Travel Inn Journal » food http://blog.wbbg.com Events, News, Ideas and Tips for Bed & Breakfast Travel in Washington State Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:06:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Innkeepers: Foodies who Bought a Bed and Breakfast http://blog.wbbg.com/innkeepers-foodies-who-bought-a-bed-and-breakfast/ http://blog.wbbg.com/innkeepers-foodies-who-bought-a-bed-and-breakfast/#comments Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:52:57 +0000 Jill Britt http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=307 Continue reading →]]>

Foodie: A person that spends a keen amount of attention and energy on knowing the ingredients of food, the proper preparation of food, and finds great enjoyment in top-notch ingredients and exemplary preparation. Urban Dictionary

Innkeepers are foodies.  I know, most people don’t think of breakfast as a culinary experience.  In fact, most renowned chefs would never darken the door of a kitchen before 10:00am.  Breakfast is eggs and cheese and milk…sausage, and muffins or scones.  Breakfast is the realm of pastry chefs and short order cooks.                                                    If you believe that, then you have never had breakfast at an inn or bnb.                                                                                                                                             Innkeepers are absolutely obsessed with breakfast.  They buy cookbooks and watch the Food Network to learn how to make the fluffiest eggs or the perfect scone.  They cook, bake, poach and saute and serve up gourmet breakfasts to friends and soon to be friends a like.  They take a simple recipe, scour the local farmers market for fresh organic ingredients and then they lovingly create a dish that would impress even the most discerning food snob.  They study vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, sugar free, no dairy recipes the same way a stock broker would study the Wall Street Journal.                        How d0 I know this?  Some of my best friends are innkeepers…and since I love food, especially good food, this works really well for me!  Sit in the room and have coffee with a couple of innkeepers and after the initial pleasantries, things like “How is business? Did you buy a new commercial dishwasher?  How do you get your sheets so soft?”  the discussion turns to food.   Recipes are shared. Ingredients are analyzed and stories are told.

A typical afternoon goes something like this…

“My guests just LOVE my poached pears!  They are organic.  I add just a touch of fresh squeezed orange juice, you know.”

“Seriously, you use orange juice? Try splitting one vanilla bean and using just a touch of cinnamon, but make sure it is Korintje cassia.”

“Well, I found the best organic greek yogurt.  Just add a little lavender honey from that great little farm in Sequim and top it with some organic berries from the Skagit valley.”

“Does anyone else add a drop of truffle oil to their veggie scramble?  The scent wafting from the kitchen is delightful and it certainly enhances the flavor of the organic veggies and blends well with the goats cheese.”

“My Bosch Grain Mill broke and I actually had to BUY wheat flour…can you imagine.  They simply can’t ship me a new one soon enough.”

These are people who know food, love food and believe in sharing that love with their guests.                                                                                                                                              Here are just a few examples.                                                                                                            Try the versatile Fruit Pasta Salad from The Shepherd’s Inn in Volcano Country within easy driving distance of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. St Helens.                                   Start your day with Eggs Florentine featured at The Blue Goose Inn in located in charming Coupeville or relax in Aberdeen at The Harbor View Inn and enjoy their specialty,Apple Cinnamon Tart Souffle.

Need more?  Just visit our website to learn how to create a breakfast fit for a king…or a guest.

So next time you consider a getaway, visit a BnB.  Not only do they have comfy beds, soft, elegant, sheets and friendly innkeepers, they also serve a breakfast perfect for the foodie in all of us.

Book you next getaway today and discover Washington, one delicious breakfast and one delightful inn at a time.

