Bed & Breakfast - Holiday Edition 2019

Bed & B

L ION A I T EC EDI P S Y A ID L HO

FALL/WINTER

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE I HOLIDAY EDITION

$12.99

B&B Christmas Cookie Tour

12 TRADITIONAL RECIPES

Celebrate the Season HISTORICAL INNS

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COLETTE PUBLICATIONS

Christmas Cookies & Tea Pairings

Bed & Breakfast FALL/WINTER 2019 Volume 2 • Issue 1 editorial Publisher & Editor Nicolette Johnston

ADVERTISING Please contact us at: ads@colettepublications.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, visit our website at www.colettepublications.com To update your address please email: subscriptions@colettepublications.com EDITORIAL To submit letters to the editor, or a query letter, please mail: editorial@colettepublications.com

COLETTE PUBLICATIONS:

Bed & Breakfast MAGAZINE

& CHATEAUX & CASTLES QUARTERLY This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Colette Publications as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

Printed in the United States.

© COLETTE PUBLICATIONS PO Box 2775 Minden, NV 89423 www.colettepublications.com

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EMBRACING

the holiday season

Letter from the Editor

What a year! We successfully published all four issues since we launched with the premier issue last October. We sold our magazine in Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and numerous independent bookstores throughout the Northeast. We expanded into newsstands in Canada (including Walmart Canada and more). But the most touching thing about this year was reaching all the bed and breakfast enthusiasts, mainly those like myself who have always dreamed about owning their own B&B one day. When the days were tough—and boy were they tough—I would get an encouraging call, email, social media post, or even a handwritten letter in the mail from someone who was excited about what we were doing. And, that alone has made it worth pressing on for.

But the print publishing business has honestly been tough, and I begrudgingly take comfort knowing it's not just the small independently owned businesses that are having a hard time, but magazines that have been around for decades who have had to stop printing altogether this year, as they become solely digital and capitalize on products to bring in revenue from different angles. The truth is—advertising in print just isn't what it used to be. We were proud to have stayed away from heavy corporate advertising, but as a result weren't able to offer as thick of a magazine as we would have liked. The print business model is increasingly expensive, with freight costs just as astronomical. The wholesale newsstand model leaves a minuscule revenue that is not paid to publishers until nearly six months after the magazine first goes on sale. (I highly doubt a B&B or any business for that matter could make their mortgage / rent payment if they were paid six months after a guest stayed with them, meanwhile they still had to pay for the ingredients for those delicious breakfasts, their roof and overhead.)

There were various third parties on our team who we hoped would have supported us more, that simply didn't— even when they would have profited from it. There are many things we would have liked to do over in hindsight, and accept ownership where we could have improved—although resources were limited. But felt it necessary to take a stand and share that larger corporations, as well as others in the industry could have done much more to support our mission and small business.

Therefore, we announced over summer that we switched to semi-annual to save on printing costs and would be pulling the magazine from the newsstands for the time being. We paid for promotions on the news racks that weren't honored in every bookstore as they promised. Shelves were overcrowded, and we saw firsthand the struggle all magazines companies go through at particular stores, completely hidden behind others—and my heart bled for all publishers.

But the most important thing I learned this year—was that there is a real community of people who share our affinity for traditional B&Bs. I answered quite a few phone calls this year and deeply connected with readers, innkeepers, and those who themselves have always longed to own their own B&B. I remember each and every one of those conversations and am genuinely touched by all of you who have supported us in our first year, whether it be a single copy at the bookstore, or you believed in us enough to subscribe. There were thousands of you who supported us! And, lastly thank you to our advertisers. We can't do it without you.

We simply poured everything we could into making it work with our resources. As of now, we are only printing for our subscribers and in small batches for purchase from our website, in order to offer a better digital platform. In doing so, we will become a 'greener' company! We wish everyone a magical holiday season—we believe this is our best issue yet and look forward to seeing you for our spring / summer issue! May you always follow your heart, chase your dreams, cherish each day, and love your family.

Happy Holidays!

Nicolette Johnston www.BedBreakfastMagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTERS

of heartfelt stories

Nicolette Johnston is the founder and publisher of Colette Publications (Bed & Breakfast Magazine and Chateaux & Castles Quarterly). She received her bachelors degree in magazine journalism from the University of Oregon. She has worked in the financial industry and as a government employee. She published her first novel "Running Away to Europe" in 2017, and blogged from 2009 to 2013. Her passion is photographic storytelling, traveling, visiting museums, historic architecture, and trying regional foods. She has always been fascinated by the idea of owning her own bed and breakfast. She loves researching history and watching Hallmark movies. She lives in Northern Nevada with her husband, daughter, black lab, two cats, and six chickens.

Kristi Dement has been a bed and breakfast industry marketing consultant since 2013. She is a Vendor Member of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International. She has presented on PAII webinars about topics like designing guest packages and hosting private events. Her clients include B&B inns and state B&B associations, as well as B&B realtor Rob Sales of B&B Consulting and hospitality photographer Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography. She lives with her family in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. For fun, she enjoys reading, walking her dog, and staying overnight at bed and breakfast inns. Visit www.bedandbreakfastblogging.com for more information about Kristi's services, to schedule a free phone consultation, and to subscribe to her blog.

Rachelle Kershbaum-Davila is the owner of the beautiful Aurora Staples Inn Bed & Breakfast in Stillwater, Minnesota, named one of “America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns” by USA Today Traveler. Her inspiring story was featured in our winter 2018 issue. Before she purchased her beloved inn, she would take evening walks with her mother walking by the property and talked about 'one day' buying her dream home. Her wish came true. As an innkeeper, she enjoys cooking, entertaining, and meeting new people. She also loves writing, traveling, Zumba, photography, hiking, and reading. www.aurorastaplesinn.com Karen Dustman is a freelance writer and author in California. She loves travel, food, and off-thebeaten-path adventures. Early in her writing career, a pair of successful home improvement books landed Karen on top television shows including Discovery Channel; the Weekend Edition of the Today Show; Good Day New York; Woman’s Day TV; HGTV; and the Howie Mandel show. Her freelance magazine articles have appeared in Ladies’ Home Journal, Family Circle, Natural Health, and Westways. Karen’s passion for history led her to launch Clairitage Press, a small independent press devoted to books on California/Nevada history featuring nearly a dozen volumes! Reach her at KarenDustman.com or connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Ann Wayne is a freelance writer in North Carolina. She enjoys writing stories that capture unique experiences, and sharing them with local communities to bring life and joy to those who are fortunate enough to read them. She can be contacted at acwayne16@gmail.com.

Cover photo: courtesy of Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast in Jacksonville, Illinois - photographed by Justin Hurley. Inside cover: courtesy of Lamplighter Inn in Ludington, Michigan for the West Michigan Bed & Breakfast Christmas Cookie Tour. Back cover: Mulling Spiced Cider - iStock photo by zi3000.

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FEATURES Vegan Getaway - California 9 Apple Bin Inn - Pennsylvania 12 Ponderosa Ridge B&B - California 20

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The Inn at Manchester - Vermont 24 Christmas Cookie Tour - Michigan 28 Magnolia Plantation B&B - Florida 38 Oak Hill on Love Lane - North Carolina 42 The Simmons-Bond Inn - Georgia 48

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Blessings on State B&B - Illinois 54 Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Poetry 60 Jingle Bell Market - Texas 62

IN EVERY ISSUE Letter from the Editor 3 Tea Time 6 Garden Delight 8 Inn Love 20 Charming Inn 27 Where am I? 37 Innkeeper's Spotlight 42

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Innsprire 54 Entertaining 59 International Charm 66 Bed & Breakfast Directory 68

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Bed & Breakfast Magazine is now published semi-annually as of this issue by Colette Publications, P.O. Box 2775, Minden, NV 89423. (ISSN 2639-3875) The cover and contents of Bed & Breakfast Magazine are fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. All rights reserved in all countries. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: For the United States, $17.99 per year, 2 issues; add $3 for postage in the U.S., $15 for postage in Canada; add $30 elsewhere. Single issues $12.99, available at www.colettepublications.com. Postage paid at Carson City, Nevada and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Colette Publications, P.O. Box 2775, Minden, NV 89423. NOTE: Bed & Breakfast Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs and manuscripts; submissions cannot be returned without a self-addressed stamped envelope.

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TEA TIME

Tea Time

During the Holidays

Celebrate the moment!

Photo: iStock / brebca

When it comes to the holidays—it can be easy to get burned out. From running errands, to making sure we picked out the perfect present for everyone, to having all the ingredients for our holiday menu even if that means we get our meat at the butcher, the cheese from the cheesemonger, some items at the supermarket and so-on. We dash to-and-fro trying to create the perfect holiday experience that we may forget to stop and take a moment for ourselves. So, in the midst of your holiday baking and scurrying about—sit down and relax with your favorite cup of tea and embrace the warmth as it soothes your soul. Don't forget to take a moment to 'just be' whether it's in your favorite chair with a good book, or catching up with a dear friend or loved one.

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Create the perfect combinations for your holiday tea time

tea & cookie pairings

Commemorate the holidays with a cup of comfort and bite of love...

What to Drink—

Let's face it, we know chocolate tastes good with anything. But in case you want to step out of your comfort zone and serve up some new cookie and tea pairings—why not give these a go!

Mint Tea

Rasperry Linzer Cookies Chocolate Truffles Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Chai Tea

Pumpkin Cookies Gingerbread Cookies Cranberry Orange Cookies

Orange Pekoe Tea White Rose Tea Chocolate Chip Cookies Frosted Sugar Cookies Walnut Fudge

Wedding Cookies Strawberry Thumbprints Peppermint Meringues

Green Tea

Darjeeling Tea

Earl Grey Tea

Chamomile

Shortbread Rocky Road Clusters Sugar Cookies Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Snickerdoodles Chocolate Rum Balls

Chocolate Crinkles Coconut Macarons Peanut Blossoms

Lemon Shortbread Lavendar Cookies White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

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GARDEN DELIGHT

Christmas Tree Farms Nothing says Christmas time like the scent of fresh mountain pine trees—and there is no better way to experience this than cutting your own Christmas tree.

Photo: Pixabay / LloydtheVoid

A Tree Farm Bed & Breakfast At the Stone Oak Tree Farm in Slate Hill, NY there are eight acres of spruce and firs of all sizes to cut for your very own! While their Hudson Valley B&B is open year-round, visitng during the holiday season will undoubtedly create a lasting special memory.

Placerville, California

New York

Maple Row Farm

In Northern California, Placerville’s Battenfield Christmas Tree Farm Apple Hill has 14 different Christmas Barclay’s Christmas Tree Farm Tree farms to choose that perfect tree! Averill Farm Apple Blossom Farm Apple Country Christmas Trees Crystal Creek Tree Farm Fudge Factory Farm Goyette's North Canyon Ranch Hacienda Orchards Harris Tree Farm Hillside Tree Farm Indian Rock Tree Farm Madrone Tree Hill O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranch Rapetti Farms Santa's Acres Silverthorn Meadows

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Hardwick Tree Farm Solvang Tree Farm - Poughkeepsie Lewin Farms Elwood Christmas Tree Farm Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights Saltsman Tree Farm – Rhinebeck

Vermont

Werner Christmas Tree Farm – Middlebury Christmas Trees at Bishop Farm – Springfield Northern Vermont Llama Co & Christmas Trees – Waterville Elysian Hills Tree Farm - Dummerston Purinton Maple and Tree Farm – Huntington www.BedBreakfastMagazine.com

Photos: Stone Oak Farm

Ventura, California

VEGAN GETAWAY Author and blogger, Karen Dustman showcases a vegan tour of .

Ventura, California

Written & Photographed by: Karen Dustman Courtyard at the Inn at the Beach in Ventura.

Ventura, California. It’s been called the “most underrated beach town in America.” And frankly, that’s why we love it.

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ucked between the L.A. bustle and Santa Barbara glitz, Ventura’s undiscovered energy makes this coastal burg even more special. It’s pedestrian-friendly, temperate year-round, and right on the ocean.

Despite recent growth, it’s kept the small-town feel. And oh, did I mention the Ventura sunsets?

Unlike its sister town, uber-hip Ojai, Ventura doesn’t especially tout its vegan offerings. But those sunsets and ocean breezes were calling, so a friend and I set out together for a two-day “vegan vacation” in Ventura. Could we make it work?!

Bottom line: Teasing out vegan venues took a bit of digging here. But what we discovered was well worth the hunt! Foodies can find great vegan options here.

So we wanted to share the juice!

Vegan Eats:

Top Left: Light and delightful: Zack’s vegan tomato soup and passionfruit tea.

