Need a festive breakfast for the upcoming long weekend? Check out this award-winning pancake recipe from the Cocoa Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Whitehall, Michigan.

Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
6 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for griddle
2 cups fresh Michigan blueberries
2 pints fresh strawberries
1 cup heavy cream

Cut strawberries into bite-size pieces. Fresh seasonal berries don’t need extra sweetening, but if sweeter berries are desired, sprinkle with superfine sugar to taste. Set aside.

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream and buttermilk. To the buttermilk mixture, add eggs and melted butter, mix well. Pour wet mixture on top of dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just wet. Gently fold in blueberries.

Do not over mix! Allow batter to set for at least 5 minutes. This allows the leavening agents to go to work, creating thicker, but lighter pancakes! While batter is resting, preheat and lightly butter your griddle. Too much butter results in greasy, fried edges. Just butter lightly and wipe with a paper towel to evenly distribute butter over the entire griddle.

Place cold heavy whipping cream in a chilled bowl. Whip on high with a whisk attachment until the cream forms thick whipped peaks. Spoon into pastry bag. Set aside. (A high-quality canned pure whipping cream will work just fine.)

Gently ladle the batter onto the hot griddle forming 4-5 pancakes. Try to make your cakes uniform in size. Using a pancake ladle is best. Watch for bubbles to form in the pancake, and when the griddle-side of the pancake is golden brown, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately, or hold in a warm place no longer than 20 to 30 minutes.

Place 2-3 pancakes on plate, gently overlapping to form a triangle. Spoon strawberries over hot pancakes and top with whipped cream piped into a star shape to complete the red, white and blue patriotic theme!

Yield: 12 pancakes

I'm just back from three days in Rockland, Maine, visiting the four Historic Inns of Rockland. What's wonderful about the Historic Inns of Rockland is their cooperative partnership. They work closely to not only promote staying in a historic B&B, but are committed to promoting the town too. It's so refreshing to see four innkeepers working so closely together. 

There are something like 145 buildings on the historic district of Rockland, and four of them have been converted to lovely inns, with no two alike. I've now stayed twice at the Old Granite Inn (in the process of changing their name to Granite Inn, because the look is anything but "old"). Unlike many restored historic inns, the Granite Inn sports a very modern feel to it. Co-owned by a music professor (Ed) and a graphic designer (Joan), the rooms and common rooms have been totally converted from whitewashed walls and twin beds to fabulously bold colors, vessel sinks, granite counters and what I call "Ikeaesque" feel. It's clean, it's peaceful and it's a welcoming departure from a traditional B&B.  Breakfasts are served in the welcoming dining room and are as hearty as they come.  When I was there, I enjoyed a choice of two fabulous quiches, the inn's signature ginger scones, fresh fruit and yogurt, and a variety of juices, coffee and teas.  It's all served buffet style, so you can help yourself to as much as you want. What a great way to start the day!

Located right across from the Rockland ferry terminal, the Granite Inn has a fabulously convenient location on Main Street. The views over the harbor are great. Last time I stayed, I was in room #5 and enjoyed watching the sun rise up over Rockland Harbor in the morning. No review of the Granite Inn is complete without mentioning the third innkeeper and stalwart welcoming committee, Zach, the mascot and inn dog. You can count on Zach greeting you on the front step as you arrive, and being the last to say goodbye. A final note -- the Granite Inn is dog- and kid-friendly too!

Moving up Main Street, the next historic inn is the Captain Lindsey House. Owned by Captains Ken and Ellen Barnes, both retired windjammer captains, the inn is filled with wonderful collection of furniture, paintings and artifacts from their travels throughout the world. In keeping with its owners, you'll find a nautical feel here, right down to the cozy dining room that feels much like one you'd find on an elegant yacht. A welcoming living room and a fabulous terrace mean there is plenty of common area to spread out in here. The overflowing window boxes conveniently just below the kitchen window bear the tomatoes and herbs that are likely to appear in wonderful egg dishes at breakfast. Be sure to ask Ken and Ellen about their colorful past; this is one special couple with an astounding background from child stars to blacksmiths, ship captains, artists and more.

