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The Jude gives tourists mid-century styled Airbnb in the heart of Elkader

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Michelle Gifford, owner and operator of Elkader’s newest Airbnb, The Jude, reads a coffee table book in the living room of the 1901 building that’s been updated and decorated in a mid-century style.

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

 

There is a new place for tourists and visitors to stay in Elkader, as Michelle Gifford opened an Airbnb called The Jude in November. The venture was something she had been thinking about for awhile, especially after opening and successfully operating one in Branson, Mo., near where she is originally from. 

 

Before it became The Jude, the space above Gifford Insurance, located at 123 ½ Main St., was a place for family and friends to stay while they were visiting and an office for meetings. During the pandemic, it’s also served as a place away from home for sick family members. 

 

But Gifford, like many others, recently realized there aren’t a lot of places for visitors to stay in Elkader. It was a need she could fill, and with a background working in hotels, a history in the service industry and a personality that gravitates toward interacting with people, an Airbnb seemed like the logical conclusion. 

 

“I like working with people, so this is right up my alley,” Gifford said. 

 

Because the space had already been in use, getting it ready to be an Airbnb was a rather seamless transition. According to Gifford, she simply added a few more things, updated the bedding and basically gave the place a facelift, outfitting it in mid-century décor with a “charming, antique and eclectic” look. 

 

All of the decorations were handpicked and some of them were local, coming from Archive, but all of it was inspired by her ideas. It fits with the arts and cultural aspects of downtown. 

 

When it comes to the name The Jude, while one might instinctively conclude it comes from the Beatles, which happens to be one of Gifford’s favorite bands, it actually comes from Gifford’s mom, who is named Judy. As the story goes, when Gifford was a kid, all her friends would call her mom “The Jude,” and it kind of stuck. So, when she was thinking of a name for the Airbnb, she kept thinking about “the flats” on Main Street and rattled off The Jude, which was an instant hit among friends. As for Judy, she thinks “it’s funny,” which is a stamp of approval. 

 

Gifford believes its location downtown will make The Jude a success. It means everything is within walking distance, and since The Jude comes with a parking spot, visitors will have no need to drive anywhere unless they choose to. But if not, the opera house, library, Keystone Bridge, Founders Park and even the Turkey River are all nearby. The Jude is also close to restaurants, coffee houses and local shops. 

 

But location isn’t all that makes it a charming place to stay. Along with the parking spot, it’s about 1,800 square feet with a cozy loft-like feel, with one bedroom, a full kitchen, alley access and a private courtyard that Gifford has visions of fixing up and decorating. It’s a 1901 building with distinctive architecture features and a “quirky” vibe. 

 

“It’s so pretty, in a beautiful setting and there is something for everyone,” Gifford said. 

 

When asked whether she considered renting the space out like a regular apartment to accommodate people looking to live in Elkader, Gifford acknowledged there is also a need for that. However, the Airbnb approach offered more freedom to continue to use the space for family and friends and for emergencies, such as a place to quarantine during the pandemic. This also cuts down on the long-term wear and tear of a space that’s been in the family for generations. 

 

Since opening, The Jude has had just a few guests, with a few over Thanksgiving week and a couple at the end of December, but Gifford noted winter in Elkader is a slow time. She fully expects business to pick up as the seasons change and the weather permits more of the outdoor activities and festivals Elkader is known for. 

 

And whether you choose to stay at The Jude or one of the other lodging locations in Elkader, Gifford is just happy people are here, staying, touring and creating memories in the town she loves. 

 

“It’s an idyllic town, quiet, with a lot of culture, and the people are really nice,” she said. 

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