Skip to content

Posts Tagged ‘Hotels’

Rat Poison and Dogs Don’t Mix!

July 26th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Yesterday was just pure chaos here at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast.  I felt like a ringmaster in a three ring circus.  We had the painters on one side of the house, scrapping and prepping the wood for new paint.  We had the builder and his subs out in the breezeway.  They were demoing and roughing in my new pantry.  I was trying to do all of the final packing of the kitchen and Tom, bless his heart, was trying very hard to find a quiet place to work.

In the middle of the chaos,  the pest control  lady from pest control barrie shows up for our monthly service.To avail pest control services you can also contact experts from #1 Bed Bug Exterminator in Toronto Canada! Control-Removal-Treatments as they can help you out in controlling pests and bugs.Now I know I am always pointing at The Bug and saying we need to get the pest control company out to deal with our Bug problem, but seriously, I was just kidding. I adore the little puppy even if she does go out of her way to bug me and drive me crazy. And drive me crazy she does.  As I am writing she is trying to pull the sheets off of the bed.

Now a dear friend of ours who is a Master Gardener diagnosed my yard yesterday morning as having grubs and ants.  This makes sense since we are the only ones on our block watering.  Everyone else has decided to let their yards die and everything (critters and bugs) is looking for water right now in this drought.  So when the pest control lady who came from the well known firm of pest control san diego, I asked her if she could treat the grass for bugs.

She had her hands full of rat poison blocks to refill our stations and so she had to put them down to look at her schedule.  Dixie gingerly grabbed one of the rat poison blocks off of the table and ran into the yard where she started eating it.  Bug went nuts trying to scoop up all of the crumbs and pick up the pieces that Dixie dropped.  Both the Pest Control lady and I dove to grab all of the poison from the dogs and keep them from eating any more then they already had. So, if you’re having pest problems, you may look for a company that utilizes a software like https://www.fieldroutes.com/industries/pest-control-software to effectively rid your home of pests without compromising the safety of your pets or kids.

The Pest Control Lady called her boss to see if the girls needed to go to the vet but I wasn’t waiting around for an answer.  I put them both on their leashes and rushed them to the Dr.

The good news is that we got them both to the vet in time.  Doc gave them both some medicine to make them throw up and started them on Vitamin K, which I keep calling Special K for some reason.  He is hopeful that none of the poison even made it into their system.  Certainly they are acting like themselves.  Dixie, being an older lady, is just laying around and supervising the work and The Bug is looking for mischief and trouble (which she undoubtedly will find).

Carriage House Bed & Breakfast Kitchen Renovation Update

July 25th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Boxes

I hate Packing.  I mean, I REALLY hate packing.  I spent all day yesterday packing up the kitchen and was constantly looking for something else to do but pack.  Not a surprise, I found plenty of other projects and things to do but clear out my cabinets.  I even went to a movie with friends.  BTW, Don’t go see Friends with Benefits.  It is pretty awful!!

However, I have ran out of time and I have to put my nose to the grindstone and finish everything today.  Blech!  They begin demoing the kitchen Wednesday morning.  I told Tom this morning that we are NEVER moving again.  If we do, we sell the house with all of it’s contents all the way down to the underwear in the drawers.

Just as a quick side note.  Apparently Tom and I are winos.  I have packed up over 30 wine glasses already and I am still finding them.   What are we worried about?  The world is going to end and we won’t have a proper Cabernet glass.

 

The Carriage House B&B Named “Best of East Texas”

July 23rd, 2011 by carriagehouse

Best of East Texas

The Longview News Journal printed their annual list of “Best of East Texas” and the Carriage House B&B was named Best Bed & Breakfast in East Texas.  We are completely honored and humbled that our guests voted us “Best of East Texas.”   Thank you to everyone that voted for us.  We are grateful and flattered by all of your love.

 

The Renovations Have Begun!

July 22nd, 2011 by carriagehouse

House

 

House

The latest round of renovations on the Carriage House B&B have begun!  The painters started yesterday replacing the rotten wood on the house and prepping the exterior for the first coat of paint.   I am looking forward to being on the other side of this project but it is also fun seeing the progress on this old house.

Don’t forget that we are running a Renovation Special this summer.  $79 for any room, any night, no breakfast (since the kitchen will be under construction as well.)  Just call us at 903-665-9511 or book online at www.carriagehousejefferson.com

 

 

White Grape Stomp at Enoch’s Stomp Winery

July 21st, 2011 by carriagehouse

Winery

Enoch’s White Grape Stomp

Harvest and Stomp Grapes

Footprint an Enoch T-shirt

Tour the Facility

Enjoy a Gourmet Picnic Lunch

Saturday, July 23

10:00am-4:00pm

Enoch’s Harvest Day Package – Adult:  $55*

Gourmet picnic lunch & fresh strawberry shortcake

Wine tasting bracelet

Tour with the winemaker

Grape picking (optional) & stomping experience

Custom designed Enoch t-shirt

Adult Harvest Package without T-shirt:  $35*

Same as above but without the t-shirt

Enoch’s Harvest Day Package – Child:  $30*

Kids meal (pbj sandwich, chips, cheese) & dessert

Grape picking (optional) & stomping experience

Custom designed Enoch t-shirt

*These packages are prepaid only and do not include sales tax.  *Package purchase not required for entry to event.

Gourmet Picnic Lunch:

Turkey and roasted vegetable wraps with pesto lime dipping sauce

Orzo and feta pasta salad in lime/olive oil vinaigrette

French bread

Melon medley in a mint vinaigrette

Assorted Cheeses and bottled water

Dessert will be fresh baked strawberry shortcake

Lunch will be served from the lodge

WINE TASTING WRIST BRACELET:  The wrist bracelet allows you to taste up to five wines.  Enoch’s staff with be stationed in wine tasting booths around the property.  Let us assist your quest to find your favorite Enoch’s Stomp wine.  If you already know your favorite you may exchange your wristband for a full glass of wine.  Enoch has released a few new wines:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Susan’s Secret, and Cweet Cynthiana.   WINERY TOUR: We will be crushing 4 tons of white grapes and we would love to have you assist us in the process.  Enoch’s winemakers will take you on a short tour of the vineyard and winery.  Listen to explanations of the grape varieties.  See the crush equipment in action.  Experience the transformation from plant to grape to juice to must and eventually into wine. Tours will be conducted every half hour.   T-SHIRTS & GRAPE STOMPING: Commemorate the 2010 grape crush experience by placing your footprints on our customized “Enoch’s Crush” t-shirts.   Pick grapes in the vineyard, or borrow a bin of our pre-picked grapes, stomp them with your own bare feet then step on your t-shirt and leave your mark.   EVENT REGISTRATION:Register online or by phone.  Stop by the registration booth on the day of event to pick up your event package.

Please purchase your packages online (www.enochsstomp.com)

or by contacting Jenny at (903) 238-7365.

Texas Monthly About the Port Of Jefferson Civil War Re-Enactment

July 21st, 2011 by carriagehouse

Little Girls with Chickens

If you have a few minutes today, you should definitely take time to read the wonderful article in this month’s Texas Monthly about my town of Jefferson Texas.  The photographer and writer were here for our annual Battle Of Port Jefferson Civil War Re-Enactment that takes place the first weekend in May every year.  They did a wonderful job of portraying our annual event.

The Skirmish Will Be Followed by a Ladies’ Tea

Our Pilgrimage Weekend and Battle Of Port Jefferson Civil War Re-Enactment are splendid affairs that have people showing up in period dress, fighting skirmishes and battles on our brick lined streets, touring our amazing antebellum homes and attending our grand balls.  If you have not been here for this weekend, then you should put it on your bucket list.  It is a must do and must see.  I will even serve breakfast for you in my Civil War gown.

 

Weekend Entertainment for Jefferson, Texas July 21 – 24

July 20th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Graceful Ghost Steamboat

 

JEFFERSON, TEXAS
WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT
JULY 21-24, 2011

*       AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT
Thursday,  July 21:  “Karaoke”  @ 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday,  July 22:  “Auntie Skinner’s has Talent” Preliminary Round II @ 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 23:  “The Voodudes”  (Classic Rock N’Roll)  9:00pm-1:00 a.m.
(903) 665-7121

*        KARAOKE
Saturday, July 23 @ 8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight
Location:  The Sandwich Shop, 123 W. Austin
(903) 601-2211

