Creating a Buzz this Summer

I recently participated in a social media survey created by the Public Relations Department of Syracuse University on how social media is used on a day to day basis. As my Facebook friends will tell you, I have no shame about using my social networking platforms when I’m in the office. Having an outlet for immediate and exciting news has become an integral part of running a business and keeping up with the hospitality industry, as innkeepers around the world will attest to. Social networking savvy has become a highly valuable skill, and one that can be used to the greatest extent for keeping a pulse on the trends of the industry, as well as being priceless when it comes to staying in touch with clients, guests, other inns, and innkeepers.


We have seen social media take off in the past ten years, going from a pass time to a fierce marketing tool, if used correctly. The instant connection and highly relevant audience social media is able to produce is unparalleled in any other platform. The way that businesses are able to see for themselves the services their customers want, and then ultimately deliver, is a highly effective tool to market your B&B to guests that are essentially already looking for your inn. As with every new venture, however, there is a learning curve. Here are some tips and tricks that have been most valuable in incorporating social networking into the way I like to communicate with both B&B innkeepers and guests.

• Have a solid foundation – It is important to have a presence online, and to be familiar with the big players, like Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube. This is where most people will go first to search you out (it is where I go to find B&Bs I want to talk about online!) and there is a wealth of information you can provide via just these three sites. Once you have a solid foundation, find more specialized sites that work with that you want to be doing, like Blogger for posting blogs and updates, or Tumblr for short updates and posting pictures.


• Daily checkups – Using social media platforms daily, or nearly daily, is really the trick to making it work for your business as well as your guests. This does not mean spamming your twitter feed with the same special or event information, but interacting with your users – commenting on pictures, writing on guest’s walls, messaging event attendees, and providing interesting information, from articles and pictures to blogs or places of
local interest


• Set goals – setting an achievable goal in your marketing strategy should definitely spill over into your online universe. This can start small, with getting 200 people to like your Facebook page, or uploading a video onto YouTube. As with other goals, measure your effectiveness and create new ones as your presence online becomes greater.

• Cross promote – The beautiful thing about social media is that people are expecting you to talk about yourself – which is really why it can be used to such an advantage by savvy businesses and marketers. Take advantage of your presence in one arena to promote one in which you may be lacking. If you have been on twitter for a while and have a good number of followers, tell them about your new blog. Tell your Facebook friends about your last minute twitter specials. Talk about your website in a YouTube video. Make sure every branch of your Inn that is online is connected, so people can find, friend, and follow you with ease.

• Pics please – Especially for a hospitality property, the proof is in the pictures. Guests want to see their rooms, the grounds of your property, even their innkeeper’s smiling faces. Take time to keep your photos up to date and upload pictures from recent events or renovations. While professional pictures are a great way to get all the details of a room to your guests, candid shots of the inn can be just as alluring and persuasive to curious guests!


Social networking is not only a valuable tool for innkeepers and guests to connect, but also a way to express your inn’s individuality and uniqueness. Don’t be afraid to work outside the box and create a place that is fun and a reflection of your inn. Whether this means sharing your world famous recipes every once and a while over the Facebook feed, having a special picture spot that gets updated regularly with new guests, or setting up a weekly YouTube vlog from your inn that may feature you and your guests, following your passion of hospitality is the ultimate goal of using social media for innkeepers.


Until I see you on Facebook, best wishes!


Pamela


Romaine Orange Salad from The Irish Inn



Ingredients:


1/4 cup extra virgin oil
1 large onion, peeled and diced
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup raw cashews
1 can drained Mandarin orange sections
1 head very fresh romaine lettuce
1/2 small ball fresh mozzarella cheese
1 large tomato, diced


Instructions:
Heat olive oil until hot, but not smoking. Add
onions, and cook until translucent and aromatic.
Add raw cashews and soy sauce, and cook until they
turn light brown. Sprinkle sugar, basil, and
vinegar over mixture in pan, turning quickly.
Remove from heat, and chill for one hour. Mix
with romaine, tomato, and Mozzarella salad
thoroughly. Add Mandarin oranges, and toss once
more lightly before serving.

