Ever wish you could get away and hang out with an author for the weekend? You know, sit and chat about the story’s plot, where the idea for the book came from in the first place, maybe get the inside scoop on alternate endings, titles and more?

BnBFinder.com has put together a sampling of some authors visiting inns, ready for you to pull up a chair, questions in-hand:

Drinks and Spirits. Why not mix your Halloween drink with tales of spirits? At The Ballastone Inn, in Savannah, Georgia, Robert Edgerly, the author of the best selling book Savannah Hauntings, will be on-hand to answer your ghastly questions. Guests who sign up for the Savannah ghost tours package receive a free autographed copy of the book, which doubles as the definitive guide to Savannah and the supernatural. Years of research and first-hand ghost encounters are sure to make for an entertaining experience. The package also includes a tour for two of legendary haunted places, and a complimentary bottle of wine from the inn’s extensive wine list–which you’ll probably need after your talk with Edgerly.

Reader’s Holiday. Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, The Irish Inn is offering a secluded read-away for guests wishing to mingle among their favorite books. This Ozark, Illinois bed and breakfast has plenty of nooks and crannies for guests to get comfortable with their own bag of books or those in the inn’s library. The B&B is run by an Irish man and his author wife—and they have plenty of stories to share. The two-or-seven day getaway also includes nature walks, cozy fires, and international food. Guests may also book side trips to wineries, shopping and, of course, book stores.

Dinner with an Author. If you’re interested in Amish culture and you love murder mysteries, you won’t want to miss dinner with author, Paul Gaus, at The Garden Gate Get-A-Way B&B in Millersburg, Ohio.Gaus has written a series of six murder mysteries set in Amish community; just like the inn. While the books are fiction, many of the stories about Amish culture and customs are true. January 14-16, 2011 the book talk will center around Blood of the Prodigal, the first book in the series. Guests check-in on Friday and have ample time to explore Amish Country on Saturday. The catered dinner with Paul Gaus is on Saturday evening, followed by a book talk and signing.

Resident Scribe. At the Blue Belle Inn Bed & Breakfast in Saint Ansgar, Iowa, the innkeeper is also the author-in-residence. Sherrie Hansen is the author of Night and Day, Stormy Weather, and Water Lily. The Victorian inn sets the mood to curl up with a good book. Several fireplaces, stained glass and crystal chandeliers, and views of maple trees create a whispering ambiance. The inn is also known for its candlelit tables, heirloom china, and fondue feasts. Blue Belle also invites local singer/songwriters and hosts various types of workshops and events.

For more information on bed and breakfasts where you may meet an author visit the BnBFinder.com specials page.  If you’re looking for writing workshops and writing retreats visit our bed and breakfast classes, courses and workshops page.

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There’s something hauntingly special about seeing pumpkins all lit up. Whether they’re quietly resting on a windowsill or vying for space on a crammed pumpkin patch – a few candles and the night sky make for a truly magnificent glow.

Here are three distinct locations where jack o’ lanterns take the best-in-show:

Historic Hudson Blaze
Four thousand hand-carved jack o’ lanterns and counting over at the historic Hudson Valley’s annual jack o’ lantern blaze. The outdoor walk-through experience has become somewhat of a tradition in New York, complete with music, sound effects and unbelievably talented lighting. You’ll find pumpkins hanging every which way from tree branches and specialty staging areas. Look closely, and you’ll notice individual themes, like the undersea aquarium (see photo by Matt Gillis), dragons, and countless others. The centuries-old homes and darkened woodsy areas add to the rather surreal experience. Go ahead, meander, the event runs October 2nd through November 7th.

Where to stay: The Alexander Hamilton House Bed & Breakfast is located in Croton on the Hudson, the same town as the jack o’ lantern blaze. The romantic Victorian inn is close to many local landmarks, historic sites, hiking trails, wineries and apple orchards. It also offers a spectacular views of the Hudson River. The rooms hold old time charm and modern amenities, such as high speed internet. Some rooms are also equipped with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.

Camp Sunshine Pumpkin Festival
More than 5,000 jack-o-lanterns will light the sky in Freeport, Maine on October 30th as retail giant L.L. Bean hosts the Camp Sunshine Pumpkin Festival at its flagship store. The festival, which is open to the public, will help raise funds for Camp Sunshine, a year-round retreat in Casco, Maine, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. While pumpkin carving of all shapes and sizes will take place throughout the evening, you may also purchase a Glow Heart pumpkin with a heart-shaped carving in honor of a survivor or in memory of a loved one who has lost their life to a life-threatening illness. The festival includes pumpkin carving competitions, pie eating contests, live music, and of course, the official lighting.

