How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast
By Tammy Jordan Sikes

So you've decided to shun the neon-flashing motel chains and marble-foyered monsters and venture into the world of cozy, intimate bed and breakfasts? After all, you've hed how much more personal and romantic the b&b experience is, right? Well....usually that's the gospel truth. However, there are certain things to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself (and prospective innkeepers) before you make your final decision and turn over your credit card number.

The first thing to consider is the area of the country you will be visiting. Many towns across America offer the b&b experience but only have a handful of options for you to consider. On the other hand, if you visit our hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas (population 9,000) there are literally hundreds of b&b's, reportedly the largest number of b&b's per capita in the nation. Unfortunately for the unwary traveller, not all are created equal! When visiting such a popular bed and breakfast town, the research you do beforehand will greatly impact the quality of your stay.
How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast Continued

The Bed and Breakfast Experience
By Shawn Everett

The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the benefits of living at home with service that rivals the best hotels. If you travel to the biggest cities or the smallest towns, there is a good chance there is a Bed and Breakfast available to you.

The best bed and breakfasts are small and privately owned. The owner usually lives in the same home and will do everything they can to make sure your stay is a pleasant one. Each owner brings their own special skills to the experience. In some cases the owner was a gourmet chef and his skills make meals truly enjoyable. Warmth, coziness and good food aren't the only benefits to staying at a B&B though. Your host can fill you in on local tourist attractions, restaurants, hiking trails and other interesting things to do on your stay.
The Bed and Breakfast Experience Continued

The Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Bed and Breakfast
By Shawn Everett

Staying at a Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic experience. You get great food, friendly hosts and an atmosphere you can't find in a traditional hotel. Our top 5 reasons to stay at a Bed and Breakfast are:

1. Exceptionally prepared home cooked breakfasts
Like the name suggests a bed and breakfast will serve you breakfast! Most bed and breakfast owners take great pride in their breakfasts offering a wide variety of dishes to fit your needs or requirements. This may include fresh fruit, hot meals, cereal or other delicious foods. Make sure you let you host know about any special dietary requirements.

2. Free extras (Internet, DVD, jacuzzi)
No more paying for movies! Many B&B's offer DVD players, free Internet access or if you're really lucky a jacuzzi. Most hotels would require you to pay for each of these separately. A bed and breakfast includes them as part of the experience. What a great way to relax after a long day of sight seeing!
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Consider Bed and Breakfast Options While Staying in New York
By Shawn Everett

Many visitors visit the state of New York on an annual basis. Not only is there a large tourism influx to New York City but other areas of the Empire State as well. This beautiful state boasts bright lights in some areas and serene landscape in others. There are so many options for visitors who wish to take in all that New York has to offer. One of the best ways to get the full effect of vacationing in New York is to stay at one of the many fine bed and breakfast establishments throughout this state.

Staying at a Bed and Breakfast as Opposed to a Hotel
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Boxwood Inn of Williamsburg: Bed and Breakfast Wins Beautification Award
By Steven Zareski

This award is presented to businesses and residences in Williamsburg, Virginia that exemplify a commitment to preservation and beautification of the Williamsburg community. Vice-Mayor Clyde Haulman was on hand along with members of the Planning Commission to present innkeepers, Sandi and Steve Zareski, with the coveted award. Each year the City of Williamsburg accepts nominations from its citizens for the City of Williamsburg Beautification Awards program. Boxwood Inn of Williamsburg has been nominated for this award several times since Sandi and Steve bought and renovated the property in 2000, but this is the first time it has been honored with the award.

The Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast at 708 Richmond Road underwent extensive interior and exterior renovations during 2000. Some of the visible (exterior) enhancements included widespread landscaping with perennial and annual gardens, and installation of brick and stone walkways. The end result was a magnificent transformation of a house and property to a Bed and Breakfast that is full of life and brimming with color.
Boxwood Inn of Williamsburg: Bed and Breakfast Wins Beautification Award Continued

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