Best Bed & Breakfast

It happened sort of as an accident, but now it’s the best in Mississippi. Tim and Lisa Liddy bought the old Seale’s Drug Store building in October 2003. In January 2007, they opened Court Square Inn Bed & Breakfast upstairs. “It was all my husband’s idea,” Lisa said. “I had nothing to do with it.” They first considered making it apartment rentals by the month. But Tim’s brother Chris, who had sold his bed and breakfast building in New Orleans, La., offered Tim and Lisa all the furniture. “Chris told us, ‘I will show you the ropes,’ ” Lisa said. “The rest is history, so to speak. It was a happy accident, I guess.” Last month, Court Square Inn in Holly Springs was voted Best Bed & Breakfast in the state in a Mississippi Magazine reader’s poll. It had been in the top three twice before, 2010 and 2016. “The third time’s a charm,” Lisa said. “It’s a tremendous honor. It makes you feel like somebody has recognized all of your hard work.” She retired 14 years ago from her job as deputy city clerk for Holly Springs. “This has definitely filled a void in my life,” Lisa said. “I enjoyed greeting visitors when they came to city hall, and now I have the opportunity to do that again.” Those guests have come from far and near. “I believe every state in the U.S., except for Alaska,” Lisa said, “and from all over the world.”

That includes visitors from France, Belgium, England, Australia, Canada and more.

Originally, Court Square Inn was the “only game in town,” she said. But since, others in Holly Springs have gotten into either the bed and breakfast or Airbnb business.

“When I’m full, I refer people to others,” Lisa said. “I want them to see the best in Holly Springs, and I want them to come back.”

Lisa also promotes Holly Springs to guests, with sample menus from restaurants and other information, like points of interest, available in the three bed and breakfast suites.

“I enjoy greeting people and telling them all about our town, the places to eat and the places to see,” she said.

Local industries, businesses, churches and Rust College have been very supportive of Court Square Inn.

“They send me a lot of business,” Lisa said.

The bed and breakfast suites are always full during Rust College Founders’ Day, the Pilgrimage, the Christ - mas Tour of Homes, the Hill Country Blues Picnic and the University of Mississippi graduation.

“Guests love the balcony and getting to sit outside,” Lisa said.

The spring and summer of this year have been some of the busiest times ever. Plus, on Memorial Day weekend 2018, Tim and Lisa opened The Apothecary downstairs in the building. It is open for banquets, seminars and other functions.

“We’re getting busier and busier,” Lisa said.

“Our community has been very supportive, and we’re so appreciative.”

About readers’ selection of Court Square Inn Bed and Breakfast as the best in the state, Mississippi Magazine wrote in the July/August issue – “For the perfect view of the historic courthouse square in Holly Springs, Court Square Inn is the best spot to rest and rejuvenate. With three luxury suites that include private sitting areas, kitchens and laundry, all of the comforts of home are here for your enjoyment.”

Even though the new business venture was Tim’s original idea, Lisa will quickly tell you that Court Square Inn “is my baby.”

“It’s a lot of work,” she said. “I’ve worn out one set of knees going up and down those stairs.”

Lisa had knee replacement surgery on both knees a few years back.

“I love it,” she said. “I’m everybody’s guest bedroom. When people have guests coming, and they do not have enough room, I provide a home away from home.

“That’s been the most fun part, meeting people who grew up here and moved away. I get to hear their stories about growing up here.”

Court Square Inn is located at 132 East College Avenue, on the square in Holly Springs. The website is www.hollyspringsinn.com.