Last, but absolutely not least, the LimeRock Inn completes the Historic Inns of Rockland group. Here's an inn that has it all -- gracious innkeepers (PJ and Frank), comfortable and spacious rooms decorated in everything from Victorian to "Maine Cottage" style, gorgeous photography taken by PJ, and fabulous breakfasts offered by Frank who learned to cook in his Italian grandmother's kitchen. The LimeRock Inn is one place where you really must stop and smell the flowers. The gardens are fabulous -- both surrounding the wraparound porch and in the back surrounding the gazebo. The porch is filled with comfortable wicker funiture, making the perfect spot for reading the morning newspaper with a cup of steaming coffee or a great book. There's a small guest office with a computer and printer, so you'll always be able to stay in touch too, and a guest pantry filled with goodies 24-7. 

All of the inns offer free wi-fi throughout the inn, and they're all Green Certified Environmental Leaders of Maine. I was amazed at the list of recycling and re-use programs at the inns. I learned on this trip that the LimeRock Inn saves all its food scraps for a local pig farmer to convert into food for the animals. The Historic Inns of Rockland were named among the top ten eco-friendly inns in the country by BedandBreakfast.com in 2008.  For those who want the ideal spot for exploring Maine's Coast with eco-friendly inns that have not sacrificed luxury or the finest hospitality, the Historic Inns of Rockland make the ideal home base.

If you ever fight with your significant other about how much to take on a trip, be sure to read "Four Signs You Have a Packing Problem" on one of our favorite sites, the Independent Traveler.com, covering these warning signs:

#1: A Wrinkled Wardrobe

#2: Damaged Goods

#3: Too Much Baggage

#4: Pre-Trip Panic

In addition to the good advice in the article, remember that B&Bs rarely have elevators, and while innkeepers are generally pleased to give you a hand with your luggage, carrying your bags from the car to the house and up one or two flights of stairs is not really in their job description!

Still not convinced?  Pack up your suitcase, then carry it from your driveway into your house and up the stairs and repeat.  It will help you rethink what's essential and what's not!

You love inngoing and have decided the kids are ready to try it too. This summer, take some advice from Sandy Soule, BedandBreakfast.com's Marketing VP. As a successful child-toting B&B guidebook author and mom, and now a B&B marketing expert and grandma, Soule offers great advice and encouragement to families wishing to enjoy an affordable summer inn getaway.

• Convenient location: Choose an inn with plenty of activities for good weather and bad--sand castles to build, boats to row, mountains to climb, farm animals to feed, horses to ride, and museums to visit. Minimize travel time; cramped kids are cranky kids.
• Appropriate accommodations: A family suite, cabin or cottage will give you extra space and privacy, so the kids' lack of "volume control" won't disturb others or make you tense.
• Food: Hungry children whine and fuss. Find innkeepers who understand that kids prefer teddy bear pancakes to eggs Benedict. A refrigerator for snacks and afternoon refreshments and a bottomless cookie jar are also welcome.
• Family-friendly furnishings: Combine museum-quality antiques with young children for guaranteed stress. Teach your kids to respect property, but select accommodations with sturdy, comfortable durable furnishings.
• Built-in fun: Look for games, puzzles, outdoor play equipment, cribs and even special children's programs and/or baby-sitters. An extra plus for children is the new friends they'll make. On the other hand, remember that close supervision of your children is your responsibility as a parent.
• Family-friendly pricing: Select properties with rooms or cottages that sleep four, and include family oriented extras in the rate.This year, B&B means Budget and Bargains, not Break the Bank with nearly 75 special offers for value-filled family fun on BedandBreakfast.com. For details, go to BedandBreakfast.com and click on the photo of the smiling kids for a complete list of fabulous family-friendly B&Bs and packages. 

Here are two of the many offers to give you a sample. For more family-fun-filled package ideas, we have created a longer list here on BedandBreakfast.com.

