24 Bed and Breakfast Inns Encourage Travelers to Stay Nearby During Holiday Season

Twenty-four inns, beds and breakfast and boutique hotels across the country are banding together to encourage travelers to go it alone, fill their tanks, and seize the season.“If this year has taught us anything, it’s that happiness is a choice,” said Al Heminger, owner of the Huron House Bed and Breakfast and The Hotel Saugatuck, both in Michigan. “Now is the time to write your own story – and make it beautiful, because it certainly will be memorable.”

 

Across the U.S., as the pandemic continues to affect everyday life, small businesses, like the independent lodging industry, has felt the financial impact. This new promotion aims to forge a connection with regional travelers, offer a respite from being stuck at home, and provide a safe place where they can create a joyful impression of their holiday – using only one tank of gas, round trip. Every inn participating in the A Very Drivable Holiday campaign is offering a free gift to guests who check in between December 1-31st. These gifts include everything from complimentary glasses of wine with keepsake glasses, to homemade holiday cookies, kettle corn, honey, and bath bombs. Every morning, seasonal breakfasts will have an added holiday twist too. All properties will prominently feature holiday décor.

 

“Some of our guests don’t travel very far to visit. Last weekend, one couple drove just 15 minutes But the passing Amish buggies and our small town make it seem like a world away,” said Jan Garrabrandt, who runs The Artist’s Inn and Gallery in Terre Hill, Pennsylvania.

 

The inns all had watercolor paintings of their facades made, to showcase their storybook-like qualities and draw travelers into the general idea. To access images of all the inns on Dropbox, click here. 

 

Below is a list of the 24 participating properties – arranged alphabetically by state, then city. To view these these inns hyperlinked, and learn more specifics, visit: http://onetankholiday.com.

 

Stanford Inn and Resort

Mendocino, CA

 

Charred Oaks Inn

Lexington, KY

 

Inn at Woodhaven

Louisville, KY

 

The Rookwood Inn

Lenox, MA

 

Waldo Emerson Inn      

Kennebunkport, ME

 

The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast of Ludington    

Ludington, MI

 

Huron House Bed and Breakfast

Oscoda, MI

 

The Hotel Saugatuck

Saugatuck, MI

 

A G Thomson House Bed and Breakfast 

Duluth, MN

 

Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast and Adventure    

Wabasha, MN

 

Tuxedo Park STL Bed & Breakfast Inn    

Saint Louis, MO

 

At Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast Inn

Asheville, NC

 

Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast         

Asheville, NC

 

Top of the Ridge Farm Bed & Breakfast  

New Durham, NH

 

Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast        

Salisbury Mills, NY

 

A'Tuscan Estate Bed & Breakfast           

McMinnville, OR

 

Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast          

Newberg, OR

 

Historic Smithton Inn     

Ephrata, PA

 

Carriage Corner Bed & Breakfast           

Intercourse, PA

 

The Artist’s Inn and Gallery

Terre Hill, PA

 

Faunbrook B&B

West Chester, PA

 

Spring Creek Place Cabins

Greeneville, TN

 

BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch

Cat Spring, TX

 

Gillum House Bed & Breakfast

Shinnston, WV

The Cameron Estate Inn in Beautiful Lancaster County

The Cameron Estate Inn is located in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The mansion was built in 1805 by President McKinley's great-great grandfather and was the summer retreat of Simon Cameron & his family. The historic mansion was converted into a lovely bed and breakfast inn with 18 guest rooms, wedding & party venues and an on-site fine dining restaurant.

The estate has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. This house, the first parts of which were built between 1805 and 1808, was the home of Simon Cameron and his descendants from 1876 until 1961, when it became part of Elizabethtown College. In 1970 - 1971, the house was renovated through the generosity of Mrs. C. Howland Chase, Washington, D.C. the great-granddaughter of Simon Cameron.

As you stroll around the 15 acres of you'll be greeted with lush green lawns, century old trees, colorful gardens and bubbling streams. The property and grounds are beautifully landscaped and well-maintained. You'll hear birds chirping and you might get lucky if you spot some of the local wildlife nearby. We found our walk to be romantic and peaceful all at the same time.

When you're looking for overnight accommodations you'll find the inn offering 18 beautifully appointed guest rooms, all with private bathrooms and scenic views. Several of the guest rooms offer romantic fireplaces and two rooms have private whirlpool tubs. Comfortable, relaxing and luxurious overnight accommodations await you.

