Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category

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Innkeeping Mothers and Daughters

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Mother’s Day will be here shortly, and for most individuals, mothers and maternal figures are held with unparalleled high regard as irreplaceable role models for their daughters. For a few InnVirginia members, these family dynamics transfer over into the world of hospitality, where mothers and daughters work alongside each other as innkeepers in a balance of responsibilities and familial enjoyment.

Joyce and Lynn Russenberger are the mother-daughter innkeepers at the Uphill House B&B. Innkeeping has been a lifestyle for women in the Russenberger family for numerous generations. Lynn states, “I am ‘4th’ generation B&Ber with my Mother having one when I was younger, my grandmother had hers just down the road from us, a great grandmother ran one and a great aunt ran a hotel at a holiday resort.”

Lynn and Joyce at Uphill House B&B

Joyce and Lynn at Uphill House B&B

Nancy and Cynthia Bruce are the mother-daughter team at High Meadows  Vineyard Inn According to Cynthia, the best part of their innkeeping lifestyle is the close bond they share: “We both get to do a job we enjoy and live in a beautiful house we normally would never be able to…Because we live together, the relationship between my children and my mother is EXTREMELY close.”

Cynthia and Nancy at High Meadows Vineyard Inn

Cynthia and Nancy at High Meadows Vineyard Inn

Taeko and Lisa Floyd are the mother-daughter duo at Pembroke Springs Retreat. Taeko and Lisa’s teamwork blends together the cultures of America and Japan, while working with their different personalities. Lisa, who works as Pembroke’s full-time Manager, states, “I would say that we play off each other’s strengths – we are almost complete opposites.”

Lisa and Taeko at Pembroke Springs Retreat

Lisa and Taeko at Pembroke Springs Retreat

One final mother-daughter team is Ruth and Betsey Pritchard at Smithfield Farm B&B. Innkeeping has been in the Pritchard family for generations, and Ruth and Betsey’s family has owned their manor house for around 200 years. Like mother, like daughter!

Need a gift for your mother? Why not purchase an InnVirgina gift card that can be used at one of our locations anywhere in Virginia?

By Tara Stoll

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Christmas Town at Busch Gardens!

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

On select days from November 23 through December 31, 2012, a holiday world explodes across Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, Virginia. From the array of dazzling lights to the magnificent, 50-foot Christmas tree, Christmas Town is a seasonal wonderland. Sit back and enjoy a lavish show, or grab a cup of Busch Garden’s signature peppermint fudge hot chocolate. And what fantastical Christmas experience would be complete without the holly, jolly man himself? Santa will be available to meet at his workshop, where you can also make some wonderful gift purchases.

Another event that coincides with Christmas Town is the Christmas Town Dash 8K on December  2, 2012. The warm-up begins at 7:30am, and at 8:00am, you have the pleasure of viewing the Running of the Chick-fil-A cows. The 8k itself begins at 8:30 and ends at 10 am, which is when the Awards Ceremony will take place. It promises to be an exciting, energy-filled morning, and each registered runner will receive a single day ticket to Busch Gardens, a long-sleeved shirt, a finisher’s medal, a Christmas Town coupon, and hot chocolate. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the 8k.

Need a place to stay during your Busch Gardens excursion? Check out our nearby BBAV inns.

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Giving of Thanks in 2012

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Turkey, and mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, oh my! Thanksgiving is approaching with great rapidity, and if you are looking for something a bit different than the usual holiday get-together, consider some of the following events:

“On December 4, 1619, a group of 38 settlers, led by Captain John Woodlief, arrived at Berkeley Plantation in Virginia, from Bristol, England. On the banks of the James River the Englishmen proclaimed ‘We ordaine that the day of our ship’s arrival at the place assigned for plantacon, in the land of Virginia, shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God’” (Virginia Thanksgiving Festival.) In keeping with the tradition of this first official Thanksgiving, you too can celebrate at the very same site where these travelers first held their own feast—Berkeley Plantation. On November 4, 2012, delight in a day of food and drink, games, historic costumes, tribal dancers, and parades at the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival.

But that, my dear reader, is not the only celebration of so-called “Turkey Day” in which you can partake. On November 22, 2012, enjoy a Decadent Thanksgiving Feast at BBAV member Cooper’s Landing Inn, or indulge in the 7th Annual Thanksgiving Feast at Holladay House.

