Durbin Street Inn in Casper, Wyoming

Don and Sherry Frigon, innkeepers at Durbin Street Inn in Casper, Wyoming, ran their bed and breakfast for about a decade. The Durbin Street Inn was built as a residence in 1917. It features five guest rooms, all with hardwood floors and high ceilings.

Don and Sherry were kind enough to answer a few questions for us.

When did you first stay at a bed and breakfast?

In 1987 at a B&B in Port Austin, Michigan.

What do you remember most about your first stay?

We did not like it. It was cramped and very impersonal.

When did you first consider becoming innkeepers?

1989.

What made you want to become innkeepers?

At the time we were looking for a supplemental income after retirement.

How long did you debate whether to become innkeepers?

One year.

What were some of the factors you considered?

That our business would be right in our home, that we would have a lot of contact with a lot of nice people, and that we would have control on the amount of business we had.

How did you decide where to open your inn?

We liked the area, and there was no other B&B in town, so we could fill the need in the area.

How long did it take for you to find your inn and buy it?

About 2 weeks.

What do you remember most about your first month as innkeepers?

We had an open house with about 400 people showing up. Most people in the area did not know what a B&B was. They were very enthusiastic and helpful.

Was it tougher or easier than you expected?

It was tougher to get known, because most of the local people were not familiar with a B&B.

What is your favorite part about being an innkeeper?

Meeting nice people from all walks of life and sharing our home and our area with them.

What is your least favorite part?

Trying to get good, reliable help.

What are some of the unique features of the Casper area?

The Oregon-California-Mormon Trails -- you can follow the route these emigrants took as they passed through Casper and Natrona County; along the way, you'll find interpretive signs telling some of the history.

Which is your personal favorite room at your bed and breakfast?

Room #5 has six big windows in the bedroom. In the summer, when they are open, you get a lovely cross-breeze in the evening. You can sleep like a baby.

How do you make a stay at your B&B special?

Treat the guest like you would like to be treated.

What would you say to people who have never stayed in a bed and breakfast?

Try it one time and you might fall in love with B&Bs. Most B&B owners live on the premises and can tell you where the better restaurants are and what there is to do and see in the area.

What advice would you give to people interested in becoming innkeepers?

Be prepared to meet a lot of nice, interesting people from all walks of life. You must learn to talk when they want to talk and listen when they want to be reserved. You must have a clean establishment and you must make them feel at home.

It's a lot of work, but rewarding with the comments that you receive and the friends that you make.

As of April 2008, it appears that the Durbin Street Inn has closed.