We visited the Cameron Estates Inn to attend a wedding. Their wedding venue can accommodate wedding parties with up to 250 guests and are available year-round. They offer 3 different wedding site venues with 3 different reception areas. The wedding that we attended was held in the Conservatory which can hold up to 275 guests. It's elegant, luxurious and absolutely beautiful. You can find the wedding package information on their website or call them directly to set up an appointment.

The reception was held in the Carriage House which features a walk-up, open bar, an area for dancing & entertainment and will hold up to 275 guests. The tables were elegantly decorated with fine linens, centerpieces and fine china. The wait staff with friendly and professional. The seating area at times was a little cramped when too many people were walking around, but other than that...I thought it was perfect.

Cameron Estate Restaurant (on-site) offers 5-star dining and they recommend that you place reservations ahead of time. We personally didn't eat in the restaurant, but the food we enjoyed at the reception was prepared there and brought down to the venue. We enjoyed perfectly grilled steaks, crab stuffed chicken breasts, vegetables, dinner rolls and various appetizers before our main meal. Everything we tried was delicious!

If you're looking for a beautiful & luxurious bed and breakfast inn in Lancaster County for overnight accommodations or looking for a stunning wedding venue, we highly recommend the Cameron Estate Inn in Mount Joy. You can connect with them over on Facebook too.

The Victorian Architecture of Cape May

Cape May is one of those coastal towns that should be on every traveler's bucket list. It's a year round town that swells by the thousands every summer when the tourists arrive for summer vacation. One of the things that make this Jersey Shore destination ultra charming is all of the gorgeous Victorian Architecture that you find on many of the their homes, bed & breakfast inns and buildings.

You'll find brightly painted pink, turquoise, lime green, blue, red, aqua and other beautiful shades from the crayon box. We love to drive through Cape May and check out all of this gorgeous architecture every time we are visiting the area. It's nice to see these old homes still standing and being cared for by their owners. It's a style that is not seen often throughout the United States anymore.

As you drive by and check these old victorian-style buildings out...you'll notice that almost all of them have a contrasting color in their trim work. I love seeing how they've decorated the outside of their homes and/or businesses and I've noticed that all of them sit on beautifully landscaped grounds. Charming for sure!

Another thing that I've noticed about the majority of these buildings is their beautiful front porches! I love seeing the picket-fence style railings, gorgeous wicker-style porch furniture, rocking chairs, hanging baskets and other cool items that decorate all of their front porches. There is no doubt in my mind that these homes & businesses are worth millions of dollars.

On a recent trip down to Cape May in New Jersey...I snapped all of the photographs you see in this travel feature. On the day that we were visiting...we had cloudy skies and rain, so I apologize for the photos not being of the best quality. With that said, I think you will all appreciate the Victorian Architecture that is shown in each one. Some are private homes and others are bed & breakfast inns.

We love visiting Cape May and if you're looking for a charming south Jersey Shore destination to visit, this is the one you'll want to check out. There is always something to see & do year-round in Cape May.

Note: All photos in this travel blog post are clickable. Click on each photo to have it automatically open up in a new browsing window & in an enlarged size. This will allow you to see all of the smaller details close-up.

Romantic Weekend Getaway to The Jacqueline House of Wilmington

When I think about the perfect romantic weekend getaway, I think about escaping the city and heading to the countryside. As a couple, it's important to take time away from our everyday lives and regularly reconnect with one another. Sometimes it's fun to just get into the car....drive for a few hours and see where you end up. At other times, you'll need to plan ahead.

* Complimentary Stay Received. Please see our disclosure at the bottom of this travel feature.

Recently we had the opportunity to visit The Jacqueline House of Wilmington in western Pennsylvania. The bed and breakfast inn is located in the picturesque countryside, with small town businesses and country charm located nearby. Within a few miles of the B&B you'll find the historic Westminster College, Banks Covered Bridge, the Old Order Amish, several wineries, and the premium shopping outlets.

The Jacqueline House of Wilmington offers luxurious accommodations to their guests, a small meeting and business facility and all of the country charm you would expect. The house is decorated in antique elegance and offers all of the modern amenities you would ever need. If your looking for a quiet, but luxurious retreat...this is the place you need to be.

When it comes to overnight accommodations you'll find four different options in regards to suites. We had the opportunity to stay in The Neshannock Falls Suite which is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, honeymooners or for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life. Perfect for a couple or someone who's traveling alone.

