Best of BedandBreakfast.com award-winning innkeeper Adele Goodman was recently featured on Macon, GA TV station WMAZ13! Click here to see the video.

Here's what reporter Stephanie Susskind said: "One central Georgia bed and breakfast innkeeper is gaining national attention for hospitality. Bed and Breakfast.com named Adele Goodman, innkeeper and owner of Traveler's Rest Bed and Breakfast in Montezuma, one of the country's best innkeepers of the year. Goodman says she tells her guests that a bed and breakfast is a hotel with personality. She says, "it's just a small town and it's a small inn but you really get to experience the south and hopefully some true southern hospitality." Goodman says when she took over the inn about four and a half years ago she added her own personal touch, like adding family heirlooms to the decor. The B&B has four rooms, each with a different theme. From the garden room, the civil war room, the captains quarters and the outside cottage, Goodman says she enjoys giving guests a comfortable place to rest their head. She says, "I just try to go that extra mile by being flexible and being there but also leaving them alone." That extra mile earned her national recognition. Bed and Breakfast .com named Goodman one of the country's twelve best innkeepers of the year, based on guest reviews. Goodman says, "I had some wonderful reviews from some of my guests, so I was very lucky and privileged to receive that." She says she hopes her guests will continue saying good things that will put her on the list again next year, and bring more people to the inn. Steve Brown and his son Luke currently occupy the civil war room while they relocate to Montezuma. Brown says he's not surprised about Goodman's honor. Brown says Goodman pays a lot of attention to detail about what folks who are not from here may need to know. He says she even helps get his son up for school after he leaves for work. Brown says, "she seems to think of things before you ask." Goodman says she enjoys the satisfaction of knowing that people have had an enjoyable stay, and that they've had that little special experience they may not have had somewhere else. Goodman says having a full house and getting to know her visitors makes the job fun. She says it's almost like having her own family stay with her. Goodman says, "I have guests that come back specifically through Montezuma just to stay here and will take the time to go off the highway just to come back and stay with me." She hopes travelers continue to rest at the place she calls home. Goodman says the house is 110 years old and was built for one of the first doctors in Montezuma. She says the town used to be called Traveler's Rest before it became Montezuma, and that's where the B and B got its name. It's located on Dooly Street in Montezuma."

Halloween isn't the only time things go bump in the night at B&Bs.  Ghostly spirits are making themselves as comfortable in America's B&Bs as living guests are, and not just in the dead of night. In a recent BedandBreakfast.com survey, innkeepers revealed that nearly 20% (about 3600) inns in the U.S. are haunted. Similarly, a current BedandBreakfast.com consumer surveys showed that 20% of travelers seek a haunted inn for Halloween, so those who seek experiences with the world beyond can rest assured that they’ll have a good chance of sleeping with a ghost. Each year, BedandBreakfast.com compiles stories from the B&B...or should we say "Dead and Breakfasts" crypts. You'll find more than 100 ghostly tales from inns and B&Bs on BedandBreakfast.com.  Simply click on the ghost and you'll be transported to the complete list.  Here are a few of our favorite ghoullish tales we thought we'd share in honor of Halloween.

Honeybee Inn B&B, Horicon, WI: It's believed that a lumber baron named Coton is still hanging around with his female companions. His beloved rocking chair, where he died, rocks by itself, and the innkeeper's family has spotted a woman in a long skirt with an apron. Investigators of the paranormal explain that stairs squeaking at night and the unexplained ringing of bells are evidence of an active spirit in residence.

Penny Farthing Inn, St. Augustine, FL: Ghost busters, guests, and the innkeeper have said that plenty of playful spirits hang around here. Occurrences include midnight tugs-of-war with the blankets, and glasses leaning over and clinking on sherry bottles. One college professor described a young lady sitting on the daybed in his room when he woke up. Then, a few days later, the four-year-old daughter of the owners asked if the lady in the doorway of the dining room was a guest; the little girl described the lady she saw exactly as the college professor had.

Green Mountain Inn, Stowe, VT: "Boots" Berry, the tap dancing ghost and former local hero, can still be heard dancing on the third floor of the inn during severe winter storms. The son of the inn's former horseman and chambermaid, Boots was born in Room 302 in 1840, and he grew up in and around the inn. One summer morning when the stagecoach team bolted, Boots bravely stopped a runaway stage, saving the lives of the passengers. Unfortunately, his heroism turned to too many congratulatory drinks, and Boots neglected his duties at the inn. Eventually he was dismissed and ended up in jail where he learned to tap dance, earning his nickname. Eventually, after jail, Boots drifted back to Stowe, shabby and poverty-stricken. At about the same time, a dreadful storm hit the town, and a little girl became stranded on the roof of the inn. Remembering his childhood days, Boots took a secret route to the roof and lowered the girl safely to the ground. Just as she reached safety, Boots slipped and fell to his death from the icy roof. His life had come full circle, for the roof he was standing on when he fell was the roof of Room 302. Want a chance to dance with Boots? Time your next visit with a winter storm and book Room 302.

