ILoveInns Bed and Breakfast Blog

The Progressive Pennsylvania Honeymoon - Great Way to Get the Best Bed and Breakfast Deals for a Honeymoon of a Lifetime

2011-11-09T20:32:45Z

Three Pennsylvania bed and breakfasts are offering a Progressive Pennsylvania Honeymoon with 7 nights for a package price of $1000. If you are planning romantic getaways, the Pennsylvania bed and breakfast inn below will co-ordinate a honeymoon you will never, ever forget. Vacation destinations at three different Pennsylvania bed and breakfast inns are offered at one package price. Seven different nights- each night a totally different honeymoon experience where you are pampered by Pennsylvania bed and breakfast innkeepers who want to make your romantic getaway perfect for you. Stay at three great Pennsylvania bed and breakfasts to remember each unique setting, the breakfasts, innkeepers and fabulous activities of the area. Romantic getaways in winter include a sleigh ride through the snow that will give you wonderful honeymoon memories for a lifetime. What a soul-satisfying way to start married life together. A Progressive Honeymoon!

Spend your wedding night at the Chatelaine and relax a second night before the innkeeper sends you on your romantic vacation to her Pennsylvania bed and breakfast colleagues. There are late breakfasts, picnic brunches, breakfast on a balloon flight, whatever your hearts can conceive. And if you need help brainstorming, spend some phone time with Mae McQuaid and you'll have a mile high list to plow through of great things to do in and around the beautiful countryside. After another two nights proceed to a third small Pennsylvania bed and breakfast Inn for more royal treatment. Return to Chatelaine for a final night before you head for home. Innkeepers will help make dinner reservations or you can often have them catered inn house. Central Pennsylvania offers just as much as Bucks Country, Lancaster Hotels and Pennsylvania Dutch country romantic getaways. Honeymooners can take the train from Bellefonte to Tyrone for dinner at Burleys and two nights at Stony Point B&B. Combinations are endless. Roses, champagne and Gardner's chocolates are extra romantic getaway amenities provided by Chatelaine. There's an iLoveInns discount on Chatelaine's Pennsylvania bed and breakfast nights of $50.00.Call 800-251-2028.

My Guests Still Thank Me - Said the Bride about this Bed & Breakfast

2011-11-05T09:42:01Z

Bed and breakfast inns often host Weddings and here's why this is one of the most relaxing and most memorable wedding venue. First of all, an inn is unlike any other inn so it is a unique, one of a kind experience. Second, it tends to be a lot less stress for the bride and the family, especially if they are staying at the inn the evening before the wedding. Then there's all the many extras that inns include - use of their parlor for photos for instance, or the rose garden, waterfall etc. Often there's no one else at the inn so it is exclusively private.

I'll never forget staying at a 5-diamond deluxe hotel (OK I had to break down and stay in a chain because there was no small inn option in that location.) There was a wedding of a well known couple held on the lawn. Unfortunately, those of us who didn't know them could hear every word and see the entire wedding from our rooms. Even if we didn't want to, the sound system vows and all permeated the rooms. I felt very sorry for the couple's lack of privacy.

But here is the number one reason an inn makes a great wedding venue, as told by this self-proclaimed demanding bride - the guests keep thanking you long after the wedding is over.

"My husband and I were very fortunate to be married at the Southern Mansion in magical Cape May, NJ on April 17, 2010. This review has been a long time coming. Words cannot express how lovely we feel the Mansion is nor how wonderful, kind, organized and professional Andreea the Wedding Coordinator is. Those close to me describe me as meticulous, particular, obsessive and demanding. I made calls and wrote numerous emails to Andreea as well as to Denise, the B & B Manager. Consistently, they responded promptly and answered my questions (i.e., do you think this dish is better than the other dish, which tastes better, which is the best dessert, what do you think of my flowers, etc...). Andreea deserved a drink or two after dealing with me! Even during unexpected occurrences, such as a change of room, cancelled and rescheduled reservations, they were on top of it all! Andreea truly made my day everything and more than what I had expected or imagined.

My guests still thank me for having invited them to my wedding, as they had such a great time. They loved everything about it, the place, the management, and the food! It was a great reassurance to know that on such a stressful day for any bride, Andreea took care of everything, leaving me without unnecessary worries.

Is Florida's "Forgotten Coast" the Destination for Your Next Bed and Breakfast Getaway?

