We’re always mentioning all the wonderful initiatives that B&Bs have instituted to go green and make the world a better place.  We have featured inns that do everything from grow their own food, use organic cleaning products to B&Bs that are completely off the grid.    This weekend, is the Annual Maine Solar Tour, which features more than 70 sites across the state that are successfully using solar power including homes, businesses, community centers and government installations.

The largest solar array in the state of Maine is located at the Maple Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast.  Innkeeper Scott Cowger explained to the Portland Press Herald “It’ll be a long time before it pays for itself, but it’s a good investment and the right thing to do. This system will on the Earth much longer than I will be.”   It’s fantastic to see that this Maine Bed and Breakfast isn’t just participating in the Green Movement, in Maine they are leading it as well.

You’ll find no better experts on cleaning tips to save time and money than innkeepers. We’ve convinced a few innkeepers to start us off with their tips and are asking for more so post your own tips and keep checking back to learn something new. Please let us know which tips and tricks have helped you make more time for doing what you enjoy, what works and what doesn’t. We always enjoy hearing your feedback.

White Vinegar Miracles

White vinegar is a miracle cleaner on glass shower doors, mirrors, vanities and chrome fixtures at the Red Dog Inn. Using vinegar cuts way down on fumes and saves money over other cleaning products. Remember, don’t use white vinegar on the tile grout as it will eventually make pits in the grout. On grout, spray Clorox Clean-up and let it sit a few minutes to kill germs and mildew.

Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Removal

Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing stains without removing the color on towels, sheets even furniture at the Blair Mountain Bed & Breakfast. This works wonderfully on blood, ink and red wine stains. Try letting the stain soak briefly, and then laundering as soon as possible.

Hair Removal

Nothing is more frustrating than cleaning a bathroom only to turn around and find hair that just got pushed around during cleaning. No matter how much you wipe and clean they are hard to get rid of. They stick to everything, including your rags, particularly your wet rags and then reappear just when you think you have it clean. The Prairie Creek Inn found an end to the frustration of dealing with hair by vacuuming the bathroom first, before cleaning it. This may seem “duh” but it will save you a lot of time and frustration. Don’t forget to wash and dry your rags after every use to get rid of the hairs and keep them smelling clean.

Tip Top Towels

Guests love fluffy, good smelling, soft and absorbent towels so here are some tips from The Turkish Towel Company to keep them that way.

1. Never use fabric softener on your towels. It coats the threads and makes them nonabsorbent, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner. Instead, use 1 cup of white vinegar, once a month, in the rinse cycle to restore your towels to full absorbency.

2. While tumble drying will make your towels fluffy, do not overdo it as heat from the dryer can damage the integrity of the cotton. Wash towels in cold water and dry them on medium setting.

3. If you catch a towel and pull a loop, simply cut off the pulled loop with a pair of scissors. High quality towels are woven so a pulled loop will not cause the towel to unravel.

Please leave us a comment below, we’d love to hear your great time and money saving cleaning tips.

BnBFinder President Mary White, was recently a guest on Chris Christensen’s extremely popular Amateur Travel Podcast. Mary and Chris spoke about Outer Banks Bed and Breakfasts, North Carolina Inns, Kitty Hawk and the lost colony of Roanoke.   Mary has been vacationing on the Outer Banks for many years, so this is an especially fun podcast to hear because it has some great insider tips and historical information. The Outer banks will appeal to lovers of both the beach and US history, and is a wonderful family vacation destination.

We’re big fans of Chris’ podcast here at BnBFinder.  Chris is a great host and his podcast is on its’ impressive 151st installment.  Every episode is built around the concept that people on the ground in a travel destination always give the best travel advice.   You can listen to Mary White talk about Outer Banks B&Bs by following the link below.   You can visit the Amateur Traveler Podcast to see a list of Outer Banks links, and listen to other episodes on travel to places from China to New Jersey.

This is an enhanced podcast with a slideshow of photos from The Outer Banks featuring some beautiful B&Bs and breathtaking North Carolina scenery.

Amateur Traveler Podcast: Episode 151 - The Outer Banks of North Carolina

We recently received an email from Richard and Ellen DeFeo, the innkeepers at the gorgeous Manor at Opera House Square, a Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania bed and breakfast. It seems that many years of successful inn keeping brings a lot of rewards, namely an extremely well developed sense of humor. The DeFeo’s wrote to see if their B&B was ‘Eco Friendly’, and they kindly responded to some of the specific criteria we use to see who is green and who isn’t. There answers were so wonderful and entertaining that we though that sharing them would be in order, and just for the record: Yes, you are a Green B&B in our eyes. Thanks Richard and Ellen!