Don't forget to visit BedandBreakfast.com's compendium of ghost tales from B&Bs worldwide. 

While unemployment is no picnic, one New Jersey inn is offering recently unemployed workers a reason to party. The Blue Bay Inn, a boutique inn with fast ferry access to Manhattan, is offering a select group of recently unemployed people a complimentary weekend and cocktail party as part of its "Hotel for the Holidays" promotion.

On Saturday January 2, 2010, 23 chosen recipients will check into the inn for a complimentary two-night stay to kick off a new year filled with promise. A free “Job Seekers Success Workshop" will be offered to help build job searching skills, followed by a "Copper Canyon Cocktail Party," courtesy of renowned chef and the Copper Canyon (http://www.thecoppercanyon.com) restaurant owner, Michael Krikorian.

"In tough times like these, offering a little hope to your neighbor is the least we can do,” commented Blue Bay Inn owner Dido Krikorian. “Let's say it's our version of a stimulus package," he finished.

To participate in the "Hotel for the Holidays” promotion, the prospective recipient must be a legal U.S. resident who was laid off from a job within the U.S. during the last 120 days at the time of completing his or her entry.  Those interested must currently be receiving unemployment benefits. To enter, mail a letter explaining why you want to participate in”Hotel for the Holidays.” Letters must include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, a current resume and a notarized copy of proof of unemployment benefits. Send all entries to Hotel for the Holidays, 51 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716. All submissions must be received by December 1, 2009, and will be selected during Christmas week. Recipients will be notified via e-mail, telephone and/or U.S. mail. Winners will be responsible for their own transportation to the Blue Bay Inn.

The Blue Bay Inn opened in 2004 as one of the first boutique hotels on the Jersey Shore and is modeled after a hotel the owners Dido and Sark Krikorian visited in Paris. Guests enjoy the inn’s proximity to Gateway National Park (Sandy Hook) beaches and fast ferry access to Manhattan from its Atlantic Highlands location. Home to the largest municipally owned marina and Mount Mitchell, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, Atlantic Highlands attracts visitors from around the world for its natural beauty and charm.

For more information:
Contact Robert Hilton, General Manager, 732-708-9600, Blue Bay Inn, 51 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Copper Canyon Restaurant, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

This news from the feisty Historic Inns of Rockland was just too fun not to share.  Check out this group of innkeeper's answers to health care reform. When it comes the public vs. private debate over health care reform, the conversation at the four Historic Inns of Rockland, ME revolves around whether to have the massage ensuite or in the spa.  Along with their senator, Olympia Snowe, this feisty group of four historically preserved inns is not afraid to cross party lines and has their own idea for a prescription drug plan simplified into two tiers – red or white. Wellness coverage here includes complimentary anti-oxidant chocolates and blueberry juice, pie or pancakes.

Best of all, affordability is assured; a cost-cutting measure is included with 10 percent off all rooms (built into the package) along with spa treatments at RHeal Wellness Center and Day Spa. Stress-relief toys even come free.  It’s all tongue in cheek, but it measures up to one great relaxing weekend geared toward wellness, stress relief and a form of health care reform that promises to be passed by all those participating. The promise: no one will be denied; all pre-existing conditions will be accepted, and affordability is guaranteed; with four inns, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and all wellness criteria.

The expanded prescription coverage for the Historic Inns of Rockland’s Health Care Reform package includes not only cardio-training but stress relief and couples therapy all in one. 

• Wellness coverage includes two nights accommodations in luxury rooms, many with fireplaces multi-jet showers, whirlpool or soaking tubs.
• A multi-course cardio-healthy and hearty breakfast for two offers antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and protein to start the day.
• Physical and mental therapy comes in the form of a couples massage enjoyed ensuite or at a local day spa plus 10% off at RHeal Wellness Center and Day Spa.
• Stress relief is offered with a complimentary stress ball allowing you to squeeze the ball not the taxpayer, and relaxing music CD featuring local Rockland artists.
• Weight control measures include a welcome basket with locally made cheeses and chocolates, proven to provide antioxidant nutrition.
• The prescription drug plan offers a gift certificate to the Wine Seller, Rockland’s premier wine store for a choice red or white wine or non-alcoholic beverage.

Cost-cutting measures have been employed.  Participants will receive 10% off additional spa services and room rates for this package (only) offered from November 1, 2009 – May 15, 2010 for $510-750 per couple, excluding tax.

The Historic Inns of Rockland have decided not to allow health care reform to cripple their economy.  For more information on how four inns are working together to insure health care reform for Maine and travelers beyond , visit www.HistoricInnsofRockland.com or the LimeRock Inn, Captain Lindsey House, Granite Inn and Berry Manor Inn.  For reservations, call 877-ROC-INNS (877-762-4667).