The suite offers a comfortable king-size bed, silky-soft bed linens, a comfortable sitting area, flat screen Smart TV, aroma air diffuser to help set the mood and a private large bathroom that included a jacuzzi tub, double sinks, separate shower and plenty of super-soft bath linens. Hanging in our closet we were pleasantly surprised to find two spa bathrobes waiting for us upon arrival.

Our suite was over-sized and we loved all of the bright light that streamed through the windows. The entire room was beautifully decorated and the color scheme was inviting and relaxing. You felt right at-home as soon as you walked through the door. One thing that I always feel that's important to mention is that our suite and the entire house was immaculately clean!

The Jacqueline House of Wilmington has a lot to offer travelers. Downstairs you'll find a media room with a 47" big screen TV, Bluetooth connectivity and there is free wireless internet access throughout the entire house. They offer complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks to their guests 24 hours a day. During the evening hours complimentary wine is available and in the morning you'll enjoy a delicious hot breakfast before starting your day. During the warmer months of the year, guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.

Connected to the main house is a meeting room that's perfect for family reunions, birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, bachelorette parties, wedding anniversaries, graduation parties, small weddings and business events/meetings. The event room offers comfortable seating for 35 people with various options available.

The Jacqueline House Spa is open to guests and to residents in the community. When staying at the Bed & Breakfast you can opt to schedule a professional massage for the ultimate in luxurious, relaxation. You'll want to talk to the Innkeeper to schedule your appointment.

If you're traveling from south central Pennsylvania, you'll want to allow about 4 hours in your travel time, coming from the Harrisburg and Hershey areas. We personally recommend that you head north to connect with I-80 and then take that west until you reach the Mercer exit. Its a beautiful, relaxing and scenic drive!

You'll find The Jacqueline House of Wilmington located at 3213 PA-956 in New Castle, Pennsylvania 16105. You can visit their website online to learn more about this gorgeous Bed and Breakfast Inn and connect with them on Facebook. Looking to give a gift? They offer gift certificates too!

Disclosure: We received a complimentary night stay at The Jacqueline House of Wilmington. We did not receive any monetary compensation. Our thoughts and words are our 100% unbiased opinion regarding our stay. You can double-click on each photo in this travel feature to have it automatically open up in a new browsing window and in an enlarged size. We're a mobile-reader friendly site.

The Shawangunk Wine Trail - Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast

DRINK AND DECORATE: Wine Tasting and Decorating Trail Leaves Guests with a Festive Holiday Wreath

The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast provides the first ornament then guests sip their way to a wreath full of trinkets at the “Fineries at the Wineries” event this holiday season along the Shawangunk Wine Trail.

Are you up to the taste and decorate challenge? Each year the Shawangunk Wine Trail puts together its popular "Fineries at the Wineries" event where visitors get to sample wines at area wineries and accumulate trinkets to end their adventure with a fully trimmed holiday wreath. Now the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast, located amid the region, will give guests a head start with a unique ornament.

“This is an extremely popular event in the lower Hudson Valley and tickets go very quickly,” said Dena Finneran, who co-owns the award-winning country inn with her husband John. “We wanted to give our guests something extra special to set their wreaths apart.”

The Shawangunk Wine Trail will issue each couple that attends “Fineries on the Wineries” a handmade wreath and a wine tasting glass. Guests may then visit the more than two dozen wineries sipping the region’s finest wines and collecting their trinkets.

The Fineries at the Wineries event takes place from 10 am to 5 pm on the following Saturdays and Sundays: November 18-19, December 2-3, and December 9-10.

The participating wineries include: Adair Vineyards, Applewood Winery, Baldwin Vineyards, Benmarl Winery, Brimstone Hill Winery, Brotherhood Winery, Brunel & Rafael, Clearview Vineyard, Demarest Hill Winery, Glorie Farm Winery, Palaia Vineyards, Robibero Winery, Stoutridge Vineyard, Warwick Valley Winery, and Whitecliff Vineyard.

The "Drink and Decorate” package (based on two people) includes:
· 2-night stay at the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast
· $5 discount per ticket for 2-day admission to the Shawangunk Wine Trail Fineries at the Wineries event (subject to ticket availability)
· Complimentary three course gourmet breakfasts
· Complimentary parking at the bed and breakfast
· Complimentary WiFi at the inn so you can share your journey on social media

Package price varies by room selection and duration of stay. Package costs starts at $400 plus tax; subject to availability. Groups of guests wishing to add-on a car service to drive to-and-from the various wineries should call the bed and breakfast as soon as possible and make arrangements in advance; car services in the area tend to sell out in advance – as do event tickets. Event tickets available online only; sales close on the Thursday before the event weekend; call B&B for promo code.

