Best Bed & Breakfast Blogs by Innkeepers

Why we like this blog: This blog is so well organized! It features a column marked "Catagories" where you can click to read all the postings about any one of the many activities going on at the Black Star Farms including the winery, the creamery, the farm and stables, and of course special event information. With so much going on at this inn, this really helps consolidate the information. We also found this blog to be creative with a video tour of the inn, as well as a fascinating one of the Ice Wine harvest. Read about everything from the harvesting of the grapes to the many wine tours and tastings available at the inn.

Clips from the blog:  Mother Nature called, and fifteen intrepid souls answered on December 5th. They met up at our Old Mission winery in a blinding snow storm with 9 degree wind chills and set out for the 7 Hills Vineyard to pick grapes. The Riesling had been left to hang after the regular harvest and covered with netting to stymie the birds, in hopes that the right conditions would prevail throughout the remainder of the autumn to eventually produce frozen grapes for ice wine. The crew was made up not only of our usual vineyard management guys, but also of winery and tasting room staffers and even one of our innkeepers!

January 28, 2007 Best Blog: http://www.shafsky.com/blog.htm

Innkeeper & Inn: Rita TImewell & Stephanie Carlson, Albert Shafsky House Bed & Breakfast

Name of Blog:  Albert Shafsky House Blog

Why we like this blog:  This blog is full of useful information for innkeepers and prospective innkeepers alike. Rita and Stephanie have owned the Albert Shafsky House for 5 years and share with you their thoughts and ideas on running a California bed & breakfast. From how to start a blog, to their "Top 10 reasons to become an innkeeper...or why we did at least", to innkeeper conferences and trade shows, this blog offers detailed information on many aspects of inn ownership.

Clips from the blog:  Running an inn is not just a job, it's an adventure (and a way of life).  It is very rewarding and you will be your own boss.  That is the good news and the bad...now you can decide to live the dream, or just keep staying at inns as a guest.  We purchased the Albert Shafsky House B&B in Placerville after reading, and staying at several B&Bs, until we were confident that it was not just a dream, but the reality we really wanted.  And have not regreted it for a moment.

January 21, 2007 Best Blog: http://www.hotelcharlotte.blogspot.com/

Innkeeper & Inn: Lynn and Victor, Hotel Charlotte

Name of Blog:  Hotel Charlotte, Groveland & Yosemite - LIttle tidbits about the Hotel, Groveland, Yosemite and more.

Why we like this blog:    We love this Blog for many reasons but especially for the fact that Innkeepers Lynn and Victor personify the true characteristics of innkeepers who love what they do! Why else would they go to the trouble to make sure that we can follow them along their adventuress through Asia, other than they like to open their hearts and homes to us? Let’s not forget the wonderful advice and links they provide first time visitors to Yosemite Park to maneuver their stay. Overall a very warm and inviting Blog with extensive guidance and photos to make your next call be to the Hotel Charlotte for reservations.

A million pieces dinnerware
We get here about 10 am and are surprised by how seemingly quiet it is. We enjoy a leisurely pace roaming the narrow passages and head to get a cooling beverage. Having been out on the street now for several hours, we have lost most of our water retention and need to refuel. I enjoy the best treat! They call is a shake, but really it is just crushed ice. I choose a fresh squeezed lime-soda flavor and it is the perfect remedy, tart and sour but refreshing as heck. We watch the hordes arrive.

Deciding to join them, we pay our bill and head into the chaos. I have a map. We look up where the pets are, maybe they have a cute dog like Bob that we can hold and coo over. They have many cute ones, none like Bob. We meander here and there, looking unsuccessfully for the eyeglasses. Victor needs some new frames. We find instead dishes, millions of plates, bowls and the like all priced at pennies! We think we will replate the Hotel Charlotte and talk to the seller about shipping. She gives us a phone number. This is not very helpful, we don't yet have a phone.

Time for lunch. Something light and fruity with rice, green rice. Odd but delicious. Victor reads the map and finds several exporters have booths at the market. We head out again looking for the exporters. We find some great furniture, but no export offices.