Middle: Vegan Mussamun curry with red rice. Bottom: Don't miss the vegan samosas at Himalaya.

It was a long drive to get there. But our first vegan dinner made the trip worthwhile: Thai food at Rice 2 by Mama, 583 E. Main Street. (Don’t be confused by yet another “Rice by Mama” just to the west — that one is so popular it’s hard to get into on a Sat. night, but Rice 2 isn’t far away!) You’ll find many vegan options to choose from; we dug into Mussamun and Panang Curries. Be sure to try their delicious, nutty “red rice.”

The Busy Bee features cheerful red-and-white decor, vinyl seats, and old-time juke-boxes on the wall.

If you decide to stay at the Bella Maggiore Hotel, as we did (see below), the Busy Bee Cafe, 478 E. Main Street, is a must for breakfast. It’s literally right around the corner from the hotel. (For the in-crowd, there’s even a closer entrance off the alley!)

The Busy Bee is a Ventura classic — not to be missed, if only for the decor. Think iconic red-and-white tiles, old-fashioned juke boxes at each table, and waitresses with coin-changers at their waists.

The menu is pure down-home American. But with a little ingenuity you can create vegan options that work.

I started with an order of their hearty whole wheat toast, slathered it with a side of sliced fresh avocado, and topped Outside the Bella Maggiore Inn. those wedges off with Busy Bee’s tasty homemade pico de gallo. Bee-utiful!

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bedroom at the Inn at the Beach in Ventura.

For lunch, we found our way to Himalaya, 35 W. Main Street, a restaurant boasting Nepalese, Indian, and Tibetan food. Tucked into a shopping center at the corner of Ventura Avenue (just north of Main), the restaurant is a former Taco Bell location. Vegetarians will be delighted to discover a whole page of vegetarian options on the menu, and vegan options are helpfully flagged. And the food was amazing! We started with a shared order of Tadka dal (yellow lentils with Indian spices/ vegan), and splurged on a house favorite, Saag naan (traditional naan bread stuffed with spinach dip — a non-vegan naan variation, as it included sour cream, but so good!)

Be sure to try an order of their wonderful vegan Samosas – little towers of a deep fried potato/pea mixture, accompanied by two sauces: tamarind (red) and mint (green and a little spicy).

While you’re relaxing, browse the shelves of traditional crafts from Nepal, Tibet and India, including figurines and artisanmade clothing.

For our second night’s dinner we stopped into Nature’s Grill & Juice Bar – 566 E. Main – Vegan options include a creatively veggie-filled vegetarian chili (including corn, carrots and black olives) and sweet cornbread; just ask them to hold the usual cheese. My travel partner ordered the “Old Town” salad (brown rice, tomato, guacamole, and carrots) — again, just ask them to leave off the feta cheese to make it vegan.

Our third morning opened with breakfast at Harvest Cafe – 175 S. Ventura Avenue, Suite B. We were surprised to find no dedicated parking lot, but there’s plenty of street parking a short walk away. The Harvest Cafe proudly displays its “Ocean-friendly” rating, and it’s certified as a “Ventura Green Business.” And their menu is completely gluten-free. I opted for the “Golden Protein Porridge Bowl”: oats, quinoa, buckwheat groats, coconut, banana, raisins, nut butter, flavored with turmeric and cinnamon. Delightfully sweet to the tongue despite no added sugar. My companion chose the “Cashew Yogurt Bowl”: house-made granola and yogurt, topped with a delightful fresh fig!

Lunch was at Zack’s Cafe, 1095 Thompson Blvd. — an experience so unique it deserved its own write-up! The menu is upscale Italian crossed with farm-to-table foodie. They’ll happily adjust anything on the menu for food preferences, and vegan options were easy to find. We ordered a delightfully lite tomato soup, laden with floating bread cubes and topped with ribbons of fresh basil. For the main course we split a tostada

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salad topped with a mixture of grilled vegetables, all presented on a (homemade) baked whole wheat tostada. And don’t forget to try their passionfruit iced tea!

Our farewell-to-Ventura dinner was a lower-Main Street find: Maria Bonita, 256 E. Main St. Maria Bonita is bright and cheerful, with original art on the walls. The décor is a blend of colorful folk art (think Frida Kahlo) mixed with an Old Mexico flair.

The tortilla chips were thick, hearty deep-fried wedges. Be prepared: the homemade salsa is super-fiery but excellent!

Vegan options are limited here, but the black bean-and-rice soup makes a wonderful meatless meal in itself. Vegetarians and pescatarians will find many more choices. In addition to the bean soup, the vegetarian in our party tried a cheese-andveggie quesadilla, which came sizzled to perfection on a grill, blessedly light and free of extra oil.

Cool B&B Stays:

The Bella Maggiore on Ventura’s California Street.

We relished our stay at the marvelous “Bella Maggiore” – 67 S. California St. Located on California Street, the Bella is an easy walk to everything downtown. The hotel is an updated 1930s classic that’s retained its Old World charm.

We were greeted by live guitar music in the courtyard when we arrived, along with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

The courtyard.

Fresh flowers were liberally distributed throughout the hotel, and the concierge was extra-helpful when we had questions.

Don’t forget to ask about the ghost of “Sylvia,” a former inhabitant from the hotel’s red-light past, who supposedly lingers in Room #17 — said to be one of the hotel’s most-requested rooms!

The Bella left us chocolates on the pillow. An old-world touch canopy adorned the bed.

Enjoy a cuppa joe at Secret Gardens Florist in Ventura.

HIP TIP: Pick up the Local Lingo. Want to sound like a Ventura native? “California Street” is one of the town’s oldest drags. Locals have embraced the far-more-cool surfer moniker for this main northsouth byway, dubbing it simply: “C Street.” Try it and they might just think you live here, too.

Ventura’s Post Office Murals are open to the public.

Our amazingly large room on the second floor featured not only a fireplace but a padded window seat, perfect for lounging the afternoon away with a great book. Vintage antique faucets have been lovingly preserved in the luxuriously-large bath.

And a packet of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory chocolates on the pillow made us feel extra-welcome.

For our second night, we stayed at the “Inn at the Beach” — 1175 S. Seaward. A newer building decorated to look like a Victorian B&B inside, the Inn reminded us a bit of the home of a well-loved aunt: gracious and welcoming.

The beds were comfy and the rates terrific. And best of all, it is literally right on the beach. Be sure to ask for a room with an ocean-side view! Big sighs as we watched windsurfers cavort in the waves from our second-floor balcony. We snapped lots of can’t-wait-to-come-back photos of the sunset over the ocean.

Ventura Sites & Sights:

Our trip to Ventura, California was a fun “Vegan Vacay” – we certainly dined our way through some fabulous restaurants!

And of course there are plenty of sights to see and things to do in Ventura, as well. Here are some of our favorites!

San Buenaventura Mission and Church Museum: 211 E. Main Street. The Old Ventura Mission was the last of six missions personally founded by Franciscan Father Junipero Serra. This was actually the third church built on this site: the first was destroyed by fire; a second effort was abandoned when the door “gave way”. This third church was finally completed in 1809, 33 years and one day after Fr. Serra first celebrated Mass on this site. Mass is still regularly celebrated here.

Visitors can tour the beautiful Mission church and grounds, and stroll the Mission Museum and gift shop. www. sanbuenaventuramission.org.

Albinger Archaeological Museum: 113 E. Main Street.

Right next to the Mission, this fabulous free museum displays artifacts that have been found at excavations nearby. Items found from the Mission period include millstones, crucifixes, bottles, pottery and buttons. Archaeologists also discovered Native American artifacts dating back 3,500 years, including bone whistles, arrowheads, and shell beads. An interpretive walk outside lets you see the actual site that was excavated, including an earth oven dating to 300 B.C. and a well serving the Mission occupants in 1844.

Valdez Alley/Eastwood Park: Look for the sign beside the

Archaeological Museum to find this easy-to-miss stairway leading up the hillside to the remains of a historic “filtration building.”

Constructed under the direction of one of the Franciscan Friars in 1792, this old brick structure helped bring clean water to the early residents of the Ventura Mission.

Ortega Adobe: The carefully preserved adobe of the Emigdio Ortega family can be found at 215 W. Main Street; there’s easy parking in the back. Son Emilio Ortega gained fame as the founder of the Ortega Chile Company, making chili sauce in his mother’s kitchen here in 1897. The Adobe itself is not open for visitors to walk inside, but you can stand in the (barred) doorways and peek inside. We especially admired the gardens around the outside, including trees that (we’re guessing) were popular in Ventura’s early days: olives, pistachios, and pomegranates (which had fruit on them when we arrived!)

Although we didn’t manage to visit, there’s also an Olivas Adobe to visit at 4200 Olivas Park Drive — the restored home of one of the early settlers, it dates to 1847. The grapes and fuchsias in its front yard are both said to be over a century old.

Father Serra’s statue gazes out over the town of Ventura, with the old Courthouse (now City Hall) behind. Courthouse & Father Serra Statue: 501 Poli St. Today used as Ventura’s City Hall, this iconic white stone building was originally built as the Ventura Courthouse. The 1937 statue of Father Serra out front was initially sculpted in concrete during the WPA days.

Weathering of the concrete artwork led to it being replaced with the current bronze replica in 1989.

Grant Park – Take a drive up the hill above City Hall to find a scenic overlook, then all the way to the top of Grant Park for amazing views of the city and the historic Serra Cross. Father Serra himself is said to have erected a wooden cross here in 1782, and ships once used the prominent landmark for navigation.

There are botanical gardens here as well. We found a “pop-up yoga” class getting started on the lawn when we arrived!

Two fabulous used-book bookstores: Bibliophiles are in for a treat at Bank of Books used bookstore at 748 E. Main. Check out their offering of fabulous vintage magazines, too. And I could disappear for years in the Calico Cat bookshop at 495 E. Main; definitely one of my favorite stops of the trip!

Stroll downtown Ventura’s Main Street for some fun and eclectic shops, and don’t forget to look up to check out the interesting architecture here, as well. You’ll find great old brickwork and ironwork adorning the fronts of the old downtown shops.

If you love old buildings, there’s also a fabulous Historic Walking Tour that will take you to 36 of Ventura’s historic sites and buildings. Brochures with a map are available at the Visitor Center, 101 S. California Street.

Stop in for coffee at Secret Gardens. Secret Gardens Florist at 677 E. Main is more than just a florist; their downtown coffee shop is a great place for a pick-me-up cuppa joe. (And as the name implies, you can buy flowers, here, too.)

The Ventura Pier is historic in itself. Today it’s 1,700 feet long, with food and other concessions. Find a convenient parking garage at the end of California Street (at Harbor Boulevard); just $2 bucks to park for an hour. Fish, picnic, or just stroll out and watch the surfers lining up to catch the waves — Ventura boasts some of the best surfing anywhere! continued on pg. 67

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Apple Bin Inn

H

Lancaster, PA

Written by: Nicolette Johnston Photography courtesy of: Apple Bin Inn

usband and wife, Karen and Tom Simpson, both originally from Scranton, (in the northeast part of Pennsylvania), were raised with a strong sense of commitment to their family and community. With four grown children building families and pursuing their careers, these empty nesters started spending more time in Lancaster County in 2008.

INNKEEPERS Karen & Tom Simpson

Right away, they were drawn to the many recreational opportunities in the area, and Karen and Tom felt at home among the warmth and hospitality of the people of Lancaster County. They recognized that although the cultural differences existed between the two regions of Pennsylvania, there was an underlying sense of commitment to hard work, family, and community which also persisted amongst Lancastrians. So they decided to move to the Lancaster area in 2009 and began searching for the perfect opportunity to begin their own next adventure.

Karen and Tom both pursued their varying passions throughout the years, and their experiences gave them insight and value so they could see their dream of becoming innkeepers turn into reality. Tom’s background in general contracting and maintenance management keeps the Apple Bin Inn a warm and homey place for guests to relax enjoy their stay. Tom’s love of fly fishing, experience as a guide, and knowledge of outdoor recreation activities help guests to realize the vast nature-related resources in the area.

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When you want

to feel at home...

Karen, an accountant and financial analyst by training and work history, is most passionate about event planning and yoga. As an independent registered yoga teacher, Karen loves that her students find peace, relaxation, and strength in her classes. Not to mention it keeps her centered and grounded for the life of innkeeping. She is meticulous and detailed when it comes to wedding and event planning— not to mention always focused on the “total experience� for their guests. From the preparation of your cozy room to the care of your scrumptious meal, Karen is delighted to host new and returning guests.

