By: Stacey Shannon—
Muncie, IN—In May of 2007, Michelle Glowacki-Dudka and Gerry Hall opened River Gardens Bed and Breakfast at 4610 S. Burlington Dr. as a hobby business, but one the couple takes very seriously. Glowacki-Dudka, who is also a professor at Ball State University, said River Gardens Bed and Breakfast is one of only two formal bed and breakfasts in Muncie. More than an Airbnb, River Gardens offers a wide array of amenities, including a full breakfast menu that guests can customize according to their tastes and schedules.
As the name suggests, the bed and breakfast is located right on the White River and surrounded by three acres of garden space that includes not only beautiful flowers and plants, but also vegetables and fruit trees. Guests are welcome to wander around the property as they like. Glowacki-Dudka and her family work together to serve their guests’ needs.
“You have to be a jack of all trades,” she said, mentioning that even her school-aged daughter will help with the gardens and enjoys chatting with guests at breakfast. “We like to have family friendly guests. It’s a space that is comfortable for rest and relaxation.”
The bed and breakfast has two guest rooms as well as a common living area guests can share. A third bedroom can be used as an option for families or groups travelling together. Glowacki-Dudka enjoys being part of the Muncie community and the relationships she has made. She said having the bed and breakfast has afforded her the opportunity to get to know more people in the community than she would have been able to otherwise.
“I have gotten to know real people in the community beyond the academic world,” Glowacki-Dudka said. “You don’t have to have friends in just one space.”
This business is a Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Member and chooses to do business in Muncie-Delaware County.
Stacey Shannon is a Delaware County resident, freelance writer, and is always on the lookout for good stories in East Central Indiana.