About Caldwell House: The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast is a multi-award winning member of the prestigious Select Registry and Diamond Collection groups of Inns. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley– just 60 minutes from NYC by car or train is located close to the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Storm King Arts Center, Brotherhood Winery (and many of the Shawangunk Wine Trail Wineries), and the Woodbury Premium Outlet Mall. Some of the Hudson Valley’s most beautiful hiking/biking trails are within walking or easy driving distance. Built in 1802, this historic inn is full of many original features, antiques and original paintings, as well as modern amenities. Each guest room includes its own private full bath (several with Jacuzzi tub for two), smart TVs with Netflix/Hulu, free Wi-Fi Internet access, individual room temperature controls, iPads and more. The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast is located at 25 Orrs Mills Road, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. To make a reservation or additional information call 1-845-496-2954 or visit www.caldwellhouse.com. Also at: facebook.com/CaldwellHouseBandB.

6 Great Places to Stay in Gettysburg Pennsylvania

Planning a trip to Gettysburg Pennsylvania to tour the famous Gettysburg Battlefield or to visit Soldiers' National Cemetery? Gettysburg has a lot to offer visitors in regards to attractions, fine dining and a viable art scene. It's one of our favorite places to visit.

We are often asked through our blog for lodging & accommodation recommendations, so today we are going to share some with you.

6 Great Places to Stay in Gettysburg Pennsylvania

- Quality Inn is located on 380 Steinwehr Avenue and is close to all of the major attractions. Within walking distance you'll find the Lincoln Train Museum, the Gettysburg Heritage Center & Museum, the Diorama and Soldier's National Cemetery. Within a few minutes driving distance you'll find the Gettysburg Battlefield and other area attractions. You can read our personal review on the Quality Inn right here on the blog.

- Brafferton Inn is located in the downtown business district at 44 York Street. It's within walking distance of all of the downtown tourist attractions like the Wills House, the Gettysburg Train Station and others. It's also within walking distance to many of the area's fine restaurants, shopping boutiques, souvenir stores and more. It's a bed and breakfast inn.

- James Getty Hotel is located in the downtown business district at 27 Chambersburg Street and is within walking distance of all of the downtown tourist attractions, fine & casual dining establishments and you can walk around the Lincoln Square area to do your shopping. It's an elegant, downtown historic inn.

- Colton Motel is located on 232 Steinwehr Avenue and is an older motel in the area...on the smaller side, but they do have a pool during the summer season. It's within walking distance of Soldiers' National Cemetery, Lincoln Train Museum, the Gettysburg Diorama, the Heritage Center & Museum and several decent restaurants are nearby. If you're on a budget, you might want to check them out.

- The Inn at Lincoln Square is located at 12 Lincoln Square in the downtown business district and within walking distance of all of the downtown tourist attractions and museums. You'll also find oodles of restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as souvenir and boutique style shopping.

Note: Since the time that this travel feature was written, we have now visited the Gateway Wyndham Hotel located in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. You can read our official lodging review and recommendations by visiting our Gateway Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel post. You'll find extensive information and numerous photographs of this gorgeous property! So far, this is our favorite place to stay while visiting Gettysburg!

Well, there you have it! 6 Great places to stay in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. We have a few more trips planned for Gettysburg later this year and I'll be compiling a new list once we've visited some of the area's other hotels, motels and bed & breakfast inns.

Historic 1776 Dobbin House Restaurant, Tavern and Bed & Breakfast Inn

If you're planning a trip to historic Gettysburg and looking for some of the finest dining options that the city has to offer, you'll want to visit the Dobbin House Restaurant and Tavern. Not only do they serve some of the best food in the area, their friendly wait-staff dresses up in period clothing which fascinates patrons young and old.

The Dobbin House Tavern, Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast Inn is located at 89 Steinwehr Avenue in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. The historic tavern was built in 1776 and has been beautifully restored with original antiques and reproductions from the period. The property houses the restaurant, tavern, bed & breakfast inn and curiosity shop (gift shop). The restaurant and tavern are open daily, but they do recommend reservations when dining at the restaurant, especially during the tourist season. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dobbin House Historical Marker

Built in 1776 by the Rev. Alexander Dobbin. In use for some 25 years as one of the first classical schools west of the Susquehanna River. It is now a museum refurnished in keeping with the early period.