2011-10-09T22:52:19Z

Turtle Beach Inn in Port Saint Joe, Florida Experience the Forgotten Coast of Florida at this Gulf-front inn on Indian Pass Beach in the panhandle. This Port Saint Joe location boasts unspoiled beaches, cabbage palms, long-needled pines, sea turtle nesting areas, abundant wildlife and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico and Indian Lagoon. Relax on shaded porches and sundecks with chairs, rockers, lounges and a swing. Accommodations include inn guest rooms with private entrances. Fully equipped Sand Dollar Cottage and Turtle Tower feature sleeping areas for families or larger groups. Family owned, this state certified Green Lodging establishment offers wifi and other thoughtful amenities. The local area is peaceful with many activities from aquatic adventures to hiking, biking, shelling, horseback riding and golf. Explore St. Vincent Island a federal wildlife preserve. Nearby Apalachicola has excellent shopping and dining.

New Orleans Inns and Bed and Breakfasts Give You the Best of New Orleans

2011-10-08T22:49:30Z

Marigny Manor House Bed and Breakfast

Just five blocks from the famous French Quarter, this historic New Orleans Greek Revival home has been restored and listed in the National Register. Original architectural details, high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, ornate plaster moldings, cypress stairway and heart of pine floors reside tastefully with artwork, antiques and modern technology for comfort and convenience. Relax in the main floor parlor with a glass of wine or sit on the front porch with a fresh cup of coffee available any time. The lush, tropical courtyard with three trickling fountains also provides an inviting setting. Generous hospitality is the hallmark of this inn with elegant and romantic guest rooms that include pleasing amenities. Two rooms have private balcony access. A bountiful Louisiana breakfast is southern cooking at its best. Explore the many popular attractions in the Big Easy.

East Coast Inns From Maine to Virginia Ready for Guests

2011-09-05T14:52:31Z

Here's a Round Up of Inns and Their Reports

Connecticut, Westbrook
Angels Watch Inn proclaims the angels were really watching and that their inn had no damage and their power is back on. They are offering rooms for $145 this weekend and they have champagne breakfasts and chocolate dipped strawberries for new guests. www.angelswatchinn.com 860 399 8846

Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Yarmouth Port
One Centre Stree Inn notes there are many inns with availability, no damage. sales@onecentrestreetinn.co 508-362-9951

Massachusetts, New Ashford
The Berkshires Shirakaba inn (Japanese style) wrote that Irene caused cancellations and that they have good availability. www.berkshires-shirakaba.com 413-458-1800

Massachusetts, Petersham
The Clamber Hill Inn and Restaurant reports that they were open and taking care of guests during Hurricane Irene and that it passed just west of them. All roads are open and passable and they had no power outages. 978-724-8800 www.clamberhill.com

Maine, Guilford
Trebor Mansion Inn reports that the Moosehead Lake reagion is open and has no outages and that also Sebec Lake, and the the towns of Greenville, Monson, Guilford and Millinocket including inns such as Blair Hill, Trebor Mansion and Greenville are open. This next weekend is expected to be busy with the Sea Plane Fly-In at Moosehead Lake. Sept 9-11 www.trebormansioninn.com (207)-876-4070

New Hampshire, White Mountains
The Snowy Owl Inn reports there were washed out roads and power down but all is open and a very small road detour has solved any driving challenge. www.snowyowlinn.com 603-236-8383

Pennsylvania, Mount Joy
Old Square Inn wrote about innkeeping during the storm and how good guests were to each other as they assembled from various states, some having had to get off Cape May and other vacation places. She wrote, "All the folks in the inn were very gracious and understanding to one another. In times such as this arms open to embrace helps to place some tenderness into the tough situation." Georgie Blymier-Heisey www.oldesquareinn.com 717-653-4525

Rhode Island, Westerly
Woody Hilll Bed & Breakfast reported that all the beaches are open and electricity has been turned back on. www.woodyhill.com 401-322-0452

Vermont, Hyde Park
Fitch Hill Inn reports that they are open and that the local outfitter restarted canoe and kayak trips on the Lamoille River today, an indication that flood waters have subsided. The main routes of VT Rte 15, 100 & 108 that serve this area are all open. The only road closure on the VT 511 page north of US 2 is on VT 242 up by Jay Peak. (Note: VT is often divided into north, central & south with US 2 & US 4 being the dividing lines in weather reports.) http://www.fitchhillinn.com 802-888-3834

Virginia, Nellysford
The Mark Addy. "We are running a last minute special and have noticed that many hurricane victims that still do not have power or need a rest after all of the clean up efforts are taking advantage of it. Here are the details: www.mark-addy.com 434-361-1101

Good Night Irene - Innkeepers Report on Hurricane

2011-09-05T14:27:21Z

We surveyed innkeepers on the East Coast. These inns have blogs or notes on their home pages.

