Continuing in our series about ways to save on B&B getaways, we present tip #4. However, before going on to it, I thought I should mention that I toured B&Bs this weekend and was delighted to find at each lovely inn where I stayed, I was offered a complimentary glass of wine, along with a fresh cheese platter (at Jacob Hill Inn), fresh baked cookies (at Inn at Harbor Hill Marina and Jacob Hill Inn), and fresh fruit and chocolates. I am always amazed at the added value offered at B&Bs; benefits that would add up to as much as $180 at expensive hotels. 

Tip # 4: Bring your own wine. Rather than going out to bars, where drinks can total as much as $20, bring your own wine or cocktails and enjoy them in the privacy of your room or perhaps on a scenic porch overlooking a beautiful view.

Everyone is looking for a deal these days, and there is no shortage of them at B&Bs. A complimentary – and often gourmet – breakfast is always included. Yet, there are lesser-known and equally worthwhile benefits to a B&B stay. In fact, we've calculated as much as $180 in savings realized by staying at a B&B. Recently, BedandBreakfast.com polled innkeepers to learn about the array of amenities offered at inns and B&Bs throughout the contry.  Figures below reflect our survey results. Here’s how the value of B&Bs add up:

- Free breakfasts for two daily (all B&Bs): $50
- Free Wi-Fi access and/or guest computers (nearly 90% of B&Bs): $20
- Free afternoon refreshments, wine and cheese and/or evening dessert for two (94% of B&Bs): $40
- Tip-free help with luggage & concierge services (over 65% of B&Bs): $10
- Free local telephone calls (75% of B&Bs) plus free long distance calls: $10
- Free parking (over 95% of B&Bs): Up to $50     

Still not enough value? BedandBreakfast.com ups the savings each month with a different campaign when you book online at the site. This month, look for more than $100 in savings on a four-night stay booked on BedandBreakfast.com through the Fantastic Fall Sale.

For the next two weeks, we'll post an additional piece of advice for saving on B&B getaways. Be sure to check back for more travel advice.

Tip #1

Travel midweek to the country and weekends to the city: Rural B&Bs are popular relaxing weekend escapes for those hoping to “get out of the city,” yet midweek is quieter. Since business travelers tend to fill urban B&Bs during the week, you’ll often find wider availability on the weekends. Room rates may reflect the slower times, so ask for midweek or a weekend rate depending upon where you’re traveling.

Tune into the BedandBreakfast.com blog daily for more tips on B&B savings.

     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!

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