Friday, July 31, 2009

Waterloo Country Inn B&B in Princess Anne, Maryland




Step back to old world country charm at the Waterloo Country Inn, where Swiss owners blend many homeland touches. Built as a private residence circa 1755 by Henry Waggaman, this Georgian mansion until 1864 was owned by various prominent families, the Teackles, Riggins, Handys and Wainwrights. Then it became the county Almshouse. A graveyard holds the remains of the builder and ancestors. The earliest example in the county of a gable front main elevation, it is the only house on the Lower Shore with bold quoins on its corners. It displays glazed brick checkerboard and diamond designs. Interior woodwork is Georgian and Federal, featuring a triple flight twisted baluster staircase with every spindle hand made. On the stair are exquisite dolls, prints of Swiss cities, a butter churn and hand painted washtub. The second floor hall gives out on a terrace over the entrance.

A parlor features glowing floors beneath an Oriental carpet and antiques in azure brocade. From this welcoming room, with a 200 year old Swiss clock, we may view one dining room with shimmering chandeliers, oil paintings and working fireplace. Another dining room is to the left, and both look out on the pool and lovely countryside. Enjoy European style cooking with a Swiss touch in a romantic setting by the fireplace by order in advance.
One guest room on the main floor is handicapped accessible and features twin beds, while the Wicomico Room features a decorative fireplace with original Delft tiles, a king size bed, and antique sewing machine. On the second floor, the Monie Room offers a king size bed with tasseled canopy and a decorative fireplace. The Somerset, a two room suite, offers fireplaces, a 200 year old armoire, queen bed and bath with jacuzzi. On the third floor is The bridal suite with satin pillows on the king size bed, furry carpets and sleep sofa plus a bath with Jacuzzi. A gift shop in the old doctor's house offers the owner's floral arrangements and pottery as mementos of this gracious inn.



Please note, since the writing of the cookbook, this in has closed but it is still a fascinating place to read about!

Recipes included in the cookbook and used by permission of Erwin & Theresa Kraemer: Zurich Geschnetzeltes-A Swiss Dish, Figs in Orange Sauce a la Waterloo, Carrot Cake Waterloo, Shrimp Waterloo.

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

Inn at Norwood in Sykesville, Maryland




The Inn at Norwood Bed & Breakfast is centrally located in the heart of Historic Sykesville, Maryland. Built in 1906 by the architect J.H. Fowble, the Inn at Norwood is a Colonial Revival home retaining much of its original charm and offers an atmosphere of warmth, tranquility, and elegance. Mr. Fowble built many of the buildings in the town of Sykesville, but he built the Inn as his family's residence. Relax on the front porch overlooking the town, or just snuggle up in the parlor next to our corn burning stove with a good book.

About the innkeepers:
Stevon and Kelly Crum & Kelly's mom Eva opened the B&B on June 2, 2001. The idea of the Bed & Breakfast came about because Kelly and Stevon in their first year of dating traveled to different Bed & Breakfast's each month for a romantic getaway. Kelly and Stevon fell in love with the concept of Bed & Breakfast's. The people they met and the food they enjoyed was fabulous. They took all the things they loved from each Bed & Breakfast and incorporated it into the Inn at Norwood. Eva was about to retire from her full time job and wanted something fun to do with her free time. She refinishes furniture, and many of the things in the house are a product of Eva's work. Stevon always wanted to re-furbish an old home. This was the perfect house. Everything needed to be redone. During your stay at the Inn, you can see the before and after pictures. It is unbelievable what it once looked like. Kelly and Stevon each have other jobs as well as running the Inn. Kelly is a Travel Agent (and would love to help you plan your next escape!), and Stevon owns a local Carpet Cleaning business. 


And Macey is the Inn's Mascot. She is a Labradoodle - half Lab half Poodle. Kelly and Stevon did a lot of research before picking the perfect B&B dog. The Labradoodle is a breed originated in Australia. She has Poodle hair (No Allergies) and a Lab personality. She is the perfect dog for the Inn, friendly and loving to everyone. Don't be surprised if Macey greets you upon arrival.

Their recipes included in the cookbook: Almost Heaven French Toast & Chocolate Chip Pound Cake.

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

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Cornerstone Mansion Inn in Omaha, Nebraska



The Cornerstone Mansion, historically known as the "Offutt House," is a focal point of Omaha's historic Gold Coast District, popular with the wealthy at the turn of the century. No expense was spared when prominent Omahans Charles and Bertha Offutt built the 10,200 square foot home in 1894.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Trust. A Landmark of the City of Omaha. The Mansion began serving as a Bed and Breakfast in the mid 1980s. Today, Innkeepers Mark O'Leary and Julie Mierau invite guests to enjoy our surroundings, reminiscent of a bygone era. Guests have a choice of seven guest rooms, each has a private bath, four are suites, and all are distinctively different in decor. All guest rooms include
A bit more history:
The Offutt mansion was completed in 1894 as a wedding gift from Casper and Anna Yost to their only daughter Bertha. Bertha Yost wed Charles Offutt in 1892 in Omaha. The Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska was named for their son Jarvis, a pilot killed in World War I. The home was built by world famous architect Henry Ives Cobb. The home is a two and one-half story 17 room mansion located in Omaha's Historic Gold Coast area. The mansion features Gothic Revival architecture with a symmetrical facade, steeply pitched tomato red slate roof and impressive front entrance. The interior of the mansion is equally impressive with a 'Cuban Mahogany' library with a pink onyx fireplace, black walnut dining room, and quarter-sawn oak
entry and grand staircase. The home was built with gas/electric ornate fixtures and wall sconces that still grace this glorious mansion.

Innkeepers Mark O'Leary and Julie Mierau
Recipes included in the cookbook: Puffy Egg Casserole, Banana Bread French Toast, Raspberry Cream Cheese Muffins, Amish Friendship Bread.

Follow them now on Facebook!

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

Plantation House B&B in Elgin, Nebraska


The Plantation House B&B offers a wonderful place to visit:
Mrs. Butler's Room... elegant in red, black and gold, has some of her original mahogany furniture and a queen bed. The large private bath with its unusually long bathtub and two sinks is just a few steps down the hall. Fluffy robes are provided for the trip.

