Lodging

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Hacienda Corona is named after Mexican Muralist Salvador Corona

Cowboys know it as the Guevavi Ranch. John Wayne was a frequent visitor to the ranch when his friend, Ralph Wingfield, owned Hacienda Corona de Guevavi. Seems the previous ranch owner let some of his cattle make guest appearances in Wayne’s “Red River” cowboy movie.

Today, guests of the Nogales, Arizona bed and breakfast see the Hacienda as a place for a romantic Southwest getaway.

While I haven’t yet stayed at the property, horse lovers, as well as nature lovers will appreciate the wide open beauty of the Hacienda. Current owners, Phil and Wendy Stover, offer horseback riding lessons to equestrian vacation lovers. For those wanting to go on longer trail rides, neighbor Ride the West, can meet your needs.

Guests can sleep in “La Patrona” with its king bed and stone fireplace, this Junior Suite will satisfy the mistress of the household. Perhaps “The Duke” is more to your liking? The two room suite has a queen bed and French door that opens onto the patio. Rates range from $189 – $239 including evening wine and full breakfast.

 For lodging specials, evening BBQs or special offerings such as the Tamale Making Party, check the website.

"The Duke" room features a VCR with John Wayne movies

Photos courtesy of Hacienda Corona de Guevavi

Hacienda Corona de Guevavi 1-520-287-6503

348 South River Road, Nogales AZ 85628

When I came back from Costa Rica, I couldn’t stop talking about the sloths that I got to meet. Most of my friends who have been to Costa Rica admitted to being jealous: Sloths, unlike howler monkeys that line Costa Rica’s tree branches the way pigeons line the building facades of New York City, are harder to spot.

Sloths aren't lazy

For a guaranteed encounter with these animals, which I swear must have been the inspiration for most of Jim Henson’s work, check out the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica and the Avarios del Caribe Hotel, located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica (near the town of Limon). A local family adopted a sloth that was displaced by local development. It climbed a telephone pole, thinking it was a tree, and suffered burns from the electricity. The family named her Buttercup, and she is still a fixture at the Sloth Sanctuary, sitting perched in a wicker chair in the outdoor dining area.

Rates start at $74 for a room for one. Depending on how many amenities you want, expect to pay about $13o for a room for four. Rates include breakfast. Note that this lodge was created to help offset the costs of taking care of the rescued sloths; when I visited, the staff was nursing about 20 babies and four adults.

Email slothsanctuary@gmail.com for reservations. The Avarios del Caribe Hotel is located in the Limon Province, 11 kilometers north of Cahuita, on the Southern Caribbean Coast.

Special thanks to the Sloth Sanctuary for the adorable sloth pic.

Photo courtesy Donna L. Hull

Art, history and mountain scenery provide a heady mix in this region of the “Land of Enchantment,” otherwise known as Taos, New Mexico. On a recent visit, my husband and I chose Casa Benavides Bed and Breakfast Inn, an art-filled bed and breakfast, as our headquarters for visiting the north-central New Mexico city where the UNESCO World Heritage site of Taos Pueblo, art galleries, restaurants and shops competed for our attention.

Our room, located in one of the inn’s six individual homes clustered on five acres in downtown Taos, included a fireplace. Antiques, handmade furniture and Native American rugs completed the decor. A back door led to a hidden courtyard where a cascading bougainvillea vine draped over the wall, adding a touch of bright red charm.

Breakfast is included in the room rate at Casa Benavides. We appreciated sitting at a table in the large dining room overlooking a courtyard, while servers brought the meal to us. The complimentary breakfast included an egg dish, which happened to be quiche topped with red or green chile sauce. Freshly baked tortillas, waffles and homemade granola completed the meal, providing the fuel for a day’s exploration along the 84-mile Enchanted Circle, a National Scenic Byway, another touring option.

Photo courtesy Donna L. Hull

We made sure that our adventures ended each day with afternoon tea in the Casa Benavides dining room. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, lemon chess bars, Mexican wedding cookies and chocolate cake accompanied our choice of coffee or tea. Later, we strolled through the main building, the site of Taos’ first art gallery, to the living room where we sipped tea while gazing at the vivid collection of paintings and Native American art, the perfect ending to a day in the “Land of Enchantment.”

