Not only is Magnolia Manor a lovingly restored historic home with the friendliest staff ever I'm going back ASAP. For my birthday gift from my hubby I went on one of the West Memphis Ghost Tour weekends and had a blast! I took my best friend with me & not only was our host for the ghost hunt a delight, but the owner of Magnolia Manor,Elaine was a true Southern lady who went above & beyond her commitment to make her guests feel as if they were "at home" in her home. We cannot say enough nice things about Elaine & her staff who made us feel so welcomed and happy that we hated to leave! We lingered as long as we could before finally saying our goodbyes after a light breakfast served on lovely china in the beautifully appointed dining room. We were entertained with stories of Elaine's experiences since living in the Manor and from the other guests who had experienced things throughout their stay.
We were lucky enough to stay in the CA Miller suite which includes its own parlor/sitting room and one of the most beautiful tester beds I've ever had the pleasure to lie on! Our room was immaculate,beautifully & historically decorated including chandeliers, marble tables,dresser tops filled with historical ladies dressing items of silver, 2 fireplaces, the famous rocking chair that rocks itself if you're lucky enough to see it do so and many more wonderful items of significance.
We were told to make ourselves feel "right at home" and encouraged to wander through the house & grounds. Upon our arrival in the grand hallway that was beautifully lit, we were greeted by Elaine who offered coffee,tea and snacks throughout our stay.
Our room was clean & we had giant fluffy towels instead of the usual thin rough ones you usually find. The claw foot tub was a delight and just 4 steps from our room. There were only 3 rooms on the second floor where we stayed & I never once heard a sound from the other guests. Even though the Spirits did make themselves known a few times it was never frightening or scary, just fun little things like our lights flickering, the ceiling fan turning itself on & off, orbs floating across the floor & walls. Whispers, light touches on our shoulder or hair, crystals in the lights twinkling and so on.
We awoke to freshly brewed coffee,tea, a wonderful visit on the enclosed wicker decorated back sitting porch which includes a computer if you wish to use it. There was also a TV back there and a great view of the giant back yard where we watched local birds and "General Lee" take his morning walkabout. General Lee is Elaine's little yorkie who stays in the private area of the Manor & this was the only time we saw or heard him throughout our stay.
Although there's no smoking inside the home due to its historical status the front porch has comfy white rockers where one can sit to smoke if you choose to do so.
Regarding the previous post I'd like to add that while there may be a bit of dust about that it's perfectly normal for a house that age to have some "plaster dust" as you would expect. It is by NO means anything out of the ordinary or dirty! It is "lived in" and very lovingly so! My only complaint and I even hate to say there is one...is that my eggs were a bit cool, but that was due to waiting on all the guests to get to the table. I suppose we cold have been rude & ate without them....but that isn't the "Southern Way".
While the surrounding neighborhood is mostly historic it's not the sort of place one would go for a rocking night life or excitement if that's what you're seeking. However if you want to experience a quiet peaceful stay in a lovely home with a sweet gracious host then Magnolia Manor is a must see! If you're lucky enough to see a Spirit or two while you're there then consider yourself blessed and enjoy an experience you can tell the grandkids about one day.
Feel free to view my photos of Magnolia Manor during my stay if you'd like. If they don't show here I have them at www.myspace.com/witch_dust under the title Magnolia Manor. If you have trouble viewing them there then just Google the words, Magnolia Manor & WitchDust & you'll find them somewhere I've posted because I want you all to see this hidden gem in the South!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC