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.

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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!

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

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 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.

Yes, there is a beautiful BnB back there!

Rustic elegance in winter

Eagle Skating on Otters Pond

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.

More and more innkeepers are discovering the value of Facebook and Twitter.  Keeping up with friends and family via social media is easy and fun, but consider following your favorite restaurant, boutique or B&B.  What you can learn from Facebook is not only fun…it can be informative and profitable.  You never know when you will find the perfect spot for your next romantic getaway or the perfect spot for a family reunion.  Visit these 4 reasons to follow your favorite B&B on Facebook.

1.  Enjoy the view.    Most inns or Bed and Breakfasts are located in beautiful spots and afford views that most of us only dream of.  Travel through Washington and enjoy the natural beauty, post by post.

2.  Recipes.  Innkeepers are experts at creating beautiful, bountiful breakfasts, and they are always willing to share their favorite recipes.  Facebook is a great place to check out a photo of their newest creations….and follow a link to the recipe.  In this case, check out their YouTube Video with instructions….right on Facebook!

The Shepherd’s Inn Bed and Breakfast   

Enjoy making fruit filling just like this for crepes or pancakes with your favorite fruit!

3.  Weather  Miss the snow?  Wonder what Orcas Island looks like covered in 12 inches of pristine snow?  Wind, rain, waves, rainbows, stormy sunsets…Better than a weather report.  Let innkeepers share their seasons with you.

4.  Latest Special, Deals or Values   Everyone likes to save money, and Facebook gives innkeepers the chance to let you know about upcoming holiday packages and also those great last minute money saving deals.  If you have a favorite B&B, follow them on Twitter or “Like” them on Facebook.  More and more innkeepers are connecting with their guests through social media.

A Hidden Haven Special! Book Two Nights Get Third Night Free! Not to include holidays. Call toll free 1 877 418 0938 mention facebook. Offer ends December 31st 2011.

If you weren’t on Facebook you missed this one time offer from Sleeping Bulldog offered last fall.

Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast

The viaduct is closing for nine days on Friday. For those in West Seattle who want to avoid the traffic how about a stay vacation here!?! 20% off for those who live in West Seattle. Two night minimum stay required.  (Sorry, this offer has expired)

The most efficient way to keep up with the very best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Washington is by visiting  http://wbbg.com/. Find a bed and breakfast, inspected and approved and reserve your next getaway online right from our website.  Wanna learn more about our innkeepers, hear from their guests and see what they have to offer?  Visit our inns on Facebook and “Like” the best of Washington, one inn at a time.

Join small business owners on Saturday, November 26 and support your local economy.  On the busiest shopping weekend of the year, visit a local small business and help make a difference.  Many of us think of the small gift shop or specialty clothing store, but don’t forget all the other choices you have: the hardward store, the pharmacy, the pizzeria or corner bakery…buy flowers from the local florist…there are a number of ways to participate.

Join small business owners on Saturday, November 26 and support your local economy.  On the busiest shopping weekend of the year, visit a local small business and help make a difference.  Many of us think of the small gift shop or specialty clothing store, but don’t forget all the other choices you have: the hardward store, the pharmacy, the pizzeria or corner bakery…buy flowers from the local florist…there are a number of ways to participate.

If you plan to make a weekend of shopping, then consider a short getaway.  Visit a local bed and breakfast and enjoy the personal service, great food and all the small special touches you find when you choose to avoid the “chain” hotels.

Why a small business?

1.  They are people just like you. They live, work and raise their families in your community.  They pay taxes, employee your neighbors and they often shop for everything from organic eggs, fine linens and tasty coffee from other local small businesses.  When you support one small business, you are often supporting a number of others with this “waterfall” effect.

2.  Small business supports your community.  Look at the logo on the back of your son or daughter”s soccer league jersey.  Read the “Thank You” notes tacked to the wall at your corner pizzeria from the local boy scout troop after the generous donation to their fundraising drive.  Consider how often you bid on a weekend getaway donated by a local bed and breakfast to your favorite non-profit organization.  Small businesses get involved.

3.  Get a deal!  Don’t overlook the small business for the best deal.  Sometimes the deal is price, but often it is service.  When dealing with a local business….they want you to return again and again.  They want to be sure you are happy.  They want to give you the best product, best service, best experience possible.  They want more than just your money…they want an ongoing relationship.

So, how can you become involved.  First, visit  http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/  a site created by American Express, the sponsor of Small Business Saturday and learn more.

Next,  ”Like” this and support through Facebook.  Share the link with your friends and get them involved.  http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday

Watch this video and learn why we are celebrating Small Business Saturday again this year.  http://youtu.be/wBJJUWt47rk

Doom and gloom.  It is everywhere…cable news, local tv, magazines, newspapers and every genre of radio.   Even blogs will tell you just how bad the economy is.  Many small businesses are suffering.  Many will not survive.

