What are you and your significant other doing on November 10th? Here's an idea from the mailbag, today -- and certain gracious bed and breakfast owners across America:
"Hundreds of bed and breakfasts across the country are teaming up to offer a free night’s stay to veterans on Wednesday, November 10th, the night before Veteran's Day. Men and women currently serving or those who have previously served our country are eligible for a complimentary stay at a participating inn.
The program, started in 2009 by the West Virginia B&B Association has grown to include over 40 states and more than 600 inns. For a full list of participating bed and breakfasts visit www.bnbsforvets.org. The only requirement for these rooms is a valid military identification. Veterans can obtain an I.D. from the Veterans Administration.
Innkeepers’ appreciation for our men and women in uniform continues year round and packages honoring our heroes can be found by clicking here. For example, the Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast in Waynesville, North Carolina has created a special promotion where two active military couples in need of a special getaway may send an email or letter and qualify to win an all-inclusive two day getaway (Sunday-Thursday, non-holiday) starting mid-March. The stay includes signature candlelit breakfasts, snacks throughout both days, and free use of the inn’s fitness studio and sauna, among other perks. All letters from interested participants must be received no later than February 1, 2011. One letter per person is allowed. (For more details visit Andon-Reid, linked here.)
- Andon-Reid is participating in the free night’s stay this November as well but the inn is now fully booked. In the meantime, BnBFinder.com has put together a sampling of inns that, at press time, still had availability for a free night for military service people on November 10th:
- The Candlelite Inn in the heart of the scenic Lake Sunapee Region is offering a free night’s stay to men and women with heart – aka veterans and active military personnel. Located in historic Bradford, New Hampshire this Victorian inn features a parlor with a cozy fire, games, and complimentary apple cider. It’s also minutes to major ski areas, restaurants, and seasonal outdoor activities. The inn serves a full three-course breakfast daily, including homemade dessert, jellies and jams, and freshly baked muffins and pies.
- The Huffman House at Creekside Farm in Newport, Virginia is offering a free night stay for active and retired military personnel to show its appreciation. The Huffman property features three historic buildings, including the inn, an early nineteenth century barn and a farmhouse built in the 1800s, which was remodeled in 1906. The inn, listed on the national register of historic places, is still a working farm. It sits on 61-acres of streams, ponds, and pastures, with abundant wildlife. Despite its old time appeal, Huffman is minutes from downtown Blacksburg and modern day conveniences.
For more inns participating in the B&Bs for vets program and those offering special deals, discounts, and add-ons for uniformed heroes visit the BnBFinder.com "Salute our Heroes" page, linked here.
Editor's note: For a full list of which B&Bs are participating, and their vacancy status, by state, click here.
© 2010 by Lily Casura / Healing Combat Trauma. All rights reserved. Use with attribution.