The Apple Bin Inn is one of few B&Bs in the Lancaster area to welcome children as guests!

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cuddle up & get cozy

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For more information, or to book you stay, visit: www.applebininn.com

Food: Bottom Left - Sausage Mushroom Quiche with Strawberry Streusel Muffins.

Bottom Middle - Cheesesteak Omelet with Vanilla Waffles. Bottom Right - Bananas Foster French Toast with Veggie Omelet.

Left: Bacon and Cheddar Souffle with a Blueberry Muffin and Brainy Breakfast Salad (recipe on pg 17.)

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Recipes from Apple Bin Inn Carrot Apple Muffins (Gluten-Free)

Caramel Candied Apples Apples:

Ingredients 2 eggs or (1 1/2 batches of flax eggs - Use 1 ½ Tbsp flaxseed meal and 4 tbsp water to make 1 1/2 flax eggs) (The Apple Bin Inn uses 2 regular chicken eggs)

1/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup mashed very ripe banana 1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan) 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 1 sweet apple finely grated) 1/2 cup brown sugar (or substitute muscavado) 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup plain almond milk (unsweetened) or vanilla almond milk 1 heaping cup (packed) grated carrot 2/3 cup gluten-free rolled oats 1/2 cup almond meal 1 heaping cup gluten-free flour blend 1/4 cup raw walnuts (chopped for topping) Instructions Prepare flax eggs in a large mixing bowl and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare muffin tin with liners or lightly grease them. To flax eggs, add mashed banana, agave or maple syrup, olive oil and whisk to combine.

Next add applesauce, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and whisk to combine. Add almond milk and stir. Add grated carrot and stir. Add oats, almond meal, and gluten-free flour blend and stir. Divide evenly among 12 muffin tins, filling them all the way up to the top, and top with crushed walnuts (optional).

4 Gala apples of equal size

(Rome, Stayman, and Cortland apples also work well, but not Red Delicious)

Butter, unsalted Cinnamon Topping: 8 heaping tbsp light brown sugar 20 pecan halves, chopped (optional)

2 tsp raisins ½ tsp cinnamon Dash of pumpkin pie spice 4 tbsp half & half Whipped cream

Core and peel apples. Slice apples and place in a glass dish.

Top with unsalted butter and cinnamon. Cover glass dish with plastic wrap and poke several air holes. Microwave apples on high setting for 2 minutes. If necessary microwave extra time to reach the desired softness (poke with fork to test). Note: Microwaves vary, so experiment with cooking times to achieve the apple softness you desire.

In a small saucepan, combine topping ingredients (except the whipped cream). Cook on medium high heat for 3-4 minutes, until sugar is completely dissolved, then set on low. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Topping should be thick and syrupy.

Place apple slices into individual bowls, and spoon a generous amount of topping over each apple. Top with whipped cream. Serve hot and Enjoy!

Bake for 32-36 minutes, or until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. *If baking in a loaf pan or cake pan (8×8), bake for 45 minutes to an 1 hour . Check every 5 minutes thereafter for doneness. When you press on the top it shouldn’t feel too spongey, so don’t be afraid of over baking! The gluten-free blend takes longer to bake.

Remove from oven and let set in the pan for 15 minutes.

Let cool. If you try to unwrap them from wrappers too quickly, they have a tendency to stick to the wrapper.

Once cooled, store in a covered container or bag at room temp to keep fresh. Freeze to store and maintain freshness. *A flax egg is a vegan egg substitute, that is made up of ground flax seeds and water.

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Caramel Candied Apple served with Strawberry French Toast

Brainy Breakfast Salad

Apple Sweet Potato Hash

Ingredients

Ingredients

1 avocado 1 apple 1 tbsp raisins 1 tbsp walnuts 1/2 tbsp honey 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp olive or coconut oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 gala apple, core removed and cubed 1 piece of chicken or turkey sausage, cut into small pieces (substitute extra firm tofu for vegan) 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions Peel and chop apple. Place in bowl with a drop of water. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, microwave for 30 seconds longer.

Cool apples! This step is to make them the same texture (soft) as the avocado. While your apples are cooling, mix together honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, until well combined.

Drain any water from your bowl of apples. Chop your avocado and add it to the apples. Pour honey sauce over avocados and apples. Add raisins and walnuts, and stir gently.

Apple Cookies Belsnickel

Directions Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in onions and sweet potatoes and sauté for about 3-5 minutes. Add apple and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

Add chicken sausage, turkey, or tofu, salt, and pepper and sauté until veggies are fork tender; about 5 minutes.

Transfer to a bowl.

OPTIONAL: For a little extra fun, fry or poach an egg and put it on top!

Allergen Information - Nightshade free, dairy free, wheat free, gluten free, corn free, soy free, and egg free (so long as you don't top with an egg).

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Makes 36 cookies Ingredients 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup softened butter 1 egg 1 ½ cups flour 3 tsp apple pie spice (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice) ½ tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder 1 medium apple (chopped = 1 cup) Directions Grease cookie sheet with shortening. Beat brown sugar, butter, and egg in a large bowl until light & fluffy. Stir in flour, spices, salt, baking soda, & baking powder. Stir in apple. Drop rounded teaspoons of dough about two inches apart onto cookie sheet.

Bake 8 – 10 minutes or until light brown. Remove cookies from baking sheet, place on wire rack to cool. Store loosely covered.

Apple Sweet Potato Hash

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History & FAQs: Apple Bin Inn How old is the house?

The house at 2835 Willow Street Pike was built in the 1860’s.

The first owners were direct lineal descendants of Reverend Hans Herr. Christian Huber and Anna Herr resided here for approximately six years. Folks are invited to visit the Hans Herr House just down the road to enjoy a piece of Lancaster County history.

Hans Herr (September 17, 1639 – October 11, 1725) was born in Zürich, Switzerland, a descendant of the knight Hugo Herr. He joined the Swiss Brethren (later called Mennonites) and became a bishop. He was the first Mennonite bishop to immigrate to America. When religious persecution became unendurable in Switzerland, many of his congregation emigrated with him to the Electorate of the Palatinate in Germany, which was governed by a ruler who promised them protection and religious freedom.

This was satisfactory until the Palatinate fell into the hands of other rulers, subjecting the Mennonites to severe religious persecution once again.

When this occurred, a number of them visited William Penn in London, in 1707, and arranged terms with him to colonize a portion of what is now Lancaster County, near what was then the western frontier of Pennsylvania. In 1710, Hans Herr, John R. Bundely, Martin Meylin (Mylin), Martin Kendig, Jacob Miller, Hans Funk, Hans Graff (Groff), Martin Oberholtzer, Wendel Bowman and others bought 10,000 acres (40 km²) of land on the south side of Pequea Creek.

The tradition is that these immigrants held a conference as to what steps should be taken to inform their relatives and friends in Europe of their opinions and expectations of their new lands, and it was determined that Hans Herr, their revered minister, should return, explain the situation and the great advantages of emigration, and bring with him those he could induce to come.

He sailed to Europe and returned to America with many more immigrants, despite making the journey at 70 years old. He had six sons and one daughter by his wife Elizabeth Kendig. He died in West Lampeter Township on October 11, 1725.

Has your house always been a Bed & Breakfast?

No. There have been several owners from 1860 - 1986 when it became the Apple Bin Inn. It was a residence, soda fountain, store, and even a trolley stop. The Conestoga Traction, later Conestoga Transportation Company, was a classic country interurban that operated seven routes radiating spoke-like from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to numerous neighboring towns and farm villages. It ran sideof-road trolleys through the nearby surrounding Amish farm country. CT also transported farm freight, such as milk and produce, in its little cars.

Conestoga Traction began operations in 1899. CTs rural trolley system provided reliable and relatively fast transportation between many southeastern Pennsylvania farm towns in the days when people traveled in horse drawn buggies and freight traveled in horse-drawn wagons on narrow wandering dusty roads in summer or rutted deep mud roads in winter. In 1924, when business and profits were still good, Conestoga Traction updated its aging wood trolleys with a purchase of all steel small interurban trolley cars from Cincinnati Car Company. Farm freight and dairy pickups would occur with stops at farm gates using trolleys called "combines" designed to carry passengers in

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one section and freight in another. With its connections with neighboring Hershey Transit, CT shipped fresh uncooled Amish farm milk to the Hershey Company for immediate use in chocolate production. Hershey Transit permitted trolleys from the neighboring connecting lines, including Conestoga Traction, onto its rails to carry summer crowds to the Hershey Park for the amusement rides and to picnic.

In 1954, the house was sold to Willis K. Mylin and Ann S. Mylin. Willis converted part of the house into dental offices and resided in the rest of the house with his family. For seven years Willis and Ann lived and worked at the former trolley stop. In 1967, they sold the dental office/residence to John C. (also a dentist) and Dorothea W. Black. Physical changes began taking place on the property over the next 25 years.

The Blacks added a greenhouse (Dr. Black raised orchids), a brick fireplace (now gone), and a garage (which later became a private residence and is now the Braeburn Cottage).

In 1986, Barry L. and Deborah J. Hershey were the creators of the bed and breakfast transformation through 2002. The Hershey’s privatized the five bedrooms on the second floor of the main house from having one shared bath into three private rooms complete with apple tiles. William M. and Dottie (Dorothy) McLoughlin took over for the next 15 months, and then in 2003 Steve and Jamie Shane raised their son Dylan at the Inn for 12 years, giving it their own personal touch, until 2015.

How did you come up with the name Apple Bin Inn? As told by Debbie Hershey while sitting in the hair stylist chair one day; Debbie and her hair dresser were having a conversation about how Debbie and Barry were transforming their new residence into a B&B. After contemplating several choices for possible names, Debbie’s hair dresser suggested “Oh why don’t you just call it the Applesmith”. Debbie liked the Apple part but wasn’t too keen on Applesmith. Debbie presented the idea to Barry and after tossing around a few ideas with apples; they came up with Apple Bin Inn. The funny part is; Barry realized they have this new place named the Apple Bin Inn and there were no apples to be found on the almost one acre property that they owned. The one remaining apple tree in the back yard is one of the three apple trees Barry planted to make it the Apple Bin Inn.

How do you decide what to make for breakfast?

Breakfast is typically planned out a week in advance.

Considerations for guests’ dietary restrictions and requests are well thought out. The number of breakfast attendees is measured along with the age range. Age range? That's right!

Since we are one of the few bed and breakfasts in Lancaster County that allows children, we make every effort to prepare menus that would be kid friendly. We check the market for in season and local availability of ingredients. Finally, we check the number of days guests are staying. Even though the Bananas Foster French Toast is delicious, we don’t think guests would want it every day. We try to alternate our menus to provide our guests with a variety of recipes during their stay.

Processed or prepackaged food are convenient but we believe our “from scratch” recipes are much more appealing. Advance planning and careful selection help us to make scrumptious breakfast decisions.

Did You Fall For

Do you have weekly or occasional special events?

We have Restorative Yoga in the living room Wednesday evenings at 7PM—the class size is limited to seven. Outdoor yoga is held on Wednesdays during warm weather months. We have the fire pit going (weather permitting) on Saturday nights for anyone who would like to sit back and relax by the fire. We can accommodate up to 25 adults in our living room for intimate gatherings. Meetings in the dining room are comfortable for up to 12 attendees. Also in warmer weather, we offer private parties for up to 50 people in the back area.

Apple Bin Inn? While they are still in operation... the quaint B&B is available for sale by owner!

FOR SALE APPLE BIN INN

WILLOW STREET, PA 9 bed/8 bath, 4,400 sq ft Call to inquire.

717-464-5881 Listed at $599,950 www.applebininn.com

FOR SALE Book & Blanket Bed & Breakfast

Stay for a night or make it your forever home!

Handsome 1890s Greek Revival, currently serving as the Book & Blanket Bed & Breakfast in the historic Town of Jay, NY in the heart of the Adirondacks (just 10 minutes from Whiteface Mountain and 20 minutes from Lake Placid). Beautiful hardwood floors, living room fireplace, tin ceiling, mountain views & much more. Spacious well appointed bedrooms, bathrooms. Large porch, barn storage, two car garage, fenced yard and dog pen. Private owner's quarters includes 2 bedrooms and comfortable living room. The house sits on 2.2 acres with 225 feet of frontage on the East Branch of the AuSable River: 51 Listed at $229,000 with Friedman Realty Still accepting guests.