The Mirror Room... has a built-in oak dresser with mirrors on three sides and a matching oak wardrobe near the queen size bed. The attached bath has the original tile, sink and tub (with an added hand-held shower). Adjoining this bath is the new Whirlpool Room with a large "corner tub-for-two". A door to the hallway allows this room to be accessible to all of our guests, with a system of locks to make it completely private for "just the two of you". We have chosen to make an extra charge for the use of this room rather than raising the rooms rates. We think you'll want to take advantage of this relaxing spot where you are surrounded by pastel hydrangeas. Fluffy terry robes are provided in each room. 
Since the writing of the cookbook, there are new Innkeepers: Leonard and Judith Orlowski. The recipe included in the cookbook and used by permission of former innkeepers Kyle & Deb Warren: Peppered Cheese Wheel

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hidden Valley Guest Ranch in Eureka Springs, Arkansas


Hidden Valley Guest Ranch is secluded high on a mountainside in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas . Our log cabins provide a rustic, romantic retreat with a unique spirituality. These luxury log cabins offer wrap-around scenery of the natural countryside from every window. There is a "heartsong" being sung at Hidden Valley; you can hear it in the melody of the rainwater rushing over the limestone bluffs and sense its presence in the canopy of trees overhead. The scent of honeysuckle in spring, and wood smoke in winter will entice you, as you bend close to the earth and rinse your fingers in the icy, spring-fed waters that made this region famous.


Getaway from the calenders, clocks and come to a place where time seems to stop and worries fade. Hidden Valley Guest Ranch specializes in curing the "rush hour burnout". Whether it's cuddling under beautiful quilts and luxurious bed linens while watching a romantic movie or relaxing on the front porch to the symphony of natural night sounds, your stay will be a tranquil and memorable one.


The innkeepers, Karen & David Schneider have been dreaming of being associated with Hidden Valley Guest Ranch since they came for a trail ride and Karen volunteered to help with the trail rides, so she could live out her dream. She had always said that if the ranch manager’s position became open, it was HER’S. In May of 2009 the ranch managers (Jordan and Tandy Maxfield) retired and she was here at the ranch as soon as she heard that her dream was now a reality. The timing was perfect as her mother passed away, as she had been caring for her and it left a BIG void in her life.

Innkeepers: Karen & David Schneider

Recipes included in the cookbook: Cinnamon Nuts, Hidden Valley Ranch Chili, Goldie Hawn's Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies.


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

Cliff Cottage Inn B&B in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.




Cliff Cottage, built in the 1880s and now lovingly restored and refurbished, is one of the inn's five elegant homes...the jewel of Cliff Cottage Inn in this Victorian artist colony, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The inn comprises three homes featuring luxury suites and two individual historic cottages all by themselves.



Cliff Cottage Inn specializes in romantic and vacation getaways, honeymoons and elopement weddings, anniversary celebrations and ladies' shopping sprees and is the only B&B right in the very heart of the Historic Downtown of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Celebrating more than a decade of continuous operation under the same innkeeper, this is the only inn with an elf who delivers a full-gourmet hot breakfast right to your door! Southern Living Magazine said, "Cliff Cottage Inn's breakfasts are definitely not to be missed!" and you can enjoy them on your private balcony or deck, or even decadently in your jammies!
A bit about the history: The cottage was designed by one of the Victorian period's most illustrious architects, Charles Locke Eastlake (1836-1906), a British art critic, Secretary of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and Secretary of the British Fine Arts Commission. Eastlake was also a furniture designer and in his book, Hints on Household Taste in Furniture, Upholstery and other Details (1868), he advocated a return to simple, straight-line designs inspired by country work, executed in oak and various fruitwoods. He also advocated that a single, cohesive style dominate the home rather than a hodgepodge of influences. In 1872 he re-published his book in the United States, where it became a decorating bible and planted the seeds of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America. He was commissioned by Sears to design their very first kit home sold in their catalogue and Cliff Cottage is just that...a Sears' kit home, built in 1881. It is a National Historic Registry house and is also honored by inclusion in the State of Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. The cottage property has a lovely age-old cave many spelunkers have explored and which the innkeeper has turned into a wine cellar as it maintains 52 degrees year-round, perfect for storing vino.
Innkeeper: Sandra CH Smith (for her personal story, click here)
Recipes included in the cookbook: Lemon Grass Fragrant Chicken, Chicken Montmorency, Southern Chocolate Pecan Tarts, Chocolate Shorbread, Seafood Naomi, Chocolate-Cinnamon Mousse.

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

Monday, July 27, 2009

Candlewick Inn, LLC, in Woodstock, Virginia



The Candlewick Inn, LLC is a beautifully restored Pre-Civil War home that sits amidst the historical riches of picturesque Shenandoah County. You can step back in time to a quaint setting of "Alpine" beauty in the historic town of Woodstock.




Here is what awaits you:


Welcome to our 19th Century country home bed and breakfast, built before the Civil War, is fully restored right down to the antique furnishings. Relax and enjoy a romantic evening or two. The Candlewick Inn, LLC has four guest rooms with private baths and sitting areas updated with central air-conditioning. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in our formal dining room. Homemade jam and bread are the "house specialty" to complement your full breakfast. Five o'clock tea or lemonade is served on the veranda. View the mountains from our porch and listen to the church chimes from the porch swing. Graceful country gardens awaits your arrival with its many sitting areas. Our traditional parlor provides entertainment with a player piano for you to enjoy, too. Candlewick Inn, LLC is located in the heart of the historic district of Woodstock. Walk to quaint antique shops, restaurants, or to the movie theater.Nearby Local attractions include: quaint towns, historic battlefields, museums, antiquing, caverns, covered bridges, farmers' markets, vineyards and a relaxing setting within the Massanutten Mountains bordered by the Shenandoah River.


Innkeepers: Sharon and Dennis Pike
Two of their recipes included in the cookbook: Streusel Coffee Cake, Banana Nut Bread.

