Friday, December 31, 2010

Christmas in Connecticut




Deacon Timothy Pratt House



Step back in time and enjoy the splendor of yesteryear in this magnificent c.1746 center chimney colonial Bed and Breakfast. The Inn is listed on the National Historic Register and we are located in the charming, quintessential New England village of Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

The gas-lit Main Street, in the heart of historic shopping districts welcomes you as you arrive for your stay. The BnB is part of an historic walking tour as well as a scenic coastal bicycle loop. There is an ice skating pond just 1/8 mile away; plus a great canoe/kayak launch just 1/2 mile away!

Our romantic guest rooms feature an award winning decor, combining; an historical charm with the relaxing luxuries of today's modern lifestyles. Each unique guestroom features a Jacuzzi whirlpool tub and a fireplace! All rooms have a 4-poster or canopy Queen-size bed,comfortable sitting area, cable TV, stereo/CD player, AC, private bath, high speed wireless and a phone/modem line.

A home-baked goods breakfast (Monday-Friday) and a full three course breakfast (Saturday and Sunday) is included in your stay. This charming Connecticut B&B boasts many fine original details including original wide-board floors, hand-hewn beams, wainscoting, a corner cupboard, beehive oven and 12 working fireplaces! The house was built by Deacon Timothy Pratt in 1746 and served as a private school in the 1790's. In our Pratt House Scrap Book, you can read an excerpt from a girl's journal who attended school here. Timothy Pratt was a carpenter and served as a Deacon in the church across the street from the property.

Recipes Included in the cookbook and used by permission of Shelley Nobile, the past owner of Deacon Timothy Pratt BnB:
Heart Healthy Pancakes
Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffins
Morning Maple Muffins
Pumpkin Chip Muffins
Blueberry Fr Toast Cobbler

This inn has a new website (http://www.pratthouse.net/ ) and new owner: Pat McGregor.


Inn at Harbor Hill Marina

Enjoy the casual elegance of our beautifully restored turn-of-the-century waterfront Inn nestled in the marina district in the quaint New England village of Niantic. Enjoy magnificent water and nautical views from wicker seating and rocking chairs on the Inn's wraparound porch ~ or from classic Adirondack chairs on the hilltop overlooking "a sea of boats" docked out front!
Each guest room has its own unique decor with special amenities such as fireplaces and balconies.

All room rates include our classic breakfast buffet (with hot entrée on the weekend) offered each morning in our Bayview dining room. Complimentary refreshments and snacks are always available.


As Innkeepers we offer a full service experience to all of our guests. Flowers ~ a special bottle of wine or champagne ~ evening reservations at one of our fine local restaurants ~ well-planned day-trip itineraries to "local favorites" in Mystic, Stonington, Watch Hill, Essex, Old Saybrook, Newport, Block Island and the Quiet Corner ~ all part of our dedicated service to you, our guest.
During the warmer months, we offer complimentary use of beach chairs, coolers and beach umbrella’s, along with beach passes to our two local beaches or simply relax at the Inn, and enjoy our beautiful perennial gardens and magnificent water views from Adirondack chairs overlooking our marina. In the cooler months, enjoy a book, play a board game or sip wine in the comfort of our "gathering room" by the cozy fireplace ~ all without ever leaving the Inn.

Recipes used in the cookbook and used by permission of Charles and Sally Keefe, former owners of the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina:
Hot Clam Dip
Danish Puff

This inn also has new innkeepers: Dave and Sue Labrie.



This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed n Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Perfect Time of Year to Visit North Carolina










When you stay at the Colonial Pines Inn you will experience the best Highlands, North Carolina, has to offer year-round. Celebrating their 27th year, this exquisite and spacious inn is located in town immediately accessible and within walking distance of restaurants, boutiques, swimming, tennis, and the in-town natural attractions like Sunset Rocks, Ravenel Lake and the Nature Center. At the Colonial Pines Inn, you will find a variety of accommodations and settings perfect for a memorable mountain vacation. In the inn proper, there are three spacious suites to choose from and three beautifully appointed king and queen size rooms all with private baths.

Adjacent to the inn is a two-bedroom efficiency apartment, and Miss Rebecca’s Cottage, located a short walk from the inn by the Sunset Rocks Trail. This cottage has three bedrooms, two baths and kitchen facilities. Whichever accommodation you select, you will experience everything you expect and more from our impeccable in-town country inn. In both the inn and cottages, meticulous attention to detail is evident at every turn.

You see it in the warmth of the knotty pine, in the eclectic blend of books and accessories, in the comfortable antique furnishings and rugs, in the sitting rooms with views of the surrounding mountains or lush garden settings. Whether you are in the mood for a quiet mountain get-away, a romantic escape, or if you want to mingle with the other guests you will find exactly what you want at the Colonial Pines Inn. The common area is a gathering place for good old-fashioned conversation and features a grand piano, cozy fireplace, games, puzzles, and even videos. For your convenience is a stocked guest pantry with refreshments for the taking: peach iced-tea, sherry, hot chocolate, cider, and more.

Sumptuous breakfasts come with your stay and are served every morning in the dining room to the sound of soft music. The Inn is known for its Epicurean delights featuring fresh ingredients and herbs from the gardens surrounding the inn.

Baked Blueberry French Toast and Potato-Bacon and Green Onion Casserole are just two of their famous recipes. Throughout your stay feel free to rock on the spacious veranda, or stroll the two-acres of lawns dotted with giant rhododendron, hemlock, maple, and oak surrounding the inn. You may even sample the raspberries, blueberries, and black currants from the garden before they find their way into their original creations!
If you want to get out of town, hop in your car and visit the local waterfalls, bike or hike the many trails, go horseback riding, play golf, ski, or just go sight-seeing. After you have had your fill of area sights, come back to town and the Colonial Pines Inn where warmth and hospitality await you and where you are welcomed, like family, back home.












Photos and story used by permission of Chris and Donna Alley from the Colonial Pines Inn.

Follow them now on Facebook!
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed and Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.