The Samuel Thomas House

Located in the historic district of Wendell, NC, The Samuel Thomas House is within walking distance of quaint shops and is reminiscent of Southern tradition. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds, sit on the front porch and relax as you sip some sweet tea or take a stroll downtown and dine with the locals.

Start your day with a gourmet breakfast and nibble on cheese and homemade deserts in the afternoon. This recently restored home offers three upstairs guest rooms including a honymoon suite. The Samuel Thomas House is the perfect place for a romantic weekend or just a quiet, peaceful get-away.

They also offer an extensive menu which can be personalized for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, teas or other special events.

For reservations or more information please contact:
919.374.9647
jlsollin@bellsouth.net



The Samuel Thomas House
3501 Wendell Blvd.Wendell, NC

www.samuelthomashouse.com/


Please leave your comments.

Bent Creek Lodge

A rustic mountain retreat, yet close to everything; Bent Creek Lodge is located in the mountains outside of Ashville, North Carolina just ten miles from The Biltmore Estate and a short drive from Chimney Rock Park.

The lodge offers 10 guest rooms on 3 different levels. Enjoy a great mountain view as you relax surrounded by woods and creeks. A full gourmet breakfast is included with your stay and always includes fresh fruit, juices, coffee and wonderful specialties.

Check out their website at: http://www.bentcreeknc.com/

Bent Creek Lodge

10 Parkway CrescentAshevill

North Carolina 28704

828-654-9040

Toll-Free 1-877-231-6574

Ammonoosuc Inn

Ammonoosuc Inn
Lisbon, New Hampshire

Ammonoosuc Inn & Restaurant is a Picturesque Three Diamond New England Bed and Breakfast Country Inn in the White Mountains of New Hampshire - Just North of Franconia Notch. The B&B is Intentionally Small and Intimate to offer our adult guests the peace, tranquility and serenity for that perfect relaxing White Mountain getaway. The Inn features nine individually decorated guest rooms and Whirlpool Suites, all with private bath, many with fireplaces, offering our guests a choice of Décor ranging from Traditional Country Rooms, Classical Rooms or Southwest Rooms. Built in 1888 by the Bishop Family as a retreat for city dwellers arriving by train, it has been painstakingly restored to meet today's savvy clientele, all the while keeping its New England Heritage of quality, comfort and an uncompromising attention to detail. Redefining Hospitality!

The Inn sits majestically high on its perch overlooking the breathtaking views of the Ammonoosuc River and Mountains. The towns of Franconia, Sugar Hill, Littleton, Bethlehem, Woodsville and Bath surround it. We are only minutes from Franconia Notch State Park and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. New york ~ Boston ~ Montreal all within a short drive.

641 Bishop Road Lisbon, New Hampshire 03585

Phone 603.838.6118

Toll Free 877.838.6118

http://www.ammonoosucinn.com/

The Hummingbird Inn

Located near Goshen Pass in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, The Hummingbird Inn offers a romantic setting and warm country hospitality. The inn has over an acre of landscaped gardens and lawn filled with perennials, trees and shrubs.

Enjoy a full hot breakfast daily or opt for a continental breakfast. Simple suppers are also available with advance notice.

There are many things to do in the area such as hiking, biking, bird-watching, fishing, golfing and antique shopping.

Five guest rooms are available all with private baths and feather beds. Visit the website for more information: www.hummingbirdinn.com.

Contact information:

The Hummingbird Inn
30 Wood Lane
P.O. Box 147
Goshen, Virginia 24439
1-800-397-3214 or 540-997-9065

stay@hummingbirdinn.com

Romantic Valentine's Day Get-Away

Here's a GREAT idea if you can't think of a gift for Valentine's Day. Plan a romantic get-away to a cozy Bed and Breakfast. The good news is Valentine's Day is on a Thursday this year; that means there will be less traffic as you drive and you may even get a bargain on the rates because it's not a weekend.


Many Bed & Breakfasts will offer special Valentine's Day packages which may include flowers and candy in the room or dinner for two at a local restaurant. Check with the Innkeeper and ask about specials; if they don't offer flowers and candy they will probably be happy to arrange it for you. Most Innkeepers I have met were all very helpful and happy to go the extra mile for their guests.


VERY IMPORTANT
In order to have the full effect...you need to plan this on your own and keep it a complete surprise until you arrive at your destination! Also remember, most Bed & Breakfasts require a two-night stay for the best rates, so plan on taking a day or two off from work.


Remember, this is a ROMANTIC holiday...so leave your laptop at home and turn off your pager and cell phone. It's all about romance.


