In the heart of downtown Havana sits a historic red brick building drawing guests inside for a charming place to stay, a hot cup of coffee and a chance to discover local talent. Scott and Brenda Haare lovingly restored this structure, which was built in the 1880s.
The couple purchased the property with a vision for what the space could become, only later discovering they had a personal connection to its past.
“When we bought the building, we did a title search and found the original owners were the Wahlfelds,” Scott says. “That’s my great-great-great uncle.”
Today, they’ve dedicated the upstairs to The River Bend Inn’s four spacious rooms, each featuring comfortable queen beds, a bathroom, a small kitchenette and a sitting area with a fireplace. Scott notes the architecture and decor pay homage to the inn’s history while incorporating modern conveniences.
“All four rooms are designed the same as far as layout but are decorated differently by themes based on the area,” Brenda explains. She quickly adds the themes are subtle, relying on colors, texture and art to set the tone of each room.
“I’m very picky about how things blend with each other,” she says, adding it’s always gratifying when guests point out the attention to detail.
Downstairs, Brenda named Stella Mae’s in honor of her grandmother.
“My grandma was always cooking, always in the kitchen,” she says. “I wanted that feeling of comfort – of going to someone’s house, sitting in the kitchen with a cup of coffee and visiting.”
If You Go
Wahlfeld Building
Location: 120-122 North Plum St., Havana
Cove Center: (309) 640-0005
River Bend Inn: (309) 640-0006
Stella Mae’s: (309) 640-0007
Coffee shop and gallery hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To learn more, visit theriverbendinn.com and check out the links to Stella Mae’s and Cove Center on Facebook.
Mission accomplished. From the large collection of displayed coffee pots and cream and sugar sets to the eclectic mix of furniture, including her grandmother’s Hoosier cabinet, Stella Mae’s evokes a feeling of warmth.
Of course, the stars of the show are the Columbian Supremo and Indonesian Sumatra. “We buy green coffee beans and roast them on site,” Scott says of the freshly brewed lattes, cappuccinos and espressos.
Brenda adds the coffee, hot teas and other beverages are complemented by a menu primarily featuring baked goods, including mouthwatering scones, cinnamon rolls, cookies and brownies with a few savory options to balance out the sweet ones.
Next door, the Cove Center showcases works by local artists across all mediums, including painting, photography, metal sculptures, blown glass and jewelry.
“Every first Friday, we feature an artist for the month,” Scott says.
Brenda adds, “I think people are always amazed at how many people are so talented.”
The center also serves as home to the Mason County Arts Council, and the Haares worked with the staff to champion public art, becoming the first downtown building to feature an outdoor mural.
A place to recharge overnight, refuel the body and revitalize the soul, the Wahlfeld Building truly is Havana’s triple treat.
Learn more about Stella Mae’s in this Partners podcast:
Listen to “Milestones for Main Streets” on Spreaker.
See more: Hit the Road to Historic Havana for a Spring Getaway
