10 Guest Traditions Celebrated at Bobbi's Bungalow

Tradition #6: Special Guests Who Have Stayed at Bobbi’s Bungalow

​Over the past 10 years, we’ve had all kinds of guests stay at Bobbi’s Bungalow Guest House. Some came to West Liberty and the surrounding area for family gatherings, weddings, reunions, sporting events, or simply to visit someone they love.

And then there are the guests who came to the area for something a little more unusual.
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Over the years, Bobbi’s Bungalow has had the privilege of welcoming astronauts, musicians, authors, business professionals, speakers, traveling nurses, families in transition, and many other special guests.

​When American Idol Came to West Liberty
One of the more memorable stays was Allison Iraheta and her band, Halo Circus.

Allison became known to many people through American Idol, where she was a finalist during the eighth season. She and her band were in the area for a performance in Columbus, and Bobbi’s Bungalow became their home away from home while they were here.

It was pretty special to know that musicians who had performed for audiences around the country were spending the night in our little 1930s bungalow in downtown West Liberty!

Labor Day Festival Performers
The West Liberty Labor Day Festival has brought several talented performers to the area over the years, and we’ve been fortunate to host a few of them.

Jon & Valerie Guerra stayed at Bobbi’s Bungalow while they were performing for ShineFM, now River Radio, at the West Liberty Labor Day Festival.

A few years later, another familiar name in Christian music, Tasha Layton, also stayed at the bungalow while performing at the festival.

It’s always fun to think about the many people who come to West Liberty for Labor Day weekend. Some come to watch the parade, enjoy the music, visit family, or take part in the festivities. Others come because they’re part of the entertainment that makes the weekend special.

A Visit From Two Astronauts
One of the most memorable experiences for me personally was hosting Rhea Seddon and Robert “Hoot” Gibson, who were guest speakers at the Champaign Aviation Museum’s Annual Fundraising Gala. Both have impressive careers in aviation and space exploration, so having them stay at Bobbi’s Bungalow was certainly an experience I won’t forget.

My son and I were even able to meet them. They generously left us with a signed photograph and an autographed book.

One of those mementos is still at the bungalow today. If you sit in the front parlor and look at the bookshelf, you can find the autographed book there.

A Writer Comes to Town
Another special guest was Kristy Burns, a blogger for My Town Travels, Travel Small Towns and My Town Today.

Kristy stayed with us during the fall, and her entry in our guest book perfectly captured the feeling we hope people experience when they walk through the door:

“The bungalow is such a cozy retreat! I loved the blend of the old and the new, and the beautiful woodwork everywhere. This historic home has been thoughtfully updated. It was a beautiful fall day, when I came home for the evening. I opened the door and sat on the porch swing. The fall colors lend increasing charm to this rare bungalow find! Loved my stay – Kristy Burns – My Town Today”

As someone who loves this old house and enjoys seeing the seasons change around it, her words were especially meaningful.

A Hometown Author Returns
Lee and Pam Defibaugh also stayed at the bungalow.

Pam has roots in the area and returned to the community for a book signing at Sweet Aromas in Bellefontaine. She writes under the pen name P.K. Hudson.

Pam was kind enough to leave a signed copy of her book at the bungalow, giving our guests another little piece of local history and another reminder of the talented people who have connections to this area.

A Day Away From the Office
Not every special guest has spent the night. A day away from the office might be exactly what is needed!

Maze Hearing and Balance, now part of Family Audiology and Hearing Centers, once used Bobbi’s Bungalow for a business planning day. They needed a place where they could step away from the everyday business of the office and spend time focusing on their team and their business.

Sometimes getting away from the usual surroundings gives people the opportunity to think differently, have meaningful conversations, and focus on what really matters. And what better place to do that than a home where the atmosphere encourages people to slow down and enjoy being together?

A local photographer, Kandalyn Green, booked the house for a day of photoshoots. One of her specialties is helping women feel beautiful, confident and sexy with boudoir sessions. Ladies love Kandalyn – she pampers them and makes them see themselves as valued and wonderful just the way they are. And what a great gift these photos become to their significant others!   

Speakers, Professionals and People With a Purpose
Bobbi’s Bungalow has also welcomed speakers who came to the area for a marketing workshop hosted by the Logan County Chamber of Commerce.

We’ve hosted traveling nurses working at Otterbein Green Hills, giving them a comfortable place to stay while they were here serving the community.

We’ve hosted families whose homes were damaged and who needed somewhere to live temporarily while repairs and construction were being completed.

And we once opened our doors to a woman who was experiencing homelessness. She stayed for several days while people in the community worked together to help her get back on her feet.

That stay is one I will always remember because it was a wonderful example of what a community can accomplish when people are willing to help someone who needs it.

Being a Special Guest Includes You!
As we celebrate 10 years of Bobbi’s Bungalow, I’ve been thinking about all of the people who have walked through our front door.

Some guests have had interesting stories that made them especially memorable.
Some have left autographed books or photographs.
Some have come to town with a specific purpose.
Some have returned year after year.

And some were simply looking for a comfortable place to call home for a night or two.

But every one of them was special.
Because everyone is special to someone.
That includes you and your family.

Whether you've stayed at Bobbi's Bungalow to visit someone you love, attend a local event, celebrate a milestone, explore Logan County, work in the area, or simply enjoy a little time away, you have become part of the story of this little bungalow.

For 10 years, you've helped turn a 1930s house in downtown West Liberty into so much more than a place to sleep.

You've filled it with stories and memories.
And you've made Bobbi's Bungalow what it is today.
Thank you for being one of our special guests.

Continue the 10-Year Tradition
This is Tradition #6 of “10 Guest Traditions We’ve Loved Being a Part Of,” celebrating 10 years of welcoming guests to Bobbi’s Bungalow Guest House in West Liberty, Ohio.
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We still love being part of your story—and we look forward to welcoming many more special guests in the years ahead!