Last week was the vernal equinox, the event that ushers the northern hemisphere into spring. Flowers are starting to bloom. Birds are migrating north. College students are heading to the beach. Here are some vacation ideas for those of us looking to welcome the spring.
Flowers:
Nothing says spring like blooming buds. Whether it’s early spring bulbs like crocuses and tulips or stately flowering trees, flowers help signify that winter is finally over.
Every spring, people flock to the capitol and it has nothing to do with politics. This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival started on March 26 and will continue until April 10. The festival, which celebrates the friendship between the US and Japan, is especially poignant this year. While visiting D.C., stay at the Swann House Bed and Breakfast Inn. This elegant bed and breakfast is in an 1883 mansion and has its own swimming pool.
The Lamplight Inn Bed & Breakfast in Berlin, Ohio has its own spring tradition. For the past four years, the “Singing Innkeeper” (innkeeper Larry Wilgus’ nickname) has planted brightly colored tulips in the shape of a 16-Foot musical note. The 10,000 tulips are expected to be in full bloom by mid-April and last through mid-May. This year, in support of breast cancer research, the tulips will be pink.
Abigail’s Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia has partnered with the world famous Butchart Gardens this spring. Abigail’s is a 23-room boutique bed and breakfast at a 1930s Tudor style mansion in romantic downtown Victoria. Stay the night in their Sunflower Room and get admission for two to the 55 acres of flowers and 150 things to do at the gardens. Abigail’s guests will also receive a bottle of wine and an appetizer tray.
Bird Watching:
As the birds return to their spring haunts, where they will build nests and lay eggs, they make some regular stops along the way. Bird watchers know to take advantage of the birds’ schedule and so do these inns with bird watching specials.
Stay at the Cranmore Mountain Lodge in Washington Valley, New Hampshire, and visit the breeding habitat of Bicknell’s Thrush. The innkeepers will provide a breakfast-to-go for guests and two tickets for the Bicknell’s Thrush guided tour. Guests will also receive a DVD by professional photographer Dick Pollock, the naturalist guide: “New Hampshire Trees & Wildflowers,” a Valley Pass for discounts on local restaurants and exclusive coupons. The Lodge has a huge commitment to going green, and will reward hybrid car drivers with a $20 voucher towards future stays.
Further south, in North Carolina, more than 20 species of nesting warblers, as well as vireos, grosbeaks, flycatchers, scarlet tanagers, orioles and others can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bird watchers can partake in half-day and full-day guided tours that include a night before wine and hors d’oeurves hour with the guide, naturalist Don Hendershot, when staying at The Andon-Reid Inn. The inn will also provide a brown bag lunch for the tour.
Spring Renewal:
Spring is all about renewal, so why not take time to renew yourself. The Stonebridge Inn & Spa is located in Batesville Indiana and features five luxury guest suites, all with a private bath, fireplace, luxury linens, and steam shower or Jacuzzi. Each suite is also equipped with spa robes and slippers. The historic estate is situated on three acres of landscaped gardens with a swimming pool, sauna, and full service spa. In honor of spring, spa treatments are on sale.
Easter:
Nothing says spring like Easter, with chocolate bunnies, brightly colored eggs, and beautiful lilies. Celebrate spring at the Glasbern Inn in Foglesville, PA with a fully stocked Easter Basket; join innkeepers for an Easter Egg Hunt on the weekends of April 15 and 22. The Golden Egg contains a $500 gift certificate. Tucked away on 130 peaceful and secluded acres, the Glasbern Inn and 19th-Century Farm is located just west of Allentown and Bethlehem in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley.
Whatever way you choose, spring certainly is welcome this year. With record snowfall and freezing temperatures, this was a winter I’m sure we’re all ready to say goodbye to.
To find more bed and breakfasts with “Spring Specials,” visit BnBFinder; use the advanced search feature to narrow your search by regions, cities and amenities.
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