Dawn Vo, the new owner of Norman's Whispering Pines, feels like her whole journey in life has led her to exactly where she is supposed to be.
A former ICU nurse in the Tulsa area, Dawn never anticipated that she would find herself running a luxurious bed and breakfast nestled among 20 wooded acres in southeast Norman.
“I never thought we would leave Tulsa,” Dawn explains. “I was established up there, running two small businesses and having worked as a nurse. Our family and friends are in Tulsa, so we had no reason to leave.”
Dawn and her family had come to Norman to visit a friend, and the friend suggested that Dawn might want to go see Whispering Pines before they left.
“I wasn’t looking for a new business, so I really wasn’t in the market,” Dawn reminisces. “But the minute we pulled in, I fell in love with the property. It was love at first sight.”
The Vo family put a deposit on the property immediately and began the process of relocating to Norman.
“My husband and I never agree on anything,” Dawn says, laughing. “But after we walked the grounds for about 30 minutes, it was like the place was calling to us. He and I agreed on it immediately and knew it was going to be our new home.”
Dawn admits that the change was scary but moving to Norman was truly a leap of faith for her and her family.
“Driving back to Tulsa that day, my mind was racing! I was wondering if it was a good idea, and if we had been too impulsive,” she says. “One thing I knew for sure is that it was going to change my whole life! I can now say that I have never been so happy in my life, or ever had so much peace in my heart.”
Since taking over ownership last September, Dawn has completely remodeled the full-service restaurant and has worked to get the grounds back into shape.
“Walking in, I knew nothing about running a B&B or a restaurant, so I just jumped in with both feet,” she adds.
The renovations were designed to give the restaurant a more updated and inviting look, while building on the venue’s unique charm and warmth. Perfect for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions, the restaurant at Whispering Pines offers a wide variety of continental cuisines, freshly baked bread, homemade soups, signature sauces and fresh sorbet, as well as a full bar of wine and spirits designed to complement any meal.
“You simply cannot go wrong with anything you choose off our menu,” Dawn says. “Everything is made fresh daily. Our chefs are a husband and wife who have worked together for the past 20 years. They truly put their heart and their soul into their cooking.”
Whispering Pines offers seven distinct rooms for guests who wish to enjoy an overnight stay, with accommodations both in the main building and in separate cottages. Each room has a different theme and is designed to provide a quiet, romantic and relaxing experience.
The romance package can be added to any stay for only $75, and includes an in-room bottle of wine, two souvenir glasses, rose petals, candles and a decadent flourless chocolate cake made on site.
“We go the extra mile to make sure our guests feel very special and to celebrate their stay,” Dawn explains. “Many couples who stay with us enjoy having some time away, and just escaping into nature among our 20 acres of beautiful trees. My staff and I love being able to help make special memories.”
Amenities at Whispering Pines include bathrobes, private jetted whirlpool tubs, bubble bath and bath salts, kitchenettes, beautiful views overlooking the pavilion and koi pond, and all rooms include a complimentary breakfast.
“We look to add the personal touches to make all our rooms and cottages feel very welcoming and luxurious,” Dawn adds.
Whispering Pines also serves as a venue for elegant weddings and other special celebrations. Dawn and her staff provide complete arrangements, from decor and fine dining to plush accommodations and photographic services.
Dawn’s future plans and dreams for Whispering Pines include building additional private cottages, adding an indoor wedding facility, and offering manicures, pedicures and other spa services.
“Looking back, I know that something led me to this place and put me in a position to be able to take care of it. I feel like it’s my destiny,” Dawn concludes. “It’s been a lot of work, but it’s so worth it. I’m so proud of creating a beautiful place for people to fall back into nature, and to make lifelong memories. I’m just thrilled because I know so many of our guests have fallen in love with this place, just like I have.”
Whispering Pines is located at 7820 E State Highway 9 in Norman. Nightly rates began at $149.99. For more information or reservations, call 405.447.0202, email stay@thewhisperingpines.com, or visit TheWhisperingPines.com.
Whispering Pines Restaurant
By Jerri Culpepper
Looking for an intimate restaurant with great service to take your spouse, date, family, friends or business associate?
Look no further than the restaurant at Whispering Pines, featuring three small dining areas with gas fireplaces and tasteful decor. Even with COVID-19 concerns, the tables are far enough apart to meet pandemic spacing requirements while also allowing patrons plenty of privacy.
My niece and I dined at the Whispering Pines restaurant recently, where we were waiting on by the manager, Amelia Acosta, who provided first-rate service and made us feel both comfortable and welcome.
We enjoyed two entrees, the Fromage and Charcutier Platter and the Norwegian Smoked Salmon, both of which are beautifully presented and delicious. That was followed by the Asian Salad for me and the Poached Pear Salad, complemented with rolls, for Lindsey. Loved the toasted almonds and ginger dressing on mine.
Before the main course, we were offered a sample of frozen sorbet (delightfully citrusy), then our main courses: ribeye steak for me, roasted salmon for Lindsey. Both came with steamed vegetables, all beautifully presented and cooked just right.
We sampled the flourless chocolate cake and Creme Brulee; it was a hard decision as to which we preferred, but ultimately picked the latter.
ALL dishes, and even the condiments, are made fresh daily on the premises by the chefs, husband and wife Chinda Kchao and Sontara Kchao.
Restaurant hours are 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday by reservation only.