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/innkeepers-foodies-who-bought-a-bed-and-breakfast/feed/ 0 Stay green in the Evergreen State http://blog.wbbg.com/stay-green-in-the-evergreen-state/ http://blog.wbbg.com/stay-green-in-the-evergreen-state/#comments Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:57:49 +0000 Crystal Harrison http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=249 Continue reading →]]>

In the Evergreen state we like to embrace living green. Eco friendly living can be many things, but should always include being a good environmental steward, sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint. Members of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild have made the commitment to live green and provide eco friendly lodging for all guests. Every green inn has an individual personality that is represented in their green activities. You will discover a whole new level of recycling, composting, organic gardening, water conservation, energy saving appliances, environmentally friendly soaps and shampoos. When you sit down to your multi-course breakfast you can enjoy the free-range eggs and organic produce from the local farmer and the herbs grown in the innkeepers garden. Relax during your stay at any green Washington bed and breakfast.  Checkout the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild member who won the Green Leaf award for environmental stewardship, Hillside House in Friday Harbor. If you drive green, make a reservation at the Blue Goose Inn in Coupeville, where hybrid vehicles enjoy special treatment. Discover Washington the Evergreen state…One Inn at a Time.

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/stay-green-in-the-evergreen-state/feed/ 0 Girlfriends Getaway is a Great Escape http://blog.wbbg.com/girlfriends-getaway-is-a-great-escape/ http://blog.wbbg.com/girlfriends-getaway-is-a-great-escape/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:24:23 +0000 Crystal Harrison http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=244 Continue reading →]]>

The kids are finally back in school. No more sandy sneakers, wet beach towels, sunscreen, bug repellant and campfire marshmallows stuck in your hair. It’s time for you to sit back and relax. Grab a few of your girlfriends and pick the perfect bed and breakfast to pamper you, while you catch up on sleep and girlfriend time. Head to the coast to walk on the beach or enjoy the splendor of a beautiful garden. Wine tasting in Wine Country is always a favorite. After all the running around this summer you may want to sit back and enjoy the view and maybe an old movie. Delicious food is always the highlight of any girlfriend getaway and a Washington Bed and Breakfast will always provide a high quality, multi-course breakfast–and they do the dishes! Your innkeeper will be delighted to tell you all the best restaurants in the area and of course the best places to shop. It’s time to enjoy some “me” time, so call your girlfriends and escape to a Washington Bed and Breakfast. Members of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild are independently inspected and approved to assure each guest receives the highest standard of hospitality and cleanliness.

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/girlfriends-getaway-is-a-great-escape/feed/ 0 Beat the heat at a Washington Bed and Breakfast http://blog.wbbg.com/beat-the-heat-at-a-washington-bed-and-breakfast/ http://blog.wbbg.com/beat-the-heat-at-a-washington-bed-and-breakfast/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:08:14 +0000 Crystal Harrison http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=241 Continue reading →]]>

As natives of Washington we love summer but we don’t always enjoy the heat. Escape the heat and relax at a local bed and breakfast. Washington state has so much to offer with a weekend trip to the Islands, Coast, Mountains, City, Peninsula or east to wine country. Cool off with some air conditioning or cool ocean breezes. Enjoy a stroll in the garden and take in all the summer beauty. The best way for me to relax is with a cool drink, fresh baked cookie and a book curled up on the front porch. Eating well and relaxing are the perfect refresher after a long week. Plan your next weekend at a Washington Bed and Breakfast. All members of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild are independently inspected and approved to assure guests will receive the highest level of cleanliness and hospitality. Discover Washington…One Inn At A Time.

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/beat-the-heat-at-a-washington-bed-and-breakfast/feed/ 0 Give your Dad a Father’s Day adventure http://blog.wbbg.com/give-your-dad-a-fathers-day-gift-of-peace-and-quiet/ http://blog.wbbg.com/give-your-dad-a-fathers-day-gift-of-peace-and-quiet/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:21:09 +0000 Crystal Harrison http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=209 Continue reading →]]>

Does your Dad like to fish, kayak, hike, bike? He can do all of this and more when he stays at any of Washington’s top-rated Bed and Breakfasts. Innkeepers from the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild will help Dad find his little piece of heaven whether it’s on the water or in the woods. While Dad’s on his adventure you can be assured that he will also be well taken care of with a comfortable bed, clean room and delicious hearty  breakfast. You can also tell Dad–no limits on the cookie jar! Let Dad choose his adventure desitination with a WBBG Gift Certificate. All Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns are independently inspected and approved to meet the highest levels of hospitality and cleanliness.