And now, I leave you with a Thanksgiving blessing:

“May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!”
–Anonymous

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Staunton Ghost Tours

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

 “Ghost hunting has grown in the past two decades from a little-known hobby to a much more popular pursuit. Ghost hunters say that, judging from the number of ghost-hunting organizations with Web sites, there are hundreds of groups with thousands of members in the United States.” –SF Gate

Halloween will be here shortly, and perhaps you are looking for something different than the usual parties, cheesy costumes, and pseudo-creepy decorations. Perhaps, then, you should brave the cold fingers of the otherworld and participate in a ghost tour of Staunton, VA.  (Cue thunder sound effect.)

During the month of October, there is a ghost tour of historic Staunton, Virginia every Friday and Saturday evening, beginning promptly at 7pm. Ghost Box tours are also available every Friday and Saturday evening, beginning at 9pm. (“A ghost box is a communication tool used by some investigators to speak to the other side. Typically, a ghost box is a modified portable AM/FM radio that continuously scans the band. When on, it is believed to create white noise and audio remnants from broadcast stations that entities are able to manipulate to create words and even entire sentences.”) On Halloween evening, there will only be one tour at 7pm.

So, what happens on these so-called “ghost tours?”  I’m delighted you asked. If you’re expecting to be scared, or you’re anticipating a ghostly sighting, you will probably be disappointed. (Having said that, though, ghost box tours can be pretty creepy.) These tours “blend science, history, paranormal and legend together.”  They explain the stories behind all of the ghost sightings around Staunton, such as the ghost of Charlotte, who hurled tools at the construction workers that were remodeling her old house.  However, the tours are not limited to the paranormal. They also give explanations of the exquisite architecture around the Queen City.

Some quick notes:

-The tour is not recommended for small children.

-It is a 90-minute to 2-hour tour, so be prepared to walk a lot.

-There are very few public restrooms along the tour.

-Need lodging? How about a BBAV member inn.

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Beer Steins, Sauerkraut, and Lederhosen: Oktoberfest in Va

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

The arrival of autumn elicits a myriad of festivals that celebrate the changing colors of the leaves, the harvest, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and Halloween. Arguably, none of these are as well-celebrated as Oktoberfest.

The name “Oktoberfest” probably conjures up images of lederhosen, sausage, sauerkraut, and huge steins of frothy beer. These are relatively accurate (with the possible exception of lederhosen) to Virginia’s annual Oktoberfest celebrations. Oktoberfest may have “October” in the name, but many of the festivities in Virginia actually begin mid-September, which is appropriate and reminiscent of the original Oktoberfest, which is “a 16-day festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.”

Overall, Oktoberfest not only revels in the accomplishments of breweries near and far, but it also a celebration of German heritage—traditional dances, traditional food, traditional clothing, etc.. Also, many of the festivals have kid-friendly activities, making them an excellent option for the entire family. Whether you are a lover of beer, a prideful member of the German people, or simply an individual who likes a good festival, then you can certainly find a Virginia Oktoberfest to oblige your beer-based merrymaking:

October 6, 2012, Oktoberfest at the Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton, VA

October 6, 2012, Oktoberfest International Arts and Crafts Festival, Martinsville, VA

October 6, 2012, Octoberfest at Lake Anna Winery, Spotsylvania, VA

October 6, 2012, Oktoberfest 2012, Vienna, VA

October 26-27, 2012, Richmond Oktoberfest, Richmond, VA

“Oktoberfest is a celebration, and craft brewers in the U.S. have earned the respect of the world. Brewers make special beers to fit the occasion.” –Ray Daniels

(Need lodging? How about a bed and breakfast?)

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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.)

 

 

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BBAV Holiday Packages

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

If you read our last BBAV blog entry, you know that we encourage you to shop and buy locally to acquire all of your holiday gifts. And did you realize that the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia is also a local business??? You could purchase a BBAV gift certificate if you would like, or you could partake in one of the holiday packages that some of our bed and breakfasts offer.

1. Serenity’s Edge!- The beautifully romantic cottages of Serenity’s Edge are located in Braxton, Virginia (near Roanoke). For a $35 add-on during the month of December, you can enjoy a Holiday Escape Package, which includes a holiday basket, cookies, assorted snacks, a keepsake collector’s ornament, and a CD of holiday music. Contact Serenity’s Edge for more information.

2. Belle Hearth B&B- Belle Hearth in Waynesboro, VA is another inn that offers a holiday package, which includes the following: “Reserve any room, anytime, for two nights and take 50% off the second night rate. Must mention this special when reserving by phone or online and cannot be combined with any other offer or special.”

3. South Court Inn Bed and Breakfast- This lovely inn offers a 3- or 4-day Fantastic Christmas Getaway and Dinners for $680. This includes a Christmas Even dinner, a Christmas Day lunch buffet, a Christmas present opening breakfast buffet, and a Christmas evening tea. Contact the South Court Inn for more information.

