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Pamper Yourself With a Stay at the “White House”
January 30th, 2009 by Josh Prizer, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
For most of us, Inauguration Day was enjoyed in front of our television set. We didn’t dance at the Inauguration Ball, and an overnight stay in the Lincoln Bedroom is probably not in our future. But, never fear, you can stay at a White House and even if it’s not “the” White House, and it will still be a fun and relaxing experience. Here are some of the best White House alternatives around.
Located in the southern Appalachian mountains in Ducktown, Tenn., the White House Bed and Breakfast offers plenty of country comfort and historic ambiance. There are three guest rooms, each with its own private bath. The innkeepers, who have been welcoming guests for more than 16 years, prepare a hearty country breakfast each morning for their guests. Their restored Victorian gem is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as is the entire village of Ducktown. The area is famous for its copper mining, as well as for its abundance of outdoor activities. There are three TVA lakes nearby, as well as the Ocoee River, offering boating, fishing, whitewater rafting and much more.
The Texas White House, located just minutes from Fort Worth, offers a romantic mix of guest rooms and suites, each individually decorated. Some have a whirlpool tub, others boast a clawfoot soaking tub original to this historic home. A full, gourmet breakfast is served each morning and in the afternoons, snacks are provided. The innkeepers are happy to help guests find restaurants and attractions. Texas Christian University, as well as museums and the Fort Worth Zoo are all close by.
The White House on High Street is yet another option, located in picturesque Port Jefferson, N.Y., on Long Island. Each of beautifully appointed guest rooms is named for a first lady, and each has a fireplace. The Jacqueline Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt suites each include a sunken Jacuzzi tub. A heated swimming pool and 12-person hot tub are among the other amenities. There is a game room with a pool table, puzzles and board games, as well as a computer, but Wi-Fi access is available throughout the inn. An antique Chinese gong signals the beginning of the morning meal, a homemade treat served in the elegant dining room.
To find out more about these unique inns, go to iLoveInns.com. This website is the perfect source for bed and breakfast enthusiasts, offering detailed listings, including maps and photographs, to more than 19,000 unique country inns, B&Bs and boutique hotels. Easy-to-print gift certificates also are available on the website, a perfect gift solution. Thousands of lodgings participate in the gift certificate program, so it’s never been easier to treat a friend or family member to a relaxing B&B getaway.
In addition, iLoveInns also offers a special guidebook, “Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns.” This excellent travel reference includes a buy-one-night-get-one-night-free certificate that can be used at any one of the 1,400 inns or B&Bs listed. The guide lists properties in all 50 states, as well as in Canada. With all of the recent economic woes, this is an excellent way to enjoy a special getaway without all of the expense.
Tie the Knot at a Bed and Breakfast in Virginia
November 26th, 2008 by Josh Prizer, under Vacations. No Comments
Let’s face it, planning a wedding isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It’s a lot of work to make your special day memorable. But there is a way to enjoy the romance and wonder of the event without dealing with all the stress. Let an innkeeper plan and prepare your wedding.
Innkeepers are especially suited to planning weddings. Their natural flair for hospitality, planning meals and helping guests, as well as their knowledge of the surrounding community and businesses make them a perfect resource for planning a wedding. A seasoned innkeeper can find a florist, photographer, caterer, minister and anything else you need to make your day perfect. In addition, what better place to get married than a romantic, historic bed and breakfast?
The Holladay House Bed & Breakfast is one excellent example of how an inn and innkeeper can help create your perfect intimate wedding event. The historic inn, which was built in the 1830s, is located in the charming country town of Orange, Virginia. Innkeepers Sam and Sharon Elswick host many events throughout the year, from weddings for up to 30 guests to receptions to bridal showers to rehearsal dinners. They can help you plan every detail. Your bridal party can even book rooms at the inn to make the whole event even more convenient.
If you love old-fashioned charm and appreciate historic ambiance, the Holladay House is a perfect spot for your wedding. The Federal-style, Virginia inn has been restored with great attention to detail. Antiques and original features, such as the beautiful fireplaces, adorn the common rooms. Your guests will no doubt reminisce about this setting for years to come. Family members and the bridal party can even book rooms at the inn to make the day even more convenient.
There are six guest rooms, each with individual decor, fine linens and several house beautiful antique beds. Some rooms include double whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, so you can pick a favorite for your honeymoon night. Specialty hypoallergenic bath products, CD players, alarm clocks and televisions with DVD players are among the other amenities. There’s plenty of room for your bridal party, and inn guests enjoy not only the comfortable accommodations, but a full, homemade breakfast in the morning. So you and your friends and family can just relax and enjoy the whole event.
So don’t sweat the details. Your innkeeper is a wedding expert, and will create a special day of happy memories that is sure to get your marriage off to a wonderful start.