By: 1947 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Location: You'll find this historical marker located on Steinwehr Avenue in Gettysburg, right in front of the Dobbin House.

Located within walking distance of the Gettysburg National Park Service Visitor's Center, the Lincoln Train Museum, the Gettysburg Heritage Center & Museum, the Gettysburg Diorama and other area attractions. You'll find that Steinwehr Avenue is lined with many gift shops, collectible & souvenir stores and eateries.

The charming Gettystown Bed & Breakfast Inn has 5 charming guest rooms & suites that have been beautifully decorated with antiques & reproductions from the period. Each guest room has it's own unique feeling and style. No two are decorated the same. This is a popular bed & breakfast inn, so you'll want to plan ahead & make your reservations early. Included with your overnight stay is hearty breakfast served in the parlor room of The Dobbin House, next door.

When dining at the restaurant you'll find an extensive menu with fish, seafood, poultry, steak/beef, etc. choices. They do have a children's menu for kids under the age of 10. If soups & salads are your type of thing, they have those too along with your choice of vegetables and desserts. You can opt to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with your meal that has been expertly prepared and whipped up.

On our last visit to Gettysburg we stopped into the Dobbin House Restaurant & Tavern and had one of the best meals that we've had in a very long time and certainly the best meal that we had during our entire trip to Gettysburg.

4 Beautiful Bed & Breakfast Inns in Cape May

One of our favorite places to visit at the Jersey Shore happens to be Cape May. This coastal town has a lot of Victorian charm and is a year-round coastal town with a ton of activities always going on. One of our favorite times to visit Cape May happens to be in late May or in early September of every year. The crowds are just a little bit less and the weather is still warm.

As you drive around Cape May you'll notice all of these beautiful Bed and Breakfast Inns up and down the streets. Some of these Inns are quite large, the size of million dollar mansions and all of them are quite beautiful in their decor. Most of them are decorated in a Victorian style.

Bayberry Inn Bed & Breakfast

The photo above in this travel feature is of the Bayberry Inn Bed & Breakfast located on 223 Perry Street. It has a beautiful bright yellow exterior that really catches your eye with cozy looking wicker furniture adorning the front porch. I've never been inside this place, but I can just imagine how beautiful the interior must be!

I didn't catch the name of the Bed & Breakfast Inn featured in the first photo...but when we were walking by, I was really attracted to all of those Americana buntings, banners and of course the American flag decorating their large front porch. If anyone knows the name of that B&B, please feel free to leave me a comment and I'll update this post.

Winward House Bed & Breakfast Inn

We walked by the Winward House Bed & Breakfast Inn and I loved the turquoise colored (blue colored) exterior on this one! Those striped awnings are very eye-catching too! I would LOVE to own a house some day with a big front porch like this one and the grounds are beautifully landscaped too! You'll find this beauty located on 24 Jackson Street in Cape May.

The Saltwood House Bed & Breakfast Inn is located on 28 Jackson Street in Cape May. They offer 2 guest rooms and 2 guest suites, all with private bathrooms. They're located one-half block from the beach and within walking distance to the Washington Street Mall. You can park your car and walk to local restaurants, cafes, bars & grills, shops and area attractions.

These are just 4 of the big and beautiful Bed & Breakfast Inns you'll see while driving around Cape May. One of the things I love about staying in a B&B is the one-on-one personal service that you get. Plus, you just can't beat how comfortable, cozy & tidy those guest rooms are! Enjoy your visit!

Note: You can click on any photo in this travel feature which will open up in a new window and in an enlarged size. This will allow you to see all of the little details up close.

Blue Dolphin Inn - Romance Packages for Valentine's Day

Well, the holidays are officially over and many of us are already looking ahead to Valentine's Day. Do you typically plan a romantic weekend away or do you usually stay home? Hubby and I look for quick getaway deals and usually spend a romantic weekend away where it is just the two of us.

For those of you who live in California or who are willing to travel to the west coast, the Blue Dolphin Inn is offering some very special romantic packages for travelers. These travel deals would be perfect for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday or for any quick weekend getaway. Here is all of the information.