Book & Blanket: 518-708-3606 www.bookandblanket.com

FOR SALE

1000 KIDD CREEK ROAD CAZADERO, CA 95421 __________________ __ APPROX. 142 ACRES

Own a unique slice of California History! This quaint inn is nestled in a redwood forest and sits at the confluence of two year-round creeks. The main building houses 7 guest rooms, caretaker's quarters, renowned restaurant, bar and expansive deck. There are three additional one bedroom cabins and a five bedroom home on this immense plot of land. Lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of this property. www.1000kiddcreekroad.com

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Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast

placerville, CA (apple hill)

inn love

INNKEEPERS Bonnie Kelley & Bill Orrock

I

t all started with a little do-si-do. Bonnie and Bill both met on a friendly little website about 10 years ago and married in 2012. It was their mutal love of square dancing, that captured each other's interest. Although Bonnie wondered if Bill might just be saying he liked square dancing because her profile said she was an enthusiast, so she put him to the test with a special lingo only dancers would understand. He passed the test with Load the Boat, and two have been promenading ever since.

Confident of their newfound love, the duo weren't affraid to pursue their dreams of B&B ownership in one of Northern California's hot spots. Although they first looked in the Half Moon Bay area, they feel like they couldn't have picked a better place than Apple Hill in Placerville, California—a destination that is wildly popular in the fall. The couple bought a home and converted it to Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast. As one of the few B&Bs in the area and one of only two B&Bs listed in the Apple Hill Growers Association, the duo have positioned themselves in just the right location.

But there is much more to Apple Hill than just apples— there are 14 different Christmas Tree farms for the holiday season, and 12 wineries to explore throughout the year. And, if you want to bring along your four-legged friend, Ponderosa Ridge has a special room, Rover's Room, reserved for doglovers decorated to the 'k-nines' with cute dog decor and local artwork. The private room also comes equipped with pet dishes, treats for your precious pal and two murphy beds just so your four-legged friend has their own comfy sleeping area!

The room is on the lower floor away for easy access to 'let the dog out', so you won't have to worry about disturbing the rests of the guests.

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Voted #1 - Reader's Choice in the Mountain Democrat News Paper. Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast is a member of the Apple Hill Grower's Association, and recently joined the Quilt Trail.

While Apple Hill is an October hot spot in Northern California, it offers 14 Christmas tree farms and 12 wineries— making it an idyllic destination to visit nearly anytime of the year.

Don't forget to visit historic downtown Placerville.

The community is perfect for family excursions or a romantic getaway.

Photography courtesy of: Ponderosa Hill Bed & Breakfast & Pixabay

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Ponderosa Ridge B&B's Blueberry Sheet Pancakes Serves 6-8 (Makes 12) Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter melted, divided 3 cups blueberries, divided 2 Tbsp lemon juice ½ cup granulated sugar, divided 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp. baking powder ½ tsp. kosher salt 4 large eggs, separated 1 tub (15 oz.) ricotta cheese 2 Tbsp lemon zest 1 cup whole milk Powdered sugar, whip cream and maple syrup, for serving Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray AND line with parchment paper. Set aside.

Combine 2 cups of blueberries, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Let stand 15 minutes or so until juices get a little syrupy. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in another medium bowl.

In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks, ricotta cheese, remaining 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, the lemon zest and milk to blend.

In a third medium bowl, beat egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until smooth. Fold in egg whites. Spread batter in prepared pan, smoothing top with a spatula.

Evenly sprinkle blueberry-sugar mixture on top. Bake until the center is set and springs back when touched, 12-14 minutes. Remove pancake from oven. Set oven to broil (do not move rack from the middle shelf).

Brush remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top of the pancake. Broil until golden brown (no longer than 2 minutes!)

Cut pancake into 12 squares. Stack 2 pancakes per serving dollop with whip cream and put remaining blueberries on top and dust with powdered sugar. For extra sweetness, serve with maple syrup!

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For more information, or to book you stay, visit: www.ponderosaridgebnb.com

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland

innkeepers: phillip & marci palajac

Written by: Brian Maggiotto

Photography courtesy of: The Inn at Manchester

W

hile Gabriela and I are the “Resident Innkeepers” at the Inn at Manchester, our guests know and experience the Inn through a much larger family of individuals. Including us, we have a dedicated team of nine staff members who wear many hats. Day in and day out, we get to host guests from across the world who come to discover the best that Vermont has to offer! With 21 guest rooms spread across three buildings and an event barn that can host up to 170, it’s safe to say that we have the opportunity to really change the way people view and experience a bed and breakfast. Through Nancy’s marketing efforts, I think we have really captured the idea of hospitality as a friendship between our innkeeping family and our guests.

Gabriela and I moved back to Vermont in 2014 for a change in pace and to be closer to family. Having left cities in California and professions in television and retail, we were both in search of a new path forward and a lifestyle that could accommodate more time together, a family, and the chance to be back in a place that had meant so much to both of us throughout our lives. As Vermont celebrates over 12 million visitors each year, hospitality became a natural career choice for me and helping smaller retail businesses a comfortable fit for Gabriela. Two hotels and two towns later we happily found ourselves at

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www.BedBreakfastMagazine.com

MANCHESTER, VT

home here in Manchester with the opportunity to continue the work of the Inn’s previous Innkeepers, Frank and Julie Hanes, and help curate an experience for the thousands of guests who pass through our doors each year! To us, Vermont is a big backyard that has something for everyone. As innkeepers, not only do we have the opportunity to offer our guests a wonderful place to stay, a chance to make new friends, and have an awesome breakfast, but we (the Inn at Manchester Family) get to be a part of the adventure that our guests are on, and share a hidden gem or beautiful back road that will make their journey through the Green Mountains memorable for years to come.

Bed & Breakfast 25

RECIPES COTTAGE CAKES RECIPE

Inn at Manchester’s Cottage Cakes Recipe Follow the Inn at Manchester on Instagram!

Be sure to check out their Friday Fun Facts.

Cottage cakes have long been an Inn at Manchester specialty and remain a favorite with guests. They’re easy to make and oh-so-good!

1 cup cottage cheese 4 eggs beaten 4 tbsp melted butter 1/2 cup flour Whisk together the first three ingredients. Fold in the flour. Bake on a pancake griddle using medium-high heat. Makes approximately 6 five-inch cakes.

Serve with Vermont Maple Syrup and warm apricot jelly.

Mmmmm!

BUTTERMILK PANCAKE RECIPE Inn at Manchester’s Buttermilk Pancakes 2 cups flour 2 tsp sugar 4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 2 eggs 4 tbsp oil 2½ cups buttermilk + a whole lot of love Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients.

Lumpy batter is good batter.

Griddle until bubbly and flip.

When golden brown remove and repeat.

www.innatmanchester.com

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Love from, Your Inn at Manchester Family

CHARMING HOLIDAY INNS

The QueenVictoria Bed & Breakfast

N

estled one block away from the beach, the The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast is an awardwinning Cape May bed and breakfast resort, offering thirty-five uniquely decorated rooms & luxury suites.

Voted as the best B&B in Cape May every year since 2007, the Queen Victoria is ideally located in the heart of historic Cape May with shopping & dining at your footstep.

This holiday season, you can enjoy the charm of three impeccably restored and decorated 1880’s homes and an 1876 gambling parlor with picturesque porches, comfortable parlors with fireplaces, and pantry areas always available to guests with complimentary beverages, hot chocolate, and an assortment of fine teas and coffees.

Holiday Charm

Savor a generous breakfast served buffet style and afternoon tea in the British fashion with decadent sweets and savories served in front of a warm and glowing fireplace.

Christmas Farm Inn & Spa

T

ucked away in the White Mountains of Jackson, New Hampshire, the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa is a delightful place for a getaway. It is a 'deluxe lifestyle leisure and event resort dedicated to providing a quintessential New England experience'.

They offer cozy accommodations, authentic country cuisine, and exceptional service. In the Spirit of Christmas, the Plourde family believes in celebrating the simple pleasures of life every day– friends, family, fun, love, adventure and wellbeing. Join them this holiday season!

www.ncbbi.org

Photos: Top - The Queen Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast, Jumping Rocks Photography.

Right - Courtesy of the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa.

Bed & Breakfast 27

A Christmas Cookie Tour Beat

Santa to the cookies

at the

C

A B&B Cookie Tour to Remember...

2019 West Michigan B&B

Christmas Cookie Tour

Michigan, especially the West side, is a great place to call home. Dan and I were born and raised in the Ann Arbor area.

After college, we left to pursue our careers and spent eight years in the Chicago area followed by seven years in Indianapolis.

We moved back to Michigan when we purchased The Lamplighter and have happily called Ludington home since June of 2017. We're incredibly grateful and blessed to be here!

Written by Krisit Dement Photos: Courtesy of the Western Michigan B&Bs

alling all cookie lovers! Clear your calendar because you don't want to miss the 2nd Annual Western Michigan Bed & Breakfast Christmas Cookie Tour. Explore Ludington this holiday season and stay at cozy inns eating scrumptious sweets to your heart’s content—all baked with love by innkeepers.

For those who love bed and breakfasts and holiday cookies, this event is just for you! This year, innkeepers from nine inns will deck their halls and open their doors to welcome you, while showcasing delicious holiday sweets and candies.

Over three dozen cookies will be yours for the tasting during this year's tour, in about 20 different varieties! Come prepared to sample and collect cookies, and shop for wonderful Christmas gifts supporting small businesses. Many of the inns will include pop-up shops featuring products from area artisans and merchants ranging from honey, syrup, coffee and tea—to paintings, jewelry, specialty soaps and lotions.

Participating bed and breakfasts located in Whitehall, Hart, Ludington and Bear Lake will hold private open houses and cookie tours for guests and ticket holders (from 6 PM to 9 PM) Friday evening 12/6 and 12/13, and (from 1 PM to 6 PM) Saturday 12/7 and 12/14. Admission to this popular holiday event is guaranteed with the purchase of a lodging package offered by a participating inn. This is the best way to secure your ticket for a weekend of treats, trees, and treasures! Single tickets, not part of a lodging package will become available one week before the tour—but there will be limited availability—so don't delay.

Lodging packages include: two-night accommodations with breakfast each morning (there will be some one-night packages available), two tour tickets, collectible recipe cards from each inn, a keepsake ornament, and the chance to enter a drawing to win a $250 gift certificate towards a stay at any of the participating inns. Check with each individual participating inn for their specific package and pricing.

In late Fall 2017, I attended a webinar hosted by Bedandbreakfast.com which focused on building business in the offseason, particularly around the holiday season. The presenter highlighted a variety of Christmas packages, including a 'cookie tour' that inns in the White Mountains of New Hampshire have been offering for over 20 years. I started digging into it and realized we had the footprint here along the West Coast of Michigan to do something similar. I spoke with a few inns that are a part of our local Ludington B&B Association, and we agreed to give it a shot. Frankly, we started the planning process late in the game, but still managed to host a wonderful event that was successful enough folks wanted to build upon the momentum and host another year.

We learned a lot, recruited some new innkeepers and started to tackle year two much earlier in the game.

We held a professional photoshoot last fall for the cookies that were featured and served during the December 2018 tour.

It was such a spirited event, and we had visitors from all over attend! We'd like to cordially invite you to attend, experience our bed and breakfasts and discover what West Michigan has to offer!

Our Best, Dan & Jennifer - (Innkeepers & Proprietors of The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast), as well as the rest of the West MI Cookie Tour Team!

Chocolate Dipped Linzer Cookies - The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast

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West Michigan B&B Christmas Cookie Tour

December 6-8 & 13-15, 2019

Ludington, MI The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast

The Lamplighter Bed and Breakfast (in Ludington) is a place to experience Old World Charm on the Lake Michigan Coast at its finest!

The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast is located one mile from the beautiful shores and beaches of Lake Michigan in downtown Ludington. Built in 1894, this Queen Anne Victorian is situated on Ludington Avenue, just five blocks from shopping, antiquing, restaurants, breweries, ice cream and entertainment. Ludington is a great beach town in the summer months, but as the seasons change, the sights become even more beautiful covered in frosty blankets of snow. Come enjoy a cozy weekend at the Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast and venture out to the state park for cross-country skiing or a guided snowshoe walk. You’ll also find places to snowmobile and ski in the Ludington, Manistee or Pentwater areas. The innkeepers look forward to welcoming you to The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast, where a cozy bed and delicious breakfast await you!

If you find yourself in the Midwest, we'd be happy to have you as our guest!

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies - The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast

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Shinging Light Bed & Breakfast

Yuletide Ginger Cookies - Shining Light Bed & Breakfast

The Shining Light Inn Bed and Breakfast (in Ludington) is anything but your typical bed & breakfast, whether your destination is for business, recreation, or just that needed getaway. The inn sets on 10 beautiful wooded acres and is just minutes from downtown Ludington, Lake Michigan, Ludington State Park & Hamlin Lake.