If you go:
Casa Benavides Bed and Breakfast Inn
137 Kit Carson Road
Taos, New Mexico  87571
Reservations: (800) 552-1772  (575) 758-1772
http://www.taos-casabenavides.com

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet.
All photos by Donna L. Hull

Like most accommodations in the Cinque Terre, Arpaiuis not a full-service hotel. The Cinque Terre is a collection of five once-sleepy fishing villages that have now been discovered by tourists, but still retain much of their undeveloped charm. With the exception of Monterosso, none of the villages are open to cars, and there are no chain hotels.

Arpaiu is situated high above the sea in the village of Manarola. It’s a long climb up to the hotel but the hike is worth it. The rooms are sparsely decorated in Ikea furniture – you’ll find little more than a comfortable bed, dresser, safe, mini-fridge, and tv in each room – but visitors to the Cinque Terre don’t spend much time in their rooms.

Arpaiu view

With the time that guests do spend in their rooms here though, they’ll be delighted to see that Arpaui has one of the best views in town. Its position on the top of the cliff means guests can look out at the whole town below, and the sparkling blue Ligurian Sea in the distance. The shared balcony invites guests to linger over a bottle of Cinque Terre wine as they take in the sight of the setting sun.

Rates start at 90 Euros per night in high season. For those staying longer, there is also an apartment option, outfitted with a kitchenette.

Address:
Via Belvedere n. 196, Manarola 19010 (SP), Italy

Telephone: +39 340 6879732
Email: info@arpaiu.com

Photo credit: Katie Hammel

Doonagore Castle, Doolin, Ireland Photo by Jody Halsted www.havekidwilltravel.com

If you come to Ireland in search of traditional music your trip will likely bring you to the small fishing village of Doolin, just north of the Cliffs of Moher.  Doolin is a great “base camp” for many of western Ireland’s activities such as exploring the Burren or taking a boat ride to the Aran Islands.

The Harbour View Bed and Breakfast is a purpose-built B&B overlooking the town and the harbour- hence its name.  On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands.  We did not have a clear day during our stay but I will trust the word of the owner, Cathy Normoyle.

Room at Harbour View Photo by Jody Halsted

Harbour View has six guest rooms- available in double, twin and triple, which comes in quite handy if you travel in a odd numbered group or with children.  A cot (pack & play) is available upon request.

The rooms are all quite spacious and all are on ground level.  Those at the front of the house have an wonderful view overlooking Doolin and the ocean.  All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, which were very large for a bed and breakfast, with vanity, shower and toilet.  Coffee and tea service, televisions and hairdryers are also supplied.  Near the large windows sits a small table and chairs, perfect for enjoying your morning tea and planning your explorations. Read More »

The Path to La Limonaia

La Limonaia calls itself a bed and breakfast, and it is, in the sense that you will receive a bed (a very comfortable antique bed with a plush mattress) and breakfast (a lavish spread of fruit, bread, Italian coffee, prosciutto and cheese, and made-to-order omelets filled with local cheese and fresh herbs).

The two guest rooms, each with private bath, are part of a 15th century villa located behind the owner’s house, in a small town where the ringing of church bells occasionally breaks the silence. The house and rooms are all decorated in traditional Tuscan colors or light blue and pale yellow, and the shared sitting room (with mini fridge) is comfortable and inviting. It is a lovely bed and breakfast, but  really, it is so much more than just a place to sleep.

La Limonaia isn’t the typical lodging experience, because owners Giulio and Cristina aren’t your typical proprietors. They don’t want to provide you with just a room. They want to deliver the full Tuscan experience. And they do.

The bed and breakfast is located about ten minutes by car or public bus from the city of Florence. So if you want to stay at the B&B, where rooms start at 80 Euros per night, you could do so and spend all your time each day in Florence. Or you could place yourself in Giulio’s hands and allow him to craft the perfect Tuscan vacation for you.