If anyone else has some ‘creative’ ways that their inn is green, please leave us a comment below, we’d love to hear it.

Is Our B&B Green?

•Is your inn powered by renewable energy (wind, solar, etc.)?
We are retired Seniors that keep going and going. We’re dancers in our 70’s.

•Do you serve locally grown or organic food?
All our parsley is local and is organically grown by our neighbor’s window box.

•Is your B&B located on an organic or sustainable farm?
The window box is located on the window sill.

•Do you offer access to low-impact activities (car-free farm tours, nature walks, etc.)?
Our B&B is Within walking distances to bike rides, fishing in the River, and walks to Restaurants, the refrigerator, museums,the 5 and dime store, and ice cream and coffee stores.

•Do you preserve some property for wildlife?
We have a bird feeder.

•Is your B&B energy-efficient and built with sustainable materials (LEED-certified)?
Our housekeeper is efficient and helps us sustain material usage of our knees to get to the second floor.

•Do you use low-water/low-energy methods for washing linens?
We use no water to clean our linens, our housekeeper takes it all to be done?

•Do you avoid using disposables (cutlery, plates, napkins, etc.)?
None of the plates and silverware used here are disposable, but we’ve had some clumsy guests who have broken dishes.

•Do you compost food scraps?
We have no need to compost our guests finish everything.

On August 14, 2008 BnBFinder President Mary White was a guest of bestselling author and internet guru Scott Fox on his popular radio show ‘E Commerce Success’. Scott and Mary chatted live on the radio for nearly an hour, discussing B&Bs, the hospitality industry, web marketing and what makes BnBFinder stand out from the competition. BnBFinder has been helping people wake up someplace special since 1998, which is close to 100 in internet years, and you can hear Mary tell the story of how we got started, how BnBFinder became a top rated directory and where we are headed for the future. We’d like to take a second to thank Scott, Connie and their wonderful staff for inviting Mary on the show and producing such a fun and informative program.

Scott has a streaming version of the show you can listen to at anytime on his radio website by clicking here. We think Scott offers a wealth of information on his website and in his bestselling book Internet Riches.

Welcome Martha Stewart Radio Listeners!
Noted travel expert and BnBFinder President Mary White will be speaking about Last Chance Summer Getaways live on Sirius Radio channel 112 Friday August 15, 2008 at 3:30pm EST.

What’s A Last Chance Summer Getaway? It’s a quick trip that doesn’t take a lot of time, money or travel. The summer is winding down, so join Mary as she tells you about the best places to stay and play to make sure you take that much needed vacation before autumn begins to bring the cool weather.

Here are a few of Mary’s picks for Last Chance Getaways. You can find more ways to make the most of summer by visiting our Last Minute Getaways page or using the BnBFinder Advanced Search.

Favorite Labor Day Packages

Murder was the Case (Jonesville, MI)
Labor Day may signal the end of summer, but that’s no reason to commit murder…or is it? The Munro House is throwing a Labor Day Murder Mystery Dinner Party. This Long Weekend package won’t make you scream bloody murder. The weekend beings with a dinner for two at the top rated Chicago Water Grill, and a stay in a Queen or Jacuzzi room. In the morning, start the day off right with a home cooked breakfast, and the day at the spa, shopping or seeing the sites. As evening approaches, don your best evening wear and get ready to solve a mystery while you enjoy a five course meal. For more information about this and other specials at Munro House please visit their listing on BnBFinder.

It’s Not Just Gouda, it’s Great (Jamaica, VT)
There’s nothing better than taking part of your summer, to learn something new and if you haven’t already this is your chance. The Three Mountain Inn, in Jamaica, Vermont is inviting you to learn the art of making cheese from scratch. After a multi-course breakfast worthy of a farmer, you’ll have the chance to meet the 40 Holstein cows that provide the milk for your cheese making adventure. From there, you’ll experience the process in a hands on way and learn what it takes to make your Gouda great. To learn more, visit the Three Mountain Inn on BnBFinder.

The Land of Lobster (Freeport,ME)
On the East Coast, eating lobster is a traditional way to end the summer and welcome in the fall. At the White Cedar Inn, you’re front and center in the lobster capitol of the world. Enjoy the beaches during the day, and at night savor a tasty lobster dinner at Jameson Tavern, an easy walk down Main St from the inn. Enjoy lobster stew, a lazy man’s lobster or dive into a whole lobster, cooked to perfection. There truly is no place like Maine to end the summer!

Make Your Labor Go a Bit Farther This Year (Marblehead, Ohio)
The Victorian Inn, in Marblehead Ohio knows you work hard for your money, so they are helping you celebrate Labor Day Weekend. Book a room for that Friday and Saturday, and stay your choice of Thursday or Sunday free. For more information visit the Victorian Inn on BnBFinder.