Notes:
This cool, crisp, and delightful Romaine Orange
Salad is a great addition to any menu. It sets
high expectations for the meal to come if serving
in American sequence.


Hoboken Cheesecake from The Lillagaard Inn Bed & Breakfast

Cook Time: 1 hr 20 min Prep Time: 5 min
Yield: 20 servings

Ingredients:
1 dozen eggs, 1 & 1\2 cups sugar, 3 lbs. ricotta cheese, 2 Tbs. either vanilla, orange, Etc.

Instructions:
Mix eggs, then put in sugar, add flavor, mix with hand wisk, and then fold in ricotta cheese
with hand wisk, spray 9 X 13 pan with Pam. Bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours or more, until the top is light brown. DO NOT USE HAND MIXER. After it cools put in fridge with clear wrap. It is very rich so you can make small pieces or large ones. You can put fruit on top if you wish and powdered sugar. It is even better after a few days. Enjoy. Yes, you can freeze it. Have Fun.

Guest’s Greatest Pick Winners:
The Pack House Inn – Innkeepers of the Year


Inn Victoria – Best Complimentary Afternoon Snack


Casa Grandview Luxury Inn, Cottages & Suite – Best Pool



“By The Sea” Guests B&B & Suites – Best Seaside Setting


Inn at the Park B&B – Best Beach or Shoreline Nearby


Fairview Inn – Best Business Services

Lime Rock Inn – Best Location for Walking to Shops/Dining


Washington School Inn – Best for Outdoor Sports

Agritourism is Growing!

I just back from a trip to Italy where I visited Agritourism sites in Fruili and in the Castelli Romanii area, and learned a lot. Serendipitously, upon my return home to Sonoma County, CA, I went wine shopping on Saturday at Safeway, and who should I find stocking the shelves but Bob Benzinger? Bob is a winemaker at Benzinger and one of the foremost proponents of sustainable farming in the wine industry! The obvious benefits of sustainable farming are what make this a growing trend, and the emphasis on creating and sharing an experience with others has opened up the doors for curious eco-friendly travelers to understand more about where their food and drink comes from. This amalgamation of perfect circumstances – the popularity and growing awareness of being eco-friendly with the greater understanding of living sustainably due to economic necessity works to create agritourism. People from all walks of life, from curious city slickers to multi-generation farmers are exploring this reinvention of living green.

In a recent New York Times article, Inn owner and farmer Kim Rodgers is quoted as saying, “A lot of people just want that rural farm experience," a reason why those promoting agritourism have been so successful in the past couple of years. Agritourism is growing not only as a way to increase awareness and knowledge about sustainable living, but also as a lucrative endeavor for rural properties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, says the New York Times article, estimates that only about 13% of the average farm income is derived from the farms resources. Agritourism helps to boost this number and keep family members working on the farm. Perhaps my intense interest in this trend comes from the fact that California, my home state, is a leader in agritourism, where nearly 700 farms average more than $50,000 in agritourism income, according to a 2007 census.

This month, I also had the pleasure to explore family travel on ranches and farms for our Family Travel Blog, and came across a fascinating project known as “Outstanding In The Field”. The leader of this project is Jim Denevan, who has found the heart of what attracts people to the rural outdoors: a calm and peace that surrounds a place of growth and beauty. Check out the events he has coming up on his website.

Another great resource for family travel with a green tint is Greenloons, a company with a wealth of valuable information about sustainable and ecological family travel internationally. A new article by Irene Lane of Greenloons, entitled Top 10 Eco Travel Tips for Family Vacation Planners, is one I found particularly well done and helpful for families interested in this topic. Here is a quick excerpt:

“8. Choose activities that emphasize environmental awareness versus outdoor adventure: Here’s a hint. If you are being taken by a gas-guzzling double coach bus to experience your unique “eco” activity, it’s not about green travel. True green activities, which can include kayaking, hiking and sailing, are led by certified naturalists, who guide small groups of no more than 12 to allow for first-hand interpretation and education of local flora and fauna. Devoted eco-tourism organizations not only teach tourists about the plants, birds, insects and animals of the region, but also how wildlife is crucial to the surrounding ecosystems. Learning about the fragility and sensitivity of ecosystems becomes much more important than just a great photo opportunity.”