Close to it all but tucked away for a refreshing experience! With Ludington State Park only two miles away, you can go on a snowshoeing excursion or glide along cross-country skiing for the afternoon. The park also hosts lantern-lit evening hours for these winter sports. If downhill skiing is your thing, there are two ski resorts within an hour drive—Caberfae Peaks and Crystal Mountain. Then, make your way back to the inn to cozy-up in front of the fireplace and relax with hot cocoa and some homemade goodies. From the morning aroma of their own blend of fresh-brewed coffee until you cozy into the plush bed at night, their goal is for you to feel relaxed and right at home. They cannot wait to meet you!

Canoli Cookies - Shining Light Bed & Breakfast

30 Bed & Breakfast

Ludington House The Ludington House Bed and Breakfast (in Ludington), a Queen Anne Victorian built in 1878 by lumber baron Antoine Cartier was home to himself, his wife and nine children. It is a three-story inn set on a beautifully landscaped corner lot with ample off-street parking. Guests notice the herringbonepatterned hardwood floors, gorgeous carved cherry and golden oak woodwork, 12-foot ceilings, fascinating brass light fixtures that were once gas, a walnut staircase to the third floor, Italian marble fireplace and beautiful stained-glass windows. They are conveniently located a short walk from Lake Michigan, quaint shops, many fine restaurants, and the Pere Marquette Harbor.

Their location is ideal for the many activities available on the wonderful west coast of Michigan.

Blanket Cookies - Ludington House

e Hot Chocolate Cup Cookies - Ludington House

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31

Candlelite Inn Bed & Breakfast The Candlelite Inn Bed and Breakfast (in Ludington) is a very special fun, warm, and inviting turn-of-the-century Ludington bed and breakfast. Enjoyment, relaxation and romantic ambiance are all wrapped up just for you. The Candlelite Inn Bed & Breakfast is open throughout the year. Located on beautiful historical Ludington Avenue near Lake Michigan's best sandy beaches, parks, lighthouses, S.S. Badger car ferry, shops, dining, brew pubs & pier. The Candlelite Inn offers lots of amenities including all American classic candlelight breakfasts and a variety of decadent homemade desserts baked daily for their guests. Candlelite Inn Bed Breakfast has been a certified Partner by Michigan Green Lodging since 2008. Their B&B is beautifully decorated for the holidays, with complimentary appetizers on New Year's Eve and Ludington’s lighted ball drop at midnight, just seven blocks away. Plenty of games, puzzles, magazines, playing cards, premium movie channels, movie collection plus DVD players in each room make for enjoyable ways to relax, unwind and celebrate life.

Delicious desserts and an assortment of flavored hot cocoas, coffees, teas and munchies await.

Turtle Cookies

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Ginger

Cookies

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33

The White Swan Inn

The White Swan Inn (in Whitehall) welcomes you with a smile at the door and thoughtful amenities in each guest room. The White Swan Inn features a beautiful spacious whirlpool suite, large bedrooms with private baths, all-season fireplaces, beverages and home-made snacks are available, and ample off-street parking. Whitehall, Michigan, and the surrounding White Lake area serve as the perfect base to explore all that the Lake Michigan shoreline has to offer. A visit to Whitehall in the winter is perfect for those who like to go cross-country skiing. It is only a short walk to charming shops, a wonderful assortment of restaurants, and an art gallery. You can even take in a play or concert at the Howmet Playhouse theater across the street. Guests always enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning.

Cranberry Bars

Red Velvet

Cookies

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Cocoa Cottage Bed & Breakfast

The Cocoa Cottage (in Whitehall) has been awarded multiple Best Breakfast & Best Innkeeper awards and this historically restored 1912 Arts and Crafts bungalow features chocolate from the chocolate decadence treat at check-in to hot fudge, fresh strawberries and chocolate bread in the morning. Enjoy stunning winter splendor in the White Lake area. A winter’s walk on the beach is one of the most serene, calming experiences the innkeepers can recommend. The Muskegon Winter Sport Complex, featuring the longest lighted cross-country ski trail in the Midwest—just 10 miles south, is the place to go, day or night. There is also snowshoeing, ice-skating, sledding and the Olympic luge track! One of only four tracks that exist in the United States. After your refreshing day in the snow, return to the warmth of the Cocoa Cottage and snuggle up to a warm fire and a mug of hot chocolate!

New to the tour this year, The Lewis House Bed and Breakfast, in Whitehall is a stately Victorian B&B and sits atop a bluff overlooking White Lake. Just up the hill from a miles-long paved rail-to-trail bike path, it’s a short walk to waterview restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and a micro-brewery, a short distance from Lake Michigan and right next door to the historic Howmet Playhouse. Built in 1878, this home has undergone extensive renovation designed to ensure your comfort and to restore the home to its original grandeur, retaining all the charm and elegance of the late Victorian period. You'll find new, private bathrooms and individual climate controls in each of the four second-floor guest rooms.

The home features high ceilings, large, original windows and hardwood floors throughout. The full breakfasts served each morning of your stay will get you ready for the day, no matter your plan.

The Lewis House Bed & Breakfast

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Bear Lake Bed & Breakfast

Bear Lake Bed and Breakfast, in Bear Lake, is close to an abundance of outdoor activities and wineries. Bear Lake B&B offers a gourmet breakfast and five distinctive rooms to choose from. Experience all that a B&B should be! Come relax, taste and explore! This historical home was built in 1906. It features five unique and comfortably appointed guest rooms and two fireplaces, one made from Petoskey stones. Experience downhill skiing at Crystal Mountain just minutes away. Experience cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at some of the nearby trails, or the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. You can even ask the innkeepers to arrange a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride nearby. The Bear Lake Bed and Breakfast is participating in the cookie tour the weekend of December 6th and 7th only, but it is a lovely inn to visit at anytime! The cookies photographed above, (Burnt Butter Caramel Slices on the left and Rosemary Walnut Brown Butter Cookies on the right) were taken from The Hart House Bed & Breakfast—although they are not participating in the cookie tour this year.

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Cookies shown in this article are from the 2018 cookie tour. Most of the B&Bs will be offering a new cookie for the 2019 cookie tour. Please reach out to the individual participating B&Bs if you are interested in one of their cookie recipes.

Last Issue You Guessed Nevada State Museum The Carson City Mint

Congrats to Heather from Tulsa, OK! She won a free subscription.

Last issue you guessed the Carson City Mint, which is now currently the Nevada State Museum! As publisher of Bed & Breakfast Magazine, I spent some time at the museum this past spring and summer. It was wonderful to be part of a historic event, to help plan and organize a Release Party for the 1870 CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar replica.

This year marks the sesquicentennial celebration—150 years since the mint pressed its first coin on Historic Coin Press No. 1. The six-ton press, manufactured by Morgan & Orr in Philadelphia, struck the soon-to-be-famous CC mint mark, a Liberty Seated dollar on February 4, 1870.

Between 1870 and 1893, the Carson City Mint produced roughly $50 million (face value) of gold and silver coins, including gold double eagles ($20), and eagles ($10), half eagles ($5), silver Trade dollars, silver dollars, half dollars, quarters, dimes and for two years 20-cent pieces. Today, coins with the CC mint mark are highly prized by collectors and among the most valuable in the collecting world.

The coin press continued in service at Carson City until coining operations ceased in 1893, and in 1899, along with all other machinery in the coiner’s department it also moved to the Philadelphia Mint, where a few years later it was remodeled to operate with electric power.

In 1939, the Mint was purchased by the state of Nevada for use as the Nevada State Museum, which opened in 1941. In 1945, Coin Press No. 1 was transferred to the San Francisco Mint.

Finally, when all coin production was temporarily halted at San Francisco in 1955, the historic press was due to be scrapped.

can you guess?

WHERE AM I?

A confluence created a natural divide here, named after a single man's possession. It is melodious with the adjective of a kitchen tool and the place where a staple is created.

Submit your guess to editorial@colettepublications.com. Correct answers will be submitted in a drawing to win a free one-year subscription! The answer will be revealed in the spring/ summer 2020 issue.

Photo by Bruce Emmerling from Pixabay.

Oakland newspaperman Frederick J. Monteagle, an avid collector of Carson City coins, recognized the brass plate of the V&T Railroad and alerted the Nevada State Museum.

Museum founder Clark Guild and other local businesspeople were able to buy the press for the state for $225, and it returned to its original home inside the Nevada State Museum in 1958.

“The coin press is one of the museum’s most beloved artifacts, and the staff and volunteers love sharing its history,” Myron Freedman, director of the Nevada State Museum, said. “The fact that it is operating in the same Mint building where it first began service makes it one of the most unique coin presses in the world.”

For more information, or to order your CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar replica visit www.mint150.com.

For those looking for an authentic stay near Carson City, check out Bliss Bungalow or the St. Charles Historic Hotel (a legendary haunted hotel) in downtown Carson City. Or stay nearby in the town of Genoa (Nevada’s oldest settlement) at the White House Inn or the Genoa Country Inn. Head to Virginia City (home of the Comstock Lode) for a true old west adventure and choose from The B Street House, Cobb Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Edith Palmer's Country Inn or Sun Mountain House.

One would think most towns with deep historical roots like Carson City, would have an abundance of select B&Bs. Yet, this is not the case. While there are plenty of beautiful Victorian buildings in the historic district that would make the perfect quintessential inn—it is no easy feat to open a B&B. This doesn't mean there hasn't been interest to open a B&B in Carson City. The Bliss Bungalow is the only registered one in town, although it commonly rented out as a short-term rental.

City code ordinances commonly present challenges deterring this type of business from becoming a reality. In fact, this is typical with most towns can lead even the most determined potential innkeeper astray from taking the plunge into B&B ownership.

Community development offices are frequently asked how they can open a B&B, and the challenges are typically the same. The property isn't zoned properly, or it needs to be ADA compliant, the kitchen needs to be brought up to commercial code with a grease trap and have a three-sink hand sanitizing station, or sprinklers need to be installed. Not to mention if the house is listed in the historic district, there are often ordinances that prevent such changes from being made. It can be overwhelming—but all is not lost. If you find a property you love, talk to your local community development office to find out everything that may be involved before you purchase a property. Many times special use permits are sought in order to open a B&B. But plan early, as those permits are reviewed on a quarterly basis at times.

There is a genuine need for those passionate about inns to keep the industry alive—if it's your dream to own and operate a traditional bed and breakfast, don't give up!

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Magnolia Plantation

Bed & Breakfast

Written by: Nicolette Johnston Photography: Unique Angles Photography

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f you’re headed to sunny skies and warmer temperatures for the holiday season, you may not want to look any further than Magnolia Plantation in Gainesville, Florida.

INNKEEPERS JOE & CINDY MONTALTO

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After a thirteen-year absence from Gainesville, Joe and Cindy Montalto were drawn back to their college town in 1990. The couple married in Gainesville in 1977 when Joe was in his final year at the College of Civil Engineering at the University of Florida. They were excited to start their new chapter in life and left Gainesville. They moved to Texas to work and live.

Later, they returned to Central Florida and began football pilgrimages to watch Gator football games, it was then that they rediscovered Gainesville. They found themselves drifting back to Gainesville on non-football weekends at various times of the year. That’s when they discovered

GAINESVILLE, FL Gainesville’s beautiful historic district with Victorian Homes. Since Cindy and Joe had discovered the wonderful experience of staying at a bed and breakfast inn in Bar Harbor, Maine in 1985 they talked about the possibility of opening their own inn someday, somewhere.

Five years later, Cindy and Joe purchased the Baird Mansion in 1990. Hippies and college students had inhabited the 1885 French Second Empire Victorian Mansion for the preceding 30 years. It was more in the condition of an Animal House rather than a Victorian mansion. The Baird Mansion had become known as a mecca for the east coast hippie movement in Gainesville in the late 1960’s. However, it was love at first sight for Joe, Cindy on the other hand, was a little apprehensive. The house was filled with debris, 20 mattresses, 7 couches, 30 banana trees, and dog poop throughout the general living area. Joe and Cindy had their work cut out for them to say the least.

Their restoration plan kept the home’s original floor plan including the double parlors, five bedrooms, a dining room and butler’s pantry. They opened the inn on May 3, 1991.