Featured B&Bs Closer To Home on One Tank or Less

Alexander Hamilton House (Croton on Hudson, NY)
Tarrytown’s Alexander Hamilton House is the spot to get your end of the year swimming in by taking a dip in their 35 foot in ground swimming pool. After a swim, how about a stroll or a bike ride down any of the miles of shady trails surrounding Croton-On-Hudson. The innkeepers will be happy to pack you a picnic basket with an ‘Evil Dessert’ to offset all the calories you’ve burned on your adventures. Hearty souls can actually take a nice bike ride from NYC through the Aqueduct Trail, arriving at the Alexander Hamilton House car free. For more information and specials, please visit the Alexander Hamilton House on BnBFinder.

Inn at Castle Hill (Ipswich, MA)
Just 25 short miles from Boston, the Inn at Castle Hill is the perfect end of summer getaway. The inn is close to Salem, with many museums and landmarks that collectively tell the story of the city’s infamous 17th century witch trials and later prosperity in maritime trade. Other landmarks like the House of Seven Gables are nearby. To the south is historic Cape Ann, where the region’s fishing tradition still lives on in Gloucester and summer artists and artisans find inspiration in the seascapes of Rockport, selling their works in galleries on famous Bear Skin Neck. The end of summer is the perfect time to experience those cooling water borne breezes one last time before fall rolls in.

North Fork Mountain Inn (Cabins, WV)
People from Washington D.C. looking to getaway one last time can take a short drive to the North Fork Mountain Inn to experience the splendor of Monongahela National Forest. This pristine wilderness area, known for it’s rock formations is the perfect place for hiking, biking or just relaxing in the hot tub. In the evenings, take some time and experience something city dwellers rarely see: stars. The innkeepers would be happy to provide you with a telescope to stargaze on the deck with while you relax and stare away at the heavens.

Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast (Flemington, NJ)
New Yorkers can arrive in bucolic Flemington, NJ in about an hour from the city. The Main Street Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to enjoy everything this quaint town has to of offer, and it’s all within walking distance of the inn. Wind up the summer by dining in fine restaurants, walking to galleries or antiquing while avoiding the crowds. Sit and watch summer roll out with a complimentary cordial on the veranda as you adjust to the slower pace of life.

The Wallingford Victorian (Wallingford, CT)
Why bother with the stress of driving at all? The Wallingford Victorian awaits you at the end of scenic train ride. Catching a train up the coast, away from the city for an end of summer. escape is a time honored tradition. Take some time to visit the outstanding Peabody Museum, Yale University, and Mark Twain’s home.

Wine Way Inn(Calistoga,CA)
This grand home is located just 55 miles from San Francisco, but you’ll feel like you’ve travelled through time when you enjoy the antiques and wine country charm of Calistoga’s first inn. The wraparound decks with views of the California foothills are tailor made for enjoying a glass of local vino or watching the sun set over the mountains.

Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast (Valparaiso, IN)
Under an hour’s drive from Chicago, Songbird Prairie is the spot to enjoy the end of summer before the Windy City starts to get windy again. This rural space is absolutely teeming with wildlife. Birds, frogs and meadows full of flowers will be your companions as you stroll through the wilderness of have a quiet evening relaxing in the whirlpool tubs.

B&Bs Near Colleges & Universities
Use our Keyword Search and enter a college or university to find nearby B&Bs, inns and lodges for a special getaway before heading back to school or to ease into an empty nest. You’ll forget school is just around the corner after relaxing at a fabulous B&B like the Inn at Riverbend.

Inn at Riverbend (Near VA Tech, Pearisburg, VA)
With wineries, hiking, canoeing, fishing and enjoying the local art scene you’ll never run out of things to do, but it’s the view you won’t believe. For information and to see the indescribable view, visit the Inn at Riverbend on BnBFinder.
No matter where you are or whatever the reason, you don’t have to travel far to find a B&B for a Last Chance Summer Getaway!

Last week we mentioned that the Alaska Office of Economic Development was about to release a DVD to help aspiring innkeepers in Alaska get things going on the good foot. Luckily for us and our short attention spans, they’ve posted the video on their website for everyone to watch online. This is a really outstanding, well done video and a great resource for aspiring innkeepers. The video features several long-time, successful Alaskan innkeepers giving opinions on subjects to consider when opening a B&B. Hearing everything in the innkeepers’ own words makes this something unique, as you get a first hand perspective on topics like insurance, bookings and the day to day life of being an innkeeper. We especially enjoyed the section where innkeepers talk about why they opened an Alaska Bed and Breakfast. You can watch the video on Alaska B&Bs by clicking on the link.