Irene’s detailed article is a must read for families wishing to begin their own agritourism tradition! Please find the full article in our Family Travel Guides Archive.

Best wishes,
Pamela

Dreaming of a White Summer

Summer, that yearly renaissance of travel, has arrived once again! The beautiful weather calls for travelers to venture out and explore both the nearby attractions and far away locales. National parks, hiking and biking trails, beaches and scenic drives will wow and inspire travelers without breaking the bank. The much needed respite season is coming on full force this year, so travelers and innkeepers alike are getting ready for summertime adventures!

A great idea for sprucing up the house this summer is an underestimated design element – white! This clean, sleek and versatile color is the perfect way to redecorate this season, and I especially love white in bathrooms. White tile, tubs, fixtures and walls are all great ways to start with a blank, bare canvas, and the slightest touch here and there of color or texture adds so much to a white room. From experience, I know that using a variety of whites and layering will create a calming and restful space, while using different finishes of the same shade of white will energize a room, as stated in my article, Bright Ideas to Maximize Light. I love Linen by Benjamin Moore, which is a versatile paint that can incorporate other colors into the room, and Dutchlac Brilliant from Fine Paints of Europe, which dries to create a beautiful lacquer finish, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

This pure color is a great idea for lightening up your home. White has two contradictory characteristics. On one hand it is a traditional color that has always been used. On the other hand its use is seen in all of today’s magazines, showrooms and decorating exhibitions, proving that white is back on top in color related trends. One of the most appreciated features of white is its versatility. This is a tone that can be combined with any type of decoration. The defenders of this color wildcard define it as an escape route for the imagination when it comes time to decorate your home because it leaves open the possibility of creating very different spaces in your home without being afraid that the walls will not match everything else. There are many reasons to make white your best friend. Its intrinsic brightness is the most effective weapon against shadowy spaces. When you bet on white, you are saying yes to renewed clarity in the living areas. White adds light and helps you think about your home as a true paradise where you can really enjoy yourself.

After all that hard work redecorating, travelers and guests are bound to work up an appetite! Enjoy this summer favorite, Summer Fruit Salad, from the Inn at Lower Farm.

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh seedless grapes
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh strawberries cut into quarters
1 cup fresh peaches cut into bite size pieces
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup low fat sour cream

Instructions:
Combine all the fruit and mix well. Mix the brown sugar into the sour cream. Coat the fruit with the sour cream. Let sit for at least a half an hour. Serve.
An exciting bit of Lanier news is the production and upcoming publication of our next Regional guidebook, Bed & Breakfast Getaways on the West Coast, to be released later this month! This guidebook focuses on the unique and exemplary locales of the entire west coast of North America, from San Diego to Anchorage, and everywhere in between. Breathe taking views, excellent amenities and a plethora of activities awaits the west coast adventurer, and we are quite excited to see our guidebook hit shelves and inspire some epic journeys!

Find below a short list of a few of the Guest’s Greatest Pick Award Winners for 2011. I know all of these exemplary B&Bs would be an excellent place to lay your head after a day of summer excitement!

Best wishes and happy travels!

Pamela

Yelton Manor B&B & the Manor Guest House – Inn of the Year

Heartstone Inn & Cottages – Best Overall Breakfast

The Mermaid & The Alligator – Best Cup of Joe

Homestays at Homestead – Best Wildlife

A Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa – Best for Outdoor Setting

Devonfield Country Inn B&B – Best for Relaxing/Unwinding

Through the Grapevine B&B – Best for Nearby Outlet Malls

Pine Lakes Lodge B&B – Best for Hunting

The First Colony Inn – Best for Summer Sports

Bounding Into Springtime!

