Thursday, June 30, 2011

Amish Country Cool

Where historic meets hip, we found fast friends in Rebecca and Dave Gallagher at The Smithton Inn of Ephrata, PA. With a nod to local culture, the guest rooms have been tastefully accented with Pennsylvania Dutch decor, and are comfortable and immaculate as all get-out.

History buffs can appreciate Smithton Inn's pre-Revolutionary beginnings just as Bravo fans can catch up on Housewife shenanigans thanks to flat-screen cable TVs.



 Notwithstanding pastoral surroundings, guests can remain pleasantly on-the-grid as need be.

The rooms have working fireplaces--so cool!

Breakfast is 50% of the name. (In other words, why we really do what we do!) :

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A Castle in the Country in all sorts of weather

Having enjoyed the property in all seasons, we wanted to take this opportunity to showcase some of our favorite seasonal photographs from one of our favorite inns, Castle in the Country.

Allegan, Michigan was a veritable winter wonderland when were last in town, and while the snow was piling up (lake-effect snow will apparently do that) outside, we photographed (and happily relaxed) in the recently renovated, fireplace-equipped Crowning Suite.
Lady Guinevere Suite with snowy views
Crowning Suite


Hot chocolate by the fire pit on a cold night
Same place, a little warmer.
Those of you who are familiar with our website have probably encountered loads of exterior photos of this property, which are some of our proudest exterior shots, hands-down. Exterior photography is weather-dependent, so we are always at the mercy of the elements. We are always crossing our fingers for cool cloud formations, extreme weather and colorful sunsets; and so far, the weather has never disappointed during our visits to Allegan!
Sunset at Castle in the Country
Clouds are our friends.


Monday, June 20, 2011

Consider us charmed.

Stately oaks and palmetto palms adorn the sprawling grounds that bank the St. Johns River in Orange Park, Florida. We were won over with perfect weather, breathtaking vistas and trademark southern charm at Club Continental.