Exploring Ontario In The Winter - Bed And Breakfasting At Nicholyn Farms - A Wonderful Weekend Treat

Exploring Ontario in the Winter - Bed and Breakfasting at Nicholyn Farms - A Wonderful Weekend Treat

Driving up to the Nicholyn Farms Bed and Breakfast you get welcomed by the hearty and healthy aroma of 2,200 organically raised pigs. This bed and breakfast was our destination for our quick winter getaway and as soon as we drove up the driveway we realized we had picked a great place.

Bed and breakfasts are one of my favourite ways of travelling since every B&B is unique and usually offers a very personal experience that includes a nice interaction with the B&B host and the other guests, much different from the rather anonymous character of the average motel or hotel chain. Wherever I travel, I find that every B&B owner has a unique story to tell, and Nicholyn Farms B&B was another example.

My husband and I must have travelled to more than 20 B&Bs over the last few years as a home base for an enjoyable weekend getaway. We have stayed in many family-run bed and breakfasts all throughout Ontario and almost always had a really positive experience.

Bed and breakfasting in Canada in somewhat different from the United States since Canadian B&Bs are usually smaller, have fewer guest rooms and there is more direct interaction with the owner/ host. Many Canadian bed and breakfasts have between one and three guest bedrooms with most of the owners living in the same house. As a result, bed and breakfasting in Canada is a more intimate experience, it is truly like staying in someone's house. The United States, on the other hand, features more "bed and breakfast inns", many of which are quite upscale and located in renovated mansions with a much larger number of guest rooms, almost along the lines of country boutique hotels.

There are a couple of really helpful websites out there for bed and breakfast travel in Ontario and Canada:

- www.bbcanada.com, which provides bed and breakfast listings throughout all of Canada, and
- the Ontario Farm and Country Accommodations Association which lists active farm operations that provide accommodation to travellers.

After I had completed my research on these websites and contacted a number of B&B hosts about availability, we selected the Nicholyn Farms Bed and Breakfast, just about an hour and a bit north of Toronto, for our late January getaway.

We checked in at the Nicholyn Farms Country Market, where Nicholyn Farms sells products made from their own pigs which are raised organically in a bio-secure environment, without growth hormones or antibiotics. At this market, they also sell produce and meat products from other local farmers north of Toronto.

Lynda, the owner, explained that their country market sells a whole range of locally grown meats, such as pork, chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, rabbit, goat, cornish hens and even more exotic locally produced varieties such as elk, emu and buffalo. During the growing season they feature fresh certified organic produce from local vegetable and fruit growers, and their popular organic pork products are shipped to people as far away as Ottawa.

At just an hour's drive from Toronto, Nicholyn Farms was the perfect getaway for us. It is located in a beautifully restored farmhouse whose original portion dates back to 1872. The Van Kesteren family completely renovated the farmstead in 1996 and won the top prize for "Most Improved Farmstead in Simcoe County".

Lynda mentioned that her B&B has hosted guests from all over the world from as far away as the Netherlands, England, the United States, Japan, Australia, Chile and Peru. Many of their European guests stay for 5 days or more since their location is halfway between two major Ontario attractions: Algonquin Park and Niagara Falls, with Toronto easily accessible for day trips.

Our room was the cozy "Forest Room" which was located on the second storey and featured 4 beds, perfect for us 3 overnight vacationers. The space under the roof overlooking the farmland was such a welcome quiet sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Nicholyn Farms features two other guest bedrooms and all the bedrooms have their own private bathrooms.

This morning we sat down to a wonderful homemade breakfast, that started off with a beautiful assortment of fresh fruit, including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, green and blue grapes, pineapple, and melons. The Van Kesteren's buy their fruit at a special fruit market and the flavour of the fruit is indeed much stronger and sweeter than the fruit found commonly in supermarkets. Lynda and her trusted assistant Joyce called all of us guests to come out and have a look at a flock of about 20 wild turkeys that were pecking away on the field behind the bed and breakfast.

After our wildlife encounter, we continued with a tasty breakfast of scrambled eggs, organic pork sausages, toast, homemade pancakes, country preserves and muffins. Portions are not measured and as a result we had several helpings of each dish. We had a nice relaxing and very filling breakfast before we set off on our next adventure for today: snowtubing at Horseshoe Valley.

Staying at a bed and breakfast usually makes for a beautiful getaway since you get to relax in the tranquility of a country home and most B&Bs offer a delicous, filling home-cooked meal that will keep you nourished for many hours, allowing you to take full advantage of the activities for the day. It's a fabulous way to travel.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Find unconventional travel information, cross-cultural experiences, interviews with travellers and other inspiring people. Submit your own travel stories & win an exciting Amazon River cruise! "Life is a Journey - Explore New Horizons?

Fish Creek House Bed and Breakfast - A Childhood Dream Come True

"When I was young I always told my parents I wanted to live in Montana," said Cid. Living in New York and later California, Cid didn't know how that would quite happen.

Dan, a partner in a computer business and gunsmith, and Cid, a bi-athlete, came to Bohart Ranch near Bozeman to compete in the running and shooting competition and fell in love with the area. The search was on for property in Montana. For Dan, he was returning to his roots. He lived in Malta until he was five.

The couple found a beautiful log home located on forty acres with gorgeous views of the mountains and a stone's throw from Fish Creek. Located just 15 milesfrom Whitehall Mt, nestled in theTobacco Root Mountains. .The Inn offers rustic charm with all the modern conveniences.. It's also a perfect stopover between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.

