Cedar Crest Lodge

Site Staff

There were many nights during the nearly 20 years that Matt and Laura Cunningham have owned Cedar Crest Lodge, where they enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting outside on their back patio, glass of wine in hand, while watching the fiery sunset give way to a star-soaked Kansas sky.

The serenity of the peaceful atmosphere offered a stark contrast from their previous lives when they both worked in the frenetic world of television production where long hours, nights, and weekends were the norm. While the Cunninghams have made a clean break from the rat race to operate Cedar Crest Lodge, guests from around the world are flocking to the wildly popular bed & breakfast to enjoy a temporary escape from their own busy lives.

“The view is incredible,” Laura said. “It’s a selling point. A lot of people comment on it. That was the first thing we noticed when we first looked at the place to buy it.”

“Kansas is flat, but we sit on rolling hills 1,000 feet above sea level and the property is at the highest point, so these views are unusual around here.”

Located in Pleasanton, 45 miles south of Overland Park, the romantic 12-room country inn has become one of the most popular and highest-rated B&Bs in the country. When visitors pull up to the 111-acre property they are immediately met by the rustic, but elegant structures and lush, tree-encased view that seems to extend into the horizon. The lodge is secluded with no neighbors in sight guaranteeing peace, quiet and privacy.

Guests have a wide variety of accommodations to choose from including four Luxury Room options, all packed with amenities and each with its own theme and include amenities such as two-person Jacuzzi tubs, steam showers, private decks and more.

Cedar Crest Lodge also offers several custom packages, each providing customized experiences geared toward different interests. The Stargazing Package is perfect for cozying up and enjoying the majestic night sky. The Foodie Package offers a bountiful array of local cheeses and goat’s milk fudge from nearby farms. End the first day with a romantic three-course dinner for two in the dining room. Begin the next morning with a fabulous multi-course breakfast in the lodge.

The Elopement Package is popular for couples who want to exchange vows at a beautiful venue without breaking the bank. If you like the idea of an outdoor venue, the expansive North lawn is a great choice with a beautiful horizon view or the West Patio for a stunning sunset ceremony. The 120-year-old Pecan Grove is also a great choice. Couples who prefer an indoor venue can have an intimate fireplace ceremony. Staying in the one of the romantic suites is the perfect topper to a memorable event.

The Couple’s Weekend Package offers a two-day luxurious romance experience. Your taste buds will be tantalized with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and a weekend of delicious meals including a three-course dinner that’s delivered to your room in the first-class Tuscan Manor Suite. Throw in a one-hour couple’s massage in the spa and you will leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.

“We want people to come and relax, so we developed several packages around delivering a top-notch experience,” Matt said. “It’s tough for people to schedule time away these days, so if someone is going to stay with us, we want it to be a good value for their money and for them to enjoy themselves because it may be another year until they can get away again.”

Cedar Crest Lodge sits on a secluded 111-acre slice of heaven that the National Wildlife Federation certified as a wildlife habitat. Those who enjoy the outdoors will love the property’s many gardens, walking trails, fishing ponds, as well as the outdoor pool, bocce court, horseshoe pit and new hot tub and sauna. Walk among the beautiful bulbs and colorful flowers that reflect the favorites of the season. An exclusive garden provides fresh-cut flowers throughout the lodge. Call ahead to inquire about adding a bouquet for your stay. Nature lovers will also enjoy the butterflies, hummingbirds and more than 30 species of birds that have been spotted over the years.

Those wishing to escape it all by relaxing indoors will not be disappointed either. Relax and rejuvenate by choosing from one of seven services at the on-site full-service spa where you can indulge in a couple’s massage or go solo. Then, once you’re relaxed, cozy up in front of the fireplace with a good book or choose something from the well-stocked library.

Long before the farm-to-table concept became a movement, Cedar Crest Lodge cultivated its own fruits, vegetables, herbs and other produce in its massive 16,000-square-foot garden, which Laura uses to prepare delicious seasonal meals with the “fresh is best” mindset. They also source cheeses from local farms. Make sure to ask for the goat milk fudge.

Focusing on the details and delivering superb customer service is the top priority for the Cunninghams and their team where the goal is providing everything a guest needs all in one place. The almost unanimous five-star reviews on Facebook, BedandBreakfast.com and Trip Advisor confirm why Cedar Crest Lodge has earned so many awards and accolades, as one of the best bed & breakfasts in the country.

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