April showers bring May flowers, and we are definitely looking forward to those blossoms of springtime! This time of year always comes with a rejuvenating and renewing sense, and beginning the spring cleaning is a long awaited and much enjoyed process. Whether it’s a simple dusting of the shelves or a full blown restoration this spring, the benefits of a good spring cleaning will surely prepare all for the adventurous summer sure to follow!

May is the perfect opportunity for new activities and fresh ideas for innkeepers to consider and implement as summer looms large. Getting into a groove for the active summer vacationers is important, both for travelers to fully appreciate their stay and to make running your property continue on as smoothly as possible. One idea that has been floating around recently is adding in a cooking class or two. This is a great way to fill up slower weekdays or bring in locals who may be dying for a peek inside your B&B. Tony Leone, Innhkeeper at the Pasfield House has recently written on just this topic. His article, titled Dishing Up Cooking Classes at B&B Inns, gives great advice on the logistics of running a cooking series class, such as size and available equipment. With outlining the basics, Tony’s article is a great place to begin when considering a cooking class.

One of my favorite ways to usher in the newness of Spring is with a little redecorating! The stimulating richness of the sprouting fauna manages to serve as inspiration year after year, and there are several ways to make your guests, as well as yourself, become fully swept up in spring fever. Small touches, like switching out your muted wintery throw pillows for more vibrant greens, yellows, and blues can make the atmosphere of a whole room change. I like to start featuring potted plants and fresh flowers beginning in Spring, and even give a new look to the front yard with a little landscaping. If a whole new look is a must, a few of my favorite spring green paint colors this year are Golden Cricket 210-5 by Pittsburgh Paints (which goes fantastic with dark hardwood floors), Sleepy Hollow D6-2 by Dutch Boy (a more neutral color perfect for a common area), and Marsh Green 6006-5C from Valspar (this looks lovely as a kitchen accent color, or for a desk or side table).

Along with a freshening of the décor, new and mouth watering recipes seem to start blooming around this time of year as well. Find some favorites below that have been submitted to our upcoming cookbook, Inn Love: Recipes for Romance and enjoy a spring brunch or sunny tea time!

The Innkeeper's Soufflé from the Buttonwood Inn

Ingredients:
2 eggs, separate, whites at room temperature
1 Heaping Tablespoon sour cream (plain yogurt or cottage cheese in a pinch!)
1 Tablespoon cold water
4 or 5 drops Tabasco Sauce
1 Teaspoon dried mixed herbs or 2 Tablespoons fresh mixed herbs, parsley, basil, rosemary, chives, oregano, ,or thyme.
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:
Beat egg yolks, add sour cream, water, Tabasco, herbs, salt and pepper and mix well. Beat whites till soft peaks form, fold gently into yolk
mixture. Then fold in cheese. Pour into two 6 oz. custard cups. Bake 12-14 minutes in 350 degree oven.
Yield: 2
Yield Type (servings, dozens, ): servings
Cooking Time: 15 minutes


Bananas Foster Crepes from the Crystal River Inn


Instructions:
1) Make a batch 12 large, pretty crepes. This can be done ahead of time. When ready to use, warm them.
2) Filling: Melt 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) of butter. Stir in 1 cup brown sugar, packed. Add water enough to make a thin syrup. Allow to simmer briskly until partly reduced. Add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and about 4 Tbsp Grand Mariner or Triple Sec. Allow to simmer 1-2 minutes, and then slice in 3 bananas. Simmer until they wilt, about 5 minutes.
3) Topping: Stir together 1 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp whipping cream, and 1 packet artificial sweetener.
4) Assembly: Fill each crepe with 4-5 banana slices and wrap it closed, placing seam down on the serving plate. Place a second crepe alongside. Top the twosome with liberal pan syrup, a dollop of crème, toasted almonds, banana slice, and spring of mint. Serve with sausage, Mimosas, and gourmet coffee.

Please find below more of our esteemed 2011 Guests Greatest Picks Award Winners, who are surely ushering in Spring with the enthusiasm of champions!

