Flo's Hideaway

It felt like I was back in France in the countryside decades ago. So warm and welcoming like we had known each other forever. We liked the fact that this was a real home and not a "business" which is the true definition of a bed and breakfast. Thank you Flo and Carl for opening your home to us.

34 degree outside, sun is shining. Having breakfast in the glass enclosed sun room looking at the mountain in the distance is delightful. No wonder Flo and Carl spend most their time in this room. The crepes and homemade baguette are to die for.

This was my 3rd stay with Florence & Carl. I guess I could be considered a "regular". A few things had changed about the house since my last stay...like the new porch and some different furniture. But not the atmosphere! This is the homiest place you could ever stay. Just like being in your own home with a different view! Even better!! I WILL keep coming back! See you again next year!

My family recently stayed at Flo's Hideaway during the Fall Nascar race at Bristol. We were looking for a different kind of experience so decided to try a Bed & Breakfast. I don't think Flo's is a typical B&B as we were treated like family rather than guests. It surpassed our expectations and we have already booked our room for 2013.

A car problem had us stuck in the Bristol area for a night. A google search pointed to Flo's and we gave it a try although it showed she was only opened during special occasions. After earring our ordeal there was no hesitation and Flo opened her home to us. What a wonderful, compassionate hostess, we are used to B&B's but this was an incredible experience, just like it used to be 30 years ago in Europe, when you could just knock on someone's door and ask if they would accommodate you for the night. Within a few hours we thought we had known each other for years. If you are fortunate enough to spend an evening there you will know exactly how we felt. I believe we got stuck for a reason: so we could meet Flo and Carl.

From the moment I came in, i knew I was in the right place. The hospitality, the food, the decor was first class. I will be back.

We always pick a B&B for our anniversary and this actually was not our first pick for our 40th anniversary, but due to really bad weather closing our 1st choice, we found Flo's. We will never know what we missed at the other but we know what we gained at Flo's, an instant bond of friendship. We stayed in Julia's suite, it is very spacious and very well appointed with antique furniture and "whatnot", the bed was so comfortable, and towels very soft. We love the fact that rather than destroy the integrity of the house to bring all those modern amenities, Flo and Carl worked around the original design to bring all the comfort possible. We also like the fact that they advocate "being green". Breakfast was a variety of french goodies like croissants, toasted homemade baguettes, crepes and preserves, even french butter. Flo agreed to shared her recipe for baguette with me. It was hard saying goodbye but we will be back. Thank you for a perfect weekend.

Have you ever been to the Louvre? It's amazing, right? Such is the experience at Flo's Hideaway. From the moment you step into the living room, you feel that you are home; no matter where home is. If the aroma of freshly baked bread doesn't welcome you in, the jovial nature of Flo and Carl will. Time seems not to exist here; for Flo and Carl always seem to have plenty to spare. Their laughter is contagious; their kindness endless and sharing their house with them: priceless, but they don't take MasterCard ;). May all of your blues be birds and may all of your time away from home be like Flo's Hideaway.

Just spent a memorable weekend at Flo's place--the epitome of southern hospitality! Hostess Flo, and her husband Carl really made us feel at home. The room we stayed in was awesome--as is every room in the house! Flo has a nack for design---each bedroom has a different theme, with exotic appointments from around the world! Very interesting and eye appealing! And Flo will serve you home made croissants with home made jellies and home made waffles with home made syrups in the mornings !! Ya won't git that at the Holida Inn express....!! If you are disappointed here--you can't be pleased. Like we said---ya just gotta GO WITH THE FLO!

So glad we were able to come back this year. As friendly as we remembered. We love the new porch and hope to be back next year to see it completed. You two are amazing and so talented. We still can't get over all the work you have done in the house. The fresh homemade baguette is incredible, it is a must for breakfast, toasted, with butter and jam, like a true parisian. The addition of the espresso machine for a pick me up in the afternoon is great. This is definitely the place to be for anyone visiting this area.

How lucky can one be, coming from a foreign country, to end up with someone speaking your language fluently. Flo's Hideaway was mentioned by a co-worker during an international exchange that brought me to Bristol. Florence bent backward to accomodate my schedule. The coffee was outstanding, the baguettes and croissants were better than the ones I get back home. The whole house smelled like a bakery on a regular basis. Of all my world travels I have never felt so much at home. Thank you Florence and Carl

From being greeted like old acquaintances to the warm hugs while saying goodbye, we will never forget the 48hrs spent with Flo and Carl. The homemade french onion soup and baguette transported us to Paris for a night, too bad we could not take some home with us. We loved that you are so informal but yet everything reflects Florence's classy french upbringing. A one of a kind experience.

We stayed for the Bristol Rhythm and Roots festival. Florence and Carl were exceptionally accommodating in every way. The house is beautiful and lively and is within walking distance to downtown. The room was very clean, well decorated and the bed was terrific! Breakfast on the patio was just perfect and the homemade jams were delicious. This was our first bed and breakfast stay, but will most certainly not be our last.

Beds and Breakfasts have always been our #1 choice when travelling, so your home was the only option while in the area. I could write 10 pages about you but a few words do sum it up, home away from home. We had never experienced a true "homestay" as Florence describes it. From being greeted at the door to the goodbye hugs when leaving, we never felt like this was a business. It was like visiting good friends, what an experience this was. Having a glass of wine on the porch in the evening with both Carl and Florence was the cherry on top of the cake. We will be back next year. Thank you for everything, especially all the homemade goodies in the morning.

