Come to Southern Illinois, stay at a fabulous bed and breakfast, take advantage of the myriad activities, and drive very little.  Southern Illinois is home to Giant City State Park, Ferne Clyff State Park, Herron Pond and more, all of which offer beautiful hiking trails.  If you would prefer, you can ride your bicycle on the Tunnel Hill Bike Trail.  If you forget your bike, you can rent one at “You’re So Vane Gift Shop” where they even offer a bike shuttle service.

When you’re done biking, try some Southern Illinois wine.   The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 12 wineries and Southern Illinois Wine Trail has six.

Or maybe you just want to relax with a loved one. Either way, Oakridge Manor Bed and Breakfast may be just the place for you.  With 98 scenic acres, it is centrally located between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, providing the perfect location for a Southern Illinois getaway.  Also, this getaway is just a “One Tank” trip from St. Louis, MO or Nashville, TN.

Get here and if you decide you just want to stay put, you can relax around the huge in-ground swimming pool, sipping some of the Southern Illinois Wine.  Whether you’re an early morning dipper or you prefer swimming under the stars, the pool is always open in season.

Have a fishing pole?  The five acre pond is stocked with bass and blue gill.  And for runners, there is a ½ mile track around the pond that should be just to your liking.

You never have to leave the property if you don’t want too.  We provide an ample breakfast and you can catch your supper and use our grill down at the pool house to cook it.  Or, we have a refrigerator down at the pool house if you want to use it for other grillables.

The nights here at Oakridge Manor are pretty impressive in themselves.  No big city light to cancel out the stars.  Just the natural beauty of the property, your loved one and your own company to make your stay here at Oakridge all you hoped for.

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When in Rome do as the Romans do and when in New York City, take public transportation. Whether you’re already a native and this is a staycation for you, or you’ve come from afar to see the Big Apple, there is no need for a car here.  Visitors can even take public transportation from the three major airports.  Once you’re in town, all of the sites are accessible by train, bus, or ferry.

See Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. Visit Central Park. Go Shopping on 5th Avenue. See fabulous works of art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.  Catch a Broadway show, visit the “Top of the Rock.”  Do it all without driving. New York City has one of the oldest and most extensive public transportation systems in the world, with 468 stations in operation and 209 miles of routes, the trains run 24 hours a day.

Stay in the heart of it all at the Ivy Terrace, a Bed and Breakfast located on East 58th Street in Manhattan.  That’s just blocks from Central Park, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and more.  Guests who stay three nights or more will even receive a free $25 dollar metro card, good for travel through all of the five boroughs.

New York in the Spring and Summer is full of cultural events, outdoor concerts, and street-fairs, as well as the myriad year round attractions.  So give your car a break, save money on gas, and have super exciting time.

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Just off the coast of Washington State, in the Puget Sound, lies an island unspoiled by the hustle and bustle of modern life.  Anderson Island, quietly nestled in the at the south end of Puget Sound, personifies quaint local charm and friendliness.  To get there, visitors need to take a ferry from Steilacoom, WA, which is only 25 miles south of Seattle.

Sea kayaking is a terrific way to explore the island atmosphere, observe seals, sea stars, anemones, sand dollars, jelly fish, and other creatures unique to ocean waters.  On a clear day in south Puget Sound set your gaze on stunning views of snow-capped Mt. Rainer and the rugged Olympic Mountains as well as neighboring islands, bird sanctuaries, and laid-back shoreline communities.  The local kayak rental shop has all the necessary gear available, as well as guides and instruction.

Typical of the northwest, forested trails with towering firs and mosey carpets offer a soft and tranquil refuge from the hardness of the city.  And what would an island be without beach combing?  Andy’s Marine Park is a bit of a hike along a well-worn woodsy path, but worth the effort.

There are always things to do on Anderson Island including special community events.  Farm Days and the traditional Firefighter’s Pancake Breakfast are highlights on Memorial Day weekend.  For the Fourth of July people come from everywhere to partake of the Salmon Bake; a down home Country Fair on Labor Day weekend especially excites the little ones.  Throw in a concert now and then for a cultural experience.