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/give-your-dad-a-fathers-day-gift-of-peace-and-quiet/feed/ 0 The Queen of Cookies http://blog.wbbg.com/the-queen-of-cookies/ http://blog.wbbg.com/the-queen-of-cookies/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:36:35 +0000 Nathan Allan http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=187 Continue reading →]]>

It seems to appear that we have a challenger for the title of “Queen of Cookies” in our ranks. Barbara Knudson at the Inn at Blackberry Creek, in Walla Walla,  is on a mission to share just about every conceivable cookie recipe. Over at her blog she is journaling about the cookies and providing mouth-watering photos.

With spring now with us Walla Walla makes a great destination. Book your Bed and Breakfast early for the Spring release weekend (happening the end of April 2010), where you can sample and buy some of the best wines of the region. Even if you miss out on this weekend, Walla Walla makes a great getaway for a short or long vacation. Tour wineries, hike or bike the town. Sample the many top class restaurants. Just remember those cookies of Barbara’s just might be addictive!

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/the-queen-of-cookies/feed/ 0 Gift Certificates for the best Washington bed and breakfasts http://blog.wbbg.com/gift-certificates-for-the-best-washington-bed-and-breakfasts/ http://blog.wbbg.com/gift-certificates-for-the-best-washington-bed-and-breakfasts/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:38:11 +0000 Crystal Harrison http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=64 Continue reading →]]>

Finding the perfect gift can be challenging for anyone. My favorite gift is a getaway that allows me to choose my own experience, creating memories along the way. Do I want to play outdoors, go shopping or snuggle by the fire? I want to do all of these things and I always want to eat well.   A Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild gift certificate can be used at any member inn across the state of Washington. All WBBG member inns are independently inspected and approved to guarantee quality lodging, service and hospitality.  Find your perfect gift at wbbg.com.

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/gift-certificates-for-the-best-washington-bed-and-breakfasts/feed/ 0 Why Visit Walla Walla? or Where to find the finest wines in Washington State http://blog.wbbg.com/why-visit-walla-walla-or-where-to-find-the-finest-wines-in-washington-state/ http://blog.wbbg.com/why-visit-walla-walla-or-where-to-find-the-finest-wines-in-washington-state/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:19:30 +0000 Jill Britt http://blog.wbbg.com/why-visit-walla-walla-or-where-to-find-the-finest-wines-in-washington-state/ Continue reading →]]>

1. Scenery The drive is truly breathtaking.  From Seattle, climb over the majestic, snow capped Cascade Mountains and then cut through the heart of farm country on I-82.  Your trip takes you through farmland and orchards, but  views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier are an added bonus.

2.  Wine The number of wineries, good wineries is growing rapidly in Walla Walla.  Those who truly know and love wine fly into Walla Walla from all over the United States for premier wine weekends.      L’Ecole N 41, Pepper Bridge, Cayuse, Three Rivers, Leonetti, Woodward Canyon…The number of wineries dotting the region seems endless.  If you love reds, you will love Walla Walla.

3.  Food Where there is good wine there is good food…really good food.  Enough said!

4.  Higher Education Whitman College, a selective liberal arts institution located in the heart of town is a truly wonderful place to send your son or daughter for a top notch education.  It is also a great excuse to visit Walla Walla again and again.

5.  Accomodations Walla Walla offers a number of places to relax, unwind and be pampered.  A bed and breakfast is the perfect choice.  Innkeepers know the area and can suggest the very best restaurants, wineries and local events.  Let them highlight your map, create the perfect driving tour of the area or suggest the most romantic walking route through town.  Comfy beds, fluffy pillows, gourmet breakfasts and friendly innkeepers are all part of the bed and breakfast experience.  Some offer spa services, gourmet dinners, hot tubs and swimming pools.  Let them do the work while you simply eat, drink and be merry!