Try to arrange to do something completely new on this trip. Perhaps horseback riding, or a relaxing day at the spa together. Again, the Innkeeper should be able to suggest some things like this in the area.


Here is a Worldwide Directory of Bed & Breakfasts.


Enjoy your Valentine's Day; and if use this idea, be sure to come back and comment about it here.

Fall Foliage

My favorite time of t he year is here -- it's time for the Fall Foliage! This is the only time that I miss living in New England. The brisk smell of the Autumn air, the bright blue sky and the beautiful colors on the trees as the leaves change from green to different shades of red, orange, yellow. What a magnificient time of the year!

This is a great time to plan a trip to the mountains and stay at a cozy bed & breakfast. The innkeepers can guide you to the best places to view the foliage in their area and help you to enjoy your foliage even more.

There are many Bed & Breakfasts in New England. Here is one located on the Northern Shore of Lake Champlain. The Thomas Mott B&B in Alburg, Vermont offers picturesque lake views from all four of its guest rooms. This is a great place to start your Fall Foliage tour.

Visit their website at: http://www.thomas-mott-bb.com

Weddings and Honeymoons

Many Bed & Breakfasts offer special packages for wedding or honeymoons. If you are looking for a beautiful setting for your wedding ceremony or a romantic place to honeymoon, be sure to check out the Bed & Breakfast alternative. The innkeepers are always willing to go that extra step for you to make sure that your stay is special and one to be remembered always! Many Bed & Breakfasts offer breathtaking views and ambiance you just don't find in your hotel/motel chains! You can visit: bnbfinder for a list of wedding & honeymoon special offers.

Here is a Victorian B&B located at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The perfect place for a garden or beach wedding and reception.The Saltaire is in Duck, NC just a short drive to Nagshead and Kitty Hawk. Visit their website and see what they have to offer.

If you know of a great B&B for a wedding or honeymoon, please leave a comment.

Butler House on Grand

Butler House on Grand, voted one of the ten most romantic inns in 2006, offers a choice of seven unique guest rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. This B&B offers midwestern hospitality in an elegant setting.

The room rates are very reasonable and the inn is located close to many local attractions and is right across the street from the Des Moines Art Center.

Contact info:

Clark Smith and Lauren Kernan Smith
Butler House on Grand
4507 Grand AvenueDes Moines, IA 50312
515-255-4096
866-455-4096 (toll free)
info@butlerhouseongrand.com
www.butlerhouseongrand.com

A Great Christmas Trip

OK...so this isn't exactly a Bed & Breakfast, but it is so beautiful I just had to write about it. If you have never been to The Biltmore Estate before, you need to make plans to visit. One of the best times of the year to go there is at Christmas. There are candlelight tours from Nov. 4 - Dec. 31 which will take your breath away!

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Biltmore Estate is an amazing work of art. Built by George Vanderbilt over 100 years ago, it has acres of gardens, and managed forests.

There is much to do as you visit the vineyards, winery, farm village; or spend some time rafting, horse back riding, shopping or just enjoying the amazing architectural wonders. You can hike or bike as you enjoy the 8,000-acres that is The Biltmore Estate. Did I mention shopping? And don't worry, if you work up an appetite there are plenty of dining
choices also; from a simple fresh-baked pastry or gormet ice cream to a full meal. There is even an Inn on the grounds.

If you can't make it in time for the Christmas tour...that's ok. No matter what time of year you visit The Biltmore Estate you are in for a special
treat. There are rose gardens, and azaleas, shrub gardens and much more. Visit The Biltmore Estate Website for a calendar of events.

Breathtaking beauty is the best way to describe the 250 rooms and 65 fireplaces that make up the Biltmore Estate. An indoor pool and bowling alley are all part of the wonderful estate. There are pricless works of arts and antiques everywhere you look. America's largest home should be a must see as you plan your next vacation.

Visit the Biltmore Estate website.

Charming Bed & Breakfasts make for a unique and enjoyable vacation experience. So forget about that same old hotel/motel, make your next vacation a Bed & Breakfast Experience.

If you are planning a trip to The Biltmore Estate or the Asheville, NC area; be sure to check out the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association. They have a list of more than 100 B&Bs in the Asheville area. All the inns are fully inspected, licensed and insured, and
feature resident innkeepers.

Call 877-262-6867 or visit their website.

State House Inn B&B - Providence, RI

A convenient downtown location and a quiet neighborhood setting make this the ideal alternative to the hotel/motel for the tourist or business traveler when visiting Providence, Rhode Island. (photo credit: Steak House Inns)

The Steak House Inn B&B has a cozy feeling, simple charm and elegance. All Guest rooms are decorated with Shaker and American Folk Art furnishings and private bathrooms.

