Bob and Kathy Foy, owners of the Gerald Cafe on Main Street, have opened another business in Gerald. The Rock Island Trail Retreat is open on Canaan Road on the former Norman “Red” Mesger farm.

The Foys recognized the need for overnight lodging in Gerald while also anticipating future needs when the Rock Island Trail becomes a reality. Their retreat opened for business last weekend.

Kathy Foy says she envisions the retreat as providing a “meaningful experience in getting back to nature while enjoying family and friends.

Overnight guests can choose to stay in permanent RV parked on site that sleeps six, or pull in their own RV with full electric and water hookups available. Either way, an overnight stay is priced at $40.

That price includes breakfast in and use of the clubhouse and access to a fully furnished, handicap accessible bathhouse.

But that’s not all.

The Foys have provided binoculars for bird watching, games, a pond for fishing and a telescope for stargazing. A large fire pit is just waiting for a match to create a campfire with lawn chairs already in place around it.

While each RV spot has its own charcoal grill, there will be a large propane grill outside the clubhouse for groups to use.

The clubhouse and the amenities are not just for overnight guests.

The clubhouse contains a kitchen, several tables and chairs, and a television for viewing DVDs or presentations. Groups can rent the space by the day for family events, celebrations, or corporate gatherings. Rental is $50 per day.

Other than the buildings, the retreat is pet friendly. Smoking is prohibited on the premises.

There is also a small garden and composting site on the farm. With the Foy’s Native American connections, it is only natural that they have plantings of the three sisters, squash, corn and beans. Their goal is to be sustainable, with organic farming.

The Foys aren’t prepared to call the retreat a finished project just yet. In the next year, they hope to enlarge the fishing pond, expand their garden area, open a farmer’s market stand, plant an orchard and renovate a barn for small animals. By next season, they will also have four pads for tent camping ready to go.

The retreat will not only be a perfect spot for cyclists from the Rock Island Trail, it will also provide a relaxing spot for any travelers seeking overnight lodging.