Where to stay:
In the heart of quaint Freeport is Captain Briggs House Bed & Breakfast Inn. Just two blocks north of L.L. Bean, the inn sites quietly on a tree-lined side street. Free bird walks on Saturdays, wireless internet, and comfy rooms are just some of the perks at this charming inn.

A five-minute walk from L.L. Bean is a beautifully restored Victorian home called the Brewster House Bed & Breakfast. Furnished in a Queen Anne style with antiques and period colors, the inn’s seven guest rooms include two 2-bedroom suites. A full breakfast is served each morning, including fresh or hot fruit, muffins, scones and home-baked goods. This bed and breakfast is also walking distance to the village, as well as the Freeport Harbor.

Just a two-block stroll along brick-paved sidewalks to L.L. Bean is the White Cedar Inn Bed & Breakfast. This environmentally-conscience inn was awarded the Maine Environmental Leadership Certificate in Green Lodging back in 2007. The inn serves a hearty breakfast each day in its sunroom along with afternoon cookies, brownies and sweets. Complimentary beverages are available throughout the day.

Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
Every night from October 7th through October 31st, The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, puts on a breathtaking display of thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns – up to 5,000 at a time (up to 10,000 may be used over the course of the show). This year’s theme is “A Walk Through Time.” A team of professional pumpkin carvers will spend weeks creating their orange masterpieces.

Where to stay: If you’re going to visit one of the oldest zoos in the nation, you might as well stay at an inn with a rich history too. The Christopher Dodge House Bed and Breakfast is a stunning three-story brick mansion renovated into a luxury boutique hotel. Built in 1858, architecturally it’s a gem with its 11-foot ceilings, marble fireplace mantels, ornate plaster moldings and many original tin ceilings. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from downtown Providence.

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Apparently, scarecrows are very busy this time of year. It seems that working hard in the fields and entertaining passersby aren’t enough. In Kennebunkport, Maine there’s a new fresh crop of scarecrows ready for their annual meeting. There’s also a scarecrow wedding in the works… just when you thought you’d seen it all.

The Gathering of the Scarecrows is from Monday, October 11th through Sunday, October 17th. It’s when scarecrows meet to discuss next year’s growing season. Each October, scarecrows from corn fields and gardens all over Maine arrive in Kennebunkport and assume their positions. If you’re in town, pick up an entry form, jot down the names of all the scarecrows you meet along the way. Many inns, shops, and open spaces in this seaside town will feature the straw-filled mannequins, so it’s a great way to mingle with locals and possibly win a prize—just make sure to stop by the Colonial Pharmacy by Friday, October 16th to drop off your form.

On Saturday, October 17th at 3 pm, the scarecrows will parade to the Village Green from Dock Square, for crafts, food, live music, and a final farewell to the season. Sunday, October 17th, there’s a mile-long road race. Though perhaps the most talked about event will be the scarecrow wedding. Yes—the actual scarecrows get hitched at the Nonantum Resort on Monday, October 11th.

If you’re seeking to combine your leaf-peeping with scarecrow-sightings (and hay-filled nuptials), BnBFinder.com has put together a list of top Kennebunkport inns:

Cozy Escape. Across the Kennebunk River, adjacent to a tidal inlet, the historic Green Heron Inn offers classic Maine hospitality, scenic views and abundant wildlife. A three-course breakfast along with warm cookies, treats, coffee and teas lure guests onto the cozy Adirondack chairs. The inn also features charming guest rooms and multiple fireplaces and a casual and welcoming ambiance.

Casual Chic. Individually designed cottages and quietly lavish services make the Hidden Pond Kennebunkport a popular place among couples, friends, and group travelers. Alfresco showers and quiet porches are just a few of the amenities. Each cottage includes a large living room, two bedrooms, fireplace, a flat panel TV with a DVD player and an iPod dock. The inn also features an onsite spa, complete with fitness center and pool.