The house was purchased and a large renovation started.

"We'd drive up from California every month to see how the progress was going," said Cid.

During one of their trips, they took a hike down to the creek and when Cid looked up at the log home nestled in the hills, the name Fish Creek House came to her.

With the renovation complete and the licenses involved with a bed and breakfast approved, Fish Creek House is officially open for business.

The couple looks forward to sharing their home with guests, and those with horses as well. A new barn , arena and round pen have been built for the couple's horses with facilities and riding trails for guests guests are welcome to bring their own horses and board them in the new facilities.

Unique to this Bed and Breakfast is an on-site shooting range where hunters and civilians alike can take lessons.

The bed and breakfast is located 4 miles from the historic Lewis and Clark trail and is included as part of the Bicentennial celebration retracing the trail. Other activitiies include hiking, antiquing, exploring nearby ghost towns and hosted shooting clinics at their range. Virtually outside the r door is the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. It's also a great stopover between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Butte is 20 minutes away on scenic Highway 2 cut through the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. We took in museums and a rodeo.. in one day!

Because we are horse lovers ourselves we welcome horses with their owners. A newly built barn, outdoor arena and turnout is available for our equine friends. It's a perfect location for the equestrian enthusiast with trails right outside the door..

Another specialty of Fish Creek House will be the food. They offer a gourmet breakfast for their guests and with their own personal greenhouse, the vegetables will be organically grown on site.

The inn offers two guests suites, each with a private bath, a large living room with a stone fireplace, a library and a sitting room, complete with a microwave and a fridge. Fish Creek House is also a place where the active businessperson can stay in touch. They offer wireless internet in each of the rooms and are considered a "wifi hotspot." They are also community minded business people and have used custom made Montana pieces in their guest rooms. The Fish Creek House is also a title sponsor of the Madison County Fairgrounds, in Twin Bridges, Montana the site of many statewide rodeos and cutting horse events

Cid Bus has been in the hopsitality business for 20 years and is a graduate of the NY Restaurant School We can be hunted down at http://www.fishcreekhouse.com and in person. For info and reservations,call (406)-287-2181 Email: info@fishcreekhouse.com http://www.fishcreekhouse.com

Bed and Breakfasts That Welcome Four Legged Guests

Bed & Breakfasts That Welcome Four Legged Guests

Beautiful antique furniture, big fluffy robes, extravagant breakfasts, and intimate settings are what most people bring to mind when thinking of bed and breakfast inns. Handmade doggie treats, however, is one luxurious amenity that one would not normally include. The truth is that more and more inns are accepting, as well as pampering four legged guests. Here is some information about how you and your pet can have a relaxing stay at a bed and breakfast.

If you decide to take your pet with you to stay at a bed and breakfast, it is important to plan your itinerary around them. It is key to book accommodations that are pet friendly. Visit www.BnBFinder.com/PetsWelcome, which lists more than 400 pet friendly inns in 300 cities around the country. With so many to choose from it is easy to find the perfect bed and breakfast for you and your pet.

When booking, tell the innkeeper that you want to bring your pet. Some inns have policies regarding the size, weight, and type of pet that they can accommodate. Make sure you find out if the innkeeper requires any special deposits or extra fees to cover your pet's stay. Also, find out if there are animals that live at the inn to avoid any potential problems for your pet. Ask about designated rooms for people staying with their furry friends. These rooms are often located on the ground floor for easier access.

Upon arrival remind the innkeeper that you are traveling with a special guest. Some inns provide a goody bag for pets that include treats, pick up bags, and information on local veterinarians and pet friendly establishments. Ask if there are any restricted and/or designated places for pets both indoors and outdoors. Check with the innkeeper about walking your pet through the gardens, along the shore, or on trails. This way, you and your furry friend can take in the lovely atmospheres that help make bed and breakfasts so special.

As you will see when you get to your room, innkeepers put a great deal of effort in maintaining a beautiful, immaculate house, and it is your responsibility to keep it that way. Wipe your pet's paws every time he comes in from outside. Discourage him from sleeping on the furniture and cover all furniture and the beds he might go on. Many inns provide special sheets, towels, and beds for your pet so that he too can relax in comfort. Put fresh water and food on a mat if you are feeding in the room and try to keep your pet on the same feeding schedule you would at home. Some inns will even provide him with fancy crystal dishes and homemade food and treats to let him know how pampered he truly is.

When you leave your room, refrain from leaving your pet behind. Most bed and breakfasts have policies against leaving your pet unattended. Crate your pet to avoid any unwanted situations if you are permitted to leave him in the room, and be sure that all employees of the inn know that your pet will be in there. Some inns offer in-room pet sitting services, as well as doggie daycare areas that allow your pet to socialize and play while you are off premises. When outdoors, keep your pet on a leash and always clean up after him. Respect all the guests at the inn and their feelings about animals.

At the end of your stay at the inn, inspect your room for any damage your pet may have caused. Notify the innkeeper and volunteer to pay for any repairs. Pet friendly inns know that sometimes an accident may happen and would prefer you to let them know right after it happens so they may deal with it accordingly.

Doesn't it sound nice to be able to go on a relaxing, intimate vacation and be able to bring your pet along? Many bed and breakfast innkeepers have said that some of their most memorable guests are pets and their owners. Hopefully your visit at the bed and breakfast will be just as memorable!

Mary White is Founder of www.BnBFinder.com, a bed & breakfast search directory that provides gift certificates and listings for thousands of B&Bs and Inns worldwide.