*      BINGO!
Location:  Pine Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation, 1307 MLK
Each Monday in July @ 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Prizes & refreshments  -Free-
(903) 472-841

*      TURNING BASIN RIVERBOAT TOURS
200 Bayou St.
Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon & 2:00 p.m.
Saturdays @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
(Weather permitting)
Closed:  Sunday & Monday
(903) 665-2222
www.jeffersonbayoutours.com

*      LONE STAR CARRIAGE COMPANY OF JEFFERSON
Historical tours of Jefferson by horse & carriage and Mule Drawn Wagon
Specializing in weddings
Friday-Sunday, July 22-24
(Weather permitting)
Groups and special events available by appointment
Departs from corner of Austin & Market (across from the Jefferson Historical Museum)
(903) 926-8216
www.jeffersontexascarriage.com
Call for reservations

*      HISTORIC JEFFERSON GHOSTWALK
Wednesday-Saturday, July 20-23 @ 8:00 p.m.
Departure location:  Corner of Austin &Vale St.
(903) 665-6289
www.jeffersonghostwalk.com

*     HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY
Friday, July 22 @ 8:00 p.m. –  Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train
(Note:  due to heat conditions, the train may not run on Friday evening.  Final
determination will be made each Friday @ 5:00 p.m.  Please call to confirm.
Saturday, July 23 @ 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (Day Excursions)
8:00 p.m. –  Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train
(903) 665-6400 or (866) 398-2038
www.JeffersonRailway.com

*    LAFAYETTE STREET VINTAGE VEHICLES CAR MUSEUM
112 W. Lafayette
Friday & Saturday, July 22-23 @ 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
(903) 240-6180
Call for additional tours

*    CULBERSON HOUSE HISTORIC HOME TOUR
403 N. Walnut
(903) 665-7888
www.culbersonhousebandb.com
*  By reservation.  Call for tour times

*    HOUSE OF THE SEASONS HISTORIC HOME TOUR
409 S. Alley
Daily @ 11:00 a.m.
(903) 665-8000
Reservations required
www.houseoftheseasons.com

*    SINGLETON’S VIRGINIA CROSS HISTORIC HOME TOUR
401 Soda St.
Saturday, July 23 @ 1:00 p.m.
(903) 665-3938  (903) 665-8518 or (214) 725-6232
Call for reservations & additional tour dates and times

*   THE GROVE HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR
405 Moseley
Saturday, July 23 @ 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 24 @ 11:00 a.m.
(903) 665-8018
www.thegrove-jefferson.com
Call to confirm tour

*   EXCELSIOR HOUSE HOTEL & JAY GOULD RAILCAR TOUR
211 W. Austin
Tours:  Monday-Friday @ 2:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday @ 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
(903) 665-2513
Call to confirm tour times
www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

*   JEFFERSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM
223 W. Austin
Open daily:  9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(903) 665-2775
www.jeffersonmuseum.com

*    H & D EXOTIC DEER FARM AND OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS
359 P.R. 5730 & Hwy 729
Open:  Sunday-Friday (Closed:  Saturday)
(903) 665-2238
Reservations required
www.hddeerfarmtours.homestead.com

*   THE GRACEFUL GHOST PADDLEWHEEL STEAMBOAT ON CADDO LAKE
Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Saturday @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Sunday & Monday:  Closed
Pontoon Boat tours at any time with prior  reservation
Location:  Shady Glade Marina, 510 Cypress Drive, Uncertain, TX
(903) 789-2238
www.gracefulghost.com
Call for reservations & additional tours

*  BILLY CARTER’S GO-DEVIL TOURS ON CADDO LAKE
Location:  Johnson’s Ranch in Uncertain, TX
(903) 789-3213
Call for reservations
www.caddoguideservice.com

CADDO OUTBACK BACKWATER TOURS
Personalized Tours of Caddo Lake
Uncertain, TX
(903) 789-3384 or (903) 679-9138
Call for reservations
www.caddooutback.com

*   CADDO LAKE PADDLEWHEEL TOURS “THE SWAMP THING”
Uncertain, TX
(888) 325-5459 or (903) 789-2101
Open:  Tuesday-Saturday
Closed:  Sunday & Monday
Call for reservations

*   JEFFERSON CARNEGIE LIBRARY
301 W. Lafayette
Monday-Thursday @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Friday @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Closed:  Sunday
(903) 665-8911
www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com
Free internet access

For Better or For Worse, For Richer and For Poorer and Now For an Even Dozen

July 3rd, 2011 by carriagehouse

It was twelve years ago today (around 2pm Central Time) that Tom and I stood in front of God, our family and our friends and said our I Dos.  Neither one of us had any idea of the adventure that we were just beginning or the path that we had just begun.