Federal Style Retreat. Specialty teas in the garden room, candle-lit three-course served breakfasts, freshly-baked cookies and hot-mulled cider, are just a few of the welcoming details at The Captain Jefferds Inn Bed & Breakfast. The inn, located in the quiet, historic residential area of the village, is just a half-a-block from the Kennebunk River and three blocks from the village center with it’s restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries. Captain Jefferds has 10 individually decorated rooms in the main house and five rooms in the attached carriage house. The carriage house rooms all have direct outdoor-access and are pet-friendly. All rooms feature federal style details along with flat screens and WiFi. Optional turn-down service is included.

Vintage Stay. Just off the beaten path, is the Old Fort Inn. Tucked away on 15 landscaped and wooded acres of vintage estates, this luxurious country bed and breakfast is near miles of sandy beaches, rugged coast, and winding country roads. It is also 5-minutes form two 18-hole golf courses and nearby sailing and deep-sea fishing adventures. Local antique shops and art galleries are within walking distance too.

Sea-Style Fusion. Centrally located on a quiet street near the center of Kennebunkport, Captain Fairfield Inn offers Federal style sea captain features and a blend of historic and soft modern styling. Designer linens, fireplaces, whirlpool and soaking tubs, wireless internet, flat panel televisions and DVD players are just some of the amenities. Gourmet breakfasts feature seasonal and local ingredients, including the inn’s signature orange juice blend and freshly baked pastries.

Beachside Stay. The King’s Port Bed & Breakfast Hotel is walking distance to Kennebunk Beach and Dock Square. The B&B boasts nearly three-dozen handsomely designed guest rooms and suites all with marble tiled bathrooms and granite counter tops. Some rooms offer fireplaces, as well as 2-person Jacuzzi tubs and dual showers. The inn also includes free parking, complimentary extended continental breakfast with homemade waffles and pastries, free wireless internet in the parlor, and beach passes.

Sea-Faring Inn. The Kennebunkport Inn is a quiet romantic resort popular among sea-faring adventurers. Sailing, fishing, whale watching are all nearby, as are antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. The inn’s 49-guest rooms are located among its three properties–the Main Inn, the Riverhouse and Wharfside buildings. Onsite dining options include ‘One Dock’ the Kennebunkport Inn’s newly opened restaurant, the lively piano bar featuring some of the finest local talent, and dining under the stars on Artemesia’s outdoor patio.

Oldest House. Fresh-pressed apple cider, roaring fires, and nearby trails abound at the historically rich and romantic Waldo Emerson Inn Bed and Breakfast. The Inn is the oldest remaining house in Kennebunk and has had several famous owners. The original Dutch gambrel was constructed by one Waldo Emerson in 1753. Waldo, great-uncle of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poet and essayist, made a tidy profit building clipper ships on the river behind the house.

For more information on Kennebunkport inns or Maine bed and breakfasts stick with BnBFinder.com.

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Whether you stay two nights and score a third or fail to see a moose, bed and breakfasts are known for their welcoming ambiance, creativity, hearty breakfasts, and value-embedded offerings. Well, now some inns are raising the stakes during prime foliage season. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, bring on the killer deals.

See a moose or go again free. Yes, it’s true. The Greenville Inn at Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine wants to make absolutely sure you see a moose on your moose-watching excursion. They’re so adamant that guests wishing to see the largest animal in the north woods actually get to see it, that when you book a moose sightseeing tour, if you don’t see a moose, you get to go on the tour again for free. It’s a truly unique adventure where you’ll trek wild terrain, visit ponds, paddle canoes and kayaks front-and-center into moose habitat.

Third night free. The Chateau on the Mountain in Fletcher, North Carolina has a “leaf peeping blowout” deal where guests visiting Sunday through Thursday can book two nights and get the third night free. A hiker’s oasis, the inn sits on 10-acres of beautiful lawns, forested lumber trails and boasts magnificent views of surrounding mountains and meadows. The Chateau also has a pool, sunroom and outdoor porches to kick up your heels.

Free passes. The Underground Railroad in Clark and Floyd counties and Louisville, are just a few of the strands in the rich tapestry of the Midwest. Indiana was a free state but Louisville, Kentucky actually had several auction blocks. Jeffersonville is now the first leg of the Indiana Freedom Trail and is loaded with many historical points of interest to check out in between leaf-peeping, including the Old Bridge Inn and the Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville. The museum is the home of the builders of the Howard shipyards, now know as Jeff Boat, a major employer in the area. Stay two nights at the inn and get two free passes to the Howard Steamboat Museum.

To see more freebies or for more information on fall deals visit BnBFinder.com’s fall specials page.

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