The Steak House Inn B&B also has two Sister Inns: Mowry-Nicholson House Bed and Breakfast and Christopher Dodge House Bed and Breakfast , be sure to check those out also.

Bed & Breakfast Tours

Check out the Bed & Breakfast Tours page at BnBFinder.com, what a wonderful idea for a vacation. Here are the tours they have listed right now on their website.

Wind Down the Pacific Coast Highway Bed & Breakfast Tour( California )

Escape to New England - A Bed & Breakfast Tour( Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont )

Tour Canada: The Rideau Canal Waterway B&B Getaway( Ontario )

200 Years of History Along the Historic National Road:Wake Up Someplace Special B&B Tour( Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia )

More Tips to Remember

Here are a few other tips to remember when booking a stay at a bed and breakfast:

• Mention Dietary Needs: Since breakfast is a highlight of most B&B stays, mention any special dietary preference when booking an inn. Innkeepers are usually happy to accommodate.
• Inquire About Handicapped Accessibility-Check In /Check Out Times: Ask about check in and check out times and try and arrive within them. Innkeepers can usually be flexible if you need special arrangements.
• Make Your Self At Home: Innkeepers are hospitality experts so relax and enjoy your stay!

--Posted by BnBFinder.com

Fall Foliage

Mid September to late October is fall foliage season. This is a great time to find a bed & breakfast and enjoy some breathtaking views.

The problem is most inns are booked months ahead of time for the foliage season but you may luck out and find one that has had a last minute cancellation. I would recommend going mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds and traffic jams.

Timing is everything as the peak only lasts for a few days and will vary depending on weather conditions. Stormfax Guide to Fall Foliage (http://www.stormfax.com./foliage.htm) has a great list of phone numbers and websites for fall foliage information.

Here's a link for bed & breakfast gift certificates, what a great gift idea. B&B Gift Certificates never expire. You choose the amount, let the recipient pick their Bed & Breakfast and dates.

Attention all Blog Explosion Members. I am looking for submissions for this blog. If you have a favorite Bed & Breakfast, please send me an e-mail telling me all about it. If I use your submission in this blog I will transfer 25 credits to your Blog Explosion account.

Please share your Bed & Breakfast experiences with us. To qualify for 25 credits you must be a Blog Explosion member and submit your article to me via e-mail. cmmdtp@gmail.com

If you are not a member of Blog Explosion and would like to join, click on the logo below. It's FREE to join and it's a GREAT blogging community with lots of wonderful features!

THE C CHANNEL TRAVEL NETWORK

The C Channel is building a multi-interest website that brings together 3 distinct sites - Travel, Shopping and Weddings. Each one features articles, destination profiles, vendor profiles and a whole load of new tools to attract a global audience. This includes the still young Travel Forum, and the Wedding Agenda, a promising tool that will be completely free and is due out in late 2006.

The C Channel network has also recently introduced The C Directories, 5 user-friendly directories of websites, blogs, online retailers and other sites categorized under thousands of differnet subjects. Only a month old, it attracts new registrations every day of eBusinesses eager to become part of The C Channel Network. For example, in the Travel category, you can find Travel Street, a comprehensive guide to travel in Asia, as well as references to some of the best boutique hotels, B&B’s and other Boutique Hotels. For example, Worlwide Holiday Homes with over 1,000 holiday homes in 51 countries including Spain, USA, Australia and Malaysia, plus Villa Tuscane and Tuscany Villas, the best place for holiday rentals in Tuscany.

We’ve also written recently an article about Boutique Hotels.
There's plenty to see, so pay us a visit.

Bed & Breakfast Tips

Selecting a Bed & Breakfast to stay at is a little different than choosing a Hotel or Motel. Unlike the Hotel and Motel chains where every one is the same wherever you may go; each Bed & Breakfast is unique. A little pre-planning is necessary before heading off on vacation. Here are a few tips to help you with your Bed & Breakfast experience.

Bed & Breakfasts offer personalized services and home-like atmosphere but the amenities offered will vary from Inn to Inn. It is important to make a list of what is important to you and when you call for reservations be sure to ask questions.

• Call ahead for reservations. Most Bed & Breakfasts only have a few rooms and they fill up quickly.
• Be sure to ask if there is a private bath or if you will have to share a bathroom with other guests.
• Ask about smoking policies.
• Are the rooms airconditioned?
• Are children and/or pets allowed?
• Is breakfast included? What does the breakfast menu consist of?
• How far is it from local attractions?
• What is their policies on cancelations?
• Is dining available at the Bed & Breakfast for meals other than breakfast?