January 14, 2007 Best Blog: http://www.fortyputneyroad.com/blog/

Innkeeper & Inn: Tim and Amy Brady Forty Putney Road Bed & Breakfast

Name of Blog:  Forty Putney Road Blog

Why we like this blog:  This fun filled, adventurous blog follows the active lifestyle of the young innkeepers at Forty Putney Road. It is filled with stories of their travels and activities in and around Brattleboro, VT. The innkeepers share their recommendations for local spots that are both unique and interesting to visit such as The Vermont Country Store and T.J. Buckleys. Also highlighted on the blog is the innkeepers passion for both imported and locally brewed beers to serve in the inn's own pub, The Putney Road Pub. Creative and fun photos will inspire you to take a trip to Vermont for a taste of not only the beer, but the amazing lifestyle.

Clips from the blog:  We took the plunge and finally blocked all of the rooms and took a day off, our first day off in six months.  In the words of Homer Simpson “Woo Hoo”! 
On November 6th, for my birthday (which is really the 7^th but we already had bookings); we went on an adventure through Southern Vermont.   We started with a straight shot up 91 North to Harpoon Brewing Company in Windsor.  The ride was beautiful, because the foliage was late this year, we could still enjoy the end of it with the beautiful burnt orange and red colors.  We pulled into Harpoon to find we were the only customers.  That’s okay more beer for us then.

In an effort to be able to send our guests to unique and interesting places, we make an effort to explore all kinds of destinations.  Some are clearly more touristy than others.  When we set out for the Vermont Country Store, we could almost picture the aisles of syrup and cheese ahead of us... We visited their satellite store, in Rockingham. We took a nice short 30 minute drive up route 5 to get there, just a left out of our parking lot and we were on our way. The Vermont Country Store is like a Martha Stuart novelty shop on steroids in Vermont (Hows that for an analogy!). 

January 7, 2007 Best Blog:  http://www.bluehillinn.com/bhinnpgs/journal/journal_frame.html

Innkeeper & Inn: Sarah Pebworth, The Blue Hill Inn

Name of Blog:  The Blue Hill Inn Blog

Why we like this blog:  Self proclaimed "FMS" - Fear of Missing Something - Innkeeper, Sarah Pebworth is a great source for all travelers in the Maine area of Blue Hill. Within her blog she highlights some of the many great events in surrounding areas, such as the free party given by the Peninsula Pan, consisting of live music in 11 venues. She also shares some personal favorites when it comes to literature choices to pass your evening next to the fireplace while staying at one of the Cape House Suites. Along with her breath taking photos we find this blog up to date, informative and creative with a special touch of the innkeeper’s personality.

Clips from the blog:  Happy New Year!

December 31, 2007 Best Blog:  http://www.littleriverbedandbreakfast.com/Blog.html?pg=2&cnt=5

Innkeeper & Inn: Little River Bed and Breakfast

Name of Blog:  Little River Bed and Breakfast Blog

Why we like this blog:  It seems there’s a lot going on in and around Peterborough, New Hampshire and Little River B&B’s blog shares the excitement. They note local theater and visits from Barak Obama and John Edwards during campaign stomps. However, even more enjoyable is a note about an inn-side event– an unplanned B&B pajama party requested by guests. Sharing moments like this (see below) remind me again of joyous little life moments that happen repeatedly at bed and breakfast inns. Sharing it in the blog is a gift to the reader and sparks the imagination of potential guests to plan their visits with fun in mind.

We started off on Monday morning with a "Pajama Breakfast". A group of guests who had been staying with us for the weekend asked if they could have a "later" breakfast (at 9:00 AM) and if they could come down in their pajamas. We were happy to oblige... and in fact we came down in our PJs too (after showering and putting on clean pajamas, of course). It was a casual and fun change to the normal routine.

December 24, 2007 Best Blog:  http://www.admiralpearyhouse.blogspot.com/

Innkeeper & Inn: Hilary Jones & Derrek Schlottmann, Admiral Peary House

Name of Blog:  Admiral Peary House Blog

Why we like this blog:  From snow reports, “ Snow Much Fun” to $3 ski celebrations  and open house toffee this B&B blog speaks of the variety and uniqueness of living that is so compelling about visiting bed and breakfasts. This blog lets us into the life that is so much different than ours if we live away from ski areas. At the same time it inspires us with everyday snippets and even photographs of a squirrel with his head inside a retired pumpkin.