These are only two of the BBAV’s many inns, and there are many more offering holiday specials. If you would like to know if a bed and breakfast offers a special or package, check out our website, find an inn, and give them a call!

Photo by JJ Harrison

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Shopping Locally in Virginia

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011


There are many, many benefits to buying locally, especially during the holiday season, and Virginia has no shortage of small businesses from which it would be advantageous to make your purchases. Many of the art-related establishments such as 16 Hands in Floyd, VA, Sunspots Studios in Staunton, VA, and Glenfiddich Farm Pottery in Leesburg, VA even feature local artisans who display and sell their beautiful pieces of artwork.

It would take an abundance of time and energy to research every single small business in Virginia, not to mention that it would be a very long, increasingly dull blog entry. Thus, I would encourage you to do a google search for downtown shopping in Virginia, and I guarantee that you will find a vast amount of small, eclectic shops that will fulfill all of your gift-giving needs.

If you have read any of the BBAV’s previous blog entries, you know that I, your humble blogger, love a good list. Therefore, enjoy yet another list, this one presenting you with a few reasons as to why you should shop and buy locally:

1. Obviously, by buying locally, you are supporting your local economy which is an indirect benefit to yourself because of the re-circulation of money and all that jazz. See? It’s good for you!

2. Small, local businesses provide a wide range of unique holiday gifts. From jewelry to artwork to random trinkets, downtown shops offer any type of item that you can think of, and gifting someone with something unique is sure to make you the most celebrated gift-giver of them all.

3. You avoid the crabby crowds that infest big retail stores during this time of year. I mean, really, who wants their toes run over by cart-pushing grinches and line-cutting scrooges?

You know what? Those three reasons pretty much sum it all up, so Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping!

 

Photo by Patrick Neil

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BBAV Gift Certificates

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011


The usual holiday gifts include such dull items as a tie for Dad, a scented candle for Mom, sets of lotion and bodywash for the girlfriends, and moderately pleasant aftershave for the boyfriends. While these are not necessarily bad gifts, they’re not particularly memorable and certainly not personalized enough to express how meaningful a relationship you have with these individuals.  (Although, if you’re not terribly fond of these acquaintances, a bodywash set might be appropriate.)

Instead of the usual generic gift sets, how about presenting your friends and family with Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia gift certificate? You can buy them in $25 increments between the prices of $25 and $500. They are redeemable at any inn that is a current member of the BBAV. Yes, you’ve read that correctly. ANY INN!

Besides the fact that these gift certificates would make wonderful presents to the holidays, you might be wondering why else you should purchase one. I like a good list, so I’ve decided to present to you a list of three reasons why you should pick up a BBAV gift certificate:

1. You will undoubtedly be the most envied of all gift-givers at your holiday party.

2. You don’t have to fight the Black Friday crowds to buy your gift. In fact, you don’t have to fight any crowds, since the gift certificates are available for purchase online.

3. BBAV gift certificates have no expiration date. Much like that fruit cake that you’re thinking about giving the neighbors. But a BBAV gift certificate is much more appealing than fruit cake.

Photo by Kelvin Kay

 

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Giving Back for Thanksgiving in Virginia, 2011

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

The word “Thanksgiving” has come to be synonymous with “turkey dinner.” The name of this holiday conjures images of a cozy family meal, a well-furnished table of food and autumn décor, and perhaps even a blazing fire in the hearth. But in all of the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving preparations, the meaning becomes lost in the labor.

So focused are we on preparing that perfect, Norman Rockwell-worthy dinner that we often disregard those who are not fortunate enough to spend Thanksgiving with family, friends, and an overabundance of food. We are surrounded by the homeless, the hungry, and the lonely, and how much of an impact on their lives would it make to invite them to our Thanksgiving meals? I can see the skepticism on your faces, and unfortunately, most will label the notion of extending an invitation to strangers as little more than an interesting idea.

But you’re not off the hook yet, because there are many other ways to support the less fortunate during this holiday season. How about the Central Virginia Food Bank? Or the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia? Or Feeding America: Southwest Virginia? One only has to do a quick Google search for “Virginia food banks” to see that there are so many establishments in the commonwealth in need of your assistance whether it be through donations of money or a few hours of your time.

And so, we here at the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving while encouraging you not only to appreciate all that you possess, but also to give back to the community in which you make your home.

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris

(This blog entry was inspired by a young boy named John, who decided that for this Thanksgiving, he was going to collect food for those in need. Thank you, John, for your kind-heartedness and your inspiration.)

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