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

Schramm House B&B in Burlington, Iowa



The Schramm House Bed & Breakfast is situated at the top of Heritage Hill in the heart of the historical district. Snake Alley, "the crookedest street in the world" according to Ripley's Believe It or Not, is just one block east.

The Mississippi River is six blocks away from this restored 1860's Victorian. Burlington, called the City of Steeples, is an architectural masterpiece on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi.
There are parks, historical points of interest, antique and specialty shops, restaurants, and many more points of interest within walking distance. Whether eagle watching on the river or browsing in the historic downtown, you will be enchanted with Burlington's charm and friendliness.


The History:
The J.S. Schramm House was built in the 1860's by John Siegmund Schramm, founder of the Schramm Department Store. The brick first floor with clapboard siding on the second floor, distinguishes this Queen Anne Victorian from the other homes in the area. Vertical board and batten adorn the gable ends. Bargeboards decorate the gable ends and the tower, which also boasts two plaster suns. The home was originally built as a multi-generational home and later in response to a housing shortage, became an apartment house. In 1990, restoration was begun to return the home to a single family residence.


The Schramm House Bed & Breakfast offers four guest rooms, each with a private bath. Two parlors, a library, formal dining room and porches are available for guest use. For your comfort, the house has central air-conditioning. The Schramm House Bed & Breakfast has four fireplaces, a restored tin ceiling, antique furnishings, and a study/office for guest use. Other architectural features include magnificent oak woodwork and wainscoting, two exterior porches, oak & walnut parquet floors, and floor length windows.

Innkeepers: Sandra & Bruce Morrison

Some of their recipes: Baked Apple Pancake, Sweet Dream Bars, Potato Leek Tart.

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

Blue Belle Inn B&B, St. Ansgar, Iowa



Welcome to Victorian Elegance at the Blue Belle Inn Bed & Breakfast in St. Ansgar, Iowa, "The Best little Hometown in Iowa", the Blue Belle Inn Bed and Breakfast awaits you! Rediscover the romance of the 1890's while enjoying the comfort and convenience of the new millennium in one of six distinctively decorated guest rooms.


Built in 1896, the interior of this Queen Anne Victorian is highlighted by fireplaces, wood floors, tin ceilings with ornate moldings, and eight foot maple pocket doors. Leaded glass, stained glass and crystal chandeliers set in bay and curved windows pockets create a shimmering interplay of light and color. A gleaming maple banister winds to the second floor and opens onto a balcony overlooking sprawling maple trees, flowers and a fish pond. Candlelit, lace-covered tables, heirloom china and festive foodstuffs featuring German, English, French Italian, Scandinavian or American Country cuisines provide an unforgettable dining experience for weekend guests and local patrons alike.

Curl up in a corner with a good book or explore St. Ansgar's unique Victorian, antique and country stores, tea room, and bridal theatre. Rent a canoe from a local purveyor and float down the Cedar River or bring your bicycle and take a scenic countryside ride. Hunting, cross country skiing, golfing, fishing and hiking are favorite local pastimes. Events at the Inn include concerts, murder mysteries, horse-drawn sleigh rides, quilting, cooking, craft workshops, and various other good times throughout the year.
Innkeeper: Sherrie Hansen

These recipes you will find in the cookbook and used by permission of  Sherrie Hansen: Pasta Carbonnara, Herb-Scented Tomato Soup, Apple Streusel Bread Pudding, Swiss Chocolate Raspberry Torte

Follow her on Facebook!

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

Sunday, July 26, 2009

1823 Historic Rose Hill Inn, Kentucky













Welcome to Rose Hill Inn, one of Kentucky's finest bed and breakfasts, only 15 minutes west of Lexington, Kentucky, in Versailles. Built in 1823, the historic home has been wonderfully renovated, but features of the original mansion are preserved and enhanced. The parlor, library, front porch, and 3 acres of grounds are all for your enjoyment.

Near to horse farms, Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park, we are a frequent choice for honeymoons, romantic weekends and getaways, family reunions, etc. Rose Hill Inn was just voted as Kentucky's BEST Bed and Breakfast by readers of Kentucky Monthly magazine for the second year in a row!! Voted as #2 "Best Breakfast in the Southeast" and in the top 3% of all bed and breakfasts in North America by readers of Inn Traveler magazine for 2006
January 2006 article in Southern Living!




History of the Rose Hill Inn:
"Hill was built about 1823 as the residence of Dr. William Terrell, by Henry Crittenden. Henry Crittenden was the brother of John Crittenden, one the governors of Kentucky in the 1840's. Henry’s son became the governor of the State of Missouri. They were a political family, raised here in Woodford County in a log cabin, which is preserved by the Historical Society.

The home was originally called "Rose Hill", and is the oldest home in the Historical District. The original structure was a federal style home, but many changes occurred in the 1880's to make it as it appears today. We have found dated signatures under the wallpaper, which were photographed and traced, from many of the past residents of the house.

The first occupants were the Terrell family, who originated in Virginia and moved to Kentucky in 1807. They were a large slave owing family. It is reported that both North and South occupied the grounds during the Civil War. Blood stains, which were discovered when the floors were refinished, testify to the use of the home as a hospital for the wounded. We have a cabinet which contains our collectible artifacts found on the property.

After the Civil War the house was rented to the principal of a girls school, and some of the students actually resided here as well. In 1877 the home was purchased as a wedding gift for Lucie Graddy by her parents. She married E. M. Wallace, a local lawyer and is responsible for turning the house from a 1.5 story federal design to a full 2 story gothic-style home. Lucie Wallace then deeded the home to Dr. George Gregory for $1 because of his excellent care for her in her later years. His family took possession in 1945.

It first became a bed and breakfast in 1992 after much refurbishing by Mark and Kathy Miller. Sharon Amberg and Emiel Domis purchased the Inn in 1996, did some more remodeling and updating. The Inn has been updated annually. The current innkeepers Alder and Gill Blackburn became owners in 2007 and plan to run the Inn without making too many changes to its Victorian appearance and ambiance.