Golfers love the nine hole par three golf course with its gentle rolling hills and manicured greens.  Fisherman have pulled a few big ones from the two stocked pristine fresh water lakes, either from the various docks or utilizing the community boats.  There are many parks and trails and the three swim beaches keep the kids cool and happy on warm summer days.

Shopping is limited here but there is a small general store that offers most everything, and a coffee shop which serves as a local gathering place.  For souvenirs, the historic Johnson Farm Gift Shop and Museum is open April through December.  If you are taking a vacation from the kitchen, visit the Lakeshore Restaurant on Lake Josephine for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the summer and limited hours off season.

When you come to the Island, don’t be surprised if everyone waves as you drive by – just wave back.  We are a welcoming bunch of folks.  Watch for the deer with which we share this beautiful place.

While there, be sure to stay at the Sweet Woodruff Bed & Breakfast, a charming romantic suite with living area, private bath, kitchenette and formal home cooked breakfast.  We also have a fully furnished, cheerful cottage for six for a special get-away with family or friends.  Come, be our guest!

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Looking for a vacation, or staycation, right near home is a great way to save on gas.  Sometimes the inn itself can be your destination, or maybe you’re going to an area that has a lot of activities within a very short distance, possibly it’s bikeable or even walkable.  We like to think that if the entire journey – there, during, back – takes less than a tank of gas, you’re probably doing okay.

If you’re in San Francisco or Sacramento, why not take a ‘One Tank Trip‘ to Nice.  No, not the one in France, the one in beautiful Lake County.  Just 132 miles north of San Francisco or 106 miles from Sacramento and situated on the picturesque Clear Lake, Lake County is home to almost 30 wineries.  Clear Lake is the largest natural lake in the state of California and offers plenty of hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. If you don’t want to use your car while visiting, Lake Transit buses take you to all of the cities that surround Clear Lake.

While there, stay at the Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast, known as Northern California’s most unique rural bed and breakfast, it is located right on the shore of Clear Lake in Nice, CA.  At the Featherbed Railroad, you get to stay in one of nine luxuriously decorated railroad cabooses set in a park-like setting overlooking a private boat launch, beach and pier.  Each caboose has a different theme: one is straight out of the Wild Wild West; one is specifically for lovers; there is even a Casablanca themed caboose.   Seven of the cabooses feature in room Jacuzzis and both the La Loose Caboose and the Orient Express have private decks overlooking the lake. Want to take advantage of the local wineries without driving?  Guests at the Featherbed Railroad can request a private limo to take them from wine tasting to wine tasting (for an extra charge).

Lake County is celebrating their sesquicentennial this year and there are all sorts of events planned.  So, all you San Franciscans and Sacramentans, hop into your cars and drive on over to Lake County, guaranteed you’ll be there and back in less than one tank of gas.

For more One Tank vacations and gas savings specials anywhere in North America, check out our specials page.

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Spring is so close, we can taste it.  Especially in those ripe, ruby-red strawberries that are showing up in the market.  Strawberries can be used in any meal – added to pancakes, salads, and even soups. Yes, soups.  Here is a delightfully spring-fresh recipe from the Ivy Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast in Lynchburg, VA: Strawberry Balsamic Soup.  This delicious cold soup is also quite healthy, if you use non-fat yogurt then it fits easily into any diet.

Strawberry Balsamic Soup

Ingredients:

Directions:

For the soup: In a large bowl, mix the strawberries, sugar, vinegar, orange and lemon zests and Grand Marnier. Set aside until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.

In a food processor or blender, process ingredients until smooth (may have to work in batches).

In a large bowl using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the yogurt until it reaches an even consistency. Add the strawberry puree and stir until completely combined and no streaks remain. Cover and refrigerate until chilled through, at least 2 hours. Will keep longer.

For the garnish: In a bowl, toss the strawberries with the sugar and vinegar. Macerate by refrigerating or setting aside at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

Just prior to serving, ladle the soup into individual bowls. Top each bowl with several of the macerated strawberries and drizzle with the syrup that remains in the bottom of the bowl from the macerated strawberries. Serve immediately.

