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Tag Archives: B&B

Holly House of Hamilton A very Fine Bed & Breakfast Inn

P1030603APtravelnews – October 15th-Hamilton, GA. When we pulled in to the Holly House in the small town of Hamilton, GA. (20-miles from Columbus) we entered this truly fine home between two giant  100-year old Holly bushes.  Close by the other side of the front steps stood a huge Magnolia Tree, almost ready to bust out in giant fragrant blooms.  The landscaping helped frame this 6000-square foot,  in the folk Victorian style home, perfectly!   Barb and I entered the front door and were met by Judy Archibald, our incredibly sweet and friendly owner/hostess.  Little did we know the treat that awaited us?  The home was decorated with a wonderful selection of antiques and vintage clocks and church organs, a player piano that Judy; quite professionally and beautifully sang to the tune of that 1910 song; “Let Me Call You Sweet Heart”; that to a person with a nostalgic bent, would bring tears to the eyes (it did mine, remembering all my departed loved ones) of anyone who remembered the sweet pastel views of their past happiness during their formative years with their families and friends, mostly now departed. The themed rooms all lent an air of relaxation and simple, quiet contemplation of the real meaning of life and all that it truly encompasses.

A bit like a fairytale, the Holly House B&B was so nostalgic!
A bit like a fairy tale, the Holly House B&B was so nostalgic!

We’ve visited dozens of B & B’ over the past 20-years, both privately and professionally as B&B reviewers and travel editorialists. Only a few of these are remembered with fondness.  The Holly House, with everything it engendered, by far has been the best overall experience of any of the past visits we’ve made all over the south and northern parts of the USA. Just meeting and hearing Judy sing would be enough for a visit!

P1030614In 1992 the ceilings were lowered and the home made a perfect, now two-story, 6 suite room B & B with a music parlor, the Salute to Liberty Room, the all important gorgeous dining room, two kitchens and is located near Callaway Gardens, and behind a very historic courthouse.

In 2011 Don & Judy Archibald from Manhattan Beach, CA. bought the 1880, totally remodeled in 1992, Holly House and love all that it means to them, their children ( their children and grown and do not live at the Holly House) and their guests. Each guest room is uniquely named and furnished such as the “Victorian Countryside room”, the “Holly’s Haven”, the “Inspired by nature” where we slept for a night, the “Walton Romance Room”, the “Journey Suite” and the “Holly Room. “There is a billiard room, a library and just behind the property a nature walking path meanders through the wood and glade. The location is 20-miles North of Columbus, and 85-miles South of Atlanta. Our breakfast, one of the very best ever, featured a giant peach cobbler made with peaches stuffed into Croissants. Eggs and pork chops, great coffee and  of the garden Rosemary, roasted potatoes-WOW!

The billiard room was the Military remembrance room too!
The billiard room was the Military remembrance room too!
And eggs too! Stuffed Croissants with delicious peaches, incredible pork chops, taters with out of the garden Rosemary.
And eggs too! Stuffed Croissants with delicious peaches, incredible pork chops, taters with out of the garden Rosemary.
No I'm not making it up. Judy had a voice like an angel!
No I’m not making it up. Judy had a voice like an angel!

The B & B address is 127 Barnes Mill Rd. Hamilton, GA.  And phone is 706-628-5634 See their website: hollyhouseofHamilton.com

Whitestone Inn, an Inn One Step Above

Giants swim just off the docks at Watts Bar Lake’s Whitestone Inn.

American Press Travel News–July 2018, When Paul and Jean Cowell founded the Whitestone Inn in Paint Rock, TN, as a Bed and Breakfast in 1997, they introduced a delightful and desirous destination place to the rural natural area, not far from Kingston, Knoxville and more than 1000-restaurants and other services. (Just watched Lee and Denise Boggs on Knoxville, TV. They really explained just what their great plans are)

Over the past 10-years, Barb and I visited the Inn and always came away wishing we could stay longer than our reservations called for. This true refresher of the soul, offered us, and their discerning visitors, a peace rarely found at any other accommodation we’ve experienced in our many visits to other resorts and B&B’s across the USA. 

We’ve found that unlike any other resort, and large quality accommodation destination vacation spot, the B & B is a true reflection of the owners- a more intimate, personal experience made excellent, or just so-so, based on the personalities and attitudes of the owners, and their staff as well. 

Put your pin on your TN. map at Kingston for the Whitestone Inn.

Recently Lee & Denise Boggs of Living Waters Ministry in Hiddenite, NC, along with Dean & Debbie Winegardner of Knoxville, have purchased Whitestone Inn and property. The Boggs are operating the Inn and plan to carry on the legacy established by the Cowells. We really enjoyed the laid-back, yet very professional new manager/owner Lee Boggs. He was extremely motivated to make every guest feel right at home at the Whitestone. The new owner’s goals are for Whitestone to continue being a “sanctuary for the soul”— a safe haven where folks can come for a time of rest and refreshment-a “recreation” that puts the real meaning in recreating oneself. They certainly are continuing to provide a great B&B (and much more) experience based on our several visits over the years.

Located on the Watts Bar Lake, surrounded by a protected bird and wildlife sanctuary, Whitestone provides breathtaking views and sunrises and an abundance of wildlife. Deer are seen regularly, as well as wild turkey, and they have a large blueberry patch that guests can pick from to their heart’s content.