Innkeepers: Alder & Gill Blackburn.
These recipes you will find in the cookbook and used by permission of the former innkeeper Sharon Amberg: Chile Rellenos Egg Casserole, Banana Filled French Toast, Baked Eggs in Ham Crisps, Apple Pannekoeken.

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

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Photo Album on Facebook!

I just posted a photo album on Facebook!! These are from the B&B inns featured in my cookbook; I only put a few. Since I live in the south, I put more southern ones. But I posted a link back to here so people can see photos and a review of all the inns.
http://www.facebook.com/claudia.givens
How fun is that?!?

I also recently joined some cookbook and recipe groups on yahoo. You can go to yahoo groups and find quite a variety. There's a lot of recipe swapping going on!

As requests come in, I'll also add the links from the inns featured in my cookbook in the Favorite Links section. Sort of an exchange. The first one came in today from the Holden House 1902 in Colorado. Look in the link section and click on it to visit. You've just got to take a look at the photos they've posted. Beautiful inn with beautiful scenery!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Historic Maple Hill Manor in Springfield, KY









Rediscover Historical Elegancefrom an Era of Refined Romance and Southern Charm Thomas McElroy built this beautiful Greek Revival Plantation Home on nearly 600 acres and presented it as a Wedding Gift to his young bride, Sarah Maxwell. Lavished with numerous architectural features, it is accented with Italianate detail, spans over 7,000 sq. ft., with 14' ceilings, 12' doorways, 9' windows, 13 original rooms - most are 20' x 20' with some even larger, and a grand cherry floating spiral staircase.
(Photo above is the Abraham Lincoln Library room.)

Its colorful past includes stories of an Antebellum Plantation, use as a Civil War Hospital, the Childhood Home to Phil Simms - former NY Giants Quarterback and Super Bowl XXI's MVP, a popular Dinner Hall, and Children's Home.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and considered a Kentucky Landmark Home. This working farm is stately set on 14 tranquil acres in the heart of Kentucky's scenic Bluegrass Region (an hour southeast of Louisville and an hour southwest of Lexington), and the home is considered one of the best preserved Antebellum Homes in the Commonwealth. Its tranquil, country setting is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills of bluegrass with a 3,000 acre race horse farm on one side and 300 acre cattle and tobacco farm on the other - a beautiful and restful place to seek refuge and enjoy the country fresh air.

Murder Mystery Events at Maple Hill Manor are SENSATIONAL!
For over 15 years, Maple Hill Manor has hosted Murder Mystery Events - an adult evening of mystery, intrigue, and delicious food - not to mention, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT & FUN! Enjoy a hilarious game, an elegant Gourmet Dinner, and the comforts of a wonderful historic home. You'll wonder when you last laughed so much or had so much fun! Simply, invite 8-20 of your closest friends or family members for a truly unique group social at Maple Hill Manor. We'll help you coordinate your party by providing the place, invitations, list of characters, suggested costume ideas, a dinner menu, and deluxe B&B Accommodations. We even take care of all the preparations, cooking, and cleaning - it's just that easy. We do all the work . . . you enjoy all the fun!

Innkeepers: Todd Allen and Tyler Horton
Some of their recipes: Springfield Coffee Cake, Egg Casserole, Harvest Day Soup, Breakfast Delight.

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

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Did I Tell You My Story??

I love baking, trying new recipes and scouring cookbooks for something new to try. Awhile back I started an online magazine for women and decided to have a recipe section. In my search for recipes to use I kept coming across a recipe site: bbonline.com. As I continued I started spending more time reading about the B&B inns while I was reviewing their recipes. The idea came to me to put together a cookbook about B&B inns and their recipes. I began contacting inns from all over the US to see who would like to be included in the cookbook…I wanted at least 2 from each state. It wasn’t long before recipes, stories and photos began being emailed to me. Some even sent me their own cookbooks!
I learned how to put it together electronically and save it to a disk and send it off to a publisher. The photo on the front came from the Grace Hill Inn in Tennessee from the top veranda and is absolutely beautiful. The stories that came in were fascinating…some told the history of the inn and some told their own personal story of how they became an innkeeper. And the recipes are what they serve their guests...who keep coming back for more!
I had a wonderful time working on it and still have contact with the inns. Once it was published I went around town to see how to set up book signings. I did quite a few of those and was also on local TV preparing a recipe from the cookbook to help promote it and the upcoming book signing. I learned how to do a press release and sent it out to every newspaper within the vicinity of the inns included in the cookbook, some cities had two newspapers (that was quite an undertaking). The latest promotion I’ve done is to set up this blog and discuss the inns and recipes and include photos. The cookbook has been reviewed and that is included in this blog. All in all, it has been quite an exciting endeavor.

Includes the recipes I've used in my catering service: yummy "Melt in your mouth" brownies, moist lemon cake, rich chocolate cake, mini cheesecakes, plus many more. This cookbook makes a great one for your own collection or a great gift even if they don't cook...it's a great travel guide to inns!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Ant Street Inn Bed and Breakfast in Brenham, TX



The Ant Street Inn Bed and Breakfast offers the finest in deep south hospitality, warmth, and elegance of a first class boutique hotel. Centrally located in Brenham, TX between Houston and Austin, the Ant Street Inn is an inviting destination for a relaxing overnight stay while traveling for business or pleasure.


Relax in rocking chairs on the back veranda overlooking the courtyard garden, enjoy some of the many shops and restaurants in the historic Ant Street District or dine in the Inn at the Capital Grill with your favorite beer or wine. A scrumptious breakfast is included in the Capital Grill.
The
friendly people at the Ant Street Inn Bed & Breakfast promise to make your stay a comfortable and enjoyable one and can help you plan a special event.

While in Washington County, tour Blue Bell Creameries, select vintage plants at the Antique Rose Emporium, walk through acres of seasonal flowers at Ellison's Greenhouses, or pet the miniature horses at the Monastery of St. Clare. History is relived at the Brenham Heritage Museum, the Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, and at the Giddings-Wilkin House Museum.
Shops and restaurants are a short stroll from the inn's front door. The Pleasant Hill Winery is just a mile South of town, and the Unity Theatre has 4 main stage plays per year next door to the Inn.
The George Bush Presidential Library is half an hour away and Festival-Institute at Round Top is outstanding. Just South of Round top a few miles is The Jersey Barnyard, a dairy offering cheese made on the farm and home to Belle, the Blue Bell cow. Liendo Plantation, built in 1853 in Hempstead, is available for tours.

