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Peppermint Perfection

18 Dec

During the month of December the Carriage House Inn’s Massage and BodyWorks Studio in Lynchburg, VA, is offering a special on it’s Peppermint Perfection body care package.

This body care package combines a massage with a scrub to enhance each individual segment of the treatment.  Refreshing, stimulating and reminiscent of eating candy canes as a kid this treatment combines a Peppermint Scrub followed by a Swedish massage using a Peppermint Cream.

A total mind, body and sensory experience.  Usually priced at $150.00, during December it is offered at $125.00!

Call us at 434.846.1388 and mention the blog post Peppermint Perfection special to book this treatment.  Appointments are limited and required.  If you have any questions about this body treatment or any of the others offered on our web site please give us a call.

 

 
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Posted in Massage Treatments, Packages/Specials

 

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

16 Dec

Christmas tree at The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast

No, I’m not going to break out in song (that’s a good thing for anyone within earshot). but I wanted to share our Christmas tree with you at The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast.  One of the nice things about living in an old house is that our foyer is huge by today’s standards.  We put our tree at the staircase so guests can enjoy all sides of it as they head up to the guest bedrooms.

Nutcrackers on the Dining Room mantel

In addition to the tree we have an army of nutcrackers throughout the house.  A recent guest wanted to know how many we have.  The answer is too many when it comes to packing and unpacking them but I suspect there are a couple hundred of them standing sentry around the the house.  Here are a few of them that are in our dining room, making sure the our guests are being looked after.

More of them

Speaking of an army of nutcrackers looking after our guests, this time of year we need to take time out of our busy schedules and think about our military, especially those troops that won’t be home to celebrate the holidays with their friends and family because they are deployed defending our freedom.

That’s enough…Yes, there are still more in the dining room.

We also need to pray for the families of those that won’t be coming home because they gave their lives fighting for our freedom.  Freedom isn’t free and thousands of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have paid the ultimate price for us to enjoy the life we have and freedoms we enjoy.  My Christmas wish is that we could have peace on earth and goodwill towards man.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Kathy and Mike at The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast.  We hope that 2012 was a good year for you and we wish you much success in 2013.

 
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Posted in At the Bed and Breakfast

 

My Best Clam Chowder

11 Dec

My Best Clam Chowder

I hope you don’t think we serve clam chowder for breakfast!  We don’t, but this recipe is so good I wanted to share it with you. During the cold winter months a bowl of hot soup is very comforting.  This is a great dish to make for the family or invite friends and neighbors on those chilly winter nights.  We will sometimes make three or four different types of soup and have the neighborhood over for a soup and salad night.  The neighbors bring the bread and salads and we provide the soup.  This one is always a favorite, best of all, it is quick and easy to make.  If you are ever staying at The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast during one of our soup and salad nights this will become one of your favorite dishes also.

Ingredients:

  • 6 (6.5 ounce) cans of chopped NOT minced clams
  • 1 cup minced onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 cups cubed potatoes (cubed 1/2 inch)
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 1 quart half and half cream
  • 3 strips thick bacon
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet.  When the bacon is done, remove bacon and set aside and leave the bacon grease in skillet.
  2. Add the onions, carrots, celery and potatoes to the bacon grease and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.  While that is cooking, open the 6 cans of diced clams separating the clams from the clam juice.  After the vegetables have cooked for about 5 minutes add the clam juice and continue to cook for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan heat the butter over medium heat until melted.  Whisk in the flour until smooth.  Add the half and half and corn starch.  Stir constantly until thick and smooth (about 15-20 minutes).
  4. Add the vegetables to the cream and continue to stir until combined and hot (don’t bring to boil).  When the mixture is hot, add the clams.  Don’t cook clams too long or they will be tough and chewy.  When clams are heated through (1-2 minutes) stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper.  Serve immediately with a crusty bread and salad.  Crumple the bacon into small pieces and add bacon on top of the chowder in the bowls.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 
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Posted in At the Bed and Breakfast, Recipes

 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

04 Dec

Welcome the New Year at the Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Lynchburg, VA with our Celebrate New Year’s Eve package.

This package includes your choice of room in the mansion ($339) or carriage house ($359) for one night, an early check-in time between 2:00-4:00 pm, a $75.00 dining gift certificate at one of our fine downtown restaurants, a celebratory toast at midnight and our decadent 4-course breakfast on Tuesday.  You may add Sunday evening at a rate of $179 (mansion) or $199 (carriage house) to make the start of the New Year extra special.

Interested in a massage or body treatment?  Visit our web site to review the massage and body treatments offered in our on-site Massage and BodyWorks Studio or close out 2012 with our December signature treatment, Peppermint Perfection.  This treatment combines  a refreshing, stimulating body scrub followed by a Swedish massage using a Peppermint Scrub and Peppermint Cream reminiscent of our childhood and thoughts of candy canes.  This treatment is $150.00.  Please call at least 72 hours in advance of your arrival to book this add-on.

