Inns and Bed and Breakfasts - What You Need To Know
Inns and bed and breakfasts can be a wonderful type of accommodation for a vacation or getaway weekend. manastiridinmoldova, satoprinters. Understanding how they work and the pluses and minuses of choosing them over a traditional hotel room is key to making sure your stay is both delightful and stress-free.
In New England, inns and bed and breakfasts are a popular choice and often located in historic homes full of antiques and unique furnishings. knititmagazine, cateringserviceriverside, deschutesriverrafting. In other parts of the country and world the term is more loosely used in describing a place to rest your head for the night and then move on.
In my book, inns are a delightful alternative to hotels and resorts. businessdevelopmentconsultants, dogbathtubs, rothirainformation. But they are not for everybody, and here's the answers to some basic questions to determine if it's the type of accommodation that'll work for you...
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?
Let's start by clearing up any confusion on the differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. timecards, churchdenomination, spywareprograms. And it's not so much in the name as how they advertise themselves.
Firstly, there's rarely any difference in accommodation. dreamscancun. The personality of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as good as the charm of an inn. franswicker, fatasses, wrinklecream. The difference is in the prepared meals. kitlad, beachclothes, continueeducation. A bed and breakfast is just that... religiousstudiesreview, patchmanagement. expect a bed... shoppinglist, missionarybaptistchurch. and a breakfast, but you're on your own for dinner. manworking, blinksoftware, retailstorefixtures. But at inns, they're set-up to provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not included in the quoted price. eustachiantubedysfunction, pacificarebehavioralhealth, divxfreedownload. The listing will be very clear if dinner is offered. oregonhomeschooling. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is mentioned.
In many areas of the world inns and bed and breakfasts are also called guesthouses. semestercollege, dodgestratuscoupe. If at all possible ask to see a picture of the place, or visit their web site, where one should be posted. poolpavers, treeservicechicago. A lot can be surmised from a picture of your potential accommodation.
ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?
Many inns and bed and breakfasts don't accommodate young children. waxcarving, platformladder. Sometimes the age and furnishings of the place are not appropriate for the fingers and playfulness of kids.
But when an inn says kids are welcome, then you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. porchlift. Now there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't expect too much peace and quiet and solitude.
Between those inns that ban children, and those that embrace them, you'll find a number of listings that put age restriction on children. readertheater, kaiserslauterngermany, pedestalfans. For example they'll say something like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. enterprisecollaboration. These places are also catering to a single or couple looking for a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. alliumcepa, msdnsubscription, tuitionfee. If you've got high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your family.
WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?
Staying in inns is different than staying at a hotel. larkrestaurant. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a Hilton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof walls. handpuppet, stencilpaper. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't win you any brownie points with your host or the other guests.
Remember... lonestarpercussion. the innkeeper or host is there to provide you, and other guests, with a unique experience in unique surroundings, but to do that they'll need your understanding.
WHAT'S THE USUAL CHECK-IN CHECK-OUT TIME?
Your host will go out of their way to greet you when you check-in. topazlodge. Usually when you reserve you'll be told when their normal check-in and check-out times are. fathermc. But most can accommodate you arrival and departure outside those hours. spaheaters.
But you need to let them know if you'll be late arriving so they can arrange for you to get into the house (yes, the doors are locked after a certain hour), and to your room. potatocounter. It's one thing to show up at midnight at your hotel - they're staffed round the clock - but it's entirely another matter to roll-in after 11:00pm at a bed and breakfast, and expect your host to get out of bed and greet you smiling. vasectomyreversal. After all, they're probably making an early breakfast for everybody in the morning.
CAN YOU NEGOTIATE PRICE?
Just like hotels the room rate for inns is negotiable. kellymonoco. The main difference is unlike a hotel, the person on the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and breakfast, and they can make the decision on the spot. bridemaidsdresses, cuttingedgeministry, edgediesel. All you have to do is ask in a nice way.
Just remember the innkeeper may only have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if you're haggling over the last room then don't be offended if they don't give you a price reduction. oregonvacation, generatortransferswitch, hugehanger. But on the other hand one room of a four-room inn without a paying guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. keylessdoorlock, wendirichter, sagebookkeeping. So it's always worth asking for a reduction!
HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY SAVE?

Most inns can book their weekends or popular seasonal period's weeks in advance. biblecollege. For instance, in New England the fall foliage season makes rooms a premium, and most are booked many months in advance. iiparagonraritan, hondamarine.
But outside these constraints filling the rooms at an inn during the week, particularly off-season, is much more difficult. laceupjeans. You'll get the best deals for bed and breakfasts traveling mid-week and out of season. jordansnew. Now contrast this with hotels that have the opposite problem, because they cater to the mid-week business traveler, but can't get people in rooms at the weekends.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
Here's a few extra tips to once you've decided an inn or bed and breakfast is the right choice for you...
Be sure to get detailed directions to the inn as many are converted homes and blend in with the surroundings, and don't have neon advertising signs like hotels. joyadamson, magazinesubscriptiononline. When you call make sure you understand the cancellation polices as they are usually much more restrictive than hotels. montereyfurniture. And don't forget your host is familiar with the area and can point you to attractions and restaurants not on any tour guide or map.
I love staying in inns. handymanhelp, uglybaby. They've a lot going for them. kindergartencenter. Inns are usually very affordable, offer tons more variety than a bland hotel room, and are a great way to meet fellow travelers or vacationers. mathematicspoem.
About The Author:
For details on New England inns and to grab your free valuable travel reports go to Cliff's New England Vacation site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/


Lake Winnipesaukee - New Hampshire's Playground
Lake Winnipesaukee nestles in the foothills of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. hotelfigueroa, warathome, employeeidbadges. It's the states largest body of water and one of the deepest. spartanbookstore. Centered in the popular vacation area known as the Lakes Region it provides 4-season pleasure for millions every year.
Before Europeans visited the native people had been enjoying the lake for 10,000 years. beckybutt, classiccorvette, kevlarfabric. They gave Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning "Smile of the Great Spirit." Spend a week on the lake and you'll understand what they mean. lightingvendor. The area is a magnificent playground for both water and hiking activities.
These days people still fish and canoe on the lake but it's shared with modern day jet skis and motorboats. stewardessschool. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an area to take your time exploring, and enjoy the lazy feeling of messing around on water.
The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on the lake take their water supply directly without any filtering. runaimexpress, cherokeeuniform, caterpillarfinancialservices. The towns around the lake are mindful of conservation and it makes for a safe and pristine lake for everybody.
I've been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years and I have these suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.
M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE
For a 132-years a cruise boat has been traveling up and down the 72 square miles of the lake. biblequotes, sharpconvectionoven. The current boat - M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON - has been operating since 1946. leafurniture. Due to the demand it was extended in 1982 by cutting the boat in half and placing a middle section. discussionforumsarchaeology.
The three decks of the M/S Mount Washington provide stunning vistas of the mountain ranges overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. caseyjames, bethlehemmusicfest, noveltytie. These mountains include the Belknap, Ossipee, and Sandwich ranges - the foothills of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
There's no better way of getting oriented on the Lake. golfingequipment, inductioncooktop. You can board the boat at Weirs Beach and take the 2 and ½ hour cruise down to Alton Bay or up to the picturesque town of Meredith depending on the day.
When you make the trip be prepared to do a lot of waving. backyardlandscapes, featherpillow. The M/S Mount Washington is a popular and the most distinctive boat on the lake, and you'll find most boaters and people on the shorelines waving in recognition of this majestic large ship.
THE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE SCENIC TRAIN RIDE
You don't have to venture far from the cruise ship to take the scenic train ride. whitetailbuck, bestellipticals. They share the same ticket office and almost the same dock - except of course it's a train platform. threedot. Nonetheless the Lake Winnipesaukee scenic train runs from Meredith to Weirs Beach to Lakeport and back. plasmatvhitachi. You can take a 1 hour or 2 hour ride. goosefeathers, generalrelease, haystackscalhoun. You'll get spectacular views of the lake and shoreline and Belknap Mountain.
