The Eco Inn at the Milkweed Mercantile is an entirely "green" alternative to a traditional B&B, demonstrating that sustainability does not have to be about deprivation – there can be beauty, abundance and joy in living lightly on the earth.

Some of our improvements on traditional inns:

• Our entire building is commercial scent free. All linens are washed in unscented soap and hung in the sun and wind to dry. Any paint, stain or varnish used is no- or low-VOC – we've done our homework, and will tolerate no "greenwashing" here! Cleaning materials are fairly simple – lots of vinegar, baking soda and the like. Nothing toxic, nothing stinky, just clean and fresh.
• The building is entirely nonsmoking.
• No central air conditioning. Not to worry, we promise you'll be comfortable. The windows open, the breezes are fresh, and the air smells wonderful.
• All materials used in construction are reclaimed, recycled or sustainable. We take great care in making our building as safe, comfortable and beautiful as possible.
• Breakfasts and snacks are hearty, organic and delicious. Vegans, vegetarians and omnivores will all find food to enjoy. You will not have to explain why you choose to eat as you do. We respectfully and happily craft seasonal delights for every palate, and everyone is welcome.
• All food waste is composted for future use in our garden. The few items that are not compostable (paper, plastic, metal) are recycled. We do not purchase/serve anything in individual containers or pre-made ingredients, resulting in less waste all around.
• All paper products used are made of post-comsumer recycled paper.
• Since we generate our own electricity, we use energy-saving technology throughout the building. From compact florescent bulbs to insulated window shades, power strips to thoughtful building design, you’ll go home with dozens of new ideas to help you save resources – both financial and electrical!
• Heat is provided by wood, which comes from two local sources: a pallet mill and a furniture manufacturer. Both provide us with scraps (perfectly sized for our wood-stoves!) that would otherwise be burned as waste.
• Pets are welcome in our one downstairs room. If you have pet allergies, you will not be affected as this room is totally self-contained, and even has its own entrance. We do this because we love our pets and want our friends/guests to be able to bring theirs along, too.

It is astonishingly quiet here. Except for the occasional dog bark or coyote howl (and a “moo” or two from our neighbor’s cows), we find that dreaming comes easy at the Mercantile. In the summer you will fall asleep to the sounds of crickets, cicadas and peepers (frogs). Spring through summer you’ll awaken to birdsong (sometimes the robins get up a bit too early!). Winter is delightfully quiet, chilly and brisk – you can warm yourself by the fire with a fresh cup of Peace Coffee while the rising sun melts the frost outside.

With no streetlights to impede the view, all guests will have a spectacular opportunity to star gaze. Star guides are available for reference. With the summer comes the additional treat of fireflies.

We have a large porch wrapping around the building. It is a fantastic place to people- and nature-watch. Additional drinks and snacks, along with meals, are available for purchase for dining al fresco.

We have four super comfortable bedrooms, all impeccably decorated (not a teddy bear or doily in sight!). Our downstairs bedroom is wheelchair accessible and pet friendly. In a private room off of the porch, a hot tub is available for guests to relax in. We would be happy to arrange for you to have an on-site massage by a professional massage therapist. Just let us know!

Our upstairs guest lounge is your living room away from home. Stocked with complimentary tea and other beverages, it is a place for you to relax and enjoy. We feature a premier selection of books in our library, daily newspapers (Wall Street Journal and Christian Science Monitor) and the local weekly The Memphis Democrat, and some periodicals you might not have heard of but are bound to enjoy. There are lots of board games (including cooperative board games for the entire family), comfy armchairs and a window seat just right for curling up with a good book, and lots of big windows just begging to be gazed out of.

With no television or telephones to distract you, you might want to take advantage of our naturalist guides and binoculars for a walk around Dancing Rabbit’s 280 acres, or borrow one of our bicycles for a ride in the fresh air. We have a swimming pond for you to enjoy in the summer.

There is complimentary wireless internet in the bedrooms and Guest Lounge. However, in an effort to promote community, laptop use is banned in the café.

We are happy to give you a tour of our alternative power and our water collection systems, explain strawbale and other ecological building practices, discuss our composting toilets, and share all of our energy-saving and other ecological ideas with you. It’s what we love to do!

Details on the rooms are available here