If some B&Bs make you feel like you’re part of the family, chances are it’s because you stayed at a bed & breakfast that really happens to be a family affair. Husband and wife duo, Larry and Pat Lyons are keeping it all in the family at Lyons Twin Mansions in Fort Scott, Kansas with the help of their son, Nate who runs the “Twin,” a sister building 50 yards apart from the Mansion that serves as a meeting grounds for events, private parties, business meetings and even weddings. Guests won’t find it odd to see Larry greet guests and grill the evening’s supper, Pat cooking in the kitchen, Nate taking care of the books or tending the garden and Nate’s seven year old daughter, Addison help Grandma Pat with drink orders at Sunday brunch. But, make no mistake. This B&B is no ordinary mom and pop stop. Guests can sign up for sophisticated murder mystery dinners, order “A Lovers’ Feast,” a six course meal in a private dining room or polish up at the restorative spa.
Family roots go even deeper at Rodgers Country Inn and Cabins in West Glover, Vermont where Jim and Nancy Rodgers welcome guests at their 350 acre bed & breakfast estate, originally a Scottish family estate dating back to the early 1800s. The inn opened its doors to guests over forty years ago when Jim’s mother functioned as the innkeeper. The warm family environment encourages guests to sit and dine family style where heaping plates of fresh eggs, fruit and stacks of French toast, pancakes or waffles drenched in pure Vermont maple syrup is passed around the large dining table. You can then loll on the porch and take a scenic view of the mountains or take a long walk and get lost in your own thoughts. If you’re looking for things to do in town, check out the West Glover homepage that lists various seasonal recreational activities.
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Before you bid a final adieu to Mardi Gras 2009, live it up one last time and have a guilt-free night of reckless abandonment (or if you prefer, a night of tame revelry) by staying at the best B&Bs that are at the center of it all… And surprise - they’re not all in New Orleans!
To celebrate Mardi Gras in its truest form, get to the real source and make a trip to Mobile, Alabama where the first Mardi Gras celebration began in 1703. Living up to its past, Mobile doesn’t disappoint with a colorful spectacle of glitter and sequins, a hailstorm of beads, sticky moon pies and a parade fit for a king. Take it all in with a special “Fat Tuesday” discounted rate from Berney/Fly Bed and Breakfast. Located just a few blocks away from all the madness, the B&B is a perfect rest stop for you to dine on King cake, mint julep and admire the inn’s Mardi Gras tree decorated from top to bottom with eye-candy beads.
Not to be outdone, you can also find a bigger than life Mardi Gras celebration in Galveston, Texas, which has its own long running history of entertainment and over-the-top parties since its first inception in 1867. Known as the “party of a lifetime,” take the party with you and stay at The Villa Bed & Breakfast. Festive decorations strewn outside make for a warm welcome and taking “Fat Tuesday” to heart, this bed & breakfast will offer a special feast for your senses with a Mardi Gras brunch featuring mimosas, crème brulee French toast and a generous helping of sausage and eggs. Then join Linda, the innkeeper and head down to the parade where the fun begins. Cheer on the marching band and reach for those magic beads!
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One of the most important and defining factors that make the United States so unique is that it is a nation of immigrants. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 305.8 million people live in the United States. And regardless of what your background may be, many B&Bs are celebrating Black History Month with special deals or honoring historical ties by recognizing America’s past and the individual efforts that have made equality possible for us all.
For a real blast into the past, check out the Lathrop House B&B in Springfield, MA where Black History Month can be celebrated everyday since it is conveniently located near the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Take a literary tour of the house belonging to the famed author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Or ask for the Underground Railroad Adventure at Lathrop House and get a discount on the Connecticut Freedom Trail and trace buildings that have been used as sites for the Underground Railroad. In addition, innkeeper Diana Mara Henry will also hold a slide show presentation of photos she’s taken throughout the years to commemorate Black History Month.
To truly understand the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr., make your way to Montgomery, Alabama and stay at The Butterfly Inn, the first African-American owned B&B in Montgomery. You’ll find yourself at the center of the civil rights movement, since the inn is walking distance to the Rosa Parks Museum. Or ask the innkeeper to reserve a horse and carriage for you and visit the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. preached his weekly sermons. At the end of the day, enjoy a little bit of Southern comfort and hospitality by dining at the inn’s own restaurant, Isaiah’s restaurant (named one of the top 100 places to eat by the Atlanta Bureau of Tourism and Travel) and enjoy a rich and satisfying meal of smoked ribs, mac & cheese and sweet potato pie.
To find more inns with historic roots, go to the advance search box and look for historic sites listed under attractions.
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New York. The name says it all. In a city with endless options from Times Square to Broadway to Soho and beyond, you’d be surprised to learn that the city offers one-of-a-kind experiences indoors as well. Screaming cabs, cramped public spaces and pushy people become a blur once you step inside Mount Morris House Bed and Breakfast in New York, NY. The elegant townhouse, built in 1888 at the height of the New York’s Gilded Age is one of the few accommodations in the city that offer a wood-burning fireplace in your very own room. A stunning view of Mount Morris Park outside your window makes it easy to forget that you are still in the city. In addition, a classic ballroom, winter and summer sitting rooms and a beautiful garden will transport you to a different era, one that you wouldn’t necessarily find in today’s hectic urban environment.
West coast lovers can also find reasons to check in and stay in at Washington Square Inn in San Francisco, CA. Slip on a robe, have breakfast sent to your room and huddle around a private fireplace where you can bask in the warmth of a crackling fire. If you’re feeling social, you can lounge in the lobby and enjoy afternoon tea or an informal evening of hors d’oeuvres and wine. Emulating the European philosophy of la dolce vita and leisurely comfort, the inn offers an unexpected urban experience in the heart of San Francisco.
To find similar inns with special features such as a private fireplace, click on amenities in the advanced search box.
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Send yourself a little love gift this Valentine’s Day and give your body a well-deserved TLC in the company of your favorite companion…you. Consider Angels Watch Inn in Westbrook, Connecticut where you can pamper your mind, body and soul with traditional massages, facials, manicures or even spiritual readings. The Angels Watch Inn is also less than two blocks away from West Beach on Long Island Sound where you can walk along the shore and enjoy a tranquil view of the beach. It is also conveniently located near Stonington vineyards where you can go on a wine tasting tour or stop by Gillette Castle and experience the arts and culture of this historic community.
If you’re looking to indulge in something more personal and intimate, check out Casa De Selona in Saint Augustine, Florida where an oasis of comfort awaits. Once you’ve checked in and helped yourself to some homemade cookies and afternoon tea, enjoy a private massage in the convenience of your very own room. A trained and licensed specialist will relieve your stress from head to toe so you have time to explore the “Old City,” an old town steeped in tradition and charm where you can find unique finds at local antique shops or sightsee at your own pace and take a quick ride on a trolley and stop by the famous St. Augustine Lighthouse.
Make yourself a priority this Valentine’s and give a little love your way. For more self-love options, check out various spa packages listed under specials.
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