Southern Showdown - We dare the Iron Chef to go head to head against some of the best B&B breakfast chefs. Just recently, the Louisiana/Mississippi Bed & Breakfast Association held the Innkeeper Breakfast Cook-off Competition. The one hour breakfast competition let innkeepers wow a judging panel that included Jay Karen, President & CEO of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII). The winning dish, “Eggs Fairview,” an adaptation of eggs Benedict, featuring a deep-fried cheese grit cake topped with a poached egg, Canadian bacon and champagne cheese sauce went to Chef Sabrina Errecalde at the Fairview Inn in Jackson, Mississippi. Guests who stay at this Southern B&B are lucky enough to taste the inn’s signature dish every Sunday.

Not far behind from the competition was Fairfield Place Bed & Breakfast Inn in Shreveport, Louisiana. Innkeeper, Pat Faser won third place for her blueberry and peach crinkle, a warm bread pudding-like baked dish using croissant pieces, blueberries, peaches and whipped eggs topped with fresh blueberry sauce. This breakfast dish is served regularly at the inn along with caramelized bacon, fresh fruit and an array of homemade muffins such as blueberry, banana nut praline, chocolate chip, lemon poppy and cranberry apple.

You can find more mouth-watering breakfast choices at a Mississippi bed and breakfast or at a Louisiana bed and breakfast. Or try making some of the award winning breakfast creations on you own and browse our bed & breakfast recipes page.

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Early America - Ever wonder what life was like before the ipod or plasma screens? Before European settlers or colonies were established, Native Americans were the first to live and explore what we now know as the United States. The sounds and music that they produced were just as unique as their own culture. If you’re curious about some of their rituals, why not take a Native American drum making class at The McCloud River Mercantile Hotel in McCloud, California.  The inn offers a two night stay and a family friendly workshop that begins with an opening drum ceremony followed by step-by-step guided instructions to make drums using willow and deer or elk hides. The five hour course includes packaged lunches and full breakfasts at the inn.

You can also learn about later American settlers at The Hanlon House in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Ask the innkeeper for the History Week/Weekend package. A customized package can include a personal guided tour of the Oregon Trail where you can take photos at Chimney Rock, a landmark hill that was used to guide travelers on the trail. Stop by North Platte Valley Museum and the Scottsbluff National Monument and enjoy a personalized box lunch in the afternoon or ask the innkeeper to take you to one of her favorite restaurants in town.

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Wine & Dine - Are you ready for a stay-cation that involves fine wine and innovative cuisine with a gorgeous backdrop of an island pink sunset and gentle, rolling waves?  Paradise is a lot closer than you think in Key Largo, Florida when the Food & Wine Festival 2009 kicks off on July 31.  Check in at Tarpon Flats Inn & Marina in Key Largo, Florida and take a refreshing dip in the ocean for a day of scuba diving or snorkeling.  When evening falls, make your way to the festival for wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, wine pairing meals and classes, live music and happy hour specials. 

If you prefer a smaller, intimate wine event, drop your bags off at Bayfront Marin House in St. Augustine, Florida.  The Victorian style bed and breakfast is located on the waterfront with easy access to sailing, dolphin watching and quick daytrips to the lighthouse.  Take in complimentary evening wine hour and dessert or ask the innkeeper to arrange a private wine tasting party at a local specialty wine shop or at the inn.  Innkeeper can customize the package to include cheese, crackers, fruit, chocolates, etc.    

Oenophiles can find more wine tasting options at a Florida bed and breakfast or search for unique Culinary Getaways under Specials. 

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Top it Off - I scream!  You scream!  We all scream for ice cream!  July is national ice cream month and although ice cream tastes delicious anytime of the year, you can make a special reason to celebrate everyday this month.  Grab a spoon and dig in at Prospect Hill Bed & Breakfast Inn in Mountain City, Tennessee.  The “Ultimate Ice Cream Sundae” special includes five to six scoops of ice cream drizzled with chocolate or caramel syrup, laced with whip cream and topped with two cherries.  Feel free to ask innkeeper if you want additional toppings such as nuts, gummy bears or go all out and ask for a banana split instead.   

If you prefer homemade ice cream, drop your bags at Nolichuckey Bluffs, a bed and breakfast in Greeneville, Tennessee and gather around “Gramma’s Cupboard,” also known as the kitchen for an ice cream sundae made from scratch using fresh cream and milk.  Your choice of vanilla, Oreo, male walnut or coffee flavor ice cream is topped with homemade hot fudge or butterscotch.  Or if you prefer baked goods, turn anything a la mode and add a scoop of ice cream on top of freshly baked banana bread, pumpkin bread or brownie. 

Look for more cool and tasty options at a Tennessee bed & breakfast or use the keyword search box to find an ice cream friendly B&B near you.

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