Welcome to Sunrise Farm

There's nothing quite like a plate of freshly baked cookies to make you feel welcome, and 14-year-old Madison had baked our cookies to perfection. Madison's family operates Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast in Salem, SC, and my wife and I were checking in for an anniversary stay.

Situated on a 10-acre farm in the South Carolina Upcountry -- very handy to much of the state's most spectacular scenery -- Sunrise Farm has much to boast: a traditional farm house, two unique cottages, attention to details, wonderful breakfasts, friendly farm animals... Still, it's the people that make or break a B&B stay, and Jeff, Julie & Madison Pierce have mastered the art of hospitality.

Denise and I stayed in the Corn Crib Cottage, which, as the name suggests, is housed in the farm's original corn crib building. Julie personally showed us the cottage and made sure we were comfortable with everything from how to work the TV's remotes to where we would find drinks and snacks. She also gave us plenty of options for breakfast and had us pick a time. We didn't see the Pierce's again until breakfast, but Jeff and Julie both made it clear that they were happy to help if we needed anything at any time. And we knew they meant it.

Coffee was freshly brewed and waiting to be poured when we stepped into the main house, and the hand-written breakfast menu on the wall included a "Happy Anniversary" note. Julie greeted us and visited just a bit before going to work on breakfast, and she explained each course she brought it, each time asking a thing or two about our family and answering questions we had about the inn and its keepers.

The mission statement of Sunrise Farm says: "Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast exists to glorify God by providing a welcoming, peaceful environment where individuals, couples and families will receive rest and refreshment." From the standpoint of the Samsels, mission accomplished, and accomplished well.