Emmett Baird was a local businessman, who owned and operated the Standard Crate Company, as well as a saw mill located at The Hague. (The Hague is an unincorporated area named after early settler and landowner Archelaus Hague. In 1884, he settled next to a railroad, which eventually became a ghost town—as the boll weevil destroyed the nearby timber industry. Baird's house became known in the community as the Baird Mansion. The family owned and occupied it for nearly 70 years.

The legend at the center of the Baird Mansion is that Emmett Baird allegedly found a treasure chest belonging to Black Caesar, Billy "bow leg" Rogers, Gaspar, and John La Fite at Fowlers Bluff, on the Suwannee River, in the late 1800’s. The story goes that he used his treasure to make his fortune and purchase the house, but is said to have buried the rest of the treasure in the house before he died in the 1920’s.

Cindy and Joe like to remind guests that before they guests plan a deep excavation of their property in hopes to find the treasure, that they themselves “gutted” the house while restoring it and report that they found no pirate treasure.

When you want to escape

the winter chill...set your sights on a historic Victorian in sunny Florida.

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Calm & Collected

The inn has received many honors including: "Best Bed and Breakfast in Florida" by Florida Living Magazine and "Most Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Florida" by Most Romantic Escapes in Florida guidebook. The Inn and Cindy's recipes have been featured in a variety of guidebooks and cookbooks. Articles have appeared in such publications as Southern Living, Victorian Decorating Ideas, Florida Living and The Orlando Sentinel.

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The Baird Mansion (now the Magnolia Plantation Inn Bed & Breakfast) was constructed in 1885 by Dudley and Melinza Williams. Dudley was a lumberman at the time and the quality of the woodwork is displayed throughout the house. The particular Victorian style of the house, called the French Second Empire, is uncommon in the southeastern United States. The style is characterized by the mansard roof and the tall frontal tower. The house retains its original red and green slate roof, which is another characteristic of the style. The home has a full three stories with a fourth level in the tower creating 5,400 square feet of living space. The third floor has been remodeled as living space for the Montalto’s. This space was originally the site of many parties and ballroom dancing in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Another unique feature is the ten original fireplaces throughout the house. There is one in every room on the first and second floor.

www.magnoliabnb.com

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Oak Hill on Love Lane

Written and photographed by: Ann C. Wayne

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Anna and her mother joined her grandparents and uncle in Boston. After her father was able to transfer to Boston, her mother joined him and worked in the same practice modeling porcelain teeth.

Anna was born in Poland and her family came to America in 1971 when she was only a child. They came to join her mother’s family for a better life with more opportunity. Her dad had worked as a freelance photographer in the Soviet Union until he married her mother. He came to the U.S. on a work contract as a dental technician to New York, while

Anna received a BFA from the School of Museum of Fine Arts of Boston and lived and worked there until 2018. A week after her dad passed in December of 2017, Anna sold their house. She had been researching moving to Western North Carolina while her dad was still alive and even attended a B&B Conference in Maine. Her friend took Anna to a craft fair in Boston. Many of the booths were Asheville vendors and Anna

eet Waynesville, North Carolina’s newest innkeeper, Anna Kitzis. She had always wanted to run a bed and breakfast and in March of this year, her dream came true. She is the sole proprietor of Oak Hill at Love Lane and she enjoys hospitality and taking care of people.

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WAYNESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Bed & Breakfast

INNKEEPER’S SPOTLIGHT

owner

Anna Kitzis

Anna Kitzis holds a key to a guest room in her new B&B. "The house likes me as much as i like it... The rooms envelope me!"

www.BedBreakfastMagazine.com

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Living Her Dream

in the heart of waynesville

"A bed and breakfast has personality." — Anna, (on what makes a B&B unique from a hotel).

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said that “Asheville just kept coming up” though she had never been there. “It would even be mentioned in a movie or a fiction book.” Her interest in art compelled her to visit Asheville twice later with a friend to scope out the area. Later in 2018, she sold her house in Boston and moved to Asheville hoping to find a bed and breakfast for sale in the area. After staying with a Ukrainian family at an Airbnb for a month, a realtor contacted her and informed her that a bed and breakfast may be for sale in Waynesville.

Anna knew that one of the things she would like to offer at her B&B was a gallery where artists and artisans could show case their work and maybe even run some workshops.

After looking at several bed and breakfasts, and just one visit to Oak Hill, she felt that it was the one for her. Anna said, “The house likes me as much as I like it. The rooms envelope me!”

Anna said that the guests love the gorgeous view of downtown Waynesville from the front porch of Oak Hill. “People love a small town feel. It’s like a town in a movie set.”

What makes a bed and breakfast different from a hotel? Anna said, “A bed and breakfast has personability.” The people interact more and share stories while celebrating their anniversaries or other special occasions. Anna said, “you don’t hear that anywhere else.” After all, it is Oak Hill on Love Lane. The name lends a romantic feel to the inn, and that can be attributed to the original landowner whose last name was Love. The guests share a common dining room unless they prefer a private dining experience. Dining together affords opportunities to meet people from different walks of life and stirs conversation.

One recent weekend, a doctor, a pastor and a freelance writer all shared breakfast and got to know each other.

Guests include anyone over the age of 18 except furry friends.

No pets are allowed so that guests with allergies can enjoy their stay. The Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast is convenient to hiking trails, just one mile away from downtown Waynesville, and not far from gambling in Cherokee.

The average cost of a bed and breakfast is anywhere from $135 - $280 per night depending on the location, room type, amenities, and season. The rates at times can be a little higher than a hotel, but the experience far exceeds the difference.

A couple of the amenities at Oak Hill are a gazebo on the front lawn with rocking chairs and a fire pit on the lower lawn facing Waynesville. Both are perfect for a little R&R or for a celebration.

Anna said, “I love to cook!” She offers unique dishes with an Eastern European flair. Her raw potato pancakes or apple fritter pancakes are equally popular. Her Polish slaw with grated carrots, apples, lemon and honey are a favorite. She does not use refined sugar in her cooking so her guests can eat healthier.

The Blinis – a Russian style crepe with fruit filling or cream cheese show up on the table some mornings. But of course, Anna prepares Southern dishes for those who love a traditional breakfast too.

Most of the seven rooms at the inn are named after the original homeowner’s family. All of them are adorned with antiques and local art. The original brass doorknobs and hinges host the original doors to each room. Three of the rooms are suites and there is a bathroom in each room. The Cline Room and the Bobby Breese rooms have sitting areas. The top floor has a suite that was formerly the owner’s quarters. Three grand staircases lead to the upper floors.

There are many family stories in the history book that lies on the credenza in the front hallway. One bedroom has a large skeleton key and lock hanging on the wall outside the door. A story told by a local historian, Ann Melton, the great, great, granddaughter of Mr. Love, the original landowner, goes something like this. After the birth of the 11th child, Ella Davis Ray, Clyde’s wife, moved into a guest room and had a padlock installed on her bedroom door so that there wouldn’t be any more children.

Another set of narrow stairs lead to the kitchen at the back of the house. A gossip bench sits in the hallway near the front door waiting on the juiciest stories in the community. The original hardwood floors made of poplar and ash line each room and hallway and are in pristine condition.

All of the fireplaces have their original mantels and the outside of the house must keep its original architecture according to the National Registry of Historic Places. The inside can be changed, so Anna decided to add a rustic bathroom upstairs in the only bedroom that did not have one. This particular room is named Jenny Ray. This bathroom is very different from all the others. A pebbled tile shower with a sink that looks like it is carved out of wood are the focal points. It would appeal to people who love the outdoors. The headboard in this bedroom is handmade by a local carpenter, Mark Oliver. He created a scene on the headboard to look like a mountain view. Another bathroom accommodates an original claw foot tub and pedestal sink.

One of the best things about staying at a bed and breakfast is the special touch from the innkeeper. Anna serves complimentary sangria in the evenings along with a beautiful tray of cheese, crackers, and hummus. A piece of dark chocolate adorns the fluffed pillows on each bed in the evening. Anna hopes to open an art gallery in the sitting room later this year.

Bring your sweetheart or friends to Oak Hill on Love Lane and enjoy a unique experience for a special occasion. For the second year in a row, Oak Hill on Love Lane Bed and Breakfast has received the Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award and has been named one of the TOP 25 BEST BED AND BREAKFASTS IN THE UNITED STATES! The Trip Advisor’s Travelers Choice Award lists Oak Hill as the #11 Bed and Breakfast in the U.S. For more information, go to oakhillonlovelane.com.

This three-story house called Oak Hill on Love Lane Bed and Breakfast is now on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Clyde Ray was the original owner and the house took two years to build. It was completed in 1900. The house has been restored although most of the original plan is still the same. www.BedBreakfastMagazine.com

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Oak Hill on Love Lane's Racuchy z Jablkami (Polish Apple Pancakes) -Anna Kitzis

Yields: 20 (3 inch) pancakes Course: Breakfast Cuisine: Polish Servings: 5 - 6 people Ingredients 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp active dry yeast 1/4 tsp salt 2 cups milk, warmed slightly 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 tbsp butter melted and cooled slightly or light olive oil.

2 large apples (any that can be used in a pie, but Granny Smith are my favorite) 1/2 cup oil of choice for frying Apple sauce to serve, or topping of choice.

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Add the warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture is moistened. Cover the batter and place it in a warm, draft-free place to rise overnight.

2. When you are ready to make the pancakes, peel, core, and thinly slice the apples into the batter.

3. Add enough oil to barely coat the bottom of 12� sautÊ pan (roughly 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons). Heat the oil over medium high heat, until the oil sizzles when a small bit of batter is dropped in. Drop the batter by large spoonful into the hot oil, spreading it out as thin as possible with the thick chunks of apples until you have a roughly 3-inch pancake. Fry the pancakes for 2-3 minutes over medium to medium-high heat, until the bottom is golden, and the top is just starting to dry out. Then, flip the pancakes and cook on the second side for 2-3 minutes, until golden. They will puff up a little.

4. Remove the pancakes from the pan to a cooling rack or a paper towel lined plate.

5. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, adding more oil as necessary.

6. Serve with a chunky apple sauce, vanilla sour cream, maple syrup or your favorite pancake topping!

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The Simmons-Bond Inn Owners & Innkeepers Daniel & Tanya White

Written by: Kristi Dement Photography courtesy of: The Simmons-Bond Inn

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aniel and Tanya White never expected to find a location so fast, especially since they were limiting their search area to North Georgia. When they decided to purchase a bed and breakfast, they knew they wanted to choose an established B&B, but also wanted to stay in North Georgia. When they came across an ad in spring of 2017, they arranged to see the inn.

Toccoa, Georgia

The house has all the original wood and fireplaces so you can experience life as it was 116 years ago in their well-preserved and appointed guest rooms. Guests also enjoy the three-course gourmet breakfasts each morning that the White's serve them.

Their goal is to make their guests feel like family. Daniel and Tanya want everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed in their home. They also want to share the history of the home with Daniel and Tanya immediately fell in love with the home their guests, so they talk a lot about the Simmons/Bond family. and then spent time in in the area to learn more about Toccoa, They tell visitors fun things about the house like where they hid Georgia. The amount of history and the kindness of the people their liquor during the Prohibition. made them feel right at home. They decided to buy the B&B Daniel and Tanya believe it is important to preserve the pretty quickly after they toured the house and then the town. history, stories, and culture as well as the historic homes for They officially became owners on October 26, 2017. future generations. They also want people to understand

The Simmons-Bond Inn is a beautiful historic Queen Anne and experience life in another era. When historic homes are and the only bed and breakfast in Toccoa. The name “Toccoa” removed, towns and its citizens lose a part of what make them literally means “beautiful” in the Cherokee language. This special and endearing.

Greek Revival Victorian mansion is in the heart of Toccoa.

This year marks the first time the couple will be staying at the Guests smile when they hear that the ornate woodwork inn for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. They make holiday(especially the stairs) was built by the owner, a furniture themed cookies and hot homemade cider from Thanksgiving maker who owned a lumber yard. Guests love the stained-glass until Christmas Day. Tanya brings in holiday flavors for windows.

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breakfast, such as pumpkin, gingerbread, peppermint, and cranberry. They also decorate the entire house from top to bottom, inside and out.

Daniel and Tanya host small dinner parties, private events, and celebrations during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year. The Simmons-Bond Inn can host up to 25 people in the common areas of their downstairs, and can accommodate 13 overnight guests (this would book the entire house) for occasions like weddings and family reunions.

Friendly innkeepers Daniel and Tanya are happy to host you as their guest and to plan your special event. They have access to local bakers, catering companies, and florists to make your meeting or celebration a special experience. The SimmonsBond Inn customizes events to meet the desire of their clients in their beautiful Georgia town.

