Let Me Introduce You to Marie

Originally published on The JOLT News on September 3rd, 2025

Stepping on The Marie Bed & Breakfast property feels like stepping back to an ideal moment in time where everything was simpler, cozier, enchanting and lovely. I had the pleasure of staying there a few years ago, and it is an experience that has remained with me since.  

Since my stay, I have kept an eye on them through social media and have attended some of their free community events. Recently, I learned about their new historic walkway that honors the house’s heritage, which will be on display at all their events moving forward.  

I love Marie B&B, and it is an honor to introduce you to her.  

Marie B&B 

123 Cushing St. is a property that has been thoroughly cherished since its conception (read more about the ownership history here. Current owner, Alicia Elliot’s vision for the property remains incredible, as she and staff honor the history and invest in the community.  

The B&B utilizes organic local vendors in everything from food to bedding (read the full list of vendors here). Every product goes into this vision of loving people, meeting their needs, accommodating allergies, and creating a haven where all feel safe, welcome, and even a little romanced. 

The B&B Manager, Emily, delights in her job and is all about embracing all the magic that goes into each stay.

“I’m Italian and I have been taught to love everyone. I am all about romance and being super freaking extra. I do everything to show guests a piece of my heart and that they are loved and respected," she said.

Housekeeper Abbey described how she sees guests feeling comfortable and lounging on the couch with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.

“It is so sweet to see them enjoy it all. I feel like we have developed a space anyone could call home," she said.

Emily added, “‘Today society is (difficult) and it's nice to step back in time and be somewhere you are cared about. This is my home away from home, and if you need a ‘pick me up’ or a place to call home, come stay with us.”

The art of hospitality is something that is slowly slipping from our fingers, as we lead more isolated lives. The Marie B&B fulfills the need for community and the longing for yesteryear.

Book your stay here.

Historic walkway  

The Marie B&B is also known as the McIntyre House on the Olympia Historical Society registry. J.R. McIntyre built the home for his daughter, Nelly, and her husband, Methodist Reverend Clarence B. Seely. When Nellie passed away, Seely remarried a woman named Cora, who passed away at the house when she was 98.  

The Marie BNB has searched through all the historical society websites and pulled everything they could find on Clarence, Nelly, Cora, their families, the school they went to, etc.., in order to turn their stairwell into a historical walkway. This newly developed space will feature old photographs and artifacts in addition to all the sentimental details you find throughout the B&B.   

“There are fingernail imprints in the staircase from where the phone was,” Emily commented. “They came from Nellie or Cora nervously tapping their fingers on the stairwell while talking on the phone.”  

There is a little room within the Walnut Room that has a large bathtub that was once Clarence’s printing press room. He created his own Christmas Cards, hymns, and all of his speeches and sermons. 

Attending a community event will allow you to see all these spaces, but spending the night is truly where the wonder begins to happen.  

 Free community events  

Anyone can catch a glimpse of the Marie's special brand of coziness through community events. Mark your calendars now for the Artisan Market taking place at the Marie on Nov. 22 and the Yuletide Event on Dec. 5.  

Both upcoming events will have a quintessential warmth that perfectly suits this time of year, offering hot apple cider, some form of vegan and gluten free treats alongside classic favorites, and give the community a chance to see the space, dance and hang out in the parlor, and enjoy the new historic walkway. The jazz band, Almost Blue, will be playing at the Yuletide event.

 If you have social media, I encourage you to follow the Marie B&B so you can stay tuned for next year’s Valentines event in February and Lavender Lemonade Social in the beginning of summer.  

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