Pinehill Bed and Breakfast, located on the majestic and historic Rock River,in Oregon, Illinois offers more than the average hotel or motel: it offers a slice of history.

Pinehill was registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 for its architectural significance.

Somerset Maugham, famous author and man of letters, visited Pinehill often during the 1930s.

But owner Sharon Burdick does not believe that the historic treasures within the house are to be hidden away and kept from people visiting the bed and breakfast.

“Nothing in the house is untouchable,” said Burdick. “All of the antiques are history to be enjoyed.”

According to Burdick, you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the many fun-filled programs offered at Pinehill.

Some of the activities offered are Sunday afternoon tea parties, Sunday murder-mystery games, bocci ball, badminton, private yard parties, ice cream socials and croquet.

Pinehill’s checker game is an unorthodox pastime. The game consists of red and silver foiled Hershey’s Kisses as the “checkers.” It’s a “winner-eats-all” competition.

Open seven days a week, Pinehill has enthusiastically hosted special birthday parties, etiquette classes, teddy bear tea parties, and architectural study groups. These events are open to all ages.

Pinehill also has a collection of antique and vintage sleds, sometimes used by the children as tables for their tea parties.

“Pinehill has many programs to promote families looking to spend quality time with their children,” said Burdick.

Upcoming events include an Easter egg workshop for children of all ages. Egg decorating, an Easter basket door prize and an egg hunt will be taking place through Saturday, March 30.

Pinehill also will be holding a Charleston Tea Plantation Party on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will be an American, socially-patriotic garden party featuring traditional Charleston Tea desserts and the ‘American Classic Tea’ from the Charleston Tea Plantation, founded in 1987. Charleston is America’s only tea plantation. The White House is now using ‘ACT’ for its official and ceremonial events of the Presidency.

A student discount will be available to NIU students. Tickets are $5 for students with a college ID, and $8 regular price. Call Pinehill ahead of time for reservations.

Also, that same day, Merlin’s Flowers and Greenhouses, 300 Mix Street in Oregon, will be hosting a spring tea and garden party from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Demonstrations will be held, refreshments served, and a selection of door prizes will be available.

The first cruises of the season will be occurring on Saturday, April 20. A total of three cruises will be leaving the docks in front of the famous Maxson Manor Restaurant.

Boat and restaurant owner Rose Jones will be catering an 11:00 a.m. luncheon cruise and a 6:30 p.m. dinner cruise.

A sight-seeing cruise will be boarding at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Prices for these cruises vary from $9 to $29. Call ahead for reservations at 1-800-468-4222.

Pinehill has just completed its February Festival of Chocolate Decadence, which will be continued in 1992.

Summer of 1991 will again have an herb garden for the guests to enjoy and take-home fresh garden herbs.

“Pinehill is the bed and breakfast that does not have a sign in the front,” said Burdick. “It’s your home.”

The prices for the overnight suites range from $75 to $150.