Call us at 434.846.1388 and mention the New Year’s Eve Celebration package.  This offer cannot be combined with any other special, discount or voucher.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

 
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Posted in Massage Treatments, Packages/Specials

 

$121.20!!

28 Nov

During the month of December, to celebrate the 12th month of 2012, The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Lynchburg, VA is offering a very special two-night stay.

Stay two nights and your second night will cost only $121.20, yes, only $121.20.  Your two night stay includes your room of choice, our legendary 4-course breakfast each morning, our luxurious room ammenities and concierge-level service with assistance in planning your day and dining.  Take advantage of our on-site Massage and BodyWorks Studio where you can enjoy our Peppermint  Perfection Body Care treatment (a scrub & massage) that will refresh, stimulate and envelope you in scents reminiscent of your childhood.

This special pricing is valid December 1-29, 2012.  You must mention this special pricing when making your reservation.  Not available with any existing reservation and cannot be combined with any other special, voucher or discount.  Pricing does not include taxes.  Call us at 434.846.1388 to make your December 2012 reservation.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

 
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Posted in At the Bed and Breakfast, Massage Treatments, Packages/Specials

 

Cranberry Breakfast Panini

20 Nov

Cranberry Breakfast Panini

 

Thanksgiving is almost here.  Since we will all have leftover food items in our refrigerators and pantries, why not use extra cranberry sauce and cranberries, as we do at The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast’s, in our November signature dish?  We have been serving this all month but it would make a delicious breakfast Thanksgiving morning or as a treat on Friday before heading out to shop.

Cranberry Breakfast Panini

  • 1 loaf challah or french bread
  • 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
  • zest of one orange
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or cream

 

Bring a saucepan of water to a boil.  Add cranberries and boil for about 3-4 minutes.  The cranberries will pop as they expand.  Drain the cranberries and do a rough chop of them, leaving large pieces of cranberries.  Next combine the cream cheese, sugar and cranberries together in a small bowl.   Put a liberal amount of this mixture on a piece of bread then add another piece of bread on top (like making a sandwich).  Beat eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract and milk together in a large, shallow flat bottom bowl.  Dip both sides of the stuffed bread into egg mixture.  Brush melted butter on both sides of panini press.  Place coated bread in press, heat 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned.  Slice panini on the diagonal, dust with confectioners’ sugar and arrange on plate.  Serve with Cranberry Syrup.  Makes 4-6 servings.  Note:  you won’t use the entire bag of fresh cranberries in this recipe so put the bag of leftover cranberries in the freezer.  They freeze well and can be used throughout the winter in other recipes for cakes, muffins and breads.  Besides, this is the only time of year you can buy fresh cranberries in this area.

Cranberry Syrup

  • 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • dash nutmeg
  • dash cinnamon

 

In small saucepan melt cranberry sauce and butter.  Add maple syrup and spices.  Stir to combine.  Keep warm until ready to serve.

We wish you and yours a happy and filling Thanksgiving and hope to see you on your next visit to Lynchburg, Virginia.

 
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Fun in Lynchburg Returns!

15 Nov

Once again things will be hopping in downtown Lynchburg.  This Friday, November 16th the Downtown Diva Crawl returns with divas of all ages on the town!

Beginning at 5:00 pm (and lasting until 8:00 pm) your inner diva can meet other divas at the Lynchburg Community Market where you will receive your tote bag filled with goodies and a discount card with special diva offers.  Then travel up and down main street where you will visit our local downtown businesses and restaurants to get a headstart on your holiday shopping, enjoy delicious special menu items, and discover all that downtown has to offer.

 

If your taste runs more toward wine, then Saturday, November 17th between 11:00-5:00 you will want to spend time at Thomas Jefferson’s personal retreat, Poplar Forest.

Once again the Poplar Forest Wine Festival will welcome 14 Virginia wineries, food from local purveyors, shopping experiences with local crafters and artisans, live music throughout the day and “Mr. Jefferson” discussing his love of wine.  All events will take place rain or shine in heated tents.  House tours will be available at a reduced rate.  Tickets cost $25 at the gate and include a wine tasting glass.  A good day should be had by all attendees. 

 

The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast still has a room or two available this weekend if you would like to include an overnight in a 1878 mansion in downtown Lynchburg to your weekend.  Call us at 434.846.1388 to make your reservation.

 
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Posted in Events, Things to do, Wine Event

 

CityArts Mosaic Mural

07 Nov

Monacan Indians and farmers–Lynchburg, the early days

On Thursday, November 1st, Amazement Square unveiled its nearly completed CityArts Mosaic Mural.  The mural is located at the corner of 9th and Jefferson streets in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia.