With well trained, friendly, motivated staff and 23 beautifully decorated, comfortable suites, great food prepared with love by their professional chefs, comfort is assured. 

There are a multitude of recreational opportunities: hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, frisbee golf, shuffle board, horseshoes, tennis courts, pool, ping pong and a fitness room are always available. Even spa services are offered by a licensed, experienced massage therapist. Romantic carriage rides are a favorite with the guests (we loved it). 

This is a great place for individuals, couples, families, church groups, or corporate retreats, meetings, and events. They can accommodate events of up to 200 people in the spacious and elegant Lion & Lamb Banquet Hall. This place in time and space is a Premier Wedding Venue; Whitestone offers a variety of wedding options and packages ranging from large weddings to even elopements for two. Whitestone also has a variety of venues – the beautiful wedding chapel, a choice of two gazebos, lakeside, by the barn, in the field on a hilltop overlooking a pristine pond, or even in the woods. 

While Whitestone desires to provide a premier getaway B&B, there is a far greater purpose for which Whitestone exists. Since its inception, Whitestone has provided a getaway for missionaries and their families who were on furlough from their assignments abroad. Through the generous donations of Whitestone supporters, they have been able to do this at a greatly reduced price or for no charge at all if necessary.  As they move forward, Lee & Denise plan to continue the missionary care as well as increase the care for Pastors and their families.

Lucious Omelets made right in front of you!
Crab cakes for dinner, fish such as Cod, salmon! We had terrific dinners here!

Get in touch for an very unique experience in Eastern Tennessee: call 865-376-0113 or Google Whitestone Inn, Kingston, TN.

The Orchard Inn, My favorite B&B

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Begin 2017 by resolving to treat yourself! Browse our website to find your perfect room, or select one of our packages to make your stay extra special. Book a romantic retreat, a special event, or a getaway “just because” at our Saluda bed and breakfast and explore all our wonderful town has to offer.
Are you planning a getaway to Saluda? Then you’ll also want to spend time in nearby Hendersonville, another one of the wonderful small towns in our area! Learn all about the best things to do in Hendersonville and start packing your bags today!
Next time you’re visiting us, set aside some time to visit the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Just 20 minutes from Saluda, this institution is one of the best places to enjoy the area’s thriving and colorful culture. A non-profit organization that has been an integral part of this area since 1969, the Tryon Fine Arts Center is well-known for its unparalleled entertainment and professional performances.
We may be biased, but we truly think that Saluda is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. This little town off the beaten path is bound to provide a vacation experience like none other. Discover why Saluda is one of the best small towns in NC and start planning your getaway today!

Request Your Free Vacation Guide to Asheville, NC

If you are planning a visit to the Asheville, NC, area, you should request our free Vacation Guide. The Asheville/Saluda area has so many things to do for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or even a trip for “me time,” and we want to share our suggestions with you!
Click the link to download our complimentary Vacation Guide to see all that you can take advantage of in Asheville.

Our Guide covers:

• Restaurants You Will Want to Visit Time & Time Again
• Festivals & Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss
• Outdoor Activities for All Skill Levels
• Shopping For One-of-a-Kind Items
• Orchard Inn Exclusives

FIREFLY FISHING LODGE & RETREAT – A WILDLIFE LOVER AND ANGLER’S PARADISE

  • A room with character!A room with character!
Barb marveled at the walk-in size fireplace designed to heat the entire main lodge room!
Barb marveled at the walk-in size fireplace designed to heat the entire main lodge room!
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Toccoa River is a fine trout fishery and it was cool for us in several ways on a warm June day!
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Heading up the front porch at the lodge.

AMERICAN PRESS TRAVEL NEWS – June 20 – Mineral Bluff, Ga. Bob and Barb on the road again and we’re stopping to smell the roses on the Toccoa River Trail & waters. We’re here at the Firefly Fishing Lodge enjoying the quiet the wildlife and the beautiful waters of both a famed rainbow trout creek and the Toccoa River. Owners, Bart & Nina Gilbert checked us into a nice historically built room with all amenities you’d want for a comfortable stay. The special place was loaded with antiques from a past whose provenance, that easily can be felt here. Bart told us to look out our windows early morning and evening to view the visiting wildlife. Bart’s favorite chore is to leave corn out for the wild turkey and the very wild deer, lots of them could be seen feeding during those early and late daytime hours. Coming up to the Firefly, was a father and son weekend for Fathers Day. Several teams would come together for fly fishing and socializing around the barbecuing fun. The Lodge offers guided flyfishing, and informative tours to local waterfalls, Georgia’s highest mountain, the longest swinging bridge, east of the Mississippi, native American Historical sites and “Train Tracks” their railroad themed tour plus so much more, just ask! We viewed several rare antiques at the main lodge such as  a square Grand Piano to name just one of many. The lodge offers several packages for world class fishing and family escapes for hiking, tubing, swimming, kayaking, and even old-time outdoor games. We did not experience a breakfast  or any meal at the lodge, according to Nina, it just doesn’t work for them now, but we are sure if ever offered, they would be first rate! Get in touch with Bart and Nina at: 706-374-4489 www.fireflyfishinglodge.com  and e-mail to [email protected]

Nina Gilbert showed us around the main, incredibly designed and furnished lodge home.
Nina Gilbert showed us around the main, incredibly designed and furnished lodge home.
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Out the window!