Lizzie Borden is a lot like Lance Armstrong. If you’re into cycling and mention your hobby, chances are someone will bring up Lance Armstrong. If you mention anything about B&Bs, there’s a good chance someone will bring up Lizzie Borden. It’s a strange story, and one that we all know, but it’s safe to say nearly everyone knows about the existence of the Lizzie Borden B&B.

Today we came across this interesting news item that has a moral and good advice for any innkeeper, or aspiring B&B owner. It seems that a gentleman in Salem, MA is opening up the ‘Lizzie Borden Museum’ and the innkeepers at the Lizzie Borden B&B don’t like this at all. According to the Herald News, “The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast showed it’s serious about protecting its reputation” and they have filed suit to protect their trademarked name. I’m not a lawyer, nor do I play one on this blog, so I’m sure there are a lot more legal intricacies involved in this case than the article mentions. The important point here is that every innkeeper should remember to protect their inns name and reputation in the public arena.

This example here is clearly the extreme end of the spectrum, but it’s worth remembering to have your business trademarks in order. You can read the full article from the Daily Herald about the Lizzie Borden bed and breakfast lawsuit by clicking on the link.

Opening up a B&B is a dream for many people, but as any innkeeper will tell you it may be very rewarding but it isn’t easy. One of the most difficult aspects of getting an inn off the ground is compliance, because the laws governing B&Bs, and in fact even determining what constitutes a B&B vary by state, city and block by block. It can be a difficult process to meet the legal requirements before opening up.

The great State of Alaska, home to Denali, Northern Exposure and the most interesting scenery in the world has released a DVD for anyone interested in opening up a bed and breakfast. The Alaska Office of Economic Development created this informational DVD, with the assistance of local innkeepers, to help anyone considering opening an inn by providing practical advice from the experts. Dru Garson, Director of the Office of Economic Development explained that the DVD is especially geared towards B&Bs in rural parts of Alaska, and the unique challenges they face. The DVD covers many pertinent topics like booking reservations, insurance and food safety. It features innkeepers from as far afield as Nome.

Best of all, the DVD is available at no cost. For more information contact the Alaska Office of Economic Development or visit the KTNA website. When our DVD arrives you can be certain we’ll let you know all about it on the BnBFinder blog. In the meantime we’d love to hear from any other states that have similar resources for aspiring innkeepers. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Great White North, have a look at a list of Alaska Bed and Breakfasts here.

“Bonnie and Clyde meet Dracula? At a B&B? That sounds like the script for a campy horror movie?’” It is in fact, and it was shot at a real life B&B.

American film has a long tradition of famous people meeting monsters in movies. Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello, the Three Stooges and Scooby-Doo and company have all squared off against Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Mummy and of course Dracula. Many people don’t know this, but bed and breakfasts have been a favorite haunt for vampires since Bram Stoker wrote Dracula in 1897.

Whitby, in the North of England near the Yorkshire moors (think Wuthering Heights) is a small seaside village with many B&Bs that has been a popular vacation resort for a very long time. The village is lorded over by the ruins of Whitby Abbey, a skeletal church constructed in 657 CE. Bram Stoker spent quite a bit of time in Whitby, and it was a huge inspiration to him while he wrote the novel. Cheney Anne Markun, modern B&B guest staying in Whitby, has written this outstanding account of experiencing a thunderstorm in a B&B in the village that gave us Dracula.

Oddly enough, a second link between B&Bs and Dracula made its’ way to us here at BnBFinder this morning. Recalcitrant gangsters Bonnie and Clyde have been living at the Whiskey Mansion, a B&B in St. Joseph Missouri. They’ve really been enjoying themselves there, relaxing in the hot tub, taking advantage of the free wi-fi and making a holiday of the whole thing. Sadly, Dracula is also a guest at the Whiskey Mansion, and he’s been complaining quite a bit. ‘There’s garlic in my omelet, I said no garlic!’ he explained to the frustrated innkeepers. Dracula has also taken issue with the window coverings in his room being much too thin to let in the sunlight, and thought that checkout time was 11pm, not am. OK, that’s not the plot exactly, but it’s the version an innkeeper would write.

Handily, the good folks at at Big Atom Productions were on hand to document everything, and have recently released Bonnie and Clyde vs. Dracula. The film was shot in part at the real life Whiskey Mansion, and this evening they’ll be opening up for tours and having some of the stars of the film over for tours that are open to the public. The cast and crew will be screening the film and doing a meet and great, so if you’re in the area it’s a great chance to see a fun film and get a tour of a wonderful B&B while you’re at it. For more details, just click on the link above for the Whiskey Mansion and they can fill you in. Here’s a link to the trailer for Bonnie and Clyde vs. Dracula.