Archive for the ‘Virginia Travel’ Category

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.)

 

 

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

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.

 

 

 

 

12 Reasons to Visit Virginia in 2012

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

“The country is not mountanous not yet low but such pleasant plaine hils and fertile valleyes, one prettily crossing an other, and watered so conveniently with their sweete brookes and christall springs, as if art itself had devised them.” –Captain John Smith, “A Map of Virginia”

Why should you visit (or re-visit) Virginia? The reasons could quickly conglomerate into a great novel that would require hours of your time to read. Since neither you nor your humble blogger has the time to compose and study a novel of such great proportions, enjoy another of our increasingly well-loved BBAV lists.

12 Reasons to Visit Virginia in 2012:

  1. The historical sites. Virginia has Jamestown/Yorktown, Monticello, Montpelier, and a vast number of other sites that explore our rich history.
  2. The wineries, vineyards, and breweries.
  3. The amusement parks and theme parks.
  4. The state parks and hiking trails.
  5. The museums and exhibits.
  6. The theatres. (Did you know that Virginia boasts the only replica of Shakespeare’s Blackfriar Theatre? Yep, we do, and along that that theatre, there are many, many more scattered about the Commonwealth.)
  7. The scenic drives.
  8. The mountains.
  9. The family-friendly activities.
  10. The beaches.
  11. The shopping centers, malls, outlets, downtown boutiques, and locally-owned shops.
  12. The Bed and Breakfasts. What kind of association would we be if we didn’t highlight the wonderful businesses that comprise our organization? Virginia has some truly wonderful, individually unique bed and breakfasts, and no trip to and around Virginia would be complete without staying at one of them.

 

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

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

 

Veterans Day in Virginia, 2011

Monday, November 7th, 2011

 

November 11 is Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, commemorating the end of World War I and honoring all the men and women of the armed forces.

Woodrow Wilson was the first to declare a November 11th celebration of Armistice Day, and he did so with the proclamation, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

 

Joseph Ambrose, 86-year old World War I veteran

There will be celebrations, free museum admissions, and military discounts all over the United States on Veterans Day, and Virginia will be no exception:

Mount Vernon, VA- free admission for active duty, former, and retired military personnel; free community concert by The Harmony Heritage Singers.

Grey Swan Inn, Blackstone, VA- 10% discount to military personnel

Montpelier, Orange, VA- free admission to all military personnel

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, Staunton, VA- free Veterans Day Program

Besides these specific events, there are a number of national parks that are offering free admission to everyone on Veterans Day:

  •     Colonial National Historical Park
  •     George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Great Falls Park
  •     Manassas National Battlefield Park

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” –John F. Kennedy

Howl-O-Scream, Williamsburg, VA

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Everywhere you look in Virginia, you will find some sort of Halloween party or harvest festival during this time of year. While you’re making yourself at home at one of our cozy bed and breakfasts, perhaps you will want to attend one of these celebrations. If you have children, there are some spectacular family-friendly opportunities.

One such event is the fabulously scary Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA. Traverse through the foggy gloom of the Fear Fair. Explore the vampire-laden “Bitten” house. Rock out to Monster Stomp Revamped. Sneak through the woods of New France while trying to avoid the Widow Makers. If you enjoy that heart-pounding rush of adrenaline brought about by fear, then Howl-O-Scream is certainly the event for you! However, if the kiddies aren’t so keen on monsters popping out at them, you can visit Busch Gardens during the day for plenty of non-scary fall fun. Once 6pm hits, though, the park becomes a haven for horror! *cue thunder sound effects*

Howl-O-Scream is hardly the only Halloween celebration in Virginia, so click here for a lovely little list that highlights different events based on region and city.

Be smart and safe, everyone! (And parents, kindly refrain from adorning yourselves with costumes that would severely embarrass your children…)

Lastly, I feel that no Halloween blog would be complete without this classic tribute to all things that go bump in the night:

 

Virginia Ghosts

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Along with a drop in the temperature, the changes in the leaves, and the revival of the pumpkin spice latte, October also heralds Halloween. If you’re not planning to attend a costume party or hand out treats to the neighborhood kids, then perhaps you would enjoy exploring some of the supposedly haunted areas of Virginia:

Bridgewater College- The ghost of Mr. Cole, after whom Cole Hall was named, is said to appear in the balcony of the theater during certain performances. Some claim to have felt chilly spots in the balcony, and it is said that sometimes the lights flicker oddly after a production has concluded. Besides the ghost of Mr. Cole, others have claimed to feel cold and to hear splashing near the river where a student was said to have drowned. One investigation of Cole Hall did attempt to disprove these claims, but perhaps Mr. Cole simply decided not to make an appearance that day.

Pocahontas Parkway- This area was once home to Native Americans, and they are now said to haunt the area. Individuals have witnessed the sounds of chanting and drumming, and a few have even claimed to have seen the ghostly figures of the natives who once lived here.

Matthew Whaley Elementary School, Williamsburg- This school is said to be haunted by two young boys. Some say that both are the spirits of slaves who died there, but the more commonly accepted theory is that one of the ghosts is nine-year old Matthew Whaley himself, while the other is a slave boy who had died around the same time.

Round Tree Park, Annandale, VA- Witnesses around this area have claimed to be tormented by the ghost of a woman, holding a baby. It is said that she is almost always preceded by a heavy fog.

If you do plan to explore some of these areas, make certain you are allowed on the property, and also make sure to have a companion with you. Most importantly, be safe!

For more information about ghosts and hauntings in Virginia, check out the Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation.

Virginia Harvest Celebrations, 2011

Saturday, September 24th, 2011

 

Along with the ever-growing crispness of the weather and the emerging tones of red, brown and gold, autumn also brings forth a myriad of harvest festivals. Each festival retains a common theme while managing to be entirely unlike all of the others, so if you enjoy the spicy scent of apple cider, the rustic charm of hayrides and corn mazes, and the jaunty tunes of bluegrass bands, then proceed to the lovely little list below:

 

Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon- This is a wonderful family event with horse-drawn wagon rides, a straw maze, colonial games, and demonstrations of candle making.

 

Carter Mountain Orchard Apple Harvest Festival, Charlottesville, Va- This festival features apples, cider, homemade donuts, pumpkins, apple butter and bluegrass and is located near Monticello.

 

Fall Farm Festivals at Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, Va- Celebrate the harvest with living history demonstrations, corn mazes, and a pumping patch!

 

Fall Festival at Massanutten, McGaheysville, Va- Reach your party destination with free chairlift rides, and then enjoy crafts, wine tasting, a beer garden, and plenty of children’s activities!

 

Fall for Fairfax KidsFest, Fairfax, Va- Enjoy juried crafters, ethnic foods, music and kids’ crafts!

 

These are only a few of the long list of harvest festivals and celebrations coming up in Virginia. For a more complete list, click here!

© Jarek Tuszynski