Pining for a romantic summertime getaway? Let the inviting shores of Lake Michigan, with its sandy white beaches, towering dunes and quaint lakefront towns, be the backdrop to your couples’ getaway. Located next to the Kalamazoo Lake and Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is a small town full of big romance.

Some of the best reasons for traveling to an out-of-the-way destination like this Michigan town with your loved one are to explore the town’s landmarks, discover hidden gems together and stay at an intimate hideaway like a Saugatuck bed and breakfast. If you’re considering a romantic escape this summer, here are six reasons to make the trip to Saugatuck:

Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast

Ready for Relaxation. There’s a reason why the saying “No one rushes and no one rushes you” is synonymous with Saugatuck. The town’s laid-back attitude makes it a welcomed refuge from the daily grind and the perfect atmosphere for slowing down and reconnecting.

Beautiful Beaches. Being next to Lake Michigan has its advantages. This quiet town is known as one of Michigan’s premiere beach towns along with neighboring Douglas. You can admire the sunset while walking hand-in-hand by the towering white sand dunes or lay down a blanket by the water and watch the waves roll in.

Exquisite Arts. With its large assortment of fine art galleries, studios and theaters, it’s no wonder Saugatuck has been deemed Michigan’s “Art Coast.” At The Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast, which boasts a lovely wraparound porch and two-person in-room Jacuzzis, you and your beloved will enjoy an intimate epicurean dinner before heading to the Mason Street Warehouse for an evening of off-Broadway theater.

Beechwood Manor Inn & Cottage

Active Adventure. The real question is, What can’t you do in Saugatuck? From canoeing and kayaking down the Kalamazoo River to golfing or galloping along the coastline, the opportunities for couples’ bonding are endless. Take a morning hike around the Saugatuck Dunes State Park or rent bikes for a scenic tour of the area.

Diverse Dining. Do you or your loved one have a picky palette? That won’t be a problem in this Michigan town. An array of establishments are on tap for your dining pleasure including contemporary cuisine in an elegantly restored mansion or casual dining at one of their many waterfront locations.

A Heaping of History. Adorned with Greek Revival, Italianate and other impressive architecture, Saugatuck is bursting with character. Spend an afternoon reliving the roaring twenties at the historic Felt Estate or the weekend cozying up on the large front porch of the Beechwood Manor Inn, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If a secluded getaway to rekindle the romance is on your summer wish list, then head for Saugatuck and spend a weekend at a bed and breakfast. Intimate walks along the scenic shoreline and candlelit dinners coupled with champagne toasts by your in-room fireplace will set both of your hearts aflutter.

Want to see what else makes Saugatuck so special? Check out our “Simply Saugatuck” board on Pinterest!

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Serve and protect. It’s what the men and women in the uniformed armed services do every day. In the process, they put their lives on the line and sacrifice long stretches of time away from their loved ones to keep us safe. While they do so much, they rarely ask for thanks.

Those brave men and women who are currently fighting for our freedom and protecting our rights and those who did in the past deserve recognition. May is the perfect time because it’s National Military Appreciation Month. Giving them a chance to rest, relax and enjoy some of their favorite activities is a great way to honor them. Many bed and breakfasts give back to our soldiers all year with military getaways and other special treats for active duty/retired military personnel and their families. For example, at the Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast located in Taos, NM, soldiers will receive a 20% off the normal room price and can spend their time exploring the historic Taos Pueblo or soaking in the hot springs at Ojo Caliente. After a full day of activity, they can satisfy their hunger with a gourmet dinner at a restaurant of their choice before retreating to the comforts of their room with a personal Kiva fireplace.

Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast, Taos, NM

A quiet getaway nestled in the Rocky Mountains can put any soldier “at ease.” The Arrowhead Manor Inn & Event Center located in Morrison, CO, will take 50% off their regular rates for military personnel. They can relax in a plush room attached to a private deck boasting gorgeous mountain views and enjoy 24-hour room service. What about a midweek escape to explore Michigan? The Garden Grove Bed and Breakfast located in Union Pier, MI, will provide a free second night during any stay between Sunday and Thursday to any active duty soldier. A day exploring the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline before warming up in the Jacuzzi or getting pampered with an in-room massage are all on tap.

