Archive for the ‘Promotions’ Category

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

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Bed and Breakfast Babymoons in VA

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

They say that pregnancy is beautiful, that the glow of an expectant mother is one of the most simplistic forms of natural beauty. Of course, “they” don’t take into consideration the morning sickness, the stretch marks, the mood swings, and the many other forms of nine-month-long discomfort. While pregnancy may be beautiful, it certainly can be stressful for both the mother and the father.

Don’t worry; there is a point to that seemingly irrelevant introduction. You may be asking yourself, “How does that relate to the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia?” I’m glad you asked. If you are an expecting couple in desperate need (or in not-so-desperate need) of a getaway, then reserve a few days for a babymoon at one of our BBAV inns.

Magnolia House Inn, Hampton, VA- Your babymoon at Magnolia House includes homemade desserts, a picnic with sparkling cider, a full breakfast, two nights’ accommodations, and a gift for your little one. (Add a massage to the Babymoon Package if you’re needing some muscle relaxation.)

South Court Inn Bed and Breakfast, Luray, VA- South Court Inn’s Babymoon Pakcage includes a one-hour, in-room massage for both the parents, a dozen roses, two lead crystal champagne flutes, a gourmet dinner for two, and decadent chocolates.

The Hummingbird Inn, Goshen, VA- Enjoy your time together before the baby arrives by spending an amazing two nights at the Hummingbird Inn. Delight in roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, sparkling cider (and wine for Dad), a massage for two, a carriage ride through Lexington, dinner at Bistro, and a special gift for your baby.

Chestnut Hill Bed and Breakfast, Orange, VA- Chestnut Hill’s add-on package consists of an aromatherapy facial massage for Mom, a deep tissue massage for Dad, chilled sparkling cider, and gourmet chocolates.

© Stuart Miles

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Valentine’s Day in VA, 2012

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

Virginia is for lovers, right? Then Valentine’s Day is certain to be extra special for those romantic couples who choose a Virginia bed and breakfast for their holiday destination. Picture, if you will, a lavish suite, scarlet rose petals carefully strewn about the bed and crystalline glasses of champagne set atop the table. The room is bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, and further embellishment includes lusciously ripened strawberries with a shell of fine chocolate.

This little, fictional scenario can quickly become your reality. Quite a few BBAV inns offer Valentine’s Day packages or romantic getaway specials, and what significant other would not be thrilled to spend a few days away, engulfed in romantic relaxation?

Summerfield Inn, Abingdon, VA- “Treat your special sweetheart to a memorable Valentine’s break during the entire month of February.” This package includes a beautiful flower bouquet, decadent chocolates, and a delectable gourmet breakfast.

Cooper’s Landing Inn and Traveler’s Tavern, Clarksville, VA- This B&B offer a Valentine’s Day package through the whole of February. Treat your loved one to a one- or two-night stay, an in-room massage, a bouquet of long-stemmed roses, and a gourmet breakfast in bed.

Mark Addy Inn, Charlottesville, VA- Take advantage of this inn’s Valentines Sweetheart Getaway. Enjoy a candlelit dinner, gourmet chocolates, a gift basket with wine, and various other treats.

Corner Stone Farm, Clarksville, VA- Unwind with the rural romance of a two-night stay, cider and cheese, flowers, and chocolates. What better place is there than the country to relax with your special someone?

Holladay House, Orange, VA- All of the Holladay House’s Romance Packages are included in their Valentine’s Day special during the month of February. Stay for three nights at this bed and breakfast, and receive your third night at half price.

 

 

 

 

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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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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.

All of the previous is to lead up to my pitch, so here goes: 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. (For those who are mathematically challenged or just too lazy to calculate, that means you can purchase these gift certificates in the amounts of $25, $50, $75, $100, etc. all the way up to $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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Lung Cancer Awareness, 2011

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

The month of November is both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and this blog will focus on lung cancer awareness.

Anyone who has fought cancer or known someone with cancer understands how devastating it can be, and the statistics for lung cancer are pretty staggering. In the United States, lung cancer is the “leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States,” and is responsible for one in three cancer deaths. As of 2009, it kills an average of 437 people daily.

Making healthy lifestyle choices such as not smoking can seriously reduce the risk of getting lung cancer, as can regular checkups at the doctor’s office. The Lung Cancer Alliance emphasizes the importance of early detection, which increases the 10-year survival rate to 92%.

Perhaps this seems like nothing but numbers and redundant advice that you’ve heard many times before. But because this is the month for awareness, we here at the BBAV encourage you to support those in the fight against lung cancer. While we are a group that delights in travel and vacation, we cannot forget those who are unable to partake in these activities due to their illness. And so we remember them with our support, our thoughts, and our prayers as they face an uncertain future.

