On the absence of ratings...
It is becoming increasingly difficult to rate bed and breakfasts and small inns with the scale I created a few years back. The more we travel, the more I realize that small inns and bed and breakfasts are so very unique.
Hotel rooms are easier to compare on a flat 5-point scale since they all share basic characteristics. But because most inns and bed and breakfasts are in people's homes, things widely differ depending on where you stay. One establishment may be perfect for a romantic getaway, while another might be better suited for a group gathering or reunion (despite how it is advertised). One may be ideal for privacy and solitude, while another assumes that you actually want to meet other people during your stay.
After staying in nearly 20 bed and breakfasts over the last five years, we have had our share of both positive and negative experiences. We've found the notorious stereotypes that plague the bed and breakfast industry to be alive and well in rare instances, while most innkeepers have successfully created environments that shatter these assumptions and go far beyond traditional lodging. There are even destinations that rival swanky, upscale hotel brands and belong in a class all their own.
It's easier to describe all these positives and negatives with words rather than one number, so most future posts will no longer include a numerical rating.
On my blog absence and looking ahead...
It's hard for me to believe a whole month went by since my last post! I have a trail of notes and photos in folders on my hard drive, just waiting for me to put them together and get them online. Life has intervened and I have also been contemplating the focus and title of the blog.
When I started this blog, we were traveling a lot more with our vocations and my plan was to write basic reviews on our experiences. Since then I have started sharing posts that veer from the original intent to include recipes and more informal food and travel commentary. Since traditional reviews have waned, it seems a shift in title should occur to match the shift in focus. Please bear with me as I muddle through posting as things evolve. Ultimately I'd like to come up with a new title and make the change official.
In the meantime, I'm still here and will be online in December. I hope your Thanksgiving holidays went well and you are all looking forward to more celebrations this month!
Skyline Drive Weekend
We started our October trip on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. For the drive we packed homemade chicken salad for sandwiches, cheese, crackers, vegetables (carrots, cucumber, celery), grapes, and apples.
The Main House at Smithfield Farm as seen coming up the driveway.
The main entry featured a decorated porch with numerous plants and flowers.
Main House Living Room
Main House Dining Room
We reserved the English Garden Suite with two bedrooms, a kitchen, sitting area, and a shared bath since we were traveling with family. We found this to be an excellent value for the area at $150/couple (before tax) for a weekend night. Breakfast the next morning was filling and delicious with homemade apple sauce, farm fresh bacon and egg casserole, sweet rolls, fruit, coffee, hot tea, and juices.
The English Garden Suite:
My mother-in-law and I were taking a walk on the farm in the next picture, passing by the old apple orchards and pigs.
We drove into town for dinner. My husband and I fell in love with La Nicoise Cafe last year when we visited Winchester. It was worth the twenty minute drive from Smithfield Farm to introduce Mark's parents to the French owner and the cafe. It is a local restaurant with a cast of characters, even when you don't go on Halloween night and everyone is dressed up to celebrate the occasion. The picture below was quickly snapped as the owner greeted trick-o-treaters on the street. I have never met a restaurant owner as friendly and welcoming. Other than the soup during our first visit and the French desserts, the meals are not technically memorable, but we love the indescribable warmth and passion of this restaurateur. His mother adds to the charm by serenading patrons on occasion.
Smithfield Farm Bed and Breakfast
568 Smithfield Lane
Berryville, Virginia 22611
(877) 955-4389
www.smithfieldfarm.com
La Nicoise Cafe
12 South Braddock Street
Winchester, Virginia
(540) 722-4557
www.lanicoisecafe.com
2 comments:
Yay! I'm so glad you're back. The entrance of the B&B looks so inviting but I can see where the inside could use a little oomph. Great pictures, as usual!
Wow, what a beautiful place. I love reading blogs about other inns around the country. We have a B&B in NH which is also a working farm, we are always looking at others for inspiration...thanks! Here's a link to our website if you are ever in the area: www.innatvalleyfarms.com
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