While the home is registered as a historic property, they do have modern amenities. Daniel and Tanya have flat screen televisions with free premium cable and free coffee service in every guest room. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the house.

There are antique and modern day books, numerous games,

and other entertainment available for guests during their stay.

They are within walking distance from antiques, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Since they are also near Toccoa Falls College, they often host visiting professors, prospective college students, and their families. A train station is only two blocks away and the closest airport is just four miles away.

The Simmons-Bond Inn is centrally located on Main Street of downtown Toccoa (part of northeast Georgia) with dozens of fun things to do all located within thirty or forty minutes.

Toccoa is less than a two-hour drive from Atlanta.

Toccoa has one of the South’s most enduring festivals set against a backdrop of blazing fall colors. Every autumn, since 1978, the Toccoa Harvest Festival occurs on a Saturday and Sunday in the last weekend of October. The event includes more than 160 craft and food vendors—two stages offering a variety of entertainment, as well as an antique car show.

The city of Toccoa welcomes the Christmas season the first weekend of December with their annual Christmas Fest in the historic downtown area. Listen to the sounds of the holiday

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the simmons-bond inn

season as carolers stroll the streets and stores, serenading shoppers, and watch as a carriage takes people through the town’s historic district to see the beautifully lit streets.

They even have a Festival of Trees decorating contest (each tree represents a charity or nonprofit organization) in the Stephen’s County Historic Courthouse, which is visible from The Simmons-Bond Inn’s wrap-around porch located across the street. Special entertainment is performed at the stage in front of the city Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn and, after a countdown led by city officials, the city tree is lit for the holiday season.

If you visit the town of Toccoa, and need a place to stay, Daniel and Tanya at The Simmons-Bond Inn Bed and Breakfast will be ready to greet you with complimentary cookies and goodies anytime of the year for their guests. If you visit the town of Toccoa, and need a place to stay, choose The Simmons-Bond Inn Bed and Breakfast. www.simmons-bond.com

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Bushe de Noel Cake from the

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The Simmons-Bond Inn

Bed & Breakfast

Bushe de Noel Cake Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes INGREDIENTS CAKE ROLL 4 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup flour 5 Tbsp butter ½ tsp vanilla FILLING 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 7 tbsp butter 10 ounces German chocolate, pieced TOPPING 1 cup heavy whipping cream 3 ounces German chocolate, melted and cooled slightly DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a baking sheet 12 x 15 and line with wax or parchment paper.

Butter the paper as well.

Cake roll: Separate eggs. In a large bowl beat egg yolks with sugar and vanilla extract until the eggs are thick and pale in color (approx. 3-4 minutes).

Stir flour into egg yolk mixture.

In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold in the batter. Add five tablespoons of melted butter.

Spread onto baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.

Filling: Start the filling while cake is baking.

Bring cream and butter to a boil. Add German chocolate pieces. Stir to incorporate. Let cool until it thickens.

Spread a clean damp towel on flat surface. Remove cake from baking sheet and invert on towel.

Remove the paper and roll cake in towel. Let cool.

Topping: Take whipped cream and add slightly cooled German chocolate. Mix gently.

Presentation: Unroll cake, spread with cooked filling and roll again. (Don't spread the chocolate filling to the edge as it will spread when rolled.)

Place rolled cake on a long serving plate or board.

Swirl topping over topPhoto andiStock: sides.marilyna With the point of a knife imitate knots on a log. Decorate with chocolate leaves.

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jacksonville, illinois

INNSPIRE

Blessings on State Inn

Written by: Nicolette Johnston & Gwenn Eyer

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lessings on State Bed & Breakfast is an award-winning bed & breakfast located in a 130-year old mansion in the heart of the historic district in Jacksonville, Illinois. Elves Weekend unofficially began the year Blessings on State opened for business. During the purchase of the property, a realtor had invited the Eyers to be on the local Pilot Club’s 25th Annual Christmas Home Tour the following year. Innkeeper Gwenn Eyer immediately accepted. Relocating from their “starter home” of 25 years to a home with approximately 5,000 square feet, she immediately started collecting furniture for the B&B – and Christmas decor! She looked for people who were downsizing as she was upsizing, and negotiated great deals on many items, including beautiful Christmas trees.

Christmas is BIG at Blessings and Elves Weekend is one of the highlights. It's one of Innkeeper Gwenn’s favorite times of the year - and she’s a self-described Norman Rockwell holiday girl! However, it hasn’t always been the happiest time of the year for the Eyers. Like many valued treasures, Elves weekend was born of adversity. In late December, two months after the Eyer family purchased the home that would become Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast, they were notified of the death of their youngest grandson, a victim of child abuse. “The heartache

The Eyer Family from that loss will forever be part of our lives, but it has always been my prayer that the Lord will be honored, even in my most challenging times,” Gwenn said. “That experience has been used to strengthen my faith and has strongly impacted my work in the child welfare field, and I have determined to find joy—even after the hardest loss I have ever experienced.”

Although the upcoming holiday season brought back many reminders of the loss experienced the prior December, Gwenn was committed to keeping her word to the Pilot Club. She says, “I could hardly wrap my mind around decorating and celebrating, but I knew I needed to do it because I said I would.

"Nothing beats the warm glow of Christmas lights, even when one's heart is sad."

Photography: Courtesy of Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast. Photographers: Justin Hurley and Steve Weber.

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I called a few close pals and they gave me their hearts and their time and we got it done. That was the beginning of Elves Weekend at Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast.”

Gwenn recognized early on that she needed help. A few phone calls later, seven of her friends were planning to spend a November weekend decorating the inn. Gwenn’s husband was working out of town, and the women took over the B&B. While Gwenn says that she was not a very active participant that year, she noted, “Those women, my loving friends with shared faith, helped me accomplish the work that needed to be done and helped me get back some of my joy. Several drove for hours to provide support.”

Gwenn treasures many fond memories from that first year and from the years that have followed. She said, “Imagine four women in their pajamas lining the front sidewalk of the big house in the historic district with the new owners. Those girls were laughing and waving their arms to guide those inside the house – ‘move it this way… no that way…a little more…’

Between the crazies on the front lawn and lighting Christmas trees on a weekend in early November, I suspect the neighbors had their concerns!” However, the only crisis occurred when they were constructing the 12-foot tree in the dining room. As www.BedBreakfastMagazine.com

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it turned out, the house has only 11-foot ceilings! They were able to solve the problem – or so they thought – by swapping out the top of another tree. The only problem with that was that one part had a square peg and the other had a round hole.

Gwenn called her husband who told her there was a router in the garage. “I don’t know how to run a router,” she said. “I do,” said Peggy. “Find out where it is.” A short time later, they were back in business and unless one knows to look, the different tree top is not noticeable when the tree is decorated.

Tour. That first year was just the beginning. Elves weekend has become a Blessings tradition and for many it is a holiday highlight.

Friends from around town and around the state come each year to help decorate. They decorate five or six trees, set up at least that many nativity sets, and have a fun Girls Getaway Weekend. As a result, Blessings guests seem to really enjoy visiting during the holiday season and several return year after year.

It takes some logistics to make the magic happen. Family friends and local college football players come in early in the During the first season, trees were decorated, nativities were week to put up the trees, fluff them, light them, and carry the placed, and hundreds walked through the newly established many bins of decorations from the attic to each assigned room.

Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast for the Holiday Home According to Gwenn, “They'll work hard for a home cooked meal

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and $10/hour!” The elves start with Friday dinner at Gwenn’s favorite local eatery, Lonzerotti's Italia Restaurant. Gwenn buys dinner, but the elves are all volunteers.

Gwenn said, “Lonzo's is located in a restored 1906 train depot and they are terrific community partners for our inn. They take great care of our guests, providing a complimentary appetizer or dessert when I make their reservation. One year they even provided complimentary appetizer samplers for each of our Christmas elves!” After dinner the elves change into comfortable clothes and start decorating.

Over the years, the experienced elves have learned to “shop the attic” when they cannot find something they would like to use. Gwenn related a time Vanessa disappeared around 11pm and was later found looking for decorative picks that were still in the attic. By midnight, three or four elves were in the attic exploring!

Elves Weekend has become a valued tradition at Blessings on State. Gwenn said that although elves change from year to year based on availability, there are some things that are pretty standard. They always do a terrific job, volunteering many hours to decorate. Gwenn’s youngest, now 16, has welcomed the opportunity to join the team. Vanessa has traveled down from Chicago every year. She is quite the designer and very thoughtful in her approach to grand parlor tree, which Gwenn actually refers to as "Vanessa's tree." If you ever meet Vanessa, ask about the praying she did when the Waterford crystal tree topper was slowly toppling to the side. Kelly is the tallest, has great balance, and does not mind climbing the ladder to top every tree. When Terry can’t stay for the whole weekend, she stays up late on the first night to decorate the tree in her suite. Debbie has a servant’s heart and will go out of her way to help in every way she can. Maureen is a former florist and decorator and has a terrific eye for design. Gwenn always serves a “Bed & Breakfast" style breakfast for them on Saturday morning. Jan always brings or buys food to prepare Saturday lunch. Vanessa likes to bake in Gwenn’s kitchen.

Different ones bring snacks and by late Saturday afternoon many have completed their work and have begun watching Christmas movies. Gwenn says that Elves Weekend is a wonderful tradition that not only achieves great things for the bed and breakfast, it is also provides an annual opportunity to a new group of friends to come together to have fun, work hard, laugh, and share their creativity.

Traditions typically have special significance with connections to the past.

Gwenn is clear to say that Christmas time still brings the sting of loss. However, she says, “Nothing beats the warm glow of Christmas lights, even when one's heart is sad. Recognizing that my pals enjoy Elves Weekend while decorating the inn for me is very special. Knowing that so many have supported me for these last eleven years really adds to the joy of the season.”

"I called a few close pals and they gave me their hearts and their time and we got it done. That was the beginning of Elves Weekend at Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast."

Elves include (not all are pictured): Peggy White, Vanessa James, Kelly Jones, Terry McGlothlin, Debbie Bartz, Maureen Seaborn, Jan Aikman, and Julee Nist.

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Learn more about Elves Weekend on YouTube. www.BlessingsOnState.com

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The Tradition of Mulling Spices

entertaining

Photo: iStock / zi3000

T

hroughout the years, mulling spices made their way into a variety of other warm beverages. Today, mulling spices are most commonly used in festive autumn and winter beverages like mulled wine, cider, and tea.

Mulling spices provide a warm, sweet, rich, and aromatic essence to the beverages they are added to. The process of creating a mulled beverage typically involves adding the mulling spices to the beverage as it is being heated, although the exact recipe may change depending on which beverage is being created. While mulled wine was the first mulled beverage to become popular, a variety of other beverages have received the benefits of mulling spices over the years.

In Medieval Germany, “wassailing” was a drinking tradition common during the winter months, to bestow good fortune for the next year’s apple harvest. During the wassailing ritual, practitioners drank from a bowl of wassail – mulled cider, which contained cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sugar. The tradition made its way into England, and became extremely popular during the Christmas holiday season. Over the years, the wassail bowl has been composed of a diverse set of ingredients, ranging from warmed ale brewed with apples and honey, to the mulled cider beverage that is still consumed today.

Although, mulled cider is rarely referred to as wassail in modern times—the traditional recipe for brewing mulled cider still remains—heating apple cider with a combination of cinnamon sticks, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar. Once the cider is heated, the spices are strained away, leaving a deliciously infused warm drink to celebrate the season.

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Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Poetry from an Innkeeper

by Rachelle Kerschbaum-Davila

A Butterfly Journey

The Monarch Butterfly like a delicate orange leaf is picked up by the gentle wind tossing it higher and higher into the crisp Fall air, sprightly reaching heights of two miles high…

Wings are folded together becomes a sail, and surfs the breeze at 12 miles per hour…

Until little feet land on a milkweed plant, Where it will lay 100-300 eggs And die soon after… but don’t be melancholy the eggs hatch in four days and turn into Hungry caterpillars And they will devour their milkweed haven until they grow plump and spin into a chrysalis, born into royalty, named after The King of the color orange…

The Fall autumn leaves bow before them.

They conquer flower after flower, To store up on nectar.

Then they fly to their Southern Kingdom to embrace the faithful Oyamel Fir trees until the bark is radiating with orange.

Little Dancers

Yellow, red, orange, gold and brown tutus Leap effortlessly across the autumn sky They continue to twirl when they land on solid ground.

Then the wind picks up and drags them across the stage, like a prima ballerina ending a Broadway show.

