You could see the sparkle in their eyes as they talked glowingly about guests who’d stayed there in the past. They particularly like when families come by on weekends that they are visiting the local colleges for their children. Ginny says they keep coming back for five years!

Activities at Blueberry

Owners Ginny & Bob both have artistic backgrounds. Bob was an art professor at Hamilton College for several years, and now has his glass studio in the garage next to Blueberry. While his artwork can be found in museums around the world, visitors to the inn will be lucky to see his work displayed throughout the house.

Because of their devotion to the arts, Blueberry often hosts workshops for various arts. Retreats are also available for more immersive experiences.

Don’t forget the blueberries! It should come as no surprise that Blueberry Brooke is home to an orchard of blueberry bushes. Springtime is busy as the bed & breakfast, as hundreds of visitors come to pick their own bushels of berries.