Human behavior is all about comfort levels and security, or lack of it. As new inn keepers we have been on a crash course in people’s body language; fascinating and deeply meaningful once you begin to study it. Our guests at the inn are mostly couples taking “getaway” breaks together, some are celebrating special milestones and some are just needing time alone together, away from the pressures of their regular lives. Depending on the personalities of the two people this translates into different behavior.
Some couples want to be madly social with the rest of the guests and some rush to their room with supplies and are hardly seen again until check out time.
The pattern in the breakfast room is undeniably consistent however. This is the favored table. Even if it has been used and not reset and there are other tables fresh and ready for sitting at, people love this one place in the room.
I have looked at it from an objective stance. It is near the window and enjoyable for its views of the grounds and possible deer and wild turkey sightings. It is in view of the wood fire, but not too close for comfort, but what is the clincher I believe is the fact that from this table the guests can see who is approaching from the other rooms in the inn. I think it is an ancient instinct that moves their choice. That of observing the advance of intruders into the space in which they are feeding.
For all our technological advances we have not evolved very far from our early ancestors who sat at the mouth of the cave guarding the fire with a bone clutched in their fist.
I think we all try to sit near a window when we are eating (during the day that is). If it is nighttime and dark outside, with no street lights, I think the instinct is the opposite -- to go up against the back wall, still clutching the bone, putting a bunch of people between you and the skulking predators outside. That table definitely looks extremely attractive in the picture and it's where I shall sit for breakfast when we come and visit.
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