The uniformed men and women, past and present, who have and continue to sacrifice so much are heroes. One way to recognize and honor them this month and beyond is with some well-deserved R&R and time to reconnect with their loved ones. It’s a small token of appreciation for all that they do.

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Where’s one of the best places to grab some R&R? At a B&B, of course. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, there’s nothing better than a quaint mountain retreat or a quiet oasis along the coast to escape to. But, there’s more to a B&B than cozy couches and feather beds. Physical activities to keep you fit and healthy while on vacation such as biking, hiking or kayaking are a staple at many inns (some even have fitness rooms).

Alpine Hideaway Cottages, Steeles Tavern, VA

If you’re planning a vacation this month, think about combining your favorite activity with some R&R on a great outdoors getaway because May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. For instance, at the High Pointe Inn located in West Barnstable, MA, you can traverse the bike trails while enjoying the sweeping coastline views and making leisurely stops at cranberry bogs on the Shining Sea Bikeway. After returning from your afternoon ride, get gussied up before heading out for a scrumptious 3-course dinner at one of Cape Cod’s top-flight restaurants. Grab your walking stick because at the Alpine Hideaway Cottages located in Steeles Tavern, VA, you’ll be trekking the Shenandoah Valley with a complimentary backpack filled with fresh fruit and trail mix. Soothe and relax any aching muscles by taking a dip in the secluded hot tub or indulging in an in-room massage at the end of the day. Plan a river rendezvous at the Inn At Jim Thorpe located in Jim Thorpe, PA. Spend the day in your kayak paddling down the scenic Lehigh River on a 4-hour self-guided tour. Top off the day with a delicious meal at the Broadway Grille & Pub.

A bed and breakfast is the quintessential R&R destination. But, that doesn’t mean you need to give up your healthy habits and leave your favorite physical activities behind. After a rigorous day in the great outdoors, it’s good to know you’ll have a fluffy bed to fall into!

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Moms are both caregivers and caretakers and do so much for so many. They conjure up special feelings and memories and have a place in our hearts set aside just for them. Even though they rarely ask for recognition, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to shower them with tokens of thanks and appreciation. Bouquets of blooming flowers, sweet treats and lovingly written greeting cards all make fine gifts. But, have you ever thought that a short vacation would be the perfect gift? This can easily be arranged with a BnBFinder Travel Gift Certificate which are sold in any denomination, making them within everyone’s budget.

BnBFinder Travel Gift Certificate

Let mom choose when and where she’d like to go from over 1,500 bed and breakfasts. From spa treatments and culinary weekends to shopping sprees and relaxing walks on the beach and through gardens, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience just for her. Plus, it’s the gift the gives twice – when she receives the gift certificate and when she redeems it for a much-deserved getaway.

BnBFinder Travel Gift Certificates can be purchased on BnBFinder.com and can be personalized with a message. If you’re procrastinating or waiting until last minute, you’re in luck. An e-Card can be sent to mom for instant gifting letting her know a paper gift certificate will be sent in the mail. There are no black out dates and it never expires, so she can choose to go now or wait. And, you can purchase one for as little as $20 or have everyone pitch in to give her the grandest getaway!

Still feeling stumped and in need of some “mom”-spiration? Check our “‘Mom’-mentous Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!” Pinterest board!

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Doggone it! The “puppy dog eyes” Fido flashes as you leave him at the kennel to go on vacation are heartbreaking. If you’re a pet owner, you know how special the bond is between you and your “paw”-some furry friend. They’re like part of the family, so it’s no surprise more owners are deciding not to leave them behind and traveling with their pets instead.