Clips from the blog:  Snow Much Fun

This has to be the best start to the winter season we've had since we took over the inn nearly five years ago. Since my last post at the beginning of the month, we've had no less than 3 big storms and with almost three feet of snow on the ground already its certainly looking a lot like Christmas. I went skiing for the first time in two years yesterday - to Cranmore where they had their 70th Anniversary ski day with lift tickets at 1937 prices. As if that weren't incentive enough, it snowed all Thursday so we had terrific conditions and all-day skiing for just over $3!!!

We can't promise you deals like that all the time (though we do have some killer bed, breakfast and ski packages for midweek) but there's certainly a lot going on in the valley right now and through the New Year. All the ski hills are open with lots of terrain, the cross country conditions are awesome and for all non-skiers, Terry at Fryeburg Snowmobile up the road will get you up and going on a snowmobile if you fancy something a little different. Pity that Derrek and I are going to be too busy with our guests this week to take advantage of some of this, but that's the life of an innkeeper!

December 17, 2007 Best Blog:  http://www.hartstoneinn.com/blog/

Innkeeper & Inn: Mary Jo & Michael Salmon, Hartstone Inn

Name of Blog:  The Blog~The Latest News and Musings

Why we like this blog: The Hartstone Inn combines a lovely sense of humor and aliveness with the innkeepers' photos and comments on life and adventures in and around Camden, Maine. (Our favorite photo is the gorgeous snowman built right in front of the inn’s sign.)To date, the best innkeeper blogs we have seen are those with an entry made almost every day.  It definitely assures you that there is an abundance of life happening in Maine in the winter – including photos of art, fashion shows and fabulous cuisine – yummy enough to brave driving over the meadows and through the woods to Camden. When you scroll through the blog you are totally assured that this is a great getaway and you will not be disappointed and, in fact, you might as well stay a few days more!

Clips from the blog:

Guest Chef Makes Cameo Appearance at Camden Inn

Winter Wonderland - The first major snowstorm of the season has arrived in Maine. Winter, it appears, is coming in -- like a lion. According to the National Weather Service, Camden is expected to receive 8-14 inches of snow through Tuesday morning. This candid shot of celebrity chef "Frosty" was snapped by innkeeper Barbara during a break in the storm. With beet  eyes,  a carrot nose, a crescent shaped sweet potato for a mouth and a snow "Toque," frosty welcomed guests as they arrived  at the Hartstone Inn.  As for Frosty's cooking skills, Chef Michael could not be reached for comment.

December 10, 2007 Best Blog:  http://chezsven.blogspot.com

Innkeeper & Inn: Sven Rudstrom and Alexandra Grabbe, Chez Sven Bed & Breakfast

Name of Blog:  Wellfleet Chezsven Blog

Why we like this blog:  This well-written blog is appealing to both travelers and other innkeepers as the innkeeper allows you into the daily life of running an inn. They are renovating and that part of their daily experience makes its way into the blog. For instance, “Yesterday Sven and I saw a wild turkey on our way back home from the dump,” followed by a photo of a beautiful wild turkey,  is the kind of writing and photo journaling that keeps the reader involved and wanting to go there. Because the inn welcomes children, there are photos of children playing at the Wellfleet seashore, a quick visual that tells you to bring your kids or anyone else that wants to be near a beautiful beach.  

Clips from the blog:  Seagull Cottage Makes the Boston Globe!

In today’s Travel section of the Boston Globe, readers will find a neat little article about Chez Sven’s cottage, written by Kathleen Burge and her husband Rich Barlow, who were guests this September and surprised me, after the fact, with the announcement that they are also correspondents for the Boston newspaper. I was glad to see they were able to enjoy the walk to Dyer Pond, a soft sand path strewn with pine-needles. Our "secret" pond became famous several years ago after a New York Times reporter called it “the most beautiful, the most hidden, the most serene.” Of course, we were delighted that Kathleen and Rich liked Seagull Cottage so much that it became the focus of a travel piece. The article can be found online.