These are just a few of the questions you should keep in mind when planning your stay. Once you stay at a Bed & Breakfast, you will never want to go back to a Hotel or Motel again!

If you have other tips or would like to recommend a GREAT Bed & Breakfast please leave a comment.

Santa Ynez Inn

Located in Southern California, in the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, the Santa Ynez Inn is a great place to stay. The Santa Ynez Inn offers lavish suites with fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and many amenities. Enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres, evening desserts, and a full gourmet breakfast in the morning. The Vineyard House Restaurant, adjacent to the inn, serves lunch and dinner.

This elegant country inn offers gracious hospitality and a 24-hour concierge staff! Voted one of the most romantic inns for 2006 by I Love Inns, this Queen Anne Victorian style Bed & Breakfast is a great place to stay when you are in Southern California.

Visit their website for more information: Santa Ynez Inn

The Old Marshall House

http://www.oldmarshallhouse.com/

Here's a GREAT Bed & Breakfast sent in to me by another blogger, Jill from "The Write Way Home". Thanks Jill. Make sure you visit her blog when you get a chance.


It's called The Old Marshall House in Franklin, TN (20 miles south of Nashville). My husband and I have stayed there twice (in the Victorian Room) and both visits were absolutely wonderful. Even though the B and B is located just minutes from highway 96, you feel like you’re miles away from everything when you stay at The Old Marshall Home. It’s impeccably clean, beautifully furnished, and the breakfast is WONDERFUL. In nice weather, you can have your breakfast on the back porch. Truly a lovely get-away (and only 15 minutes from our home!).

Blessings,

Jill

Wake Up Someplace Special with Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificates

2 UniqueTexas Bed & Breakfasts

Here is information on 2 Texas Bed and Breakfasts They are unique because they are located on historical properties and run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Thanks to Eileen aka CyberCelt for sending me this information. Be sure to visit her web site: CoolAdz all about highly-responsive premium advertising and web site design.

The Victorian Era

Rosemont Cottage Bed and Breakfast is located on the grounds of Starr Family Home State Historical Site in Marshall, Texas. Starr Family Home State Historic Site preserves the 150-year-old history of the Starr family in Texas. Rosemont Cottage is a four-room cabin that includes a kitchenette, a queen size bed and a sofa that converts into a bed. The front porch, complete with a pair of rocking chairs, leads to the living room, furnished with period antiques. Beveled windows and wood paneled walls adorn the dining room, where breakfast is served.


Journey to Alsace

The white stucco Landmark Inn sits on a five-acre state historic site on the banks of the Medina River in Castroville, Texas. With 10 guests rooms, varying from suite to bedroom with 2 single beds, you will find the place of your dreams. The Alsatian (French-German) cuisine of the area is unique, and you will enjoy fresh Alsatian pastries each morning for breakfast in the riverfront parlor. Walk along pathways shaded by Pecan and Cottonwood trees. View the native plant gardens, sit on the banks of the Medina River, or rock on the porch. Borrow a bike at the inn and enjoy the town of Castroville, a great place for food and antiques. Various packages are available. Call the inn directly at 830-931-2133.

If you know about some great Bed and Breakfasts please send me the info and let's share it with the rest of the blogging world.

Beckmann Inn & Carriage House

Since my blog renter this week is from Texas, I thought it would be a good time to post about a Bed & Breakfast from that great state. A Beckmann Inn & Carraige House is only minutes by trolley from The Alamo and just across the street from the beautiful Riverwalk.

Located in the San Antonio's beautiful King William historic district, this lovely bed & breakfast offers Victorian charm and warm and gracious hospitality. They serve a two course gourmet breakfast with a breakfast dessert. This is the place to stay if you are in the San Antonio area.

Wake Up Someplace Special with Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificates

Don't forget to check out this week's renter: Texas RV Travel: USAer Blog. Click on the screenshot in right hand margin to visit this blog.

Father's Day Gift Idea

Here's a GREAT GIFT IDEA for Dad on Father's Day! Forget about the usual necktie or dinner; this year give him a real treat. It's not too late to check out the Bed & Breakfasts in your area and book a weekend for Dad. Many B&Bs offer special Father's Day packages.

Click Here to locate a Bed & Breakfast in your area.

If you have a favorite Bed & Breakfast, leave a comment and send the link here so I can feature it on this blog.