Innkeepers: Tommy & Pam Traylor.

Try some of Pam's delicious recipes: Southwest Egg Bake, Strawberry Popovers w/Romanoff Sauce, B&B Apple Struedel, Butterscotch Carmel Coffee Cake.

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

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

A Beckmann Inn and Carriage House in San Antonio




The wonderful wrap-around porch warmly welcomes guests to the main house and to the gracious experience of Victorian hospitality in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The white wicker furniture in our sun porch invites our guests to relax and enjoy their "welcome tea" along with complementary butter cookies. It is the perfect place to rest and catch your breath after a busy day exploring the city of San Antonio and all the festivities on the Riverwalk.

The Carriage House lodging is adjacent to the main house and was built around the turn of the century. It has been completely renovated, featuring shuttered windows with flower-filled window boxes, gardens, balcony and patio areas, and has two rooms for our guest's accommodations.
All of our bed and breakfast guest rooms are very spacious and feature very ornately carved, queen-sized, high-back, Victorian beds, colorful floral designer furnishings, private bathrooms, lush terry robes, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, televisions, phones, guest refrigerators, comfortable armchairs, and desks. Our guests also have hair dryers and ironing boards. And we personally take care of all our guests and their needs, so that while they are here at our bed and breakfast, they have "the warm and gracious hospitality" we are known for. We want our lodging guests to have the best time possible while they are in San Antonio!

Our Bed and Breakfast Inn is located in San Antonio's beautiful King William historic district, the "hidden treasure", the perfect location for enjoying San Antonio at its very best whether it is for business or leisure travel. The King William historic district has eight great restaurants: The Guenther House, the Blue Star Brewing Co., El Mirador, La Focaccia, Rosario's, China Latina, The Mad Hatter, and Azuca. It's always nice to come back after a busy day to freshen up and be able to walk to one of our neighborhood restaurants.

Innkeeper: Lisa Cantu
Proprietors: Paula & Charles Stallcup
Recipes included: Blintz Souffle with Blueberry topping, Southern Cornbread & Egg Casserole, Country Sausage Skillet, Sticky Caramel Buns.
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Clements Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Smyrna, Delaware



The Clements Mansion B&B, located in the center of historic Smyrna, is Delaware's newest and largest B&B. Construction on the Mansion began in 1862 for Mr. J.R. Clements, a prosperous businessman and landowner, and reportedly took 10 years to complete. Over the last 140 years, the Mansion has served as a private residence, doctor's office, apartment building, and stained glass business. The Mansion was purchased by the present owners in July 1999. The owners envisioned restoring the three story Victorian style Mansion to a state that was reminiscent of when the original Clements family inhabited the home. This was an ambitious plan consuming two years of extensive repairs and renovations. The entire inside of the home was renovated, repainted and wallpapered. The Mansion's exterior was extensively repaired and repainted. All 66 wooden shutters (ranging in height from 4' - 8') were removed and over 100 years of paint was stripped from the surface. The shutters were then shellacked, primed and repainted. The Mansion has six guestrooms that can accommodate two adults, including a caretaker's room. Four of the guestrooms feature a private bath while three guestrooms have a shared bath. The honeymoon suite has a full tub and a queen-sized bed. The Mansion is furnished with period antiques. The Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, represents one of the finest examples of Italianate styled architecture in this area. On the first floor is a large parlor, library and dining room and the five guest bedrooms are located on the second and third floors. An intricately wooden spiral stairway at the front foyer ascends through the three floors of the Mansion to the cupola where guests can view the countryside. Large rooms, high ceilings with ornate plaster moldings and hardwood floors reflect the rich
luxury of the times.

Innkeepers: Dan & Darlene Areana, Jane Zak
Try Dan's recipes: Chocolate "No Name Cake", Cinnamon Baked French Toast, Morning Glory Muffins.

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

An Inn by the Bay in Lewes, Delaware




Imagine yourself relaxing on one of our wicker porches feeling the bay breezes as you leave your worries behind. The main room of the Inn was built in the late 1800’s and was originally part of a Dutch settlement. Now a bright and comfortable beach Inn with 7 rooms of fine furnishings, the Inn is within walking distance of all that Lewes has to offer.



From our Inn you can walk or bicycle less than ½ mile to the quaint main streets of old historic Lewes, Delaware taking in the charming boutiques, antique shops and local gourmet restaurants and coffee shops. Within a half square mile you will find the Historic District as well as museums and many of Lewes’ older preserved homes.
You are also steps away from our quiet sandy beaches and beautiful bay views. Lewes is situated where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet at Cape Henlopen. The Inn itself is one block from the Lewes Beach and within a mile of Cape Henlopen State Park where you will find miles of beautiful beaches, nature trails, and bird sanctuaries that are part of this preserve.
At the Inn we begin each day with a full hot breakfast, including fruit, juice, and home-baked goods which you can enjoy on our front porch or side deck while you browse the morning paper or begin people watching as they head down to the beach or into town. In the late afternoon we will provide tea, coffee or other chilled refreshments in addition to a light snack.


Our Inn is the perfect beach getaway, but also a great place for a small business retreat, or family get-together. We do encourage whole house rentals and can accommodate small groups with specialized needs. We are open year round and can make any holiday a memorable event.

On a historical note:
The city of Lewes was founded in 1631 by Dutch settlers from Hoorn, Holland. They came here to develop a whaling industry, but since there weren't any whales, they started to develop a fishing industry. The city of Lewes was named by William Penn and was named after the city where his mother-in-law was born in Sussex, England. The main house of An Inn by the Bay was originally built on the beach in 1840 and used as a boarding house for fishermen. The addition was built in 1997. I believe the March, 2002 issue of Money magazine wrote a small article about Lewes as being one of the 10 best places in the country to vacation. We're a 70 minute ferry ride from Cape May, NJ. Lewes is a 110 mile trip east from Washington, DC, and a 110 mile trip south from Philadelphia, and 200 miles south of New York City.