Dyer Pond is beautiful at all seasons, but I find it spectacular in spring, when the leaves have begun to unfurl and turtles frolic on a broken tree limb, overhanging the water (see blog May 24, 2007 for more photos). As Kathleen mentions, there isn't a soul around. Chez Sven guests get to experience Nature under privileged circumstances. We all seek out this peace in life and wish it on our brothers, especially during the holiday season. Dyer Pond is truly special. Sven and I feel lucky to live so close by and enjoy sharing this bounty with the folks who choose to stay at our green bed & breakfast.

 

December 3, 2007 Best Blog:  www.chloesblog.com

Innkeeper & Inn: Chloe Tuttle - Big Mill Bed and Breakfast, North Carolina

Name of Blog:  Chloe's Blog from Big Mill

Why we like this blog:  This is a heartwarming blog filled with food, family, history and culture. It is filled with down home discussions of the local area and lets you get to know the innkeeper. There’s a wonderful entry with photos from the innkeeper’s childhood spent on Big Mill farm which now has become the inn.(The innkeeper also has a food blog). Yummy cuisine photos makes the blog even more relevant and starts the saliva glands going. Before you know it, you are connected to the innkeeper and not just reading about a faceless inn. You want an experience yourself here and can anticipate fresh sun dried sheets (http://chloesblog.bigmill.com/category/eco-friendly/) beautiful lakeside views and great food.  I would like to see more lake views and flora and fauna stories ala Annie Dillard.

Clips from the blog: Sweet Potato or Yam?

This old Dodge farm truck hauled bushels of sweet potatoes to the potato house (right of truck).

"There is a difference between a sweet potato and a yam. They aren’t even related yet sweet potatoes are often mistakenly referred to as yams. Sweet potatoes are actually the root of a morning glory vine. A yam is the tuber of a vine grown in Central and South America.

Yams are quite toxic if eaten raw. Sweet potatoes are a good eaten raw and I know for a fact that they will give you a stomach ache if you eat too many. But they are not toxic.

Somehow the word candied just seems to pair with yam. Oh, well, henceforth, it will be Candied Sweet Potatoes around here. Maybe someone should ask the USDA why they require the word yam to accompany sweet potato on package labeling.

When I was growing up on the farm here at Big Mill we grew lots of sweet potatoes.  My father’s favorite was Hayman, an heirloom sweet potato. They are pale green in color and produce fewer potatoes per acre, but locals declare they taste better.

Everyone saved seed potatoes so we never had to buy the plants. We raised acres of sweet potatoes and folks came from all over to buy my father’s Hayman potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are harvested or dug in the fall. After we dug the potatoes they were cured with a low heat. The potato house is my favorite of all the barns here at Big Mill Bed & Breakfast.

I do believe the Hayman sweet potatoes are sweeter."

November 26, 2007 Best Blog:  http://www.port-washington-inn.com/blog/

Innkeeper & Inn: Rita and Dave Nelson, Port Washington Inn

Name of Blog:  Port Washington Inn Blog

Why we like this blog:  This blog is fairly active which seems to be the greatest challenge for innkeepers. Yet the busier things are at the inn, the more likely there are great things to write about such as fall colors, holiday events, etc. These are also the activities that promise peak experiences and that will capture extra guests to fill in midweek openings and special offers. The innkeeper uses their blog primarily to announce current events and things to do in the area. They include eye-catching photos. Most posts are brief and interesting.

Clips from the blog: 

Bahr Creek Llamas & Fiber Studio

What a delight to step into the Fiber Studio at Bahr Creek Llama Farm! If you take inspiration from beautiful yarns and fibers, you WILL be inspired!! Everywhere you turn there are beautifully creative samples and gorgeous skeins of yarn.

There are also classes in felting, weaving, spinning, knitting and crocheting.

Check out their website at www.bahrcreek.com

Brigitte is open to planning a class (minimum of 3 people who want to do the same thing).

Gather your friends, arrange a time (call 262-668-6417),  then reserve rooms at the Port Washington Inn. Look for our winter women’s specials.