Since I began traveling to Walla Walla in 2005, alot has changed, yet a lot has stayed the same.  The explosion of good wineries has brought with it excellant restaurants, unique cultural events and first class accomodations.  Still much has stayed the same.  Walla Walla still retains its small town college feel.  It has a charming downtown area with good shopping, great coffee and fun eateries.  The people are friendly, the streets feel safe and people still smile as you pass on the sidewalk.  Walla Walla is a good getaway any time of the year, but be prepared to return again and again.  So much fun, food, wine and relaxation and so little time.

Click here to find a great place to stay in Washington Wine Country.

Winter is a great time to explore Washington State, one inn at a time.

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/why-visit-walla-walla-or-where-to-find-the-finest-wines-in-washington-state/feed/ 0 A New Year’s Resolution http://blog.wbbg.com/a-new-year%e2%80%99s-resolution/ http://blog.wbbg.com/a-new-year%e2%80%99s-resolution/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:24:20 +0000 Jill Britt http://blog.wbbg.com/a-new-year%e2%80%99s-resolution/ Continue reading →]]>

Resolve to do something for yourself this year.     Resolve to do something for your neighbor.
Six reasons why you should stay in a bed and breakfast in 2010

1. Have you always wanted to stay in a home on the water? How about on the islands? Maybe you want to wake up and take a walk in the snow or a stroll thru downtown Seattle. Staying in a bed and breakfast gives you the chance to live like a local and wake up with views you have only dreamed about.
2. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Wake up to steaming hot coffee, fluffy pancakes, omelets made from fresh eggs. Do you prefer all organic? How about vegetarian? Innkeepers DO think that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so sit back, relax and let them create the perfect morning meal. Yes, that is why it is called a bed and breakfast!
3. Be pampered. Many inns and bed and breakfasts include spa services, breakfast in your room, romantic candlelight dinners. Call and let the innkeeper help you plan the perfect getaway.
4. Support your local economy. Innkeepers are your neighbors….small businessman. They live local, buy local and support the local economy. They choose products grown in Washington. Get tips from them on where to buy fresh local cheeses, the best organic produce or soaps, chocolates….any number of things made just down the street!
5. Have your own personal concierge. No need to stay in a pricey, impersonal downtown hotel to receive help with reservations or tips on what to see and do. Ask your innkeeper. They will be happy to help you plan the perfect afternoon drive, direct you to the very best shopping or suggest their favorite restaurant. They live local and know local. You can’t find a better concierge.

6. Everyone deserves a vacation, even while watching their budget. There is no need to purchase expensive plane tickets, book rental cars or waste precious time in airports. Take a long weekend and hop in your car. The water, the mountains, wine country or Pike Place market are all just a short drive away.

2010 is the year to resolve to stay within your budget, take a vacation and support your local economy. 2010 is the year to travel through Washington State, one inn at a time!

]]> http://blog.wbbg.com/a-new-year%e2%80%99s-resolution/feed/ 0 Christmas, trains, snow and breakfast http://blog.wbbg.com/christmas-trains-snow-and-breakfast/ http://blog.wbbg.com/christmas-trains-snow-and-breakfast/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:37:15 +0000 Crystal Harrison http://blog.wbbg.com/?p=45 Continue reading →]]>

Christmas, trains, snow and breakfast are what make a trip to Leavenworth fun and unique. You can now take the train from Seattle to see this quaint German town in the heart of Washington. Experience Leavenworth’s Christmas tree lighting and unique gift shops, go back to your cozy bed and breakfast for some hot chocolate, sink into your comforter for a good night’s rest and wake to the delicious smells of an innkeeper’s breakfast. After breakfast enjoy some snow shoeing, cross-country skiing or sit by the fire and nap. Quality lodging in Levenworth can be found at these independently inspected and approved inns; Autumn Pond Bed and Breakfast, Beecher Hill Bed and Breakfast, Bosch Garten Bed and Breakfast, Cashmere Mountain Bed and Breakfast, Cottonwood Shores Bed and Breakfast, Enchanted River Inn, and Pine River Ranch. Find Leavenworth’s best bed and breakfasts, part of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild, at wbbg.com and search for Leavenworth.

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