I am sure some of you have heard the story.  Tom and I met on July 3rd 1997.  He proposed to me July 3rd 1998 and we were married on July 3rd 1999.  There is no way that either one of us could forget our anniversary.

By the way, it is twelve years later and I still see fireworks on our anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!!

Having Fun Playing with the Photographer’s Camera

July 2nd, 2011 by carriagehouse

   Tom the Photographer

So while we were in Natchez, Mississippi, I grabbed Tom’s camera and played photographer for a while.  I had been toying with the idea of taking up photography for sometime and wanted to see what it was like being on the other side of the lens. 

It is a lot harder then it looks.

My college sweetheart was a photographer whose name was also Tom.  Apparently today, he is on the Dallas Morning News photography staff and his work has earned him a Pulitzer Prize amongst manyother awards.  I obviously didn’t marry that Tom but later met a different photographer by the name of Tom and married him.  It is clear that I have a type that I am attracted.  Tom’s who carry cameras.  I have spent my entire adult life around photography and can compose a shot as good as any one but I can’t shoot the picture.  I don’t know the mechanics of a camera. 

So this week while in Natchez, I picked up Tom’s camera and took my first photo.  I would love your honest feedback.  How did I do?  Let me know on our Facebook page

Crepe MyrtleWater TowerWater Tower

A Beautiful Plantation for a Better Way to Stay on our Wedding Anniversary

July 2nd, 2011 by carriagehouse

At the insistence of our BFFs, Joe and Vickie, we booked a room at the beautiful Monmouth Plantation in Natchez, Mississippi for our wedding anniversary trip.  We knew we were in for something special when we drove up and saw the impressive Greek Revival Mansion sitting on the hill overlooking the town surrounded by huge old trees draped in Spanish Moss.

We checked in and were immediately greeted by Hal who went to great lengths to make sure we knew how to use the TV remotes and where the best places to eat in town were.  To be honest, Hal was one of the reason this place is great.  Every time I saw him, he was smiling.  Hal always went out of his way to say Hi and greet us.  At one point we were loading up the car for the day and he offered to get us a bag of ice for our cooler.  Score one for the BnB.  That is not something you ever see at a hotel.

The Inn’s property is just amazing with incredible gardens that go on forever.  That is one of my musts for a B&B …beautiful gardens.  I think when people come to stay at a Bed & Breakfast or in this case an Inn, they expect to be surrounded by beauty.  It doesn’t matter whether the BnB is a an old historic house or a trendy bungalow, people want amazing gardens.  Monmouth Plantation did not disappoint.  Both Tom and I wandered for hours through rose gardens with angels keeping watch, and over walking bridges that provided safe passage from fountained duck ponds.  The walking paths seemed to lead to every part of the property… even an old cemetery. If people need property related information, they can check out eXp Realty and get their valuable help.

Hotels often talk about service with a smile but let’s be honest, that is just marketing speak to try and get you to book a room with them.  A BnB or an Inn lives customer service.  It is what we do every day for every one.  We don’t just talk customer service, we live and breath it every moment just like our friend Hal does in Natchez.

Hotels are sometimes beautiful stately properties but just as often dingy buildings along the side of the highway.  B&Bs are almost never anything but amazing properties with the owners taking great pride in every detail of your stay all the way down to the flowers out your window.

These are the things that distinguish us from them or a Bed & Breakfast from a hotel.

That is why we say that we are a Better Way to Stay.  The hospitality industry should be about providing gracious, courteous service to every guest that walks through the door.  At a B&B or an Inn every person is treated special and with personalized attention.  When was the last time you can say that about the big chain hotel on the highway?

So next time you are looking for someplace to stay, chose a Better Way to Stay.  Choose a B&B or an Inn.

Water Fountain

Walking Bridge

  • Categories

  • Archives

»