This recipe for warm, delicious bread pudding comes from Brook Farm Inn in Lenox, MA. Seated on an acre of gardens and with a heated outdoor pool, the inn is a great place to unwind. Many of the rooms feature fireplaces, canopy beds, and whirlpool tubs. In addition to a homecooked breakfast, Brook Farm Inn also serves afternoon tea with fresh-baked scones.

Prep time:  40 minutes
Serves:  10

This tasty appetizer recipe comes from Gateways Inn in Lenox, MA. The 12-room inn was originally built as a summer cottage by Harley Procter of Procter & Gamble and lies in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire Hills.

Prep time:  45 min
Serves:  15

     Freeport, Maine, has the holiday “Sparkle” Parade"  and the Historic Inns of Rockland hold their January Pies on Parade event but I never heard of a Tub Parade until  Ellen Gutman Chenaux, Innkeeper/Proprietor of the Birchwood Inn in Lenox, MA, cued me in. On Saturday, September 12, at 1:30 pm, more than 30 carriages (or “tubs” as English slang had it) will take to Main Street in Lenox, MA adorned by flowers and other accessories. The “Tub Parade” is one of those delightfully whimsical don’t-miss New England events; just a one-tank trip from Boston.  

     What exactly is a Tub Parade?   What exactly is a Tub Parade? According to Bob Coakley, of the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society and the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the Tub Parade is a beautiful display of festive carriages and horses decorated with flowers from various local landmarks. The parade is a tradition dating back to the Gilded Age of the Berkshires (late 1800’s). New England’s rich and famous owners of palatial summer “cottages” -- the likes of Westinghouse, Carnegie and Proctor -- established the friendly competition. In a form of highbrow “one-upmanship,” the wealthy summer residents would showcase their finest animals and carriages by covering them with the choicest selections from their gardens, and take them on parade. 

      After World War I, the Gilded era declined, and the parade ceased until the Colonial Carriage & Driving Society and the Lenox Chamber of Commerce revived the event 18 years ago. The parade goes through Lenox’s Main Street, then winds around the center of town twice. Kicking off at 1:30 PM, it generally lasts under an hour. There is no admission fee.

     Why not plan a Berkshire B&B getaway around the Tub Parade, at the handsome Birchwood Inn?  Dating from 1767, it is the oldest home in Lenox. To introduce travelers to the wonders of the Berkshires, the inn devised a September Special during the last two weeks of the month. Stay two midweek nights from September 14 to 30, and the third midweek night is 50 percent off. Combine the Tub Parade with a Sunday and Monday stay, and you’re treated to a Tuesday night stay for 50% off.   

     At Hampton Terrace B&B, one of Lenox’s original Gilded Age "cottages," room rates are discounted $75 to $120/night  for multiple night stays from Sunday through Thursday throughout September and October. Stay in any room at the mansion or their Wynnstay Cottage for $175-$190 per night, or in a king suite for $225-$250 midweek through October.

      Brook Farm Inn, another lovely Lenox B&B, will offer two complimentary 9-hole rounds of golf at the Donald Ross designed Greenock Country Club when you stay two nights, Sunday through Thursday.With all these great offers from Lenox B&Bs, plus the scenic beauty and cultural offerings in the Berkshires, reserve the weekend of September 12 to enjoy your Berkshire Mountains’ getaway.

     For a complete list of inns and B&Bs in Lenox, click here.  Remember, for all fall getaways, especially to foliage-rich locations like Lenox, MA, book now or forever hold your peep!

Always believing the glass is half full not half empty, we at BedandBreakfast.com were delighted to find from a recent survey that at least 75% of those surveyed said they'd take as many if not more trips this summer, and eight out of ten said they'd plan to stay at a B&B.  As we've known for a long time, B&Bs make very popular destinations for those planning summer getaways. Read on for more information about the survey and how to save on vacations through BedandBreakfast.com's "Tanks for Traveling" promotion.

While news of a shrinking economy and travel cutbacks are heard daily, BedandBreakfast.com reports that inngoers continue to enjoy their stress-busting escapes.  The largest online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide, BedandBreakfast.com distributed a survey in March 2009 to 37,000 travelers (BedandBreakfast.com site subscribers), and received more than 2400 responses (6.5% return rate). More than 96 percent stated they stayed in a hotel while 85.5 percent noted they stayed at a B&B during the last two years, qualifying respondents as travelers. When asked how many trips they’re planning through September 30, 75 percent of respondents said they expect to take between two and four getaways.  Over half the respondents are planning to take as many trips as last year, while 25 percent expect to travel more. Additionally, 84 percent of respondents maintained they would stay at a B&B during upcoming trips between now and September 30, while only 10% said they’d stay at a two-star hotel and 46 percent said they’d stay at a three-star hotel (respondents could make multiple choices). Less than 44 percent expected to stay with friends and family on upcoming trips.  About 73 percent planned trips of less than 150 miles, with 62% planning to travel further afield.  Due to the economy, many respondents noted a preference for shorter trips, closer to home. 

BedandBreakfast.com survey respondents embrace the value represented by B&Bs.  When asked what they like best about B&Bs, 85 percent of respondents enjoy the complimentary breakfasts, a benefit that saves travelers about $10 per person per day.  Additionally, the unique décor and friendly hospitality continue to attract travelers to B&B getaways, demonstrated by 84 percent of respondents saying the hospitality of innkeepers is the reason they choose B&Bs, while 55 percent also appreciate the distinctive furnishings. In addition, 74 percent of survey respondents explained that their “individuality” and “a new experience each time” is an appealing characteristic of B&Bs (respondents could select multiple choices for this question).  

“A significant number of respondents mentioned the relaxing appeal of B&Bs in their survey comments,” mentioned Eric Goldreyer, Founder and CEO of BedandBreakfast.com. “We know people are flying less, driving more, and are often cutting back on the length of their vacations. Yet this survey demonstrates that as economic pressures mount, vacations continue to be a necessity to relieve stress, so travelers aren’t giving up on their B&B getaways,” finished Goldreyer. 

Results of the survey demonstrate the trend toward closer-to-home travel and travelers’ desire to seek value-rich accommodations. For example, in a recent article entitled Some Destinations Actually Faring Well in Economic Slump, posted on PeterGreenberg.com, the author explained: “The economic slump is hardly news, but it is having some surprising effects on travel and tourism. While some major cities like Las Vegas, Hawaii and Orlando are experiencing dizzying drops in the number of visiting tourists, many ‘second-tier’ markets are actually experiencing an uptick in business”. The story went on to illustrate what the Hampton Terrace B&B in Lenox, MA, and many other B&Bs are experiencing – up to 30 percent increases in reservations over last year for January – February 2009, due to travelers choosing drive-to rather than fly-to destinations. Advance bookings for B&Bs in drive-to destinations are up for the summer, too. According to PJ Walter of the Limerock Inn in Rockland, ME, advance bookings for July 2009 are well ahead of last year. 

Travelers looking to save on their summer getaways will find nearly 100 offers for free gas and added value in BedandBreakfast.com’s “Tanks for Traveling” promotion. Simply visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click on the “Tanks for Traveling” link to find everything from  free gas cards to massages at B&Bs in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Additionally, book a four- night European getaway through March, and receive a $100 discount on your BedandBreakfast.com online reservation. In April, book a three-night Canadian getaway, and enjoy a $50 discount. Simply type in your destination and travel dates, then look for the green “Book It” button. Use promo code EUROPE100 or CANADA50 to receive the applicable credit on your reservation. With the “Tanks for Traveling” promotion and online booking discounts, BedandBreakfast.com offers ample opportunities to save on B&B vacations.