For more quick and easy bed and breakfast recipes, visit the BnBFinder recipes page.

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As we continue on with our National Chocolate Week recipes, it’s important to remember that chocolate is not just for desert. This Spicy Chocolate Chili comes to us from The Irish Inn in Ozark, IL:

Spicy Chili with Chocolate Secret

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, peeled and diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 red chili chopped to micro-size
• 1 green chili chopped to micro-size
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1 head garlic – all cloves minced to micro-size
• 1 piece cinnamon bark
• 3 leaves of basil coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (optional)
• 1 bay leaf crushed
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 dash of sea salt
• 4 cups black beans
• 2 large tomatoes diced
• 2 cups frozen corn off the ear
• 1 pack of fresh cilantro chopped

Directions:

In large cooking pot, heat olive oil to cook onions, ground beef, cumin, and cinnamon until meat is brown, onions translucent, and mixture aromatic. Add all remaining ingredients except for tomatoes, corn, beans, and cilantro. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in first black beans, then tomatoes, and finally corn, bringing whole mixture to a boil. Simmer for another 15 minutes on lowest heat. Remove cinnamon bark.

Serve piping hot. Ladle chili into bowls, and sprinkle cilantro over the top of each serving. Serve with tossed salad with yogurt or ranch dressing, crusty bread, rice, or yesterday’s macaroni and cheese if you would like to have a very exotic chili mac.

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Average regular-gas prices are up 44 cents since February and are 79 cents higher than a year ago, wouldn’t it be nice to take a vacation … from your car? What if there was an island where cars aren’t even allowed?  Just off the coast of Maine, there is such a place. Welcome to Monhegan Island, Maine!

Monhegan is a small, rocky island ten miles off the coast of Maine. You can only reach it by boat and there are no cars or paved roads on the island.  Discovered by John Smith in 1614, it was already a prime fishing area for the Native Americans who lived there.  Visitors to Monhegan appreciate its isolation, the beauty of its wilderness areas, and its quiet relaxed atmosphere.  Since 1954, much of the undeveloped area of the island has been preserved by Monhegan Associates, including about 12 miles of trails over the highest ocean cliffs on the Maine coastline.  The island is also home to a lighthouse, a museum, an artists’ community, a beach, and of course, a fabulous Inn.

The Island Inn sits atop a bluff overlooking the harbor and in the evening it provides a perfect view of the dramatic sunsets.  The main building dates from 1816, and the Pierce Cottage, which sits on the meadow road, was added to the property in 1924.  All of the interior spaces have been upgraded, adding private bathrooms.  A full breakfast is provided in the mornings, and lunch and dinner are available by request.

Ferries to Monhegan run from Boothbay Harbor, about 165 miles from Boston, and from Port Clyde, which can be reached by Cape Air, an independent, regional airline that flies out of Boston.

This is one fabulous way to save gas money.  Stay tuned, we plan to do a weekly feature on vacations that are low on gas but high on value.  Whether you can travel without a car, get there and back with less than one tank, or travel somewhere cars are superfluous, these trips won’t tank your gas tank.

For more “One Tank” vacations and gas savings specials anywhere in North America, check out our specials page.

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While many of us have been life-long devotees of chocolate, how many knew that this week is National Chocolate Week?  That’s right, according to the National Confectioners Association, the third week of March is set aside each year as a week to celebrate all things chocolate.  I believe this means that it’s still fine to celebrate chocolate the other 51 weeks, it’s just not official.

