>> Click to enlarge << There are two lighthouse rooms in the Boise, ... Photo by: Debra Baldwin

Many people in the Intermountain West dream of visiting lighthouses. They think they have to spend thousands of dollars to get out to the coasts or Great Lakes to see them, and they spend even more money to be able to stay in the ones that offer overnight accommodations, not to mention the time it takes to get there.

>> Click to enlarge << The Salt Lake City, Utah 5th South location also ...

But not anymore.

>> Click to enlarge << There are four Anniversary Inns total: two in ... Photo by: Debra Baldwin

These days, you can actually sleep inside a lighthouse in both Utah and Idaho at a fraction of the cost of making a thousand-mile, thousand-buck pilgrimage to visit a historic one. Just stay at an Anniversary Inn.

In the 1990s, Bill and Tom Heers came up with a great idea to offer themed room suites, similar to a first-class bed and breakfast experience, but with exotic ambiance as a prime enticement. The first Anniversary Inn was built in Logan, Utah in 1993. Bill and Tom were very passionate about creating a getaway for couples, or for anyone who wanted a break from their normal surroundings.

As an example, the Anniversary Inn in Logan has seven different buildings and 33 themed suites. Two of the buildings are on the historic register, which also gives them a special touch. There are an incredible variety of different themes that cover an array of world locations, time periods, and fantasies. You can visit the Swiss Family Robinson in a treehouse, discover treasures in the great pyramids of Egypt, be a knight with his lady in a medieval castle, or explore the old ruins of an Amazon rainforest. And these are only a smattering of choices available at the Logan, Utah location.

But for the lighthouse enthusiast, you would have to visit either the Salt Lake City 5th South location or the Anniversary Inn in Boise, Idaho. Here you have rooms with lighthouse towers in them and seascape murals on the walls. The towers have round beds inside so you can actually sleep inside the lighthouse.

As a final piece of luxury, you don’t have to check out until noon, which allows you to even have a last morning soak in the jetted tub if you desire before facing the outside world again, that is, if you can bring yourself to leave. It’s definitely a great way to experience a lighthouse stay in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, whether you live there or are just passing through, and one you will probably want to repeat many times over!

For more information go to www.anniversaryinn.com or call them at 1-800-324-4152.