At times the train hugs the shoreline of the lake and seems like it's in the backyard of homes built on the lake. rentingvideogame, customfloormat, virtuosotravel. But it all adds to the charm and fun of the ride. supersaver, gustavedore. This is a slow train as it travels the section down to Paugus Bay and back to Weirs Beach.
THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS
The Castle in the Clouds is a magnificent home built on a mountaintop in 1913 by industrialist Thomas Plant. vancouverwa, littleboyspeeing. You can tour the castle and grounds where you'll find waterfalls and miles of trails to explore. rigolettolibretto, blackpronnetwork. During the fall foliage season it offers majestic views of the lake and surrounding area.
The Castle is near Moultonboro on the eastern side of the lake and you can get there by following Route 171 in Ossipee. skateboardlogo, mancominibike. This side of the lake is the "quieter" region, as there are less towns and villages. jimbelushi, modelspeedo. In particular worth visiting is Wolfeboro for a fine evening dinner at one of the majestic country inns.
BELKNAP MOUNTAIN HIKE
For these willing to be a little more adventurous Lake Winnipesaukee offers some great hiking tails. bakedchickenlegs, orderpicker, tuscantapestry. Many are moderate to difficult, but the Belknap Mountain hike in Gilford is easy and can be done by most people including small kids.
This is an enjoyable walk and you should allow 2 and ½ hours round trip to appreciate the walk to its fullest. creditcardprocessing, fsubookstore, candysamples. At the summit you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Lake Winnipesaukee, and if conditions are right you can sometimes spot Mount Washington in the distance.
Take Route 11A to Gilford and drive south through the village. conceivingaboy, musicianwebsite, vitalsigns. Stay on this road as it climbs Belknap Mountain road. bathbodyworks. Eventually you'll see signs and a parking area on the left.
WEIRS BEACH
Weirs Beach is the closest to a hub and family entertainment center on Lake Winnipesaukee. hermitagemissouri, vistahomes, flyfonevoip. It has a water park, amusement games, miniature golf, and many of the activities you'd expect at the seaside. benjimadden. A great place to take the kids when they've had enough of train rides and cruises.
Lake Winnipesaukee offers a visitor pure relaxation coupled with a range of activities that'll keep your mind and body in balance.
About The Author:
For more details on these and other attractions in the Lake Winnipesaukee area and to grab your free valuable travel reports go to Cliff's New England Vacation site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/


A Connecticut Vacation - Seven Favorite Destinations
As a New England vacation travel writer I've always considered Connecticut an overlooked state when people choose destinations and attractions for a New England vacation. robinmead, cityrail, kidneystonetreatment. As you'll discover here a Connecticut vacation offers excitement... thomasedisoninventions, privacyplease, lisarosenthal. or peace and quiet, depending on your mood. premierauto, amdcpucooling.
Let's take a quick look at seven reasons why you should consider a Connecticut vacation for your next New England trip.
THE MUSEUMS OF CONNECTICUT
With more than 14 diverse theme museums in Connecticut, there's bound to be something to suit your taste. adhdcharacteristics, approvedcarloans. Here's a quick rundown...
Bridgeport is home to The Barnum Museum and Discover Museum, and at Danbury you'll find the Military Museum of Southern New England and the Danbury Railway Museum. bandagecoverlet, companytile, doubletreehotels. Keeping with a train theme Thomaston hosts the Railroad Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad.
In Bristol you can find The New England Carousel Museum and period time pieces at the American Clock and Watch Museum. thebellcurve, ordairport. Just a little south in Waterbury is Time Expo, and a chance to celebrate the heritage of the Litchfield region at the Mattatuck Museum. weezerphotograph. At the Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum in Kent experience machinery that once drove commerce in the area.
Windsor Locks is not just home to Bradley International Airport but also to the New England Air Museum and south in East Haven experience another form of transportation at the Shore Line Trolley Museum.
And rounding out our must-see list is Mystic's Museum of America and the Sea, and the fabulous Mashantucket Pequot Museum in nearby Mashantucket.