Small Hope Bay Lodge, Fresh Creek, Andros Island, Bahamas: Beautiful beaches, fabulous scuba diving and snorkeling, plus one- and two-bedroom beachside cottages welcome families to this island lodge. Look for complimentary evening babysitting in the game room for kids over 2 and free introductory surface scuba lessons for kids age 6-9 years plus a free snorkel or dive lesson for kids ten and older. Through 12/18/09, all-inclusive rates are $209 per person for adults and $95 child (2-12) nightly, including accommodations, meals, beverages, kayaks, bikes, windsurfers, nature trails, Hobie Cat, hot tub on the beach, and taxes.

Villa Paggi Country House, Carasco, Italy: Just eight kilometers from the shores of the Tigullio Gulf, this eco-friendly home is a perfect base for exploring the Italian Riviera, including the renowned aquarium in Genoa, one of Europe’s biggest, and a guided tour of the Mine of Gambatesa, where everyone dons a helmet and rides a small train several hundred meters into the earth. The family-friendly guest rooms accommodate up to five; a family of four can enjoy seven nights accommodations, buffet breakfasts, and nightly dinners at a nearby restaurant-agriturismo with beautiful views, and self-raised meats and vegetables for €1,250 through October, 2009 – that’s about $250 per day for the family, including meals!

FREE GARDENING GETAWAY

There really are people who love to work in the garden ... you know who you are. If you would like to come and help me by working outside with me for 8 hours, you are welcome to stay for 2 nights at no charge. Usual amenities are included. Call for more details.

More information on this package is available at their website under rates.

Be sure to visit BedandBreakfast.com to find other getaways for gardeners that are listed under our Special Packages. Here are a few other garden getaways you may find appealing:

Pennsbury Inn - Chadds Ford, PA

05/26/09 - 10/31/09

Escape to Chateau Country: A bargain in beauty awaits as Winterthur, Longwood Gardens and the Hagley Museum are offering our guests a reduced rate of $30. to visit all three gardens and the mansions at Hagley and Winterthur. The Dupont family's original home and gardens Eleutherian Mills is on the Brandywine River at the Hagley Museum, along with the gun powder bills that atarted their fortune. The Winterthur mansion was enlarged by 105 rooms to house Henry Dupont's collection of American Fine Arts when he inherited this prize. Cousin Pierre saved an arboretum from development to turn it into the world's premiere garden, Longwood. For further information about each venue, visit their websites.

View all specials for Pennsbury Inn     

Victorian Charm Bed & Breakfast - Niagara Falls, ON

04/01/09 - 10/31/09

2 nights accommodations and 2 gourmet breakfasts with choice of 6 hot entrees and fresh fruits, served from 7 to 10:00am, guided tour of my garden, choice of plants to take home and instructions on planting, pruning. Later in the Summer you can harvest fruits, make jam and jelly with Anne-Marie, a Home Economics Teacher, You can also take home Everbearing raspberry canes, blackberries, Rose of Sharon trees, cuttings from cacti. Rate $325 plus 5% tax and up depending on room chosen.

View all specials for Victorian Charm B&B     

Abberley House Irish Bed and Breakfast - Dresden, OH

09/13/08 - 09/27/99

Garden Lovers’ Getaway Our surrounding area is "blooming" with beautiful gardens for your enjoyment. There are also many shops that cater to the gardener and offer unique items for your home and yard. A map and a bag lunch in an insulated tote will be provided. Bring your camera! $20/night + room rate, double occupancy.

View all specials for Abberley House    

The Queen, A Victorian Bed & Breakfast - Bellefonte, PA

05/01/09 - 10/30/09

Spring, an absolutely perfect time to visit The Queen, A Victorian Bed and Breakfast. The gardens are in full bloom and looking stunning! Take home some Victorian style when you spend the night– choose 3 perennials, trees, shrubs from a large variety, as available, to name a few: ferns, cone flowers, sedums, red raspberries (bare from July–Nov), horsetail, ivy, iris, myrtle, euonymus, sage, chives, oregano, mint, thyme, heritage hydrangea, hellebores, peonies, columbine, laities, weeping Japanese tree, crabapple, balsam, lady’s mantle, lamb ear, day lilies, bee balm, bachelor’s button and much more!!! Come visit and take a part of Victorian style home to your garden.

View all specials for The Queen     

Happy Gardening!  Rose