There’s no time like the present to hit the road with your beloved pet because May is National Pet Month and National Pet Week is celebrated from May 6th – 12th. If you’re thinking about somewhere to stay where your pet will not only be welcomed but well cared for, consider a pet-friendly getaway to a bed and breakfast. They not only cater to 2-legged guests but also 4-legged ones including dogs, cats and horses!

Sundance Bear Lodge, Mancos, CO

Enjoy a “Bone Voyage” at the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa, located in Old Saybrook, CT. Let them know your dog’s name and breed ahead of time so they can prepare special amenities including treats, a souvenir bandana and a custom-made doggie daybed. At The Irish Inn, located in Ozark, IL, your kitty will enjoy the “purr”-fect getaway that includes lounging on the deck all day or cozying up next to the fireplace while getting spoiled with cat treats. If you’re planning to hit the town for the day, Innkeepers Brian and Lynn are happy to pet-sit or design a day of tours you can bring your kitty on. Saddle up for an adventure at the Sundance Bear Lodge in Mancos, CO. Bring your horse along on this getaway where you can both enjoy roaming the 80 acres of forest, mesa and canyon together before stopping by the meadow for a respite. The inn has a main lodge, log cabin or guest house for you to choose from and two large, 60 ft. sand corrals with water and a loafing shed for Trigger.

No bones about it; leaving your pet behind these days is for the dogs. Celebrate National Pet Month and Week by waking up someplace special with them. That way you’ll both get a chance for a little R&R (ruff and relaxation)!

Headed to a pet-friendly B&B? Check out some of the furry greeters you might meet on our “B&B Mascots” Pinterest board!

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Does your relationship status read ‘In a rut?’ It may be time for an update then. If every day feels like the same ol’ day with work schedules, family demands and other responsibilities pulling you away from each other, it might be a sign your relationship could use a shot of TLC. It’s time to let love bloom again!

This month is as good as any to break out of old routines and try out a few new tricks because May is National Date Your Mate Month. Show off your romantic side by planning a date night, or go the extra mile and extend the night into a weekend escape just for two. Bed and breakfasts are well known for their romantic touches such as luxurious suites outfitted with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, complimentary sweet treats and couples’ spa treatments. The innkeepers can help you plan out a romantic getaway any mate would appreciate!

Inn on Summer Hill & Spa, Summerland, CA

Soar to new heights at the Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast located in Magnolia Springs, AL. Set off on an enchanting hot air balloon ride and bask in the scenic vistas of the Gulf Coast as you float over sea and countryside. Afterward, head back to your room for a bubble bath in the suite’s magnificent claw foot tub. Tour picturesque Santa Barbara wine country while staying at the Inn on Summer Hill & Spa located in Summerland, CA. Take a 5-hour private wine tour before spreading out a blanket next to the vineyard for a picnic lunch paired with your favorite varietal, of course. The next morning wake up to a scrumptious breakfast served to you in bed!

Three Bears at The Fountain Bed & Breakfast, Stowe, VT

Are you looking for a bit of an outdoor adventure during your weekend? At the Three Bears at The Fountain Bed & Breakfast you can hit the trails of Stowe, VT, for a guided horseback tour through cool mountain forests and meadows strewn with wildflowers. When you return to your room, you’ll find a Lover’s Turndown of delectable chocolate-covered strawberries you can share while warming up by the fireplace.

If your relationship feels like something out of “Groundhog Day,” it could probably use a bit of resuscitation. Break out of the mold this month by planning a one-of-a-kind getaway to a B&B with your mate. Together you’ll have a chance to reconnect and discover each other all over again!

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Looking for the sweet sounds of the blue note? Then, head to New Orleans! Ragtime rhythms, brass sounds and blues combined with slave spirituals produced what has become known as jazz in The Big Easy during the early 20th century. The music has continued to thrive over the years, drawing fans of all ages to the beloved sound.

If you’re a jazz enthusiast or even a casual fan, this weekend can’t come soon enough. The city’s unique culture and flavor will be on full display at the 42nd annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival from Friday, April 27th through Sunday, May 6th. A wide array of musical talent, arts and crafts, exhibits and local cuisine are on tap to entertain the throngs of revelers who arrive prepared for entertainment with blankets, sunglasses and good spirits in tow!

