Lovely Lavender in July

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Jill Britt

I love lavender.  I love the way it looks, smells, feels….I love all the things it can do….I just love lavender.

Really, there are so many reasons to love lavender.  Lavender has long been used medicinally.  It’s soothing properties are helpful to reduce headaches and calm tension.  Throughout history lavender has been used to repel insects, induce restful sleep and alleviate anxiety.  Culinary lavender adds a unique flavor to everything from ice cream to cookies.  Lavender infused butters, sugars and creamers are a delightful addition to any meal.  Above all else, lavender is beautiful.  Mature lavender sprouts fragrant purple flowers from ornamental bushes.  Oftentimes, in the heat of the sun, you can smell a lavender field long before you see it.

So many things grow in Washington, but I never dreamed that Sequim, on the Olympic Peninsula had the perfect climate and soil to grow acres and acres of lavender.  With a number of lavender farms in the area, Sequim has organized a world class Lavender Festival every July.  This year, from July 20 through July 22,  seven local lavender farms open their gates and invite you to tour their prized fields.  This combined with a fantastic street fair in charming downtown Sequim makes for a great weekend getaway.

We offer a number of great places to stay in the area. Each is different, but all will offer warm hospitality, sumptuous breakfast, unique accommodations and perhaps best of all, knowledgeable innkeepers.  Need to know the best place to buy culinary lavender?  Which restaurant is including culinary lavender in their menu?  Where is the best place to park to take advantage of the Sequim street fair?  These local innkeepers will be happy to help…just ask!

Red Caboose Getaway:  Nine private cabooses (6 ready for boarding) are located on several acres in Sequim.  Enjoy breakfast in their beautifully restored dining car.  Combine the Lavender Festival with this unique lodging experience.

 

Groveland Cottage:  Originally built in 1886, this updated bed and breakfast is a great spot for family travel as well as group getaways.  Surrounded by gardens, there is always something in bloom to enjoy.

 

Dungeness Barn House Bed and Breakfast:  The newest addition to our membership, this inn offers beautiful views of the water, modern amenities, breakfasts crafted with fresh local ingredients and beautiful gardens.

 

 

Sea Cliff Gardens Bed & Breakfast:  Located on  a bluff with views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this inn offers modern amenities combined with beauty and privacy.  Breakfast with a view of their world class gardens is a plus.  This in is a must for anyone who gardens.

 

Colette’s Bed & Breakfast:  This 10 acre ocean front estate offers sweeping views across the   strait well as private rooms nestled among their professionally tended gardens.  While enjoying a multi-course breakfast you may catch a glimpse of eagles in flight.

 

\

A Hidden Haven and Water Garden Cottages:  With five private cottages located on 20 secluded acres…this is a naturalist paradise.  Enjoy breakfast in your cottage and then stroll through the private paths, created so guests can enjoy these naturally beautiful surroundings.

 

This July discover the delights of lavender across the Olympic Peninsula, one inn at a time!

 

 

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Jill Britt

Yes, it is March and there is snow in the pass….lots and lots of snow in the pass.  I follow

Otters Pond

Otter Peeking thru the Ice

lots of inns and BnBs on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and this time of year is an especially fun time to check what is happening in Washington state.

Although Washington is known for being beautifully lush and green, there is something captivating about the mountains, the foot hills and yes, even the islands when they are blanketed in snow, so this morning I did a little search across the internet and wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of winter in Washington with you. Even in winter, our innkeepers are open and waiting to welcome you to their own personal winter wonderland.

Yes, it is late March and spring is just around the corner, but for now, let’s take one last

Pine River Ranch

Pine River Ranch in the snow

look at winter in Washington state.  Even in winter, our innkeepers are open and waiting to welcome you to their own personal winter wonderland.  Sit by the fire enjoy the view and discover Washington, one inn, one frosty lake and one glorious snowman at a time!

Click here to find your next getaway.

 

 

 

Enchanted River Inn

Yes, there is a beautiful BnB back there!

Arlingtons River Rock Inn

Rustic elegance in winter

Otters Pond Bed and Breakfast

Eagle Skating on Otters Pond

Posted in News | Leave a comment

Celebrate Valentines Day with a Getaway and More

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Jill Britt

Valentines Day is almost here, but you are not too late to create a fun, romantic and memorable getaway for that someone special.  Check out the ideas below.

1.  Chocolate is a Valentines Day staple…but how about custom designed M&Ms?  It is not too late to have these delectable little chocolates embossed with a romantic image or phrase.  Choose the color, choose the words, choose the picture.  One idea, use these little candies to propose.   Giving an entire pound of M&Ms embossed with “Marry Me” not just clever, but memorable.  What a great story to tell you grandkids!

Order Here!    http://www.mymms.com/holidays/valentines_day.aspx

 

2.  You can say love without ever saying a word….have a dozen read roses delivered with a special card attached.  This is a timeless way to say I love you.  For an extra added touch, tuck a gift certificate to a romantic restaurant among the buds and spend the evening out.

3.  Do a scavenger hunt.  This is always fun and can be very affordable.  Collect lots of fun little gifts:  a cute little teddy bear sporting I Love You on his t-shirt, a small spray of fresh flowers, romantic cards (homemade is good)…..be creative.  Send that special someone on the treasure hunt that leads to…..

4.  A weekend getaway.  Valentines Day is time to get away…away from friends, family, kids, work…the world….and just spend time together.  Choose a local inn or bed and breakfast and let them help you create the perfect weekend.  Innkeepers usually have 2 to 10 rooms and they not only specialize in personal service….they thrive on it.  Innkeepers are familiar with the best local florist, most romantic restaurant, most romantic couples massage package.  Your innkeeper can help you put together the perfect weekend.

Your Innkeeper can:

  • Place those M&Ms strategically on the nightstand…where he/she will be sure to notice them
  • Position those red roses next to the romantic fireplace and  add your romantic card
  • Drop that very last hint from your scavenger hunt by the big jetted tub for two, complete with scented bath salts and soft music.
If you plan to “pop the question” this Valentines Day, our innkeepers can do just about everything but….well, actually propose.  That is up to you, but they would be happy to help you create the perfect setting for that memorable moment.
So, this year let one of our experienced innkeepers help you create the perfect getaway weekend.  Our members are specialists in “special”.  Whether you need dinner reservations, spa appointments, chocolates and flowers, let them help.  
There is still time to reserve a special weekend at one of our unique BnBs.
Experience romantic Washington state, one special BnB at a time.

 

Posted in News | Leave a comment