I talk to a lot of innkeepers, all across the United States, and for many of them, business is good.  Yes, many have seen better years,  but for a large segment of the Bed and Breakfast industry, business is good….and getting better.   Although a number of innkeepers report a slow and disappointing spring 2011, they are thrilled that summer business did pick up and guests are returning and new people are discovering the delight of staying in a bed and breakfast.

So, in today’s doom and gloom economy, why are our innkeepers staying busy, when other businesses are closing, laying off employees or cutting back in 2011.

1.  Local travel.  Considering the escalating costs of air travel and the average price at the pump fluctuating daily, many people are choosing to travel local, often times driving less than 2 hours from home.  Guests are discovering the beauty and charm that is literally “in their own backyard.”  Local travel is less stressful, more cost effective and promotes your local economy.  Bed and breakfasts are located in some of the most beautiful small towns, bustling urban centers and pastoral centers in the country.

2.  Personal service.  After wading through refinancing their mortgages, performance reviews at work, balancing and re-balancing the family budget, people want personal service.  They want someone to help:  help make room choices or dinner reservations.  After making countless critical decisions in day to day life, they want someone to hand them a map, offer helpful hints and assist them with a stress free getaway.  Innkeepers chose this business because they love to help.  Introducing guests to their local restaurants, parks and favorite spots is a favorite task of bnb owners.  They are the experts and want to share their best with you…and they won’t charge you extra for it.

3.  Exceptional value.  Bed and breakfasts have always  offered real value for your hard earned dollar, but today, more than ever, they strive to make your trip “worth it”.  These are hard working, small business people that understand how important every dollar is. Innkeepers take great time and care in creating your breakfast, preparing your room and having plenty of local information at your fingertips.  They work hard to make your stay not just enjoyable, but memorable.

Speaking of all those $$$…. Although you will find that many innkeepers offer last minute values or special packages, you probably won’t see the same type of deep, deep last minute discounts offered by large hotel chains.  Remember, a bed and breakfast is just one inn, usually family owned and operated.  Every dollar counts to them….just like it does to you.  They can’t depend on the profits of one set of 100 hotels in one part of the country offsetting losses in another.   There is no big corporate office to manage profits and losses across 1000 hotels.  They work hard daily to offer you freshly brewed coffee, delectable breakfast offerings,  unique amenities and truly personal service. This is their job and oftentimes their only source of income.  One big difference between your local bed and breakfast and a chain hotel…if you have a question, need something special or just aren’t pleased with some part of your stay, you don’t need to send an email to customerservice@a majorhotelchain.com.   Just ask the innkeeper.  Just tell then what you need.  Give them your opinion.   Ask them for information.  They are there, ready and willing to make your stay more than just a value.  No far off corporate office here.  At a bed and breakfast you always know that your are valued by those “at the top”….the owners!

In today’s world, people need a break.  In today’s economy, more than ever, they need a value.  Visit a local bed and breakfast.  Take a break and discover real value.  Discover why there is no doom and gloom at your local bed and breakfast.  The pillows are fluffed, the coffee is fresh and hot and the cookies just popped out of the oven.  What are you waiting for?

LaConner WA

This year we planned a trip to the Pacific Northwest with stops in Seattle, the San Juan Islands, LaConner, as well as the Olympic Peninsula.  We really wanted to include Walla Walla, but there is just so much to see and so little time…we figured we would visit the Washington Wine Country via the Columbia River Gorge next year.  Life happens and we had to cancel our trip.

I am sad.  This was going to be a good…no a great trip.  No matter how much time I spend in Washington state, I ALWAYS look forward to returning.  The weather is mild, the scenery is beautiful, the cities are interesting and the people are friendly and fun.  Did I mention the food?  Fresh, local, organic…great chefs, eclectic restaurants and seafood…oh the seafood.

Well, since I did not get to take my trip, I thought I would share my itinerary with you.  After all, why let all that planning go to waste.

1.  Arrive at SeaTac and head downtown.  Just take the Central Link light rail to Seattle.  This is convenient and affordable.  No need to drive into town and hunt for a place to park.  Take advantage of Seattle’s exceptional transit system and live like a local.  You can easily take a bus or taxi to a number of wonderful bed and breakfasts located in some of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhood.  Choose one of these wonderful Seattle BnBs.   If you would rather rent a car, choose one of our charming BnBs located within minutes of SeaTac.  They make a great place to start or end your trip if you are flying.