Best,
Pamela

The Edge of Thyme – Best Afternoon Tea 2011





Stonehurst Inn – Best Robes 2011






Azalea Inn and Gardens - Best Gardens 2011





Carriage House B&B – Best Overall Location 2011





Queen Anne Guest House – Best B&B To Meet Other Guests 2011




Stanford Inn – Best Educational Classes 2011






Earlystown Manor – Best for Nearby Sports Arena 2011

April Celebrations and Recipes

Spring is arriving once again, and after a long few weeks of showers here on the West coast, the sunshine could not feel more welcome! The much needed rain seems to be coming to an end, and a case of Spring Fever looms, which has been perpetuated by up and coming designs that celebrate spring. Another reason to celebrate is the quickly approaching Easter holiday – a time traditionally spent with family and friends. I cannot wait for Easter this year, and as the bright colors, reverent attitude, and joyous celebration approaches, I find myself anticipating the traditional treats, Easter Egg hunts, and family togetherness this holiday allows as we usher in the fresh and rejuvenating spring time!

I’ve been testing the waters for design trends - here’s what I’m seeing. A return to the energy of bright colors, but in offbeat shades and nothing too primary. Think milk chocolate and peach, turquoise and coral, magenta and lime as accents and upholstery colors. Lush animal prints in velvet are roaring onto the scene and make fabulous upholstery for a side chair bottom or pillows for anywhere. Shades of white, beige, rose and cream singly and together always look elegant. Have you discovered some wonderful paint in those shades? If so we’d love to hear about them and what special qualities they bring to a room. I’m also seeing some refreshing use of the grassy shades of summer, such as Pebblestone from Pratt & Lambert, Sienna Laurel from Benjamin Moore and Beach Grass by Martha Stewart Living. These go great in a dining room or a guest room with their calming tones. They look especially well with a white ceiling or muted neutral accents.

Spring, especially around Easter, is also a time when I enjoy breaking out some favorite recipes, and enjoying a zesty treat or flavorful entree. Find a new twist on an old classic recipe with a Suzani Spring Quiche. Suzani or Spring flowers are all the rage on everything from carpets to pottery and textiles. This is my all natural culinary take on it and modification of a Quiche lorrine. Here I have to admit that I often use a purchased fresh or frozen pie crust, and actually usually have several in my freezer. Very simply it’s because I have a life, and spending extra time in the kitchen for minimum reward (that’s because I think most commercial crust are almost as good as my homemade and sometimes even better) meanwhile the filling for a quiche come together very quickly as do most other pies.

In order:
Preheat oven to 350®
Make or begin defrosting pie crust for single pie.
Briefly parboil 6 to 8 broccoli spears (easy does it, 3-4 minutes is enough)
Meanwhile, measure a cup and a half milk, (I use low fat)
½ cup cubed ham
1 cup grated cheese, I prefer Swiss in this dish, but most other s would work
3 eggs
1 teaspoon Worchester sauce
6 Asparagus spears
Sprinkle of paprika

Place crust in pan and sprinkle bottom with ½ cup ham followed by ½ cup cheese. Beat milk, eggs, sauce together, pour over rest. Take wilted asparagus spears in patter. Point 6 stems towards the center, as seen in picture. Leave a space in the very center of the pie which you will sprinkle with paprika to form the center of the flower. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes on 350® being careful not to let the pie crust edges burn. Cover with aluminum foil if need be towards the end of baking. Quiche is done when crack appear about 1 inch in and the center starts to look golden brown, but still jiggly. Remove and cool, and serve at room temperature.

Another oh-so-Springy and simple and festive cake is the one I made the other day, literally in 10 minutes, using a yellow Jiffy cake mix, with a little added vanilla. I then baked it in a glass pie plate, covered the top with an even layer of Blueberries, baked for 20 minutes and cut it into wedges. I served it warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a dollop of lemon curd. This was a big hit, and looked lovely after I sprinkled the top with a little powdered sugar.

I have also recently been enjoying multiple trips to go and speak at Bed and Breakfast conferences around the US. Many thanks and well wishes to all those who made my recent trips to Kentucky, Illinois, and Maries time at the Mid-Atlantic Conference very special and quite enjoyable!



