Now that we all have awakened from our Thanksgiving food comas, its time to get that holiday shopping started!  Today is Black Friday!  Do you like to be out and about with the crowds of people at the stores getting the "deals of the century?"  I have a few favorite stores that I like to go to, but mostly I wait until Cyber Monday and finish up my shopping from the comfort of my own couch!  My philosophy is if I don't have to physically touch it to buy it, I won't step foot in a department store until sometime after January! If you are like me, and don't care to be with the masses for the next month, purchasing a gift certificate from one of our member inns for a loved one is a great option.  Many of our Indiana Bed and Breakfast Association members offer gift certificates and may also have some holiday packages you can take advantage of.  If you are in close proximity to one of our member inns, staying at a bed and breakfast is a great option for out of town family members this holiday season.  Couldn't we all use a little weekend retreat, close to home, but still feel far away?  Sometimes a little pampering is all we need to feel rejuvenated after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The IBBA office staff is just a phone call away to help you with your holiday accommodations before and after the holiday season.  We can get you in touch with a member inn based on your needs and travel destination.  We can be reached daily from 9AM - 5PM at 1.877.846.4222 or via email at info@indianabedandbreakfast.org. Happy Holidays!

The Indiana Bed and Breakfast Association would like to welcome its newest member, Cushing Manor Inn located in South Bend, IN.  Your inn host is Susan Kessler and can be reached at 574-288-1990 for information and reservations. The Cushing Manor Inn has been a designer showcase and every antiqued filled guest room offers comfortable accommodations and special amenities. The five sleeping rooms all have private baths, central air, cable, 32-inch flat screen TV's, fluffy robes, fresh flowers, antiques, and other amenities to blend today with yesterday. Enjoy a full breakfast in our English tea room, browse in our used book shop, and find a treasure or two in our gift shop. Welcome, Cushing Manor Inn!

Congratulations to IBBA Members, Murphy Guest House-Bristol, Kintner House-Corydon and the Schenck Mansion-Vevay along with two other Indiana inns for being selected and featured in a great article "At Home in Indiana" in the January/February issue of AAA's Home & Away Magazine authored by Elizabeth Granger. Elizabeth wrote: Each one in its own way offers care, comfort and cuisine, along with a dash of history. They're five Indiana bed and breakfasts, all planned with pampering in mind. Nary a one is new; each has had a previous life from its current calling. But common to all are gracious innkeepers, and guest are the number-one priority. Each bed and breakfast is unique as well as where they are located.

Happy New Year from Indiana Bed and Breakfast Lodging Faculties Thanks to all of you who chose to stay with us during 2011. You make our jobs so much fun. We enjoy meeting you and sharing our little corner of Indiana with you, whether we are located in a bustling city or a small town,  in the the rolling hills, farm or Amish country, along or near the Ohio River, the mighty Wabash River or Lake Michigan. We hope to see you again in 2012.

No matter the cost of gas, Americans still want to travel. We want to spend fun time with family, or get away from the stresses of everyday life, or see something new, or all of the above.  Gas prices may force travelers to redefine the word “vacation”.  Instead of one, long vacation to a far-away place, you might consider several short trips to near-by points of interest.

What do blueberries, marshmallows, catfish, pickles, covered bridges, steel guitars, old boy’s toys, and bluegrass have in common?  They’re all celebrated with festivals in Indiana and summer is the perfect time to visit local festivals and fairs.   What a great way to enjoy food, fun, and family!

Where to start?  Indiana tourism is a valuable resource for festival and fair information.  Go to www.visitindiana.net or www.indianafestivals.org to see what’s happening or to request an Indiana Festival Guide.  Or, if you have a destination in mind, go to the county visitor’s bureau’s website or the local Chamber of Commerce to see what’s happening in the area.

While you’re “On the Road Again”, consider staying in a bed and breakfast.   Each B&B is unique; so are the innkeepers…none are alike.  Visit www.indianabandb.com and take a look at the variety of Inns from which to choose. Go to “Find a B&B”, check the amenities you want, the area you want to visit, activities you like; a list of inns that match your wishes will be generated for you.

Go for a festival, stay for more.  Because innkeepers are members of the community, they can help you find many fun things to do, awesome places to visit, and great places to eat.  In addition to comfortable rooms and scrumptious breakfasts, innkeepers provide great concierge service!

Enjoy all that a bed and breakfast has to offer when you get away to one of Indiana’s amazing festivals!

Make plans to getaway to some of Indiana’s amazing festivals and while you’re away from home, enjoy the many things a bed and breakfast has to offer.   Check in, check us out and you’ll see why bed and breakfasts are “The Better Way to Stay”.

Bed and breakfasts are some of the most unique romantic spots which offer escapes for lovers of all ages. Wish to dine at a local eatery, soak in spacious spa tubs, take a sleigh ride or enjoy the day at a local Maple Syrup Festival.  Our innkeepers will pamper you and your loved one with extras like champagne and chocolates, fresh rose petals, flowers, and carriage rides. Many Valentine's/February Romance specials are offered throughout the month. What no better way to say I Love You this Valentine's Day than a stay at an Indiana Bed and Breakfast.