 

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Staying Fit While on Vacation

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Vacations are obviously meant for relaxation—a break from work, an escape from the everyday routine, and a chance to indulge in atypical activities. Many people, however, also use vacation as a break from their healthy lifestyle, and now that we’re coming up on the holiday season, there will be sugary treats galore. Here are some simple ways to defy the temptation of overindulgence:

1. Eat and drink in moderation. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying mini-snickers bar, so long as that mini one doesn’t turn into a few regular sized candy bars. Cut yourself off after a few mixed drinks or calorie-laden lattes. Choose grilled instead of fried. It’s all about making intelligent decisions.

2. Drink lots of water. This one is a given that will most likely be found on any “be healthy” list that you read. Besides all of its obvious health benefits, water also fills you up so that there is less of a chance of overeating. (It may be more of a challenge to drink cold water during the chillier months, so try out some healthier hot drink options like sugar-free tea and apple cider.)

3. Go for a walk or a hike. Depending on where you are vacationing, there should be an abundance of trails, sidewalks, shopping centers, etc. In other words, just keep yourself moving. No, the cold is not an excuse since you more than likely own several coats, sweaters, scarves, pairs of gloves, etc.

4. Bring your workout with you. Grab some weights and/or a couple workout DVDs, and you can become your own fitness coach. Most bed and breakfasts will have DVD players that you can use, but if not, laptops work fine too! If you don’t have any workout DVDs, there are a multitude of youtube videos or articles online that can aid you in your exercise. Bed and breakfast rooms contain plenty of space to at least do a few push-ups and sit-ups, so there goes your complaint of “no space to workout.”

5. Download an audio workout for your iPod or mp3 player. From upbeat music to narrated workout sessions, the list of what you can download is endless.

© Health Sanctuary

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Virginia Green, 2011

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

It seems to be all the rage now for companies to “go green,” and for many, this is little more than a title to earn approving nods from others of the so-called green persuasion. However, there are those who truly care about the restoration and preservation of the the natural environment, and Virginia falls into this latter category: “Virginia Green is Virginia’s program to encourage green practices throughout the state’s tourism industry!” This includes recycling and waste reduction as well as energy and water conservation.

From eco-friendly lodgings to restaurants that emphasize recycling, there are many different volunteers participating in Virginia Green! If you would like to consider becoming a part of this green alliance, check out the Virginia Department of Environmental Equality’s webpage, and fill out an application online! Even if you are not a volunteer of this specific organization, every little effort can help. (I promise you that it takes just as much effort to toss a plastic bottle into a recycling bin as it does to throw it away in a trash can.)

For a few friendly suggestions about how to go green, check out Virginia’s Eco-Friendly Travel Tips.


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2011 STIHL Tour des Trees VA2DC Tour

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

Dust off your bike helmets, stretch out those calf muscles, and brush up on your environmental knowledge! Registration is open for the 2011 STIHL Tour des Trees VA2DC Tour! “What is this event?” you asked, intrigued by its lengthy title. Continue on, good readers, for I shall tell you.

First, you should probably understand what TREE is if you are not already familiar with the group. TREE, or the “Tree Research Education and Endowment Fund,” is dedicated to “to identify[ing] and fund[ing] projects and programs that advance knowledge in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry to benefit people, trees, and the environment.” They’re a wonderful group that supports nature research around the world, and, according to their mission statement, “the results of TREE Fund-supported research affect people’s lives and arborists’ techniques every day.”

The Tour des Trees is TREE’s largest fundraising event, and it is a primary means of raising public awareness about the necessity and benefit of trees. The first day of the 2011 tour, October 2, is a 30-mile ride around Virginia Beach. Seven days later, the tour ends at Washington D.C. Overall, the riders cover close to 500 miles, and the trip includes areas like Richmond, Williamsburg, and Charlottesville.

If you would like to participate in this enjoyably worthwhile event, registration will be open until September 25, 2011, so there is plenty of time to sign up! Looks like it’s going to be a fun week with some great destinations and a lot of wonderful people (not to mention the health benefits of all the calories you will burn)!

© StihlTourDesTrees.org/

 

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Win a Night in a Virginia Bed and Breakfast

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

As part of the Bed and Breakfast Associations of Virginia’s launch of the  new print Directory for 2010 the BBAV is offering a chance to win a FREE nights stay (Certificate for $150) in one of the over 200 of its member inns.  To be eligible for the drawing you need to obtain a copy of the new 2010 Directory, to obtain the promo code,  and go to the web address http://www.WinaNightInnVirginia.com and fill out the electronic form and answer 4 quick questions and you will be entered in the monthly drawing for the certificate.  No purchase is necessary, the promotion runs from April 2010 to January 2011.

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