Blue Dolphin Inn’s “Coastal Romance Package” Couples Beachfront Accommodations with a Classic Wine Country Experience.

Lovers seeking a luxurious retreat on California’s Central Coast will be smitten with Blue Dolphin Inn’s “Coastal Romance Package,” a special offering that treats couples to oceanfront sunsets, a taste of Paso Robles wine country and other sweet surprises.

Available from February 1 to March 26, 2015 (exclusions apply*), the package provides the perfect romantic getaway, offering guests a chance to get cozy in Blue Dolphin Inn’s beautiful accommodations along Moonstone Beach in Cambria, CA.

A breathtaking home base for long walks on the beach, the charming boutique hotel also brings guests to nearby Paso Robles wine country as part of the Coastal Romance Package, offering an unforgettable and sensual experience tasting the region’s highly-acclaimed wines.

The Blue Dolphin Inn Coastal Romance Package starts at $445 (for two) and includes:

· Two nights lodging at Blue Dolphin Inn
· Four-hour guided Paso Robles Wine Tour for two with The Wine Wrangler
· Complimentary bottle of commemorative Blue Dolphin Inn wine and two wine glasses
· Artisanal chocolate-covered strawberries, delivered in room
· Fresh, complimentary gourmet “Picnic Breakfast to Go” delivered in room daily

To book, call Cambria Inns Collection at (800) 222-9157 and ask for the “Coastal Romance Package.”

Blue Dolphin Inn is part of the Cambria Inns Collection, a group of distinct boutique hotels located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in beautiful San Luis Obispo County, CA. The group’s four Cambria, CA hotels, situated off iconic California Highway One and just steps from pristine Moonstone Beach, offer breathtaking ocean views, comfortable accommodations and convenient access to a bounty of area activities, from Hearst Castle to the acclaimed Paso Robles wine region. Cambria Inns Collection includes the luxurious Blue Dolphin Inn and private Moonstone Cottages; the family-friendly Castle Inn; and the warm and welcoming Sand Pebbles Inn. For property information, visit www.cambriainns.com.

Top 10 Winter Events in Manchester Vermont

The Top 10 winter event, Manchester Merriment, is back with six weeks of holiday activities in picturesque Manchester, Vermont. The series of events kick off into full swing November 29th and run through January 3rd, 2015.

The Wilburton Inn is one of 15 historic and beautifully decorated inns participating in the Inn-to-Inn tours (on Saturday, December 6 and SATURDAY December 13 from 12-4 pm; $15 ticket grants access to all 15 inns). Wilburton innkeeper Melissa Levis, a former New York City kiddie rock star best known for leading her band Moey’s Music Party, will entertain guests with holiday sing-a-longs during these tours.

On Sunday, December 28th from 4-8 pm, Levis will host an interactive family music concert as part of Manchester Merriment. Infants, toddlers, and lower school children are all provided with instruments so they can actively participate in the holiday jamboree. Tickets to the concert are $15. Cookies and tea are provided. The most enthusiastic family dancer team wins a free award-winning Moey’s Music Party CD!

On Saturday, January 3rd, 2015 from 6:30 – 10 pm, the Wilburton Inn and Manchester Designer Outlets collaborate to host a Downton Abbey Dance Party, complete with Charleston lessons, waltzes and more. Come dressed as your favorite Downton Abbey character for a chance to win a free night in the Wilburton Inn bridal suite. Admission is $40 and includes hors d'oeuvres and desserts. The cash bar will feature Downton Abbey-themed cocktails.

Manchester Merriment is a six-week tradition in Manchester, long awaited every year. Other popular Merriment activities include the Elf Express, a whimsical holiday train ride for kids amid elves and holiday helpers; which includes a chance to meet Santa. There’s also a lighted tractor parade, wine tastings for adults, and a backroad discovery tour offering sweeping mountain vistas, an antique covered bridge and the oldest marble quarry in the US, among other Norman Rockwell-esque photo opps.

There’s fun for the whole family at the Wilburton Inn, with optional evening babysitting! The family and pet-friendly -friendly inn lets you rent a guest room, or a private 2-bedroom cottage to a 14-bedroom mansion. RATES START AT $235 per night for 2 people and include a hearty country breakfast and tickets for two to the Holiday Open House Tour.

The Wilburton Inn sits on 30-private acres and features its own sculpture garden, pool and tennis court. For more information or to reserve your room, visit. http://www.wilburtoninn.com or call 802-362-2500.