Finally, please see a few more of our Guests Greatest Picks for 2011 below. What a fantastic crop we have this year, I’m always losing myself in their great listings when picking them out to feature!

Best Wishes,
Pamela

Los Poblanos Inn – 2011 Most Likely to Visit Again Winner




Adair Country Inn and Restaurant – 2011 Best Specials Offered Winner




River House B&B Getaway Retreat –2011 Most Family Friendly Winner



Brampton B&B – 2011 Best Décor Winner





North End Crossing Barn and Bed – 2011Best for Farm Activities Winner

In the Pink with a Dash of Green

March seems to be devoted to colorful celebration, and I am excited for the upcoming month of merriment! First we are bedecked in purple, yellow and bright green for Mardi Gras, the wonderful indulgence holiday of New Orleans. Falling on March 8th this year, this last ditch celebration before the devotions of Lent begin offers a bit of a chance for frivolous fun and mid week masquerading! Mardi Gras also offers the perfect excuse for a getaway, so take advantage of the celebratory atmosphere and remember to pack your best mask!

Arguably the biggest color that comes to mind in March, however, is the lucky shimmering green of the Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th, and the day beckons to both kinds of people in the world – “Those that are Irish, and those that wish they were.” As Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit and explore, I love when this time rolls around, and I’m inundated with Irish folklore, myths, and stories surrounding this little island. The green waves of color from clothes, food, drink and décor seem to be trying to mimic the lush rolling hills of the homeland, creating a bright fresh color of new life. The joy and merriment of this time of year, from leprechauns and pots of gold to a little extra luck in your day, always seems to pull me in. A favorite Irish saying of mine always seems to find me this time of year –

“Bless you and yours
As well as the cottage you live in.
May the roof overhead be well thatched
And those inside be well matched.”

I believe this is particularly important for Innkeepers and their travelers, who have the opportunities along their respective journeys to be a wealth of knowledge, comfort and joy for each other along the way!

To add to the plethora of colorful events and goings on this month, the wonderful and optimistic color pink has been named Color of the Year by Pantone. About time! I love pink, and have used it in many ways. A few of my favorite tips for using pink unexpectedly: Pink light bulbs in at least one lamp in every bedroom and the dining room, guaranteed to cast a flattering light and create a romantic atmosphere effortlessly (Pinqueslavania.com). A pale pink ceiling, which can be achieved by adding a small amount of pink to any white paint, works magic by reflecting a flattering light downwards and can be used with any wall color. Pink flowers are somehow always very special. Camellias are in bloom right now and are a long lasting classic. Roses will be coming up soon and the specific pink that pantone selected “Honeysuckle Pink” will be reflected in summer’s blooms. The shade pink is actually named for a color from the flower genus Dianthus an, an especially clear and bright shade. Pink is great with many other colors in small or large doses. Picking up on the trim from glossy wall paint, a single pink wall can really light up a room and especially a dark area. Play some light on it for instant pop. I love pink contrasted with black and shiny dark brown, but actually, there are very few colors that don’t go well with pink. Some of my very favorite shades are: Bridal Pink from Benjamin Moore, Hibiscus by Ralph Lauren, Red Earth, by Farrow and Ball, Light Sandstone from Martha Stewart Living, Checkerberry from Glidden, and Persimmon from Benjamin Moore. Just give it a try and I think you’ll find that a dose of pink will have you viewing the world through rose colored glasses.

To round off this blog, please find below more of our Guest’s Greatest Picks 2011 Award Winners!

Best Wishes,
Pamela

This Irish getaway offers a Celtic experience right in the Ozarks! The Irish Inn, our Most International Winner, provides a small, intimate setting, perfect for a quiet weekend away, small wedding, and taking in a little luck o’ the Irish.


The Historic Fairfield Inn has the oldest tavern license in Gettysburg, dating back from 1786! At the Best Bar/Pub Winner, guests will feel like they’ve stepped back in time to enjoy a pint with good friends at the Historic Fairfield Inn.