November 19, 2007 Best Blog:  http://innonmillcreek.blogspot.com

Innkeeper & Inn: Brigette and Dave Walters, Inn on Mill Creek

Name of Blog:  The Inn on Mill Creek Innblog

Why we like this blog:  What we like about this blog is that the innkeepers at Inn at Mill Creek are fairly new B&B owners but have managed to keep up with their blogging in a timely fashion. They have also taken the time to research and share Places to Go, People to see in the local area, Restaurant Recommendations and Festivals and Special Events. This site also shares many beautiful pictures to visually show the wonderful secluded property all guests would be enjoying during a stay. Overall a very appealing blog.

Clips from the blog:
FOLIAGE WATCH: REPORT 8

We still can't believe how long fall is lasting this year. We're almost midway through November, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the trees. This final fall foliage report should've happened earlier, but we're glad we're still reporting on all the color. It seems for every tree that sheds all its leaves, another one bursts forth in a blaze of red, gold or orange.

 

 

Inn on Mill Creek - North Carolina

November 12, 2007 Best Blog:  http://theresaswalk.blogspot.com/

Innkeeper & Inn:  Bill and Theresa  Hamilton, The Fairbanks House  

Name of Blog: What I Saw On My Walk Today

Why we like this blog:  This blog idea is quite enticing, “what I saw on my walk today”. It makes it easy to enter into the innkeepers experience of that day and compare it to your own. Then you see there’s  more to life than where you are. I like the consistency of the entries and especially enjoyed them because of that. I believe the blog would be better if there were more editing on the photos – its so easy to love them all when you first take them, but somewhat of a burden for others if you don’t discipline the selection.

Clips from the blog:
November 7, 2007

Gathering Place: I found this "bench" formation on a trail set back from the Greeway. There were no markings anywhere to signify who had set it up and why but, because it was in a hidden spot in the woods I'm thinking teen hangout. Besides, it's about 150 yards from the high school. It's a nice serene setting, whatever its use.

The Fairbanks House - Amelia Island, Florida

October 29, 2007 Best Blog:  http://whitecedarinn.blogspot.com/

Innkeeper & Inn:  Monica and Rock, White Cedar Inn

Name of Blog: White Cedar Inn Today

Why we like this blog:  This blog offers enticing activities and large compelling photos that are the eye candy to keep me scanning through. Mentioning gourmet progressive dinners and showing close-up photos of the cuisine has my mouth water and showing the path to Bradbury Mountain with the bright green canopy over the leaf-strewn path made me hear the crunch of leaves and want my foot on the path.

Clips from the blog:
October 16, 2007

Today I just couldn't stay inside any longer! Right after breakfast Bre and I headed for Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal. If you've never been there, it's 6 miles from here and a fairly straight shot. And now that the Pownal Rd is newly paved, it's not only a straight shot but an easy one, too. Although most of the state parks are 'closed' for the season, access to the park is simple. You drive up to the gatehouse, deposit your park fee in the green can and head on in. Of course, paying is on the honor system, but c'mon, you've got 3 bucks, put it in the can!

 

October 22, 2007 Best Blog:  http://www.mainestayinn.blogspot.com/

Innkeeper & Inn:  Janice & George Yankowski, Maine Stay Inn & Cottages

Name of Blog: An Innsider's Guide to Kennebunkport

Why we like this blog:  I love this blog because every single week George gives me another reason to wish I were visitng Kennebunkport. It is consistant, has lots of links if I want all the details to the events, provides the eye candy to keep my attention, and there's an archived blog with dates. I also am convinced that I cannot get this experience anywhere but Kennebunkport and if I go to the Maine Stay they will make sure I have a good time. In case I'm thinking of going two months from now for my anniversary, I can research what happened about that time last year in the archive. The tone is friendly and welcoming and states on every page that the Maine Stay "has the nicest guests". The blog makes me happy even before I get there!

Clips from the blog:
Friday, October 12, 2007

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Kennebunkport
What could be more romantic? Take a horse-drawn carriage through the historic district of Kennebunkport or better yet, have the carriage take you for your romantic dinner at one of  Kennebunkport's many fine restaurants.  If it's more than the two of you for the weekend, invite your entire group for a horse-drawn wagon ride. These wagon rides can accomodate up to 20 adults. And lest we forget, we are only a short time from having another romantic option. Before you know it, Rockin' Horse Stables will be offering horse-drawn sleigh rides. Brrrrr!