Read More »

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa Ode to Chocolate

My ears, or should I say, my taste buds perked up when I heard that Milliken Creek Inn and Spa was offering an “Ode to Chocolate” Package. This luxury boutique Inn, located on the southern part of Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail, oozes romance and privacy. On my particular visit, it also oozed chocolate; milk, dark, white and even a massage with chocolate oil.

Milliken Magic Hour

The 12 room Milliken Creek Inn and Spa has teamed up with local chocolatiers and wine makers to offer guests the finest in chocolate and wine pairing. They even offer a “Milliken Magic Hour” from 6-7 p.m. where a local winemaker comes to chat with guests and pour his or her featured wine, along with cheese, crackers and fruit. On my visit, a stormy wet day in October, Peju was the featured wine.

Ode to Chocolate Package

The “Ode to Chocolate” package is available starting at $720 for a two night stay and includes one 90 minute chocolate massage, the magic hour, several boxes of chocolate and breakfast for two.  

Milliken Creek Inn, Nancy D. Brown

As a guest of Milliken Creek Inn and Spa, I stayed in room #7, a luxury room that over looks Milliken Creek. The rooms are broken down into three price categories; Milliken, deluxe and luxury. The deluxe and luxury rooms guarantee river views and are a bit larger than the standard room. The luxury rooms also feature ultra spa tubs.

Customer Satisfaction

The hotel is keen on customer satisfaction, from the offer of a Milliken umbrella to ward off the torrential down pour to a concierge service to make dinner or wine tasting reservations. I appreciated that the property was set up for wireless internet access throughout, while honeymooners will like the robes provided in room for lounging by the fireplace or on the balcony.

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa

Chocolates include:

Peju Province Winery

Swanson Vineyards

Woodhouse Chocolates

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Milliken Creek Inn and Spa 888 622-5775

1815 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558

Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast

Most visitors to the Arizona/Utah border arrive at Monument Valley and stop. Standing next to busloads of tourists, they peer at the sandstone formations they’ve seen in movies or on TV westerns. But, approximately 40 miles north, Valley of the Gods offers a red rock wonderland without souvenir shops, tour guides or admission fees. And, the valley houses a bed and breakfast where guests experience life off the energy grid.

With 1,200-foot Cedar Mesa looming over Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast, the 1933-era ranch house seems to hug the earth. A 75-foot long front porch shades the stone house that was built from limestone quarried in the area. Inside, the same stone forms three-foot thick walls while wood from an oil derrick, scavenged from Utah’s oil prospecting days, provides sturdy roof support. In the living room, the words, “Keystone State,” (a subsidiary of Standard Oil) are still visible on the ceiling beams.

Bedroom at Valley of the Gods

With no available infrastructure, the ranch relies on the sun and the wind to power its energy needs. Water is stored in a 3,000-gallon cistern after being hauled eight miles up the road from Mexican Hat. Owners, Gary and Claire Dorgan, have instituted a water-harvesting program to catch the small amount of moisture that falls over the arid landscape.

In the mornings, birds chirp nature’s wake-up call. The smell of bacon frying lures you to the kitchen where Claire Dorgan prepares thick slices of French toast smothered in fruit. Champagne flutes filled with apple juice sparkle on the farmhouse table. Along with a hearty breakfast, the Dorgans offer their international clientele advice for exploring the valley and the 360,000-acre Cedar Mesa Cultural and Recreational Management Area.

Bedroom sitting area, Valley of the Gods

A left turn from the ranch driveway leads down the dirt road that loops through Valley of the Gods, ending at Utah 163. A high clearance vehicle is advisable and the road should be avoided during wet weather. The 17-mile journey meanders through sandstone monoliths that march through the stark landscape, a photographer’s dream. Although there are no official hiking trails, it’s safe to roam and explore.

Dinner requires a drive to nearby Bluff or Mexican Hat. Better yet, skip dinner. Plop down in one of the rocking chairs that line the front porch at Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast to watch the sunset bathe distant Monument Valley in a golden glow. With a view like that, who needs to eat?