Innkeepers: Andy Herrick and Bob Moyer.
Be sure to try Andy & Bob's recipes: Baked French Toast, Quick Breakfast Egg Custard.

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

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Join A Wine Club

Did you know you can join a wine club? It's true. And think about the options!! I'll post some information here. This particular wine club was Featured on the Today Show last holiday as the hottest Gift of the Season! A Wine of the Month Club makes the perfect gift for any wine lover and any occasion. Unique, exciting and guaranteed to please, they offer 8 different clubs to choose from:

Premium Wine Club
International Wine Club
West Coast Wine Club
Sparkling & Champagne Club
Platinum Wine Club
90+ Point Wine Club
Cellars Wine Club
Case Club



White Wines:
Look for the classic white grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Semillon, Pinot Gris and Chenin Blanc used in these wines as well as other important white grape varietals such as Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Muscat among others.


Red Wines:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah dominate here but you'll find exceptional reds, perhaps even more so, from the Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grenach, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel grapes among others.


Take a look at the Cellars Wine Club today and see which one fits your wants and Celebrate Today!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford, VT


Once upon a time in a tiny, magical place barely touched by time, there lived a clever man by the name of Samuel Hodby. It was the late 1700's and hundreds of travelers passed through this very spot. Their journey carried them between the distant North of Montreal, Canada and the bustling American harbors of Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. Samuel knew that his land in Lower Waterford, Vermont was the mid-way point on this major trade route. And being a clever entrepreneur, he recognized that the weary tradesmen as well as loggers on the Connecticut River below needed a place to buy provisions, enjoy a bit of ale, and rest bodies tired by the 18 day round trip. And thus began the tradition of hospitality in what was to become RABBIT HILL INN, and in what was then called the Samuel Hodby Tavern -- an actual tavern, general store and provider of overnight lodging.

Noticing such activity in the area, Jonathan Cummings erected his home and workshop right next door to the inn. This structure consisted of 6 rooms -- 2 per floor. The shop was located in what is today part of the foyer and all of the front dining room. The year was 1825 and the shop produced wagon wheels and sleigh parts (no surprise) as well as winnowing machines. (These were a wind-driven mechanism for separating the grain from the chaff. Previously, this was accomplished only by muscle power, as the men flailed wheat on their barn floors.)
Because it became obvious by the early 1830's that innkeeping was the truly profitable venture, Cummings sold his building to Fred Cross and a Mr. Hale, who had by now purchased the Samuel Hodby Tavern as well. From that day forward, these buildings have remained joined as one property. It has run as an inn except for the years between 1912 and 1957 when the inn and town buildings underwent restoration and this property was held as a private residence. What follows is a brief chronology of ownership of this property as best we can determine:

1795 Hodby Tavern & General Store is built.
1825 Jonathan Cummings builds the Main House as his shop and home.
1832 Nathan Bishop purchases the Cummings home as his private residence.
1834 Fred Cross & O.G. Hale purchase the two houses and open Fred Cross's Churn, a travelers' and traders' inn.
1840 Cross and Hale enlarge the main portion of the house by adding the area that is currently the Federal Parlor and Sitting Room.
1844-55 During this period, several innkeepers operate the property as Travellers' Home.
1855 O.D. Hurlburt bought the property and renamed it Valley House. It is believed the ballroom and carriage wing were added at this time.
1870 H.A. Bowman purchased the inn. Guests would "summer" here while ferries shuttled guests up and down the Connecticut River.
1873 Bowman sold the inn to his son (or nephew), Edwin, who ran the inn until 1912 before making it his private home. By this time, the railroad industry was growing and much of the commerce was moving towards St. Johnsbury because no rail lines came through Waterford.
1919 The property is sold to Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Davies. Mrs. Davies names her home Rabbit Hill. Mr. Davies, a philanthropist businessman from St. Johnsbury is thought to have brought the process of milk homogenization from Europe to the United States. He operated a creamery in St. Johnsbury. The Davies actually purchased the entire village of Lower Waterford and refurbished all the homes painting them white with green shutters. Hence, the "White Village of Vermont" becomes the town's moniker.
1957 St. Johnsbury House Hotel acquires the property for use as a summer hotel operating as Rabbit Hill Motor Inn. It was then that the ballroom and carriage house were converted to guestrooms. A neon "MOTEL" sign graced the roof and a sign by the parking lot read: "Good Vermont Food".
1968 John & Ruth Carroll purchase the inn and operate it until the late 1970's. A series of innkeepers own the property for short periods of time.
1980 Eric & Beryl Charlton acquire Rabbit Hill Inn and add a new level of charm and hospitality.
1987 John & Maureen Magee purchase the inn. Major structural restorations and presentation upgrades are undertaken to bring the inn to another level of sophistication that inn travelers are seeking.
1997 Brian & Leslie Mulcahy become the owners of Rabbit Hill Inn after spending three years as Assistant Innkeepers to the Magees. Through all of its changes, one thing remains... warm, sincere, personal hospitality is the hallmark of Rabbit Hill Inn and its innkeepers!


Awarded "One of the Most Romantic Bed & Breakfasts in Vermont", the Rabbit Hill Inn is a truly romantic, luxurious Vermont bed and breakfast country inn ~ a perfect New England vacation destination for intimate getaways, honeymoons, celebrations and relaxing escapes. The Rabbit Hill Inn sits peacefully upon 15 acres of unspoiled countryside in the time-forgotten village of Lower Waterford, located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. A stroll past the white steeple church takes you to the Connecticut River and a glance south captures the majestic views of the White Mountains.

Innkeepers: Brian & Leslie Mulcahy

Try some of their famous recipes: Vermont Cheddar Cheese Soup, Blueberries & Cream Teacakes, Roasted Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast.