We truly enjoyed our stay at Flo and Carl's homestay. From the first warm hello to the gentle hugs goodbye, the entire stay was just beyond our expectations. The room was clean and comfortable. We stayed in Julia's Suite which provided us with plenty of room to spread out. It was a treat to look around all of the rooms in the entire home and witness all of Flo's collections and ideas of decorating. It was also interesting to see all of the before and after photos of each room to see how much progress has been made. Flo and Carl are very talented people and their love and passion for having this homestay is displayed throughout. We were also pleasantly spoiled by Flo's breakfasts of croissants, crepes and Belgium waffles with homemade preserves and fruit sauces. These freshly made breakfasts started our day off right before heading to the NHRA track in Bristol, TN which is just 8 miles up the road. We recommend Flo's Hideaway to anyone who wishes to stay at a warm and relaxing homestay where you are truly and genuinely welcome.

Most inviting environment for the older folks that we are. Peaceful and quiet. We really appreciated the non conventional atmosphere and the extreme flexibility for checkout time which allowed us to fully enjoy our last day before packing. Thank you for everything, we hope God gives us a few more years so we can keep coming back. Daniel

Hello Florence and Carl, sorry it took so long for this note but you know how it goes, always have time tomorrow. What a great time we had , we loved being able to sit with you for coffee in the morning in our pajamas, what a treat, we never have time to do that back home, it felt like we had known both of you forever. You are great fun and we look forward to seeing you again this fall if all goes well. Merci, thank you again.

Flo and Carl couldn't have been more warm and welcoming. My grandson and I arrived on a journey to visit relatives and see the sights. Flo gave us so many wonderful ideas and was more than helpful with providing directions and important information. The early morning coffee was absolutely delicious and so appreciated from a person who was still a bit jet lagged. Their home is elegant and Flo definitely has a gift for decorating with style and charm. The theme rooms were amazing; you have to see them in person. This was the perfect location for us. I would definitely stay here when I'm in the area.

I found Flo's place and thought I would give a B&B a try for my business travels instead of the normal hotel. What a great experience. Florence and Carl were absolutely delightful and welcoming. I had the best week staying at Flo's during my business trip. The house is beautiful and cozy. Florence and Carl I hope to see you again on my next trip to Bristol. Thanks again for your hospitality. Bettie

I decided at the last minute to attend the Rhythm and Roots Bluegrass Festival, even tho' I would be going alone. Not wanting to stay in an impersonal hotel, and deal w/ driving and parking for the festival, I happened to find this B&B, only a short, safe & easy walk to downtown. No parking issues, a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere, reasonably priced, and especially catering to persons traveling alone, it was the PERFECT place! Flo and Carl are gracious hosts; open, unassuming, accepting, and they go overboard to make sure all needs are met. (Even coffee and a banana for my 6 a.m. pre-5k-race needs on Sat.!!). I will definately be back here for next year's festival, and will claim my same room here at Flo's Hideaway!

Carl and Florence I am so sorry I did not post my thoughts any sooner. My wife and I have enjoyed formula1 racing for years until it got boring and we discovered Nascar racing. Coming to Bristol was a dream of ours, we had to know what the talk is all about. Well it is all true and what made it even better was to discover you. It was like being with a group of life long friends, we even thought at first the other guests were part of your family. We have never encountered a B&B like yours and I doubt that there are many out there. True hospitality,very unique indeed in so many ways and please Florence do not try to hide your charming accent. We will see you again next year.

Flo's Hide-away is a beautiful home just off the beaten path in a lovely small town town. Florence and Carl were very accommodating to my needs both pleasure and business. The dining room was an ideal location for me to hold a meeting with some of our most valued clients. Thank you for outstanding hospitality. I hope to have the pleasure of staying again.

Thank you so much for being so compassionate and going out of your way to make my stay enjoyable under the difficult time I was going thru. Your establishment is off the chart as far as I am concerned, please do not ever change a thing about the way you run your place. I will be seeing you again this winter.

We had a wonderful time at Flo's Hideaway. All the guests felt so comfortable that we all had the best time sitting out on the porch with Florence and Carl in the evenings. Bristol is a lovely little town and we spent time antiquing during the day. The Bristol raceway is a great experience. Highly recommend Flo's if you like a quaint, informal comfy hideaway.

Fantabulous! I had the pleasure of enjoying the hospitality of this incredible place for over a week. The house, while still under renovation, is warm & inviting. Beautifully appointed in the period of construction, the furnishings and decor take you back to a more elegant by-gone era. Florence was an exceptional hostess, lending her knowledge of the surrounding area for sightseeing trips (of which there are plenty!) I'm looking forward to visiting again soon.

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We are looking forward to seeing you again at the end of the month. We have found other places for you we thought you might enjoy during your free time.

- Florence and Carl (innkeeper)

Beautiful, unique home. Hostess with the mostest!! Very fun and charming. Great place for single lady traveling on business!! Wonderful breakfast!!

I couldn't have picked a better place to stay. Flo's Hideaway is only a short walk to downtown and a short ride to the speedway. The rooms are huge and beautiful, all of them! Flo and Carl opened there home and there hearts to me and I will never forget the wonderful stay I had there!

Flo and Carl, the renovations you have done since last year is short of a miracle. Being with you is better than family, we do not feel like we ever could overstay our welcome. Your house is amazing, even a professional decorator could have come up with your ideas. You are truly unique. We are looking forward to seeing you next year.

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Your tickets and room will be waiting for you. Hopefully the weather will be a bit more cooperative

- Florence and Carl (innkeeper)

All we were expecting was a roof over our heads, but we got so much more, including new friends. The house was gorgeous, the other guest were friendly, and our hosts were lots of fun and made us feel at home on our very first night here. The total experience was awsome.

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We can't stop talking about how much fun we had this year during race weekend. We will cherrish this new friendship

- Florence and Carl (innkeeper)