"Did you know that there are more than 20,000 bed and breakfast establishments in the US and Canada?" My wife looked out the window at the magnificent view of the Chesapeake Bay and replied: "Of course I knew that! And I also know that it is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry in this country.
More than 8 billion dollars are spent a year in Bed & Breakfast lodgings.
" "How did you know all that?" "I'm reading the same article you have been reading, my sweet!" The B&B on the Bay, where we had decided to spend a long week-end, more than justified the exhaustive search we had undertaken.
We would not settle for less than a B&B that would meet our requirements at least halfway.
It also justified the long trip from Richmond and a discreet absence from professional obligations.
We found what we looked for.
A charming colonial mansion, complete with portico, columns and an ancient coach house that had been converted into several ample studios.
Impeccable grounds and a marvelous view of the Bay.
Besides, the postcard quality did not end there.
There was a sense of peace and tranquility that matched perfectly the surroundings and also the cheerful interior.
Added to that, additional charm appeared in the person of the owners of the place.
Col (ret) and Mrs.
Armbruster, were the perfect hosts.
We felt that we had found a home away from home.
So far, B&B's have never disappointed us.
And it has spurred us to try remote areas of the country where other traditions and other customs have given us a better insight into the essence of the republic itself.
We have stayed in converted schoolhouses, old farmhouses, modernized warehouses, Queen Anne Victorian homes and mansions, barns and an occasional adobe house.
We have not missed the log cabin and the floating barge.
We have stayed in the so called country inns, where the emphasis is on the evening meals.
Also in countless Bed and Breakfast establishment, where breakfast is more than just a meal but a convivial social occasion with all the cozy elements of a family reunion.
Naturally, we have even tried a few home-stay places where a single room and a bathroom down the hall are the usual fare.
Common to all is the informal cordiality of the owners or managers, and the willingness to provide the necessary comforts.
And this includes enlightened conversation and first hand information about the area, its traditions, points of interests and best places to eat.
"Listen" said my wife as she sipped the pre-breakfast champagne and orange juice the Col.
had gracefully sent up with a basket of fruit.
"I've been thinking.
" She raised the flute and continued: "Why don't you ask the good Colonel to let us keep the room for another couple of days?" "I already have!"
More than 8 billion dollars are spent a year in Bed & Breakfast lodgings.
" "How did you know all that?" "I'm reading the same article you have been reading, my sweet!" The B&B on the Bay, where we had decided to spend a long week-end, more than justified the exhaustive search we had undertaken.
We would not settle for less than a B&B that would meet our requirements at least halfway.
It also justified the long trip from Richmond and a discreet absence from professional obligations.
We found what we looked for.
A charming colonial mansion, complete with portico, columns and an ancient coach house that had been converted into several ample studios.
Impeccable grounds and a marvelous view of the Bay.
Besides, the postcard quality did not end there.
There was a sense of peace and tranquility that matched perfectly the surroundings and also the cheerful interior.
Added to that, additional charm appeared in the person of the owners of the place.
Col (ret) and Mrs.
Armbruster, were the perfect hosts.
We felt that we had found a home away from home.
So far, B&B's have never disappointed us.
And it has spurred us to try remote areas of the country where other traditions and other customs have given us a better insight into the essence of the republic itself.
We have stayed in converted schoolhouses, old farmhouses, modernized warehouses, Queen Anne Victorian homes and mansions, barns and an occasional adobe house.
We have not missed the log cabin and the floating barge.
We have stayed in the so called country inns, where the emphasis is on the evening meals.
Also in countless Bed and Breakfast establishment, where breakfast is more than just a meal but a convivial social occasion with all the cozy elements of a family reunion.
Naturally, we have even tried a few home-stay places where a single room and a bathroom down the hall are the usual fare.
Common to all is the informal cordiality of the owners or managers, and the willingness to provide the necessary comforts.
And this includes enlightened conversation and first hand information about the area, its traditions, points of interests and best places to eat.
"Listen" said my wife as she sipped the pre-breakfast champagne and orange juice the Col.
had gracefully sent up with a basket of fruit.
"I've been thinking.
" She raised the flute and continued: "Why don't you ask the good Colonel to let us keep the room for another couple of days?" "I already have!"
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