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

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Big Locust Farm Bed & Breakfast, Paoli, Indiana







A warm welcome awaits you at Big Locust Farm Bed & Breakfast, a brick country Victorian on 60 acres. After a big country breakfast, enjoy the flower bed, the fish pond, watch the birds, hike in the woods or along the creek, or just sit back and let the world go by on our big front porch.
We are a small bed & breakfast in the heart of the Hoosier National Forest. We've been in business since 1995. Our location is in the country, so your stay will be quiet and unhurried. Nature walks, quiet contemplation, and sincere conversation are the order of the day. Local attractions include the West Baden Dome, French Lick Scenic Railway, French Lick Winery and Coffee House, Paoli Peaks, and the Spring Mill State Park. You are assured of a hearty and healthy breakfast. Sometimes, people go to B&Bs to experience life as it was back when and that usually includes an uncomfortable bed. No, you won't find an uncomfortable bed at Big Locust.Our history is short by some standards but the big locust tree (the largest in Indiana) is estimated to be 250 years old. The property has been in the Lindley Family since the early 1930's. The present home was built in 1994 so you can expect normal conveniences. If you like flowers, there are plenty of those to talk about in season. We are only one-third of a mile from Paoli Peaks, so consider us in winter
Innkeepers: Joe & Glenda Lindley
Try Glenda's delicious recipe: Oatmeal Apple Muffins
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Sunrise Sunset Cookbook Got a Great Review!

You just never know where life will take you!! I visited a networking group and met new people which is the point. I was really there for my catering business but one of the ladies discovered I had a cookbook and asked me if she could review it. I just received the review today and was very impressed. I'll put the link here so you can visit and read it, too. Near the bottom of the page you can give it a thumbs up and also leave a comment. Have fun!
Cookbook Review

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Holden House 1902 in Colorado Springs






It's no wonder why Katharine Lee Bates wrote America the Beautiful from atop our famous Pikes Peak. The scenic beauty of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region offers something for everyone. “The Springs” is located just 60 miles south of Denver with its own convenient regional airport. Nestled nearby is the historic Holden House, an Award-Winning storybook Victorian treasure that caters to romantics and business travelers alike. Centrally located just one mile from downtown on a residential tree-lined street near historic "Old Colorado City", the inn offers free off-street parking and five inviting guest suites .

Innkeepers , Sallie and Welling Clark, meticulously restored the property in 1986 and continue to own and operate the inn, and uphold high standards at Holden House. In addition to their innkeeping duties, Sallie is an El Paso County Commissioner and Welling a Research Scientist. The Clarks also offer consulting and seminars for aspiring innkeepers. Sallie and Welling and their attentive assistant innkeeping staff, will help you plan your itinerary around the many activities in the Pikes Peak Region. From outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, carriage rides, golf, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting to sightseeing at Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Parks or Pikes Peak, you’ll want to return time and time again. Among our many events, you won’t want to miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Territory Days, SpringsSpree, the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon, Pikes Peak or Bust and National Little Britches Rodeos, Colorado Balloon Classic, IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, Air Force Academy and Colorado College Graduation/Homecomings and the Holiday Festival of Lights, just to name a few. You’ll find a variety of activities all year long, including historic sites and antique districts, area museums, art galleries, unique gift shops, fine dining, the Philharmonic and other cultural events, all within easy distance of the Holden House.

Our friendly resident Holden House mascots,
InnCats 'Mingtoy' and 'Muffin', will greet you. Built in 1902 by Isabel Holden, the spacious guest suites are named for mining towns in which the Holden’s owned interests. The Goldfield and Silverton carriage house suites and rose Victorian’s Independence suite offer pet-free accommodations. If you prefer to stay in the main house, the Aspen and Cripple Creek suites are favorites. The Independence suite also offers handicapped access.
Innkeepers: Sallie & Welling Clark.
Be sure to try Sallie's delicious recipes included in the cookbook: SouthWestern Eggs Fiesta, German Puff Pancakes with Spiced Apples, Chocolate Chunk/White Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ruffled Crepes Isabel.

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

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Bear Paw Inn of Winter Park, CO











Welcome to the Bear Paw Inn of Winter Park, Colorado. This hand-hewn log lodge is exactly the type of welcoming retreat you have thought about when dreaming of a trip to the Colorado wilderness. Panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Continental Divide are breathtaking, and are right outside your window. The fragrance of fir, spruce and pine is in the air. In the winter, watch the soft snow fall from the warmth of this beautiful lodge, highlighted by massive wood beams, log walls, antiques, and a roaring fire.
Looking for Winter Park lodging away from the hustle and bustle? Looking for Winter Park lodging that is secluded, romantic and quiet? The best way is to experience the Bear Paw Inn - a distinctive Bed and Breakfast.

Welcome to the Bear Paw Inn of Winter Park, Colorado. This hand-hewn log lodge is exactly the type of welcoming retreat you havethought about when dreaming of a trip to the Colorado wilderness. Panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Continental Divide are breathtaking, and are right outside your window. The fragrance of fir, spruce and pine is in the air. In the winter, watch the soft snow fall from the warmth of this beautiful lodge, highlighted by massive wood beams, log walls, antiques, and a roaring fire.

Colorado's snowiest resort is also Colorado's most accessible from Denver International Airport. Whatever your pleasure, whether winter or summer, there are plenty of activities for everyone. Besides world-class skiing at either Winter Park Resort or Silver Creek Resort, winter offers dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, tubing and horse-drawn sleigh rides which include dinner. The U.S. Olympic training center for cross country skiing is only 10 minutes away. Or, visit the newly renovated Hot Sulfur Springs Resort Baths.

Summer activities include hot air ballooning, white water rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, weekly rodeos and music festivals, and golf at the nearby Pole Creek Golf Club -- voted #1 in Colorado. You will definitely want to visit the beautiful town of Grand Lake and drive the spectacular Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National park. It is the highest contiguous paved highway in North America.
Innkeepers: Sue & Rick Callahan.
Sue's wonderful recipes included: Bear Paw Cherry Chocolate Chippies, Eggs Callahan, Bear Paw Blintz Souffle, Eggs in a Hatch.
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The Colony Hospital BnB in Bishop Hill, IL



The Colony Hospital Bed and Breakfast welcomes you to a warm and inviting island of peace and tranquility. Nestled in a tiny country village (117 residents), once the site of a Swedish communal society, The Colony Hospital Bed and Breakfast is the perfect setting for romantic getaways or a weekend mini vacation.