The first bridge to Lynchburg

The mural, seven years in the making, depicts the story of Lynchburg in more than 4,800 square feet of panels.  Starting with the Monacan Indians and farmers tending crops to the industrialization of downtown in the 1920′s and its development during the 1950′s and 1960′s during the Civil Rights era the last two panels depict Lynchburg today and in the future.

Lynchburg grows–Court House at top of 9th Street built 1855

The use of volunteers from various Lynchburg organizations, groups and clubs allow many in the community to take ownership of the project, or at least their spot on the panel.

The Allied Arts building (our first skyscraper on Church Street is visible

As you stroll along Jefferson Street and study the mural from beginning to end there are many things Lynchburgers will recognize:  the James River, the old Courthouse, the original train depot, Craddock-Terry show factories, Main Street, the fountain in the James River, Riverfront Park, the mountains to our west, downtown office buildings, the Community Market and more.  On our next warm, sunny day you should take the time to enjoy this work of art that belongs to Lynchburg.  An artistic and historic addition to downtown that can be enjoyed by all.

Three railroad lines ran through Lynchburg

Amazement Square staffers are in the process of compiling a publication that documents the mural’s progress and the number of volunteer hours that went into the project.  Once the mural is complete they intend to file for recognition as the largest glass-tile mural in North America (the largest currently listed is 4,300 square feet.)

Lynchburg continues to grow and thrive!

The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast is located within walking distance of downtown and this mural.  The area is rich in history, downtown has many great restaurants and some fun shops.  We look forward to meeting you on your next trip through town.

Today’s downtown Lynchburg, a great place to visit.

 
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Posted in News, Things to do

 

The American Flag and our 5th President

30 Oct

The Flag in 1814 had 15 stars and 15 stripes

When you think of America you may think about Freedom, Democracy, Free Speech, Opportunity, Justice and all that makes this a great country.  The American flag is the one symbol that represents not only who we are but what we are as a county.

 


Last week Kathy and I took a road trip to Charlottesville and visited the home of our 5th president, James Monroe (1817-1825).  His home is known as Ash Lawn and is owned and maintained by The College of William and Mary, his alma mater.  In many respects it is a simple home but worth visiting.  One of the interesting facts I learned was President Monroe  had legislation enacted that makes our flag look the way it does today.

The flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814 (pictured above) has 15 stars and 15 stripes.  One star and one stripe for each state.  President Monroe recognized that if we kept adding stripes for each state the flag would create design and proportion problems so in 1818 he signed an act declaring that henceforth our flag would have 13 stripes and a star for each state of the Union.  Had he not signed this act by the time he left office in 1825 there were 24 states and one could only imagine the flag with 24 stripes.

When you see the American Flag today you have our 5th president to thank for the way it looks. Speaking of presidents, next Tuesday we, have the privilege of choosing our president for the next four years.  Remember to get out and vote.

 

 

 

 

 
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Zombie Walk

23 Oct

Headless zombie at 2012 Zombie Walk

The sun was setting on Saturday, October 20, 2012 as several hundred zombies rose from the dead to walk along Main Street in downtown Lynchburg, VA.  Almost as many spectators lined Main Street to see the zombies up close and personal, hear their moans, groans and screams and “enjoy” an unusual yearly event.  Who knew so many zombies lived among us?

Blond Zombie

Some participants clearly spent hours or perhaps days, working on their costumes and planning, then applying their makeup.  We saw traditional zombies, brides, headless zombies, zombies with missing (but carried) limbs, zombies with gashes and missing flesh….you name it.  The “Best Child Zombie” was a boy with a cleaver embedded in his head.  “Most Authentic Zombie” was Abraham Lincoln, risen from the dead, who was accompanied by his wife dressed as John Wilkes Booth.

Abe Lincoln and John Willks Booth at Lynchburg Zombie Walk

The event had a philanthropic theme as well.  Participants were asked to bring along a non-perishable food item or donate cash to the Lynchburg dog park.  More than $200 was raised for the dog park and it is estimated that over 800 pounds of food was donated to Lynchburg’s food bank.

Child zombie

Next year plan on spending the Zombie Walk weekend at The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast.  Rise Saturday morning to our legendary breakfast, get yourself ready for the walk and then haunt Main Street with your fellow zombies.

Next week will be the Ghost walk down Main Street.  If the zombies didn’t scare you then come downtown to hear stories of residents of years past that just don’t want to leave downtown.  Who can blame them with as much revitalization that is happening!.  The Ghost Walk is put on by the Lynchburg Historical Foundation and tickets can be purchased the night of the event at the Community Market at the corner of 12th and Main Streets.  See you there!

 
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Posted in Events, News, Things to do

 
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