Canal Street Inn, New Orleans, LA

Whether you plan to arrive early for the festival or after the first note has been played, a stay at a New Orleans bed and breakfast will have you humming a sweet tune. Kick off the festivities in the Garden District at the 8-room Sully Mansion Bed & Breakfast where you can arrange to have a bucket of cold brews greet you at check-in. Relax on the large front porch or the covered backyard patio before heading out for the Jazz Fest. Located on the famed St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line, the Avenue Inn Bed & Breakfast will give you a very special “Welcome” gift before sending you off with a map of the Crescent City. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee on the Creole-style veranda before catching some traditional acts at the Blues Tent. The Canal Street Inn is within walking distance to the fairgrounds, and their sunken patio is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine after a day of listening to smooth jazz.

‘Nawlins’ knows how to put on a party, and that includes the Jazz Festival. There are still rooms available at some of New Orleans finest B&Bs where you’ll have a cozy bed to lay in and a scrumptious breakfast to look forward to after a full day of toe-tapping fun!

Want to see what makes The Big Easy so special? Check out our “No Place Like New Orleans!” board on Pinterest!

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Rocky and rugged – does that sound like the setting for a romantic getaway to you? If not, think again. With its deep canyons, vast desert landscape and trademark red-rock formations, Sedona, AZ, is a living museum of natural beauty and vortexes that emit an indescribable feeling of energy, peace and harmony. If you’re searching for the perfect backdrop to your romantic escape, the magic of “Red Rock Country” won’t disappoint!

The Lodge at Sedona – A Romantic Bed and Breakfast Inn, Sedona, AZ

Whether you’re dreaming of an active getaway for two filled with hikes over dirt trails and horseback riding or something more relaxed such as stargazing, wine toasts, spa treatments and yoga, you can experience it all in this popular destination. Sedona bed and breakfast innkeepers can help set the mood with champagne toasts and sweet treats, couples massages and intimate gourmet meals while also helping to plan romantic retreats in and around town.

Casa Sedona Bed & Breakfast Inn, Sedona, AZ

Get swept away at The Lodge at Sedona – A Romantic Bed and Breakfast Inn where they pull out all the stops to give you and your loved one an unforgettable escape. A decadent chocolate “Welcome” treat will greet you upon arrival followed by a sensual side-by-side Swedish massage. Walk hand-in-hand through the inn’s magical labyrinth featuring two acres of serene gardens and calming waterfalls before heading out for a candlelit epicurean dinner on the town. Take “heart” from the romance waiting for you and your beloved at the Casa Sedona Bed & Breakfast Inn. Head out for a day of adventure as you hop aboard the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow for an unforgettable tour of Red Rock Country. After a quiet, intimate dinner at a top-flight eatery, enjoy the spectacular views as you cozy up on your private balcony or warm up in the outdoor hot tub.

Don’t let the rocky and cavernous terrain fool you; beauty, serenity and spirituality come together as Sedona is for lovers. The picturesque landscape set against the big, open sky will set any heart aflutter!

Want an inside look at what makes Sedona so special? Check out our “Romantic Sedona” Pinterest board!

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It’s easy to get caught up in daily habits like leaving the lights on after you leave a room, letting the sprinkler run all day or printing out every document and email. But, as the saying goes, “Waste not, want not.” These resources are limited, so conserving what we have today will leave more for tomorrow!

Whether you’ve already “gone green” or have made a pledge to get started, this weekend is the time to kick it into high gear. Earth Day is being celebrated on Sunday, April 22, with events all over the world focused on bringing awareness to eco-friendly practices. But, even if you can’t get out to an Earth Day event, you can do your part right at home.

Red Bud Manor, Eureka Springs, AR

Don’t know where to start? No problem – just ask the innkeepers! Many B&Bs have great Going Green Getaways and have instituted green practices and can offer tips on making your home as earth-friendly as possible. For example, Innkeepers Myrna and Joseph Hauser at the Market Street Inn located in Taylorville, IL, have turned to composting as an effective way to turn any food waste or coffee grounds into a nutrient rich soil used for gardening, landscaping and horticulture. “We have a lot of shade trees on the property and they help keep the house cooler in the summer,” said Myrna. “And, when we planted them we used our compost as a base.” To get you started, the Hausers will send you off with a bag of their 18 year old compost to take home with you after your stay!

Market Street Inn, Taylorville, IL

Making your home more “green” can help you see more green …literally! Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) use 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs which will help both the environment and your bottom line. When you stay at the Red Bud Manor in Eureka Springs, AR, Innkeeper Deborah Stroup will give you a package of compact florescent bulbs to take home. She also repurposes, or recycles, items to reduce waste. When something breaks, Deborah is always ready with a crafty idea to reuse the item. “If a plate gets broken it can be transformed into a mosaic tile coaster,” said Deborah. “Or, a tea cup with a broken handle can become a new potter for a plant.”

If you’re planning to celebrate Earth Day by doing a little “green” cleaning, check out our “Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips” Pinterest board for some ideas. Also, tell us some of the ways you’ve gone green at home by leaving a comment below.

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Happy Hollandaise! That’s right; today is National Eggs Benedict day and a time to celebrate with a perfectly poached egg on top of ham or bacon served on a crispy English muffin drizzled with savory Hollandaise sauce. It’s a tasty classic.

But, why not step out of the breakfast box and try something different? You won’t have to look any further than a bed and breakfast. Known for their culinary twists on the morning meal, they have cooked up a few delicious alternatives. For instance, some serve a Norwegian version featuring smoked salmon topped with a dill and cream cheese sauce. Others substitute fried eggs for poached and add in a little country flair with sausage patties and gravy instead of ham and hollandaise.

Eggs Benedict with White Wine Tarragon Hollandaise Sauce

Here’s a recipe for Eggs Benedict with White Wine Tarragon Hollandaise Sauce courtesy of the 10 Fitch Bed & Breakfast Inn, located in Auburn, NY:

Ingredients:

Tuscan Garlic Bread, sliced
Canadian Bacon
Poached Eggs

For Hollandaise Sauce:

Yolks from 4-6 large eggs
8-12 tablespoons butter
1 shallot finely chopped
1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
Half of one lemon’s juice
Dash or two of Tabasco sauce
Splash or two of good white wine
1/4 cup fresh chopped tarragon
Sliced black olives for garnish

Directions:

To make Hollandaise whisk 4-6 egg yolks in a metal bowl. Add chopped shallot. Put over pot filled halfway with boiling water and continue whisking while slowly adding butter one tablespoon at a time until mixture thickens. If mixture is thickening too quickly remove from heat and continue whisking. When all butter is incorporated add vinegar, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, white wine & tarragon. Set aside.

Toast garlic bread & sear Canadian bacon on both sides.

To Poach Eggs:
Bring eggs to room temperature. Fill large skillet with water to about 1 1/2 inches below rim. Salt the water and stir in about a tablespoon of white vinegar. Cover and bring water to a boil then decrease heat to simmer. Crack eggs into a small dish. I do mine 4 at a time. Remove lid from water and using a large slotted spoon stir the water gently but quickly enough to make a little whirlpool in your pan. Lower the dish with the eggs to just above the water and tip it so the eggs slip gently into the swirling water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until whites are firm but yolks are still soft.

To assemble place slice of garlic toast on plate and top with seared Canadian bacon, using a slotted spoon, remove eggs one at a time and rest the spoon briefly on folded up paper towels to remove excess moisture before placing on top of bacon. Drape with Hollandaise sauce. If you wish, sprinkle sliced olives on top. We often serve this dish with slices of ripe avocado in the summer.

Looking for more “egg”-citing breakfast ideas? Visit our breakfast recipe page or check out our “Delicious Breakfasts” board on Pinterest.

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