Built in 1855 as their hospital by the pioneering Swedish colonists, it has been lovingly restored, but with the comfort and conveniences of modern times added. We celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Colony Hospital last year. Charming in its simplicity, The Colony Hospital Bed and Breakfast has five cozy guest rooms (three suites), each with its own private bath and decorated with furnishings reminiscent of the colony era. Choose your favorite bath: walk-in shower, old-fashioned clawfoot tub or double whirlpool Jacuzzi tub. Four of our guest rooms are located on the first floor with one additional suite on the second floor.

Open year round for a midweek or weekend getaway, The Colony Hospital Bed and Breakfast is located within easy driving distance of the Chicago area (3 hours), Peoria, Bloomington, Galesburg, Springfield, Macomb, the Quad Cities and eastern Iowa. Our B&B is the only lodging in Bishop Hill and the only country inn in the area.
We are also only minutes away from Good’s Furniture in Kewanee, one of Illinois’ state parks (Johnson Sauk Trail), the Hennepin Canal, Victorian Geneseo, Knox College and many other attractions and varied activities.

Take the time to rock in our comfy rockers on our famous back porch or to watch our beautiful country sunsets (especially from the Anders Bergland second story screened porch – the best view in all of the village) or stargaze into the pitch-black night. Relax, read, visit, play games or just unwind in our inviting library or snuggle up in front of the fire in the wood-burning stove. Do be sure to ask about our special "
Innkeepers: Judith & Lowell Gilbert
Recipes included in the cookbook: Swedish Scones, Swedish Brownies.
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Monday, May 14, 2007

The Goldmoor Inn in Galena, IL




The Goldmoor Inn and Aaron's Cottages and Cabins, are high atop the bluffs overlooking the majestic Mississippi River south of historic Galena, Illinois. This luxury country inn and bed and breakfast offers unparalleled accommodations, sumptuous breakfast and the very finest in gracious hospitality. The Goldmoor, has a rich history stemming from the riverboat days and leading to its present day state.

Whether you're visiting Galena, Illinois, for a brief getaway or a longer vacation, The Goldmoor staff is here to serve your every need. Solitude, fresh air, and magnificent scenery await you when visiting "Galena's Premier Guest Retreat."

You will soon realize by staying with us at the The Goldmoor, what makes us the top-rated Inn in the state of Illinois. We're proud of our "finishing touches" that set us apart from many other properties in the Midwest. We offer a complete host of amenities, from European terry robes in every unit to the complimentary use of mountain bikes, heated towel bars and free room service for breakfast.

Stroll, swing, hike or bike ... whatever activity you choose at The Goldmoor, you will be surrounded by lush woods, beautifully landscaped grounds, and the ever present breathtaking view of the Mississippi! Loll in the old wooden swing atop the hill, take an adventurous bike ride, or relax in the comfortable lounge chairs. Take time to stop and smell the roses on the lovely Goldmoor grounds.
Innkeepers: Jim & Patricia Goldthorpe.
Try their deliecious Potatoes & Ham Supreme recipe included in the cookbook.
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Hearth House B&B Inn in Bristol, RI








Since 1798, The Parker Borden House, now the home of the Hearth House, has stood at the northern tip of Bristol's Hope Street, only a few short blocks from the center of town.

Conveniently located midway between burgeoning Providence 15 minutes to our north, and Newport's Gold Coast, 20 minutes to our south, Hearth House, an authentic example of federal architecture, stands at the juncture of Hope and Thames Streets and offers the warmth of its 10 fireplaces in winter, cool breezes in summer and, in all seasons, sweeping views of Bristol Harbor.

We invite you to stay in one of our light-filled guest rooms, each featuring authentic furnishings, private bath, working fireplace, air conditioning, and a view of Bristol Harbor or our lush English Garden.
Angie and Tony Margiotta have been together since college days. Both are former New York City teachers who happened to visit Bristol some 5 years ago, fell in love with the town and its people and knew that they had found the perfect spot for realizing Angie's dream of opening a bed and breakfast. When Hearth House, - formerly named the Parker Borden House Bed and Breakfast, came on the market in April 2000, they decided to purchase the 200+ year old federal home with the ocean view and 10 fireplaces.
Innkeepers: Angie & Tony Margiotta
Recipes in the cookbook: Triple Chocolate Biscotti, Tiramisu.
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

The Cliffside Inn in Newport, Rhode Island


Come discover why we've been named one of the "Great Tea Rooms of America" and Frommer's only 3-star (highest rating) luxury Inn in Newport.
The celebrated Cliffside Inn, home of former legendary Newport, Rhode Island artist Beatrice Turner, has earned a worldwide reputation as one of America's favorite luxury Inns. Seamlessly blending today's most luxurious amenities--whirlpools, fireplaces, steam baths--with antiques and Victorian elegance, Cliffside is a one-of-a-kind place, in a unique setting near Newport's acclaimed Cliffwalk, beaches and mansions.
Cliffside was built in 1876 as the summer home of railroad tycoon and Maryland governor, Thomas W. Swann. It was later owned by noted painter Beatrice Turner, whose fascinating and provocative life story was told in 1950 by LIFE magazine, and was more recently featured by ABC-TV when "Good Morning America" visited the Inn. Throughout the Inn you will find more than 100 copies or original Beatrice Turner paintings.

Our guest accommodations offer a relaxed but elegant blend of fine period antiques, luxury fabrics and thoughtful designer detailing. Most guest rooms and suites contain both fireplaces and whirlpool baths. Each day we also provide a complimentary wake-up beverage room service, with choice of newspaper, full breakfast and complete, Victorian afternoon tea service.
Innkeeper: Stephan Nicolas
Try the inn's delicious recipes included in the cookbook: Farmhouse Benedict, Cliffside Inn's Granols, Chocolate Decadence Tart.
This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.