California Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns Experience a Room with a Different View December 2008
The InnCrowd

In this issue
  • Winter Wonderland Getaways
  • Be the Host with the Most this Season
  • Free Cookbook with Gift Certificate
  • Baked Seasoned Pear
  • HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

  • Be the Host with the Most this Season
    bedside

    For most people, the holidays bring many things - including out-of-town guests. Be the host with the most this season with tips from some of the best experts around: B&B innkeepers!

    We asked B&B owners around the state for advice and best kept secrets on how to make sure your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Here's a few words of wisdom from CABBI's seasoned hosts and hostesses:

    Most inns agreed that most important is to supply your guests with glasses and water decanter, and many also suggested a fresh flower bouquet on the bedside (provided your guests don't suffer from allergies, of course.)

    At the Pacific Victorian B&B in Half Moon Bay, the innkeepers recommend providing a robe for guests as it's usually an item they do not pack but something they really appreciate, especially in the cold months.

    The innkeepers at The Artist's Inn in South Pasadena enjoy hosting guests at their inn as well as in their own home. What can their guests expect? Extra blankets, pillows and an alarm clock plus a basket in the bathroom full of handy amenities, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, special soaps and lotion. Finally, as an added touch, they leave a book about the region on the nightstand.

    In addition to placing a sweet smelling bouquet at the bedside, The Elk Cove Inn & Spa in the Mendocino region provides guests with an evening tray of port and a chocolate "good night kiss" treat.


    Free Cookbook with Gift Certificate
    Cabbi Cookbook

    Who doesn't love to travel? There's still time to give the truly special gift of a getaway to friends and loved ones this season.

    A CABBI gift certificate is a unique gift that extends past the holidays and will be remembered for years to come. Best of all, recipients can personalize their getaway with a choice of dates at 300 CABBI inns in regions across California. From beach towns to inland regions to Sierra retreats, CABBI inns are all certified and offer a range of amenities such as spa, on-site restaurant and in-room luxuries.

    And, as a special holiday promotion, every purchase of a CABBI gift certificate of $250 or more will receive a FREE copy of the California Bed & Breakfast Cookbook which features culinary specialties from 133 CABBI inns.

    This limited holiday promotion is only available through January 4, 2009 -- so order today!


    Baked Seasoned Pear
    recipe_dec

    Originally built in 1905, the Amber House has been hosting travelers to Sacramento since 1984.

    Guests can stay in one of two historic homes: a sophisticated 1895 Colonial Revival or a stylish 1905 Craftsman. Both are walking distance to Sacramento midtown's finest restaurants, shops, galleries, and entertainment.

    When the days get shorter and colder, the innkeepers turn on the fireplace in the dining room, providing the perfect backdrop to this delicious pear recipe which they serve as a first course in the autumn and winter months.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 D'Anjou pear, cut in half, core but leave the stem on one side
    • 2 TBS brown sugar
    • 2 TBS unsalted butter
    • 1/2 cup orange juice
    • Cinnamon, to taste
    • Nutmeg, to taste
    • Cloves
    • Dried cranberries or Craisins

    • Preheat oven to 335 degrees. Place the sugar into the bottom of a Pyrex baking dish. Lay pears flat-side-down so they are sitting on top of the sugar. Place butter on top of the pear halves. Pour orange juice over pears and sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cranberries.

      Bake for 25 minutes until pear is tender and begins to brown. Serve hot pear and juice in a soup plate and sprinkle the rim with cinnamon for garnish. Makes 2 servings.


    HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
    stocking

    Here's wishing you and your family a happy holiday season from the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns.

    We look forward to bringing more specials and unique getaways to you in the New Year!


    Winter Wonderland Getaways
    snow

    Many parts of California are short on snow, but not on winter activities. California has some unique holiday traditions, including festive boat lighting parades, musical concerts in wine caves, gala Christmas pageants and surfing Santas. But winter celebrations carry on long after the Christmas trees are recycled.

    Here's some regions where the holidays come alive and it's easy to celebrate well into 2009. Better yet, you'll find many CABBI inns are offering specials to entice you to plan a sparkling winter getaway.

    Island Magic
    Enjoy the beauty of Catalina Island where you're always on "island time". During the winter months, the quaint village of Avalon is transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, charming shops and unique restaurants.

    Midweek specials at The Avalon Hotel (pictured above) and the Aurora Hotel and Spa make a pre-holiday or post-season getaway even more tempting.

    Dramatic Views; Cozy Winter Retreats
    Where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean lies the coastal town of Jenner in Sonoma County where you'll find miles of beautiful scenery and rugged beaches. Two CABBI inns invite you to experience the beauty of this region with special deals.

    The "Winter Break Whale Watcher" special at the Jenner Inn and Cottages invites guests to enjoy the annual celebration of the Pacific gray whale migration along the spectacular Sonoma Coast and then soak in a hot tub or curl up in front of a roaring fire at night.

    Fifteen miles north of Jenner, perched on a cliff that overlooks the wild coast is the charming Timber Cove Inn. Save 25% off each night of your stay and receive two complimentary glasses of wine upon arrival through March 31, 2009.

    Winter and Wine
    In Paso Robles, stay two nights at the Orchard Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast and you'll enjoy crisp winter days without the chill of snowfall. Their "Afternoon Delight and Wine Appreciation" special includes a gourmet picnic lunch, wine tasting, bottle of their wine and wine cave tour.

    Should We Ski or Take a Dog Sled?
    Experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains in a whole new way: behind a team of huskies! Or enjoy skiing, snowboarding and ice skating throughout the beautiful Tahoe region. No matter what winter wonderland activity you like best, you'll find several CABBI inns in the Lake Tahoe and Gold Country/High Sierra regions.

    Tango for Two!
    In the beautiful town of Fort Bragg sits the Weller House, which features a unique 900 square-foot ballroom that is getting put to good use. Weekly practices of Argentine Tango, scheduled social dances and live music on select nights are the perfect way to spend with someone special or pick up a new dancing skill.

    Stay and Play in Groveland
    Located near Yosemite National Park, Hotel Charlotte (pictured below) invites guests to "Stay and Play All Winter Long" with their special rate of less than $100 per night! The winter entertainment calendar is full of fun activities, including a special dinner to choose from.



    phone: 800-373-9251
    -

    California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns | 414 Twenty-Ninth Street | Sacramento, CA 95816-3211