Innkeeper Blogs About Hurricane Irene

Maine, Kennebunkport: Maine Stay
(Includes a video)

MA, Woods Hole: Woods Hole Inn

MA, Cape Cod: Platinum Pebble Inn

NY, Hurley: Stonehouse B&B

NY, Windham: Catskills Maison

NC, Carolina Beach: Beacon House Inn

NC, Ocracoke Island: The Castle

NJ, Cape May: John F. Craig Inn

VA, Richmond: The William Miller House

VT, Warren, Mad River Valley: West Hill House (Use these detour roads, plus pics)

Historic America Can Be Discovered in Connecticut

2011-07-08T00:47:49Z

Victoria Crossing Bed and Breakfast is one of the inns in Connecticut that offers an easy access to the history of Lebanon's Revolutionary War connection.

The residents of Lebanon call their town the heartbeat of the American Revolution. Its historical relevance can be picked up at the Lebanon Historical Society Museum, which is in the heart of town. The Trumbull House is another prominent museum in the town. It was the house of the governor of Connecticut during the revolutionary war. The Lebanon Colonial Cemeteries are also worth seeing. The town has a public hunting area with many varieties of game and fish. This is the Bartlett Brook Wildlife Area, which lies just outside the town. The nearest state parks are the Moween State Park and Pomeroy State Park. Looking for places to stay is easy with Lebanon bed and breakfast inns located near the main street.

7 Books in 7 Days for $700 at the Irish Inn - The Book Cure for Nurses

2011-06-22T21:12:20Z

Guest blogger,

Lynn McCreery of the Irish Inn

Chicago, IL - Nurses knock themselves out for other people sometimes several days a week and too often working double shifts. Several nurses have taken advantage of our Reader's Holiday where we offer them the chance to read 7 Books in 7 Days for $700, all-inclusive. One visitor came down from Chicago to Carbondale on Amtrak, and she happened to be an African- American Head Nurse in an over-crowded public hospital in Chicago. She said she either had to come to the forest or check into the hospital herself! When we picked her up at the Amtrak she could barely walk. The Irish Inn is an Amtrak rail partner, so we provide transport to and from the train station. She did not want to rent a car or go any further than our pond or take walks in the forest and eat home-cooked meals. The first two days she didn't leave her bedroom. The next two she sun-bathed and read on our decks, and by the fifth day she was trekking into the forest and reading for hours down in the canyons or up on bluffs. By the time she left on the seventh day, she had read the seven books we selected for her and one more! She said one week in the Shawnee National Forest kept her sanity and restored her physical health. Many nurses come to The Irish for renewal.

Lynn Moore McCreery, MPA, BSW, AA, AS
THE IRISH INN
P.O. Box #97 - 600 Soloman Lane
Ozark, IL 62972-0097 USA
(618) 695-3355 or (618) 695-5683

How to Help Someone Who is Grieving

2011-06-22T21:04:42Z

Want to really help someone who is grieving? Here's something that reflects the Jewish tradition of "Sitting Shiva" where friends and family "sit" with the berieved in silence communally.

To help your friend, take them to a beautiful place and give them a fresh perspective and give them time. Time apart and time alone yet in proximity of friends is a proven way of healing. This practice can help to heal a broken heart, a loss of a loved one or even a disappointment in a career. Here's a letter we received from Shirley, Cheri & Joel guests of the Irish Inn in Illinois.

"Thanks so much for your kindness to our family and pets. It helped me so much being here at this beautiful place. Since I lost my husband in April, it was wonderful for me to find a place of peace. He would have loved it, too! You are God sent. I am so glad my children brought us to your beautiful chalet and the surroundings of this lovely forest. May God bless you both, always. Brian's breakfast was great, and it was so nice to meet you, now two new friends. Thank you for everything. I found some peace here!"

Truly when we are at a loss to help, this can be a way to soothe your dear ones in loss.

What Does a Single Person Vacation Look Like

2011-06-22T18:28:39Z

Guest Blogger

by Lynn McCreery, innkeeper

Hi Deborah: I am writing you from the top floor of THE STONE HOUSE B&B in Chester IL - what a gorgeous view of the Mississippi River I am enjoying from my perch here. I could write for days and never get tired. The breeze from the River is soothing and cool.

(Lynn visits many inns in her role as innkeeper and human being who also needs getaways)

We have MANY single female travelers come to The Irish Inn, so I will tell you about them. The common threads are that these are women looking for rest, revival, communion with nature, and often a place where their pets are also welcome and can be active participants in their holidays. In the one case, reading was an important part of the holiday.

1. Vacation with Pets Champaign, IL - An energetic scientist manages research and development activities for a Fortune 500 company and looks for places where she and her dog can stay, play, and get away! The Shawnee National Forest was great for them. They went hiking near waterfalls, through the rock formations at Garden of the Gods, down to the Ohio River, to several wineries, and brought food and wines home to The Irish Inn each night. This visitor was not here to meet new people, but to commune with nature and decompress. She chose The Irish Inn because it seemed far out in the wilderness, her dog was welcome, and they could go everywhere on the day tours we designed for them. Going on vacation with pets is a common thread with some of our single female travelers.

2. Spiritual Retreats - Des Moines, IA - This retired actress, dramatist, and Humanitarian chooses her retreats very carefully. She looks for "Zen" places she can visit with her greyhound, Daisy. She has visited a farm run by cloistered nuns where all the guests worked on the farm, prayed, and did their own creative works in between these activities. She chose The Irish Inn because we were in a wilderness setting, were pet-friendly, and she was looking for quiet natural surroundings to practice yoga and bring her own body and spirit back into balance. I took her to the Quilt Museum at Paducah, Kentucky, and there is even a "zen" in quilting. With each stitch and the concentration on it, a person can find inner peace. She talked to the very old ladies who were sitting in the lobby at a quilt rack quilting by hand the old-fashioned way. Getting to connect with other women on spiritual journeys is one of this very interesting lady's goals in her travels.

Lynn Moore McCreery, MPA, BSW, AA, AS
THE IRISH INN
P.O. Box #97 - 600 Soloman Lane
Ozark, IL 62972-0097 USA

$100 Off if You Drive a Prius or Other Hybrid - Vermont's Black Bear Inn

2011-06-22T17:57:25Z

As a Prius owner I was really taken by this offer - $100 off of a summer stay. That would be plenty motivation to get me there and I absolutely LOVE the Black Bear Inn in Vermont near Stowe. I even like their nod to non-Hybrid drivers. Here's what they are offering.

Stay any three nights this summer at the Black Bear Inn, and Hybrid vehicle drivers will receive a $100 gas card, all other vehicle drivers will receive a $50 gas card at checkout! Valid May 30 - Sept. 15, 2011. Not valid holidays, with packages or other specials please. Card will be for a national gas retailer. Come relax in our mountaintop retreat and SAVE!

Heritage Week in Hudson Valley Offers Farming in 1880s at Thyme in the Country

2011-04-29T04:22:39Z

On May 14 and 15, history comes alive at this opportunity to stay and learn what farming and family life was like little over a hundred years ago.

A Weekend In The Life Of An 1880's Farm Family

In conjunction with the New York's Hudson Valley Heritage Weekend, Thyme in the Country will be offering a special weekend to learn about Small-Scale farming and Family Life in the 1880's.

There will be opportunities to participate in farm chores, making butter and yogurt, learn about gardening in the 1880's. There will be a sewing corner, woodworking, Strawberry picking and Jam making, old fashioned games, campfires in the evening with stories and songs. Fee is $50.00/family/day in addition to regular B&B room rates. 1880's Breakfast and picnic lunch provided each day.