Spinnakers has much to offer guests – three guest houses, a restaurant, a pub, and a brewery all their own. Voted Best Gift Shop, their shelves are stocked with specialty beer, wine and spirits, allowing guests to take a bit of their getaway home with them.

For active guests, this Best Nearby Golf Award Winner is a must-visit! McConnell Inn offers excellent golf courses and proximity make this a perfect spot for golf enthusiasts, or those simply wanting to practice their swing during a relaxing getaway.

2011 is Off to a Great Start!

How quickly 2011 is off to a great start! It was an incredibly fast January indeed, with some encouraging and uplifting news coming out about the travel industry and the announcing of our 2011 Award Winners here at LanierBB. January has set the pace – and I think travelers and innkeepers alike are in for a fantastic year!


After the excitement of ushering in the New Year, we started getting in trends and outlooks for the next year with optimistic news about the travel industry as we move ahead and out of the recession. The dominating viewpoint is that people are more willing to travel as we begin to see a recovery in the economy, but value is still in vogue across the boards. Travelers want a unique and telling experience during their getaway, so B&Bs and inns that create a singular getaway that only they can offer allow guests to not only treasure their hard earned respite, but become loyal and returning customers and friends. Please see my article, Travel Trends in 2011, in our archive for a full list of pertinent quotes and outlooks for the coming year.

Creating an experience is exactly what our 2011 Award Winners have done. By offering a unique amenity, location, or outstanding service to guests, our Award Winners have achieved the gratitude and loyalty of their guests for a memorable experience and getaway. I want to give a well deserved and hearty congratulations to all of our 2011 Winners, who will continue to be leaders and innovators in the industry for years to come. Thank you for allowing us to share in your success by honoring your commitment to hospitality and exceptional service. The full list of our Winners can be see here, and should be pursued with a wish list at hand in order to add to the list of dream getaway spots.

Finally, during this romantic month, I want to call on innkeepers for their help in the creation of our new cookbook, titled Inn Love: Recipes for Romance. This is a free member benefit, and a perfect way to showcase your inn and your savvy cooking prowess! Please submit your recipes to ashley@travelguides.com by February 28th, 2011 in order to be featured, and as always, give our office a call if you have any questions: 888-410-2244.

With such a busy month, it’s easy to become bogged down in January. But February offers the chance to quietly escape and enjoy those around us. Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for B&Bs and Inns, as it celebrates all the core aspects of what a getaway is for – relaxing, enjoying the company of your significant other, and spending time with the person you love away from the daily distractions and stresses. Below are just a few of our award winners with perfect distractions for this Valentine’s.


First, our Most Romantic Inn, The Gables Inn in Hot Springs AR. This small inn is an intimate and luxurious place, with lushly decorated rooms and romantic gardens. The Gables Inn gives some great specials too, and is available for small weddings.



Next, the Best Sunset View winner, Elk Cove Inn and Spa in Elk CA. The stunning view of this Mendocino coast property is truly a singular sight, where you and your loved one can sit in the peaceful atmosphere and watch the beauty surround you.



The Best Linens, Comforters and Pillows Winner for 2011 is Cameron Park Inn in Raleigh, North Carolina. Snuggling up with your bedfellow in this historic inn is much too tempting to pass up!



Finally, the Best for Anniversaries property for 2011, the Copperstone Inn in Rockton IL. This expansive retreat is secluded on 130 acres, has a spa, luxuriously decorated rooms, and offers period restorations to their distinguished guests.



With sincere wishes for a lovely February,

Pamela

P.S. I just returned from the beautiful state of Hawaii and my 8th time speaking at the seminar at sea B&B conference. What a treat! Hawaii was absolutely gorgeous and the weather was perfect. I met so many wonderful innkeepers and toured some fantastic inns. The innkeepers we helped participated on the cruise were lucky enough to see the Napili coast up closed at sunset and most spectacular of all, to see the lava flow into the Pacific off the southern coast of the Big Island - a magical, mystical experience. If you’re an innkeeper or dreaming of becoming one, the dates and itinerary will be announced shortly for next year’s cruise (Caribbean here we come!) on BedandBreakfastConference.com.