To begin this very special week off right, this delightful Chocolate Raspberry Mousse was sent to us by The Artist’s Inn & Gallery in beautiful Lancaster County, PA – home of the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. Chocolate Raspberry bits
• 1/4 lb. sweet butter, cut into small pieces
• 4 egg yolks
• 4 egg whites
• 1/3 cup sugar

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Place chocolate in a stainless steel bowl and sit the bowl on top of the saucepan.  Lower the water to a simmer.  Stir the chocolate as it melts and add the butter.  Continue to stir until blended and remove from heat.
3. Add a small amount of chocolate mixture to beaten egg yolks, stirring rapidly to temper the yolks.
4. Add yolks to the rest of the chocolate mixture and whisk thoroughly.  Place the bowl in the refrigerator to cool slightly – just until room temperature (about 5 minutes).
5. Beat egg whites until they stand in soft peaks.  Add the sugar gradually and continue to beat until combined and egg whites are stiff.
6. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until completely combined.
7. Spoon into 6 martini or wine glasses.
8. Chill until ready to serve.
9. Just before serving, top with fresh whipped cream and garnish with chocolate designs.

Try to savor each bite and not wolf down the entire cup like a depraved chocoholic, but however you eat it, enjoy!

For more rich, chocolate recipes to celebrate this important holiday with, visit the BnBFinder recipes page.

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All over the world people welcome Spring in different ways.  In England, Morris Men dance together with handkerchiefs, swords, and bells. In Bulgaria and Romania, people gift each other favors made of red and white string meant to be worn as bracelets, brooches, or necklaces. In New England and Canada, they make maple syrup.

Truly an American tradition, aboriginal peoples living in northeastern North America were processing maple tree sap long before Europeans reached these shores.  Leading up to and during the Civil War, abolitionists would boycott cane sugar and molasses, which were produced by southern slaves, in favor of maple syrup and maple sugar.  During World War II, New Englanders were encouraged to stretch their sugar rations by substituting maple sugar and maples syrup; recipe books were printed to this effect.

Today, maple syrup remains an important part of New England and Canadian cultures. The Vermont state quarter depicts a scene of sap collection and, of course, the Canadian flag features the maple leaf.  In keeping with this tradition, the following inns are mad for maple syrup offering special “Maple Madness” packages:

The Buttonwood Inn in North Conway, NH will co-host their annual March Maple Madness event on March 26 and 27, 2011. A self-guided tour will include the sampling of maple treats, information about “sugaring” at maple sugar houses, and shopping at “Maple Country Partners” shops and vendors along the way.  A Maple Madness “March” will give guests the opportunity to win prizes by answering questions, finding objects and artifacts, and visiting each participating Inn and Maple Country Partner. The ticket holder who scores the most points will win a $200 certificate good toward a two-night stay at a participating inn, as well as other goodies provided by the Inns and Maple Country Partners.

At the Rosewood Country Inn and the Candlelite Inn in Bradford, NH, the Currier and Ives Maple Sugar Weekend & Progressive Dinner package includes two nights lodging, hearty country breakfasts featuring maple syrup, a mapped, self-guided tour of neighboring sugar houses where guests can see maple syrup made the old-fashioned way while they learn the history of this time honored tradition, and a three-course progressive dinner that ends with desserts at the cozy Candlelite Inn.

Over in Kennebunkport, ME, enjoy a maple sugaring weekend at the Captain Jefferds Inn. This special includes a tour of the Giles Family Farm in Alfred as well as breakfasts featuring none other than Maine made syrup.

These are just a few of the many bed and breakfast options available in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, where maple sugaring is most prevalent. Use BnBFinder’s advanced search feature to modify your search by amenity, accommodation type, activity or attraction, and tailor make your own maple getaway.

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Warning:  This blog may contain nuts.

In honor of National Peanut Month, here are some chocolate chip cookies that are so good it’s nutty!  And here’s the kicker, these Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t just delicious, they’re also gluten free!

Steps from Main Street in Freeport, Maine, the Brewster House Bed and Breakfast’s shares a guest favorite recipe for Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Ingredients:

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter (chunky may be used if preferred)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips (or morsels)

Directions:

1. Stir together first five ingredients in medium bowl, using wooden spoon. Stir in chocolate chips/morsels

2. Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet

3. Bake at 350 F for 12 minutes or until puffed and golden (Cookies will be soft in the center). Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, remove to wire rack.

Don’t forget to share!

For more quick and easy snack and desert recipes, visit the BnBFinder recipes page.

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