When you thought it was over,

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Fall

they lift off the ground again like a little tornado To finish their full turns and they land perfectly in releve’ Then they wait for your applause, as you daydream of dancing autumn leaves in the cool breeze.

Bittersweet

Bittersweet is a vine with Blooming orange berries that are exposed In the Fall months.

It is sunshine In a vase that doesn’t Require water.

Every Fall we go Bittersweet hunting.

It’s a treasure difficult to find… it thrives by rocky cliffs, on hills or by trees.

We love the promise of autumn that it brings.

The Cobalt Blue Sky Makes my eyes fixed Below on the leaves That remain on The huge oak trees, as they rustle in the wind.

Colors of gold, rose gold and bronze, Melt together on the surface of the lake, except for the color of the sky.

The sun is shining bright behind a cloud.

I stay and wait until the sun goes down I’m in awe of the amazing orange sunset And wait a bit longer for the pendant moon To reveal itself from the clouds When the curtain of clouds are gone, the moon is a giant golden delicious apple.

Singing Good Bye

Soon the lovely birds sing a goodbye song.

Their little beating hearts Are always in rhythm with their warbling.

They continue to sing and flap their tiny wings.

I’ll miss their morning songs that wake me from a slumber.

Back to School I’ll miss them clinging to my bushes That makes me stare and wonder…

When September comes along, I’ll miss them nesting in my trees Children’s summer vacation And above my doors and in my will come to an end they’ll protest like a stubborn mule wreaths…

I’ll miss their babies taking flight against returning to school I’ll miss their beautiful sight Autumn has arrived, But, most of all, I’ll miss the birds Another child has survived that pack their songs with them The mischief of summer.

I can’t wait to see them again.

I’ll be glad to see them go Because I miss smudges on the school bus windows Painted Ladies where little noses press up against the glass.

A Painted lady parades around in vibrant I miss each dog’s tail wagging colors when their owner gets off the bus of ruffles and thrills to the delight of her while mom holds him back. suitors.

I miss the first day of school They march side by side on When each child’s eyes San Francisco’s Postcard Row, are filled with where she is admired excitement and surprise. from generation to generation…

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Like makeup is to a pretty face, felicitous colors beautify a Painted Lady.

The Victorian homes are arrayed in ornate gingerbread trim, large stain glass windows, steep gabled roofs, round angles and large Bay windows eyes.

A slice of history Is preserved, and each one has a story to tell.

The rest is left to a vivid Imagination…

Snow Angel

A red headed five-year-old girl waited all year long For the first falling of the snow She played Christmas songs and waited for temperatures to get low She stared out the old beveled glass window Until finally she saw some twinkling snow It sparkled some more in the evening glow From the Christmas lights on the pine trees She hurried like a busy bee and put on her boots and snow-pants And ran outside and plopped down in the snow She threw her arms over her head Like she practiced in her little bed and pretended to flap her wings Then she began to sing like a little angel.

Granny's Christmas Tree It’s Christmas and The large tree in the living room is guarded by Nut-Cracker Soldiers of all different colors and sizes.

The fat, family cat, “Storm Cloud,” Is laying under the tree…

He swats at a few ornaments And people’s feet as they walk by Children try to pick him up But he’s busy guarding the tree and squirms out of their arms until they let him down and cry.

One child gives it another try Storm Cloud darts away like a fly and runs while knocking down all the Nut-Cracker Soldiers.

Then he climbs the tree towards the top bending it slightly as if he were the star… but he is a storm cloud and soon ornaments rain down and little children frown.

A little storm surely appeared The puppy, “Rambo” is barking near, at the Grinch of a cat…

He grabs some ribbon below And tugs at it in a circle which turns the fake tree around and around

As if it were a merry-go-round Until the cat falls on the ground and runs far away with an ornament hooked on his long gray tail.

The tree has seen better days but this is the most memorable one of Granny’s large precious Christmas tree!

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Snow Globe

The earth was tipped upside down For a few seconds creating a fierce blizzard.

Even the perfect fluffy snow flakes shivered in the cold.

You’d think that all life ceased But there are red cardinals In the bushes by the windows.

Snow-capped mountains of pine trees line the driveway.

The small cottage is nestled by the frozen lake’s edge.

Every year I collect the scenes that winter makes appear.

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Jingle Bell Market

The Ant Street Inn

Each year, owners of , Suzy and Keith Hankins host a Jingle Bell Market, where local Christmas crafters and artisans warmly gather to showcase their creations to members of the community.

The Jingle Bell Market was started by a few local ladies and it transitioned to the Ant Street Inn in conjunction with the Downtown Stroll/Parade in 2013. In 2014, the Hankins took over management of the event and have enjoyed opening their space to local and regional craftors, artists and small businesses. Having the market is a way for them to connect with the community during the holiday season. Their guests love being right next to all the activities downtown!

This year's 2019 Jingle Bell Market will be held on: Friday & Saturday, December 6th & 7th from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm on both days.

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Also happening that weekend: Unity Theatre (the town's professional live theatre) will be preforming "A Christmas Story" shows, Thursday - Sunday , The Gatlin Brothers at Simon Center that Friday, December 6, and our town's lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, December 7. Downtown retailers usually host a "sip, shop and stroll" on Friday evening. There are complimentary holiday drinks at downtown retail stores. Also downtown, there will be carriage rides and live music at the downtown music venues (4 Star Concert Hall and Home Sweet Farm Market).

Brenham, Texas

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The Main Street House

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f owning one successful inn with a wedding venue (The Ant Street Inn) and hosting a Christmas bazarre wasn't enough, Keith and Suzy Hankins also own and operate The Main Street House Bed & Breakfast in Brenham, Texas—where their motto is: Slower pace; quiet place.

The five bedroom inn is impeccably designed with a traditional yet contemporary flair, graced with a cheerfully bold artistic touch.

While Main Street House has only been open three years and the duo are still working to build their traditions for guests and themselves to enjoy during the holidays, they have had fun thus far doting the rooms with contemporary Christmas decor throughout the house. Suzy chose a white Christmas tree and a gold and silver color palette. Using antique ornaments that "came with the house" matched with contemporary details and colors, she decorates in a whimsical but simple style.

The Main Street House Bed & Breakfast offers holiday parties for small groups and businesses, including a ladies craft night (last year they painted wine glasses).

Local caterers offer delicious options for a memorable event. A dedicated staff Event Hostess does all the work, so the event organizer can enjoy the party. They help with everything else - from table settings to holiday group games!

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www.mainsthouse.com

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Main Street House Bed & Breakfast

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Brenham, Texas

We wanted to share a very popular healthy breakfast we offer our guests—a Quinoa Bowl!

At the Main Street House Bed & Breakfast, our breakfasts are made to order which means in addition to our continental items that are always available, we make eggs (any style) for our guests as they desire. We offer a variety of side dishes—all made fresh to order! It is super easy to prepare and our guests love the gluten free, high protein option. It can be served veganfriendly by leaving off the meat and egg!

Ingredients: Tri color quinoa (cook the day before and save for breakfast) Mushrooms, chopped Onion, chopped Fresh spinach Bell peppers, chopped Tomato, chopped Avocado, sliced but left in skin until assembling the bowl Eggs, can be served fried, soft boiled or poached Pork sausage, or any other favorite breakfast meat

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Using a medium skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté selected veggie ingredients, adding spinach and quinoa last. Once heated and cooked through, pour into a bowl.

Using the same pan, fry an egg (or prepare your soft boiled or poached egg separately while veggies are cooking). Add sliced avocado and tomato.

Slide egg on top of quinoa mixture in a bowl and serve!

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INTERNATIONAL CHARM

germany

German Christmas Markets

Experience the magic of

Christmas Market in Frankfurt, Germany. Photo: iStock/sborisov

the holidays in Germany!

Have you ever wondered about what it would be like to experience Christmas in another country? The German Christmas markets capture the magic of the holidays like nowhere else in the world. Throughout Germany, crafters and vendors gather in the heart of villages and cities during the holiday season to bring warmth and spread cheer with handcrafted treasurers and delicious treats. The spirit of the season embodies the atmosphere with the wafting aromas of sausages, warm pretzels, mulled cider, spätzle, currywurst, stollen (fruit cakes) and raclette (a 'stinky' cheese served on a bun with pickles, cured ham and fried onions).

Photo: Pixabay / Gellinger

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VEGAN GETAWAY - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11.

Stop in to see the famous Ventura Post Office WPA-era murals painted by artist Gordon K. Grant in 1936-37 at the downtown Ventura Post Office - 675 W. Santa Clara.

These folk-style paintings showcase the “industries and agriculture” of Ventura in a beautifully stylized way. Other murals by this talented artist have since been painted over, but Ventura’s have been preserved and remain open for the public to enjoy — for free.

A pygmy mammoth is one of the displays at Channel Islands Nat’l Park Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary: This free visitor center includes informative displays about the Channel Islands flora and fauna, plus a gift shop. Find information here about whale-watching and wildlife cruises as well as fullor half-day trips to the Channel Islands. Find the Park at the very end of Spinnaker Dr., past Ventura Harbor Village (a classic tourist venue with lots of shops, dining, and activities).

Karen Dustman is a historical writer with numerous published historical books and books on writing. She can be found blogging at:

www.karendustman.com

Whidbey Island Photo: Pixabay / Felix Mittermeier

Christmas Markets in Germany

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany, is considered the first genuine Christmas market in the world. In Germany, Christmas markets are held in the cities of Augsburg, Dresden, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart, making them popular tourist attractions during the Christmas holiday season.

Each year, about two million people flock to the Nuremberg and Dresden markets, while Stuttgart and Frankfurt markets see more than three million visitors.

However, the two most visited Christmas markets in Germany are Dortmund which attracts more than three and a half million visitors each year with its 300 stalls centered around a beautiful decorated Christmas tree standing 148 feet tall. The market in Cologne brings around 4 million people to the city each season, while Berlin offers over 70 markets a year, which open in late November and close just after Christmas.

There are numerous bed and breakfasts throughout Germany that would make a great place to stay while enhancing a traveler's cultural experience of the holidays in another country. Opting to stay in more intimate accommodations during the holiday season offers a universally heightened experience to connect with humankind in the most kindred way.

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THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: Wine Tasting & Winery Tours • Beach Combing • Hiking • Biking • Kayaking Boat Tours • Whale Watching • Five State Parks • Farmers' Markets • Plays • Art & Antiques • Concerts Local Festivals & Parades • Art Trail • Holiday Bazaars

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ANT STREET INN BRENHAM, TX www.antstreetinn.com 979-836-7393

APPLE BIN INN WILLOW STREET, PA www.applebininn.com 717-464-5881

AURORA STAPLES BED & BREAKFAST STILLWATER, MN www.aurorastaplesinn.com 651-351-1187

BLUE GOOSE INN COUPEVILLE, WA www.bluegooseinn.com 360-678-4284

CANAL STREET INN NEW ORLEANS, LA www.canalstreetinn.com 504-483-3033

HEDRICK’S BED & BREAKFAST & EXOTIC ANIMAL FARM NICKERSON, KS www.hedricks.com 888-489-8039

THE HENDERSON CASTLE INN KALAMAZOO, MI www.hendersoncastle.com 269-344-1827

HISTORIC KUEBLER WALDRIP HAUS BED & BREAKFAST NEW BRAUNFELS, TX www.kueblerwaldrip.com 830-625-8300

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HOBBLE INN STOWE, VT www.hobbleinn.com 802-734-0661

THE LOFT AT HOBBLE INN STOWE, VT - FREE for Veterans! www.hobblelinn.com 802-734-0661

MAIN STREET HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST BRENHAM, TX www.mainsthouse.com 979-221-2051

PONDEROSA RIDGE A BED & BREAKFAST APPLE HILL, CA www.ponderosaridgebnb.com 207-633-5404

THE RED HORSE INN LANDRUM, SC www.theredhorseinn.com 864-909-1575

SLATON HARVEY HOUSE SLATON, TX www.slatonharveyhouse.com 806-828-5900

RIO GRANDE BED & BREAKFAST GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO www.riograndebnb.com 970-456-1477

THIMBLE ISLANDS BED & BREAKFAST BRANFORD, CT www.thimbleislandsbb.com 203-488-3693

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TOPSIDE INN BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME www.topsideinn.com 207-633-5404

THE WALLINGFORD VICTORIAN INN WALLINGFORD, CT www.thewallingfordvictorian.com 203-265-1200

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A Boutique B&B Experience!

Nine elegant, unique Victorian-era rooms and suites on Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The perfect destination for romantic getaways and special occasions. Come and experience traditional Afternoon Tea with us.

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