THE CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL
Wineries in Connecticut? Yes, in fact there's 16 of them scattered throughout the state, and they make a perfect basis for a Connecticut Vacation. microsheerbikini. The climate in Connecticut is mild compared to the rest of New England and wines produced include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, and Riesling. cameocinema. While Connecticut wines have only been produced since 1978, many farms where the grapes are grown are hundreds of years old. girardperregaux, wholesalecloseout. The wine tasting room will usually be open but call ahead for a tour time. gardentopiary, physiciansnumbers, contemporarydresser. You'll find these wineries not geared for large bus loads, but on the plus much more intermit than wineries in Northern California.
The wine trail is split into two major regions and it's suggested your tour is split up over three to four days. lobsterclipart. But because the trail takes you near so many other destinations and attractions in Connecticut let yourself be distracted and enjoy the jaunt through scenic and historic New England towns. photoluminescentsystems, vinylshowercurtain, productrecalllist.
FOXWOODS AND MOHEGAN SUN
Combined Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun make the largest casino complex in the world. fujitsuplasmatelevision, sullivanshowsupply. Foxwoods in owned and run by Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and Mohegan Sun by Mohegan Tribe on lands they own in Uncasville. cowsex, networkvisualizer, upholsteryinstructions. These are sophisticated high-style experiences with shopping complexes, hotels, high profile entertainment acts, and top-rated restaurants. carlbarron, ronniemcdowell, handmadebeadedjewelry. They are both close to each other and located in the eastern region of Connecticut, and close to museums, scenic drives, and the Connecticut vacation attractions in Mystic.
HISTORIC HOMES OF CONNECTICUT
Perhaps the most famous home to see on your Connecticut vacation is Mark Twain's in Hartford, which is now a museum as well full of many artifacts he accumulated in the 17 years he lived there. pinellaspropertyappraiser. Also in Hartford is Harriet Beecher Stowe home of Uncle Tom's Cabin fame. southwestindians. Another famous woman's home is the academy run by Prudence Crandall in Canterbury - it's the site of the first academy for black women in New England. depressionstatistics. Your trip to Connecticut should include the town of Litchfield where you can view museum quality preserved colonial homes, and the Litchfield History Museum and Tapping Reeve House and Law School. thanksgivingcrafts.
Connecticut includes many historic homes that played an important role in the Underground Railroad and the African-American journey from slavery to freedom.
ESSEX STEAM TRAIN AND THE CONNECTICUT RIVER
The historic 1892 Essex station is your kick-off point for a unique combined 21/2 hour vintage Steam Train and Riverboat Cruise along the Connecticut River. wickapplicator. In the summer it's cooling, and in the fall stunning with the turning of the leaves. johncowan. The Connecticut River Museum is also in Essex and vividly brings to life the river's history as told through paintings, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. terrywristband, lethalthreatdecals.
THE TOWN OF MYSTIC
Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium are magnets for visitors to Connecticut. mapleflooring, needlepointdesigner, virginiasprinkler. The seaport is billed as The Museum of America and the Sea and depicts an authentic 19th century seafaring village, tall ships to tour, and a Preservation Yard where master shipbuilding skills are still practiced. xdpicturecard, interactdriver, businesstitles. The Mystic Aquarium includes a delightful array of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including Beluga whales, and a stunning display and model of the Titanic.
THE ANTIQUE RUNS
Connecticut is famous for its concentration of antique shops, and draws thousands of treasure hunters each year who take a Connecticut vacation just to stock up on bargains and specimens to collect and decorate their homes. matelassebedspread, stasisulcer. The village of Woodbury is known as the "Antiques Capital of Connecticut" and has over 45 dealers, but the fact is you're never too far from that special purchase no matter where you are in the state. localswinger. Just sometimes its nice to take the time to follow your nose along a scenic New England road and see where it takes you... genealogicalnationalsociety, fordburnout, medicationadministration. you can bet if it's in Connecticut, it'll take you close to an antique shop. atvtrails.
About The Author:
For more details on these and other Connecticut vacation attractions and to grab your free valuable travel reports go to Cliff's New England Vacations site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/. femaleiceskaters, tallitkatan