If you go:
Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast, Mexican Hat, UT
970-749-1164 (Cellular Phone)

All photos courtesy Donna L. Hull

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet

Like the name of the inn suggests, the Richmond Hill Inn is literally on the top of a small hill outside of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Unlike many of the popular inns in Asheville, like the Grove Park Inn, the Richmond Hill is located just outside of the downtown Asheville area. Just off the beaten path, visitors arriving at the inn wind their way up the small road that ends at Asheville’s Richmond Hill Inn.

Asheville's Richmond Hill Inn

Like so many of the Asheville inns, the Richmond Hill Inn is rich in history and beautiful architecture. Formerly the private residence of a prominent politician, Asheville’s Richmond Hill Inn is a Queen Anne-style home with cottages set around the nine acres of land. The property distinguishes itself from many other inns. The most picturesque part of the inn is the beautiful garden, which includes landscaped gardens with paths that lead you from bed to bed, small pools, a nine-foot waterfall, monuments and benches. A short walk from the gardens is the croquet lawn, which can be reserved for a leisurely afternoon game.

The Richmond Hill Inn Garden

The Richmond Hill Inn in Asheville offers many more accommodation options then you find at typical inns and bed and breakfasts. Rooms include a couple different types of basic rooms, several different types of suites, family cabins and their prominent Croquet Cottages. To get the full Asheville Richmond Hill Inn experience, consider the Ambassador Suite, which includes a spacious bedroom, full kitchen, dining area, large living room and jacuzzi. If traveling with your family, try either the Croquet Cottages or cabins. The cabins are secluded and have multiple rooms, making them ideal for larger groups, while the cottages are more intimate and cozy, making them the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend.

The Richmond Hill Inn Cottages

Richmond Hill Inn Guest Room

What’s nice about the Richmond Hill Inn, is that although it has the appearances of an inn, it offers many of the amenities you would find at an upscale hotel. Other amenities of the inn include a small workout room, relaxing spa and great views of Asheville and the outer-lying Smokey Mountains. Make sure to make time for the gourmet breakfast, which features all the southern favorites.

Rates for this Asheville inn start at $195 for a standard room and go up from there for suites, cottages and cabins. Check their website often for various specials they run for guests. They are currently offering a special that consists of staying two nights and receiving a third night free. This current special is for a limited time and includes weekends, but is not available for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Richmond Hill Inn
87 Richmond Hill Drive
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 252-7313

Photos courtesy of The Sharpteam on Flickr.

Since many people around the world associate the state of New York as just New York City, the rest of of the state often gets overlooked. However, Upstate New York has a lot to offer, especially for history and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re a traveler who often finds yourself drawn to places of history from around the world, then you’ll want to add Upstate New York’s Delamater Inn to your list. The inn is owned and operated alongside the Beekman Arms, which was established in 1766 and carries the distinguished title of America’s Oldest Operating Inn.

Rhinebeck's Delamater Inn

Although it’s often overlooked because of the Beekman Arms, this Upstate New York inn offers another lodging option for visitors to Upstate New York who want to experience the history and small town charm of Rhinebeck. This small village town in the Hudson Valley region offers a convenient location near some of the most beautiful estates in the U.S., including the former homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Samuel Morse.

The Delamater Inn itself is a unique, yet beautiful inn, as it features American Carpenter Gothic Architecture that you find at few places in the U.S. This Rhinebeck inn offers seven luxuriously decorated guest homes that surround the courtyard, many with their own fireplaces. The rooms include privates baths and refrigerators, as well as a phone and TV, which you don’t find in rooms at most inns. The larger and more spacious suites include the same amenities as the standard guest rooms, in addition to a sitting room adjoining the bedroom. There is one suite that includes a gallery kitchen. 

The Courtyard Rood at the Delamater Inn

Rates for the Delamater Inn in Rhinebeck start at $125.00 and go up to $300.00 for the large suite. The rate includes a two-night minimum stay on all seasonal weekends (May-October) and all holiday weekends. There are also two handicapped rooms available. The inn currently offers a 10% discount on selected rooms during the weekday.

Delamater Inn
Route 9
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 876-7077

Photos courtesy of the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn.