Archive for February, 2012

Spring Break in Virginia, 2012

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” –Robin Williams

For many individuals, Spring Break will be here within the next few weeks, and it’s a time to flee from studying, escape to the beach, and relax with friends and family. Virginia not only offers some beautiful beaches and islands, but also some beautiful bed and breakfasts at which you can relax after your daily events.

There is an unlimited amount of activities along Virginia’s Eastern Shore and on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Visit wineries and vineyards, take a kayak tour, explore a lighthouse, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply lounge on the beach and perfect your tan.

Make your Spring Break absolutely perfect by booking your room at a BBAV inn:

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast, Virginia Beach, VA- Rest, relaxation, and romance!

Beach Spa Bed and Breakfast, Virginia Beach, VA- “Voted #1 Spa Bed and Breakfast in America.”

1848 Island Manor House Inn, Chincoteague, VA- “Island beauty, coastal charm, unbeatable hospitality.”

Channel Bass Inn, Chincoteague, VA- “A Romantic Hideaway selected by The Discerning Traveler.”

Miss Molly’s Inn, Chincoteague, VA- “Appreciate the genuine charm of an old fashioned inn, as did Marguerite Henry, whilst she wrote her famous book Misty of Chincoteague.”

The Watson House, Chincoteague, VA- A romantic retreat in historic Chincoteague.

Garden and Sea Inn, New Church, VA- “Escape to the Garden and Sea Inn for an elegant, yet casual respite.”

Inn at Onancock, Onancock, VA- “Experience our get-away-from-it-all style in laid back luxury.”

 

 

 

Going Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Monday, February 20th, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day may be a month away, but that just means that there is plenty of time to start planning your bed and breakfast getaway. Whether you’re Irish by blood or simply someone who enjoys a good, celebratory holiday, you can certainly find St. Patrick’s Day enjoyment at any of our BBAV inns!

When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, it most likely conjures a flash of green, the color that is traditionally representative of Ireland. So, to coincide with the color of the holiday, we’re promoting “going green” in Virginia, and we are lucky to have some excellent establishments with an eco-friendly emphasis.  In fact, quite a few of them have made a pledge to Virginia Green, “Virginia’s program to encourage green practices throughout the state’s tourism industry” (Virginia is for Lovers).

As stated on our website, “more and more Virginia Bed and Breakfasts are going Green. Some are certified Green Bed and Breakfasts, while others practice Green living where able. These inns feature environmentally friendly cleansers and bath products. They use locally grown produce and products in their cooking. Some offer the use of electric cars, while others offer a special price for folks traveling in a hybrid car. Every little bit counts – whether it’s a freshly laid egg or spinach from a nearby farm. If Green Travel is important to you, stay in Green Virginia Bed and Breakfasts when visiting this state.”

Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast, Lynchburg, VA- With energy efficient windows, composting, and recycling, you can be sure that you’re staying at a green B&B when you relax at the Carriage House Inn. Gain a greater appreciation of nature by getting outdoors and exploring the area attractions.

Cornerstone Farm, South Boston, VA- Stay green at Cornerstone Farm by utilizing and appreciating natural resources.  Many of the activities surrounding this inn are based in nature. Go fishing at Kerr Lake, walk the farm paths and visit the animals, or relax on the front porch and admire the surrounding scenery.

Applewood Inn and Llama Trekking, Lexington, VA- Stay at this eco-friendly B&B, and get close to nature by walking trails near the Blue Ridge Mountains, fishing at Buffalo Creek,  or going on a two-hour hike with the lovely trekking llamas.

Beach Spa Bed and Breakfast, Virginia Beach, VA- Enjoy a green vacation at the beach! Bike along the boardwalk, go for a swim in the ocean, or take a boat or kayak tour.

(These are only a few of the BBAV inns that have partnered with Virginia Green. Browse through our list, and visit the inns’ personal websites. Virginia Green inns will have the logo on their page.)

 

 

The BBAV and the Virginia Wine Expo, 2012

Friday, February 10th, 2012

“Wine can of their wits the wise beguile,
Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile.”

- Homer, “The Odyssey”

If you are a devoted lover of wine, a partaker of the occasional glass, or simply an admirer of the vineyard lifestyle, then you cannot miss the Virginia Wine Expo, February 24-26, 2012 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center: “The 5th Annual Virginia Wine Expo (VWE) is Virginia’s premier wine event, exclusively featuring Virginia wine.” (www.virginiawineexpo.com) For three days, you can enjoy luncheons, seminars, conversations with wine makers, casual socializing, and of course, wine tasting with samples from over  70 different Virginia wineries.

Visit the Virginia Wine Expo website (www.virginiawineexpo.com) for general event information, tips, a detailed schedule, and a list of participating wineries.

We here at the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia are happy to offer you a promotional discount for the Saturday and Sunday of the event. When staying at a BBAV inn, you will receive the code for a $5.00 discount off of your Walk-Around Grand Tasting tickets. (Ask your innkeepers for the code.) Furthermore, by “liking” our BBAV Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bbavirginia), you have a chance to win free tickets to the event, which will be given away over the next few weeks.  So if you are not yet a fan of our page, head over to Facebook, and click “like.”

Grab a friend, family member, significant other, and/or designated driver, and start planning your wine weekend now.  There are some fantastic BBAV inns in and around Richmond, Virginia, and honestly, what could be more fun than a wine festival and a vacation at a bed and breakfast?

 

© Klaus Post

Black History Month in Virginia

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

“The African-American experience is one of the most important threads in the American tapestry.”  –Bill Frist

When one thinks of the month of February, the first event that comes to mind is probably Valentine’s Day. However, February also possesses a celebration of much more historical and hereditary significance—it is Black History Month.

Virginia will be celebrating Black History Month with music, films, lectures, dramas, tours, and many more events and gatherings. So, while you’re enjoying a much-needed vacation at one of our B&Bs, why not celebrate the culture, traditions, and heritage of our African-American citizens?

Locomotion, February 28, 2012, Virginia Beach, VA- This theatrical production is written by Jacqueline Woodson and is based on her Coretta Scott King Honor book of the same title. It follows the story of Lonnie Collins Motion, his triumph over hardships, and his passion for writing. (Click here for inns near Virginia Beach).

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra Presents Buddy, Woody, and Stan, February 25, 2012, Fairfax, VA- This musical event is a must-see for admirers of jazz classics. The program features renowned alto sax virtuoso Jim Carroll, the founder of the Met Jazz Orchestra. (Click here for inns near Fairfax.)

12th Annual Virginia Black History Month Formal Dinner, February 25, 2012, Fredericksburg, VA- The Keynote Speaker for this event is Hollywood actress and producer Vivica A. Fox. Enjoy a night of delicious food, wonderful speakers, lively dancing, and a number of other features of entertainment. (Click here for inns near Fredericksburg.)

Ezibu Muntu African Dance Group, February 18, 2012, Richmond, VA- Gather the kiddies, take them to the Children’s Museum of Richmond, and delight in a performance by this renowned African dance group. (Click here for inns near Richmond.)

Performing Arts Live Presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo, February 14, 2012, Winchester, VA- Make your Valentine’s Day special with a performance by this Grammy Award-winning, all-male, a capella group. (Click here for inns near Winchester.)