2.  After staying in one of the Seattle BnBs, we planned to rent a car downtown and head north up I-5.  Our destination, LaConner, a charming artist community located on a quiet channel off the sound.  This small, quaint town is a great place start your Washington state adventure.  Stroll the historic Main Street, dine in my favorite restaurant, Nell Thorn, and wake up the next morning to a steaming cup of coffee and freshly prepared breakfast at one of our local inns.

3.  Next, travel to Bellingham via Chuckanut Drive.  Wind through Bow/Edison and stock up on freshly baked breads, artisan cheeses from Samish Bay Cheese and some of the finest baked goods from the Farm to Market Bakery.  Bow/Edison is a favorite of cyclists, hikers and anyone who enjoys fresh, organic food and spectacular views of the sound.  After visiting the quaint shops and fine restaurants in Fairview, just below Bellingham, visit one of our delightful bed and breakfasts and enjoy the views of Mount Baker.

From here you can easily visit British Columbia….Vancouver, Whistler or even take a ferry to Victoria and Vancouver Island.  Whatever you choose, all roads….and ferries lead back to Washington state and more great adventures.

Next….What to do on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula.

Join me as I discover Washington, one windy lane, one organic bakery and one breathtaking view….at a time.

Shelburne Inn

Lots of people think about purchasing a bed and breakfast.  Many dream of early retirement, financial independence and a more casual lifestyle.  For many the very idea of giving up the early morning commute, 8:00am  meetings, lunch at a desk and endless deadlines has become more than a dream, it is now a goal.

There are a number of compelling reasons to buy your own business. Certainly a good case can be made for purchasing a bed and breakfast.  If you have ever considered….or dreamed of owning your own inn, then let me encourage you ….just a little!

Bosch Garten

1.  No commute.  With a 9-5 job your commute can be 15 minutes or 2 hours.  It can cost a little or a lot, depending on the price at the pump.  In a bnb, your commute is about…..3 minutes.  This usually involves opening a door, walking down the hall and….well, that is about it!

Cozy Rose

2.  No boring early morning meetings.  No more rushing to that early morning team meeting, notebook, iPad or Blackberry in hand, hoping they have fresh coffee because the line at the Starbucks drive thru was just TOO long that morning.  Meetings have been replaced by breakfast.  Granted, this takes a little skill.  Fluffy omelets, buttery croissants and poached pears don’t just magically appear.  Think about this…instead of setting up your powerpoint presentation in the conference room or logging into GotoMeeting, you actually present breakfast, to real people, who want to be there….and who are looking forward to it!  This brings me to ….

Otters Pond

3.  Leave the competitive rat race.  You know the person perched at the desk three cubicles down wants your job.  What if the other sales person beats the quota this month…will you be out?   Certainly many of your “team” members sitting at that round table hope YOU are the one downsized…and may just be happy to help make that happen.  Not so with a bed and breakfast.  Your guests want you to succeed.  They want you to come to work everyday.  If you do a great job, they will encourage you.  All those people sitting around the breakfast table in the morning gushing over your Cinnamon Coffee Cake and fresh strawberry parfait do not want to see you fail.  Granted a few may want your job, but that does not involve a meeting with human resources, a severance package or a boot out the door.  Most simply want to sit over a glass of Merlot or a cup of tea and find out just how you got your great job, anyway!

Boreas

4.  Make your own decisions.  Don’t you just hate it….you had a great idea, pitched it to your boss and that was it.  Nothing changed.  Nothing happened.  Business as usual.  In a bed and breakfast, you call the shots.  You make the rules.  You create your own world.  You decide what and when for breakfast.  Check in time…you decide.  King beds or Queen, you decide.  Flatscreens and cable, wireless internet, rocking chairs on the front porch…yep, you decide.  Do you want to work on Christmas, Thanksgiving or even your birthday?  No…then go to your computer, flip on that reservation system, check a few blocks and voila!  Suddenly your inn is “closed” the day of your 25th anniversary.  No clearing it with the boss, applying for vacation time or switching shifts.  You decide and you make it happen.

Swantown Inn

5.  Do you like the people you work with?  Innkeepers do. Innkeepers generally like their guests.  Guests are fun, interesting people with great stories.  Welcoming guests into your inn is like bringing the world to your doorstep.   Conversation with guests goes two ways…they really want to know about you and you want to know about them.  You can meet the most interesting, surprising and unique people as an innkeeper.  This leads me to…

The Blue Goose

6.  Guests only stay a few days.   You know there is always that one person at work you just wish would go away.  When they are on vacation, your life is just so much nicer.   Perhaps they have incredibly annoying habits…maybe they are loud or just plain inconsiderate.  If you work with them, then chances are, you will see them everyday….all day….over and over again.  Not so with guests.  Guests only stay a day…or two…or maybe even five.  The truth is, with hundreds…even thousands of people stopping by your inn, there are some that you will like better than others.  The other truth is that everyone, even your absolute favorite people will at some point check out and go home.

A Harborview

This is just a very short list of “whys”.  Need some help with the where?  Follow this link and discover Washington and live your dream…one inn at a time.

Arlington's River Rock Inn

I actually started a blog several months ago about unique wedding venues in Washington state.  It was a nice little blog with pictures and links and information, but I just wasn’t “sold” on the content so it never got published.  I really did not have any experience in wedding planning. That was the problem.

A Hidden Haven

Well, all that has changed!  My daughter is getting married in January, 2012 and I am the wedding planner, mother of the bride, host, creative consultant, errand “boy”, official cake taster (really liking this part)  and, best of all, budget and finance director.    Since we are fairly early in the process, I am not even sure what new responsibility will turn up next.   Consider all of the above and then add to that, that the bride and groom live in Dallas, TX and the wedding is here, in our present home town, Charleston, SC.  So, not only am I the

Shafer Baillie Mansion

executive director of the biggest event in my daughter’s life (at least up to this point) but we are having a long distance “wedding planning relationship”.    After only a few days of internet surfing, driving around in circles, emails, phone calls and lunches with friends, I have come to a conclusion:

• This is stressful
• I want to be less stressed
• I need to find someone to help.

A Cottage Creek

So, back to my original blog about inns and bed and breakfasts that do weddings.  I do believe I am going to take my own advice. That blog that never got published outlined some pretty good reasons for choosing a bed and breakfast or inn for your wedding venue.  Now is the time to share my thoughts…since I am becoming more experienced by the hour.

There are a number of reasons to choose a bed and breakfast inn for your venue.

Camano Island Inn

1.  Location.  Most BnBs are situated in beautiful areas with spectacular views, ample privacy and real authentic charm.  Forget expensive decorations or creative lighting.  Enjoy the natural beauty of the setting as well as the ambiance already created by a thoughtful innkeeper.

Pine River Ranch

2. Excellent lodging.  Whether you need rooms for the wedding party, the mother of the bride, or your grandparents from Boise….you will be guaranteed great accommodations and personalized service.  If you are the mother of the bride, or even the bride, you do not have time to personally care for every out of town guest…let the innkeeper do it…they are pros at this stuff and they genuinely want to do it.

Roberts Mansion

3.  Someone to help with your special day.  Most BnBs that do weddings have guidelines, just like all other venues.  When you choose a BnB, you are choosing that innkeeper to help you organize your day and keep things on track.  Most will sit down with you, discuss exactly how you want your day to go and then will assist you.  If a BnB does weddings, then they want to do “perfect” weddings…that is just how innkeepers are.

The Swantown Inn

4.  Package it up and tie it in a nice little bow.  Many inns have wedding packages.  This helps you organize your day, set your vision and stay within your budget.  Packages can include flowers, wedding cake, decorations, officiant, as well as spa packages for the bride/groom or wedding party, receptions catered in house and overnight accommodations.  A BnB can become your “one stop shop” for your big event.  Think stress free planning here!

The Fairgate

5.  Your innkeeper really is information central.  Innkeepers know their area.  Innkeepers who do weddings know what makes a great wedding at their property.  Let them suggest the most talented florist,  the most trusted caterer, the most creative bakery. Need music?  They know someone.  Need more rooms for your wedding party?  They will suggest the best additional accommodations in the area.  Need a perfect place for that bachelor party…I suspect they will have a suggestion for that too.

Charles Nelson Guesthouse

There are a number of inns and bed and breakfast in Washington that would love to welcome you and your wedding party.   Discover Washington and search for that special place for your big event…..one romantic inn at a time.

Carson Ridge

Groveland Cottage

Cameo Heights Mansion

The Abel House

Doveshire Bed and Breakfast

Harrison House Suites

Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast, located in the Jackson Place neighborhood is known for more than just gracious accommodations and excellent service.  These innkeepers decided to be as “green” as possible when they began planning this new venture.  Along with all the eco-friendly things guests in the Pacific Northwest have come to expect like recycling, buying local and encouraging public transportation, they made the decision to invest in
green energy as well.  After purchasing the property, they replaced the roof and added solar panels.  Even with all the overcast, rainy days in Seattle, they are just about “off the grid” in power/electric usage.  They say the rain is a bonus…it keeps the panels clean so they actually work more efficiently.

Not only have they made the solar investment, they also added a tankless water heater which has allowed them to save even more energy….and money.

If you are wondering if solar panels are for you, spend a night at Sleeping Bulldog and ask the innkeepers about their experience going “green” with solar.

Many of our Washington inns are going green and finding unique ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.    Now is the time to discover Washington and learn how we make a difference….one inn at a time.