Attend a Cherokee Gathering from this Bed and Breakfast

2011-04-19T21:34:31Z

Innkeepers of America's Bed and Breakfasts and romantic inns know the very best their area has to offer and this comment below about an Illinois romantic inn - The Irish Bed and Breakfast Inn - is a good example. The country inn opened the door for their bed and breakfast guests to be able to attend a Cherokee Gathering in their area. This couple didn't expect such an amazing benefit of their bed and breakfast trip. They treasured it and feel they will never forget the experience that the bed and breakfast innkeepers made possible for them. Often when I travel, because writing about bed and breakfasts is my day job, I don't really have the inclination to plan the details of my trip. I've been visiting bed and breakfast inns for 30 years and I already know that pretty much all I have to do is show up and if I say the magic words - "What three or four things will I wish I would have seen and done while at your inn, when I get back home?" I am always taken care of. Innkeepers of the country inns and bed and breakfasts that I visit give me the prioirty items and they know just the right questions to ask . In the end, I'm totally delighted in how they connect me to the right thing - and believe me I can be a challenge. Whether it's kyaking amid the alligators in Georgia or flying up hilly dunes in coastal California in a military hummer, I have had the most amazing experiences because of the advice of innkeepers of country inns and bed and breakfasts. Here's the comment from an Irish couple about the Irish Bed and Breakfast Inn mentioned above: "Like No Where On Earth - A wonderful experience for us to travel from Chicago to Memphis and Nashville. On the way to and from Chicago, we stayed at The Irish Inn, a small bed and breakfast in Southern Illinois. Being Irish ourselves and coming from the same county as Brian, we were treated like family. Being able to meet real Native Americans and attend a Cherokee gathering was something few Europeans ever have a chance to experience. Both of our visits were wonderful. We will always treasure our time in this romantic inn like nowhere on Earth among people we will never forget. We will be back again next year and bring more friends from Northern Ireland to stay at bed and breakfasts.

Three Tips for Planning Your Next Bed and Breakfast Getaway

1. Spend a little phone time talking with the innkeeper of the country inn before arrival to see how resourceful the inn's staff is.

2. Spend more time talking once you arrive at the inn with innkeepers, guests and staff

3. While at the Bed and Breakfast ask "What three things will I wish I would have seen and done when I get back home?"

Pail Ale Male Mancation for Your Man's Birthday

2011-04-14T18:40:58Z

Cabernet Inn of North Conway, New Hampshire can solve a big problem for you. What to buy your man to celebrate a birthday or other big event. Has he just survived April 15 tax deadline? Reward him and yourself!

Mancations, typically done without the female persona, and include sport bars, cigar smoking, microbreweries, golfing or escaping to the great outdoors for some adventure. But what if a woman wants to treat her man to a vacation all about him, wouldn't that be a mancation too? Ladies whisk your wonderful man away for a little adventurous beer loving smoking good time. Sample Getaway: A Pail for the Male, Brewery, Cigar & driving range certificates, two nights accommodations & so much more. Starting at $339

Stay Next to the Rip Van Winkle Trail at this New York Inn

2011-04-13T19:49:36Z

Doesn't this sound like a great bed and breakfast and nature-rich getaway? You can enjoy the Catskills, the Rip Van Winkle trail, the area's wineries and read a little Rip Van Winkle literature from your country inn. From the Van Winkle Bed and Breakfast Inn Bed and breakfast getaways can help you blend an ideal inn vacation destination with a romantic inn that can satisfy both couples and families. The Van Winkle Bed and Breakfast is in a restored historic Georgian Colonial bed and breakfast perfect for an elegant, pet-friendly retreat. Relax on the front porch with a beverage, sit by the firepit in the back yard or soak in the hot tub after exploring the nearby Rip Van Winkle Trail. Enjoy a restful night's sleep in a guest room or suite and wake up to savor the innkeepers hearty breakfast made with local products and fresh seasonal ingredients. Gather in the fireside front room to plan the day's adventures in the northern Catskill Mountains. Staying in a historic bed and breakfast inn is a way to maximize both your time and your dollar. Inns keep maps and trail information, directions to activities and personal and experiential information that will help you make the best choices for leisure and entertainment activities. At this inn, all you have to do for a unique time is to take a short stroll up the road to visit the Wolf Fly Creek Alpaca Farm. You can also leave the bed and breakfast and go skiing on the slopes of Windham Mountain, visit Howes Caverns and taste the wines of the Hudson River Valley vineyards. Albany, the New York state capital, is a 25-minute drive.

2 Tips for Your Next Bed and Breakfast Road Trip

1. Look up inns on iLoveInns.com and compare activity pages

2. Print out the activity pages on the bed and breakfasts you review and highlight those of greatest interest.