Thornewood Castle Inn & Gardens is a luxurious property in Lakewood, Washington, only 10 miles south of Tacoma. It was built in 1909 and is on the National Historic Register. The inn is over 27,000 square feet and has eight luxurious guest suites, some of which have Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and bay windows. All of the rooms contain plush robes, chocolates, and private baths.

Thornewood Castle is situated on over 4 acres of manicured lawns and historic sunken gardens, such as the one pictured below. Come here for tranquility and total luxury!

Historic Webster House is a seven-room bed and breakfast located in Bay City, Michigan. It's located in the city's historic district, just a few blocks from the riverfront downtown. The Queen Anne-style inn was originally built in 1886 as a home for Judge Thomas E. Webster, though it has been fully renovated.

The following review was left by a traveler for a stay this winter.

"A Great Experience!"
My friend and I stayed at the Webster House while visiting Frankenmuth and the Bay City area. The innkeepers, Gail and Frank, were very hospitable and provided us with everything we needed. The house itself was stunning, especially dressed up for Christmas. The rooms were beautiful and very comfortable. We felt right at home.

We decided to order out that night rather than go to a restaurant, and Gail was very helpful in finding us a place that delivered. Frank even brought us homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert! Complimentary wine and water was available on each floor, and wine and cheese were available in the parlor every evening. Breakfast of baked bananas, coffee cake, then eggs benedict with hash browns and bacon was absolutely delicious! And Gail wrapped up the leftovers for us to take with us! I would highy recommend this place if you're in the area. The prices were reasonable and the service and accomodations top notch!

Save 25% on a two-night getaway at Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn in Half Moon Bay, California! You'll pay $440--a savings of $150--and get two nights in a luxury oceanfront room with a fireplace, whirlpool tub, private balcony, luxurious robes, and much more.

This special price also includes wine, appetizers, and a gourmet breakfast. According to the innkeepers, it's close to the waves you can throw a tennis ball into the ocean from your private balcony. The inn was voted one of the top 15 B&B/Country Inns in North America by Arrington’s Bed & Breakfast Journal.

Nearby activities include peaceful walks on the beach, a bike ride or horseback ride atop the cliffs overlooking the ocean, a round of golf, a soothing massage, a visit to the famous elephant seals of nearby Ano Nuevo, and shopping on the historic and charming Main Street.

Book by January 25, 2012, to get this deal. Call 650-726-6642 to make your reservation.

The following recipe for Amish granola muffins comes from Garden Gate Get-A-Way Bed & Breakfast in Millersburg, Ohio. Located in a quiet setting in the Amish Country, you can see people pass by on their horse and buggies. The innkeepers can arrange for you to have dinner with one of their Amish neighbors. They also have their own tour bus and offer escorted tours of the area exclusively for guests for an additional fee.

Servings: 12
Prep time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 3/4 cup Amish granola
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup canola oil

1: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
2: In a medium bowl, beat the egg. Beat in the milk and oil.
3: Combine the 2 mixtures.
4: Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Take a tropical getaway to Poco Cielo Resort, which is located in the mountain town of Atenas, Costa Rica. The small resort is much like a B&B, and it's half-way between San Jose and the Pacific Coast on a lush 6-acre former coffee plantantion. They have four comfortable bungalows with breathtaking vista of the area's volcanos. From the resort, you can take a short hike to their very own scenic waterfall, pictured below.