Phila Airport Parking Vacations

As we get set to inaugurate a new leader, it’s also a good time to remember the leaders of the past. Take a Virginia vacation and you will find four historic presidential homes to tour, and after a day delving into the nation’s history you can come back and spend a restful night at a peaceful bed and breakfast.

Virginia has been home to more presidents than any other state in the union. Many of these presidential homes are open to the public and offer tours. Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is perhaps the highlight of any presidential home tour. Jefferson designed this amazing home himself, and a tour of Monticello might include a 30-minute walk through the house, as well as a tour of the gardens or plantation. James Monroe’s house, Ash Lawn-Highland, is just a few minutes from Monticello and also offers tours.

James Madison’s home, Montpelier, is less than a half-hour from the previous homes, and also is open for tours. Woodrow Wilson’s home is also in the same vicinity and offers yet another presidential adventure. Even George Washington’s home is just two hours away in Alexandria. So even if your time is limited, there is plenty to see and do.

Travelers can enjoy many of the presidential homes by staying at the historic Holladay House in Orange, Virginia. This Virginia inn is just minutes from James Madison’s home. The homes of Presidents Jefferson and Monroe are within 30 minutes of the inn. Another close presidential home is that of Woodrow Wilson. Even George Washington’s gracious manor, Mount Vernon, is only two hours away. In addition to the presidential venues, there are dozens of popular wineries nearby. Fine restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the inn.

The guest rooms at the Holladay House are decorated with antiques, and the queen and king beds are topped with the finest linens. Some rooms include a fireplace or double whirlpool tub, and all bathrooms are stocked with specialty hypoallergenic bath products. The innkeepers pamper guests with a full breakfast and offer coffee, tea and home baked goodies throughout the day.

To celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama to our nation’s most prestigious office, the innkeepers at Holladay House are offering a special inauguration discount. If you stay at the inn for three nights during the inauguration (January 20), you will receive your third night’s stay at half price. At a time when saving money is especially important, this deal will help make your presidential getaway a little easier on the pocketbook.

If you can’t make it for the inauguration, the innkeepers also offer two presidential packages. The “Bill of Rights” package includes a two-night stay at the inn, full breakfast each morning, tickets to Monticello, Montpelier and Ash Lawn-Highland, as well as passes to the historic Michie Tavern. The innkeepers will send you off on your day trip with a picnic basket stocked with cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, dessert and sparkling water. If you upgrade “Constitution Package,” you receive all of these amenities, as well as a two-night’s stay in one of the inn’s suites, which have a whirlpool tub, king bed, fireplace and private porch.

All winter long, including of course, Valentine’s Day, Michigan bed and breakfasts offer romantic escapes for lovers of all ages. Whether you wish to spend time snowshoeing through wooded trails surrounded by vineyards, dining on outstanding gourmet local cuisine, soaking in spacious spa tubs or curling up in front of a toasty fireplace, Michigan offers great opportunities for winter romance. Iloveinns.com features some of the top romantic choices for you below.

For a classic romantic getaway, head to a magnificent Queen Anne mansion, the Grand Victorian in Bellaire, where you are treated as modern-day royalty. Enjoy the rich dcor of the individual rooms at this Michigan inn, many with hand-carved fireplaces for a cozy snuggle. For the outdoor enthusiasts, there is a real winter adventure waiting in Bellaire – you can glide in a raft along the peaceful winter waters of the Jordan River.

How romantic is a winter sunset over Lake Michigan when you are wrapped in the arms of the one you love? Several of the rooms in Yelton Manor, a South Haven bed and breakfast, have spectacular lake views. For that extra special romantic treat, book the intimately private, yet spacious Anniversary Suite, complete with a four poster King bed, oval Jacuzzi, and lake and garden views. In the mornings, savor a delicious homemade hot breakfast.

The Castle in the Country Bed and Breakfast, located in Michigan’s Saugatuck area, is absolutely enchanting. This perfect romantic getaway is a century old Victorian Castle, situated on 65 heavily wooded acres providing walking trails, cross country skiing and even ice fishing on a private lake. Enjoy a sleigh ride with your loved one through a starlit night or simply retreat to your private suite with a whirlpool tub for two and cozy fireplace. The full gourmet breakfast contains only items made from scratch, scones, muffins and croissants. The Castle in the Country B&B is truly one of Allegan, Michigan’s greatest treasures.

The Delano Inn, a lovingly restored 1863 Victorian inn of Italianate architecture, is sure to please the most demanding of tastes. With nearby frosty slopes (named No. 1 in Midwest by SKI Magazine), this unique Allegan, Michigan, inn provides not only stimulating outdoor activities but romance at its best with rooms decorated in period furnishings. The gourmet breakfast is fabulous, featuring specialties such as Baked Peach French Toast or Cheese-Stuffed Belgian Blueberry Waffles. Enjoy romantic fireplaces, whirlpool suites and the close locale of antique shops, jewelry stores and a sweet shop for your sweet.

For an unforgettable romantic getaway, the Cobblestone Manor B&B is the perfect spot. Built in 1840 and located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, this beautifully restored jewel offers luxurious suites, complete with whirlpool tubs and charming fireplaces. Enjoy a fabulous four course meal, prepared by Chef Kipp at the charming Bistro Bourdeau. And when you awaken to enticing aromas, you will want to hurry downstairs to the turreted breakfast room where you will find a sumptuous feast awaiting your pleasure.

For romantic winter getaways, Michigan offers inns galore, where it is a simple task to spoil your loved one. There are over 19,000 B&Bs and country inns listed at www.iloveinns.com where you can find information if you are still undecided about where to spend your romantic getaway. Another great resource is the best selling bed and breakfast guidebook, “Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns.” Included in this book is a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free Certificate which you will surely appreciate. And for celebrating any special occasion, a gift certificate is the perfect solution and is also found at iLoveInns.com.

From the wind-swept moors to the Scottish highlands, the United Kingdom is a diverse land – both in culture and geography. You’ll discover quaint villages, castles, museums, galleries and much more.

If you are planning a trip to England, Scotland and Wales, it is best to create a list of what you would like to do and see. Fitting in everything can be difficult, and it’s usually best to focus on your favorites and spend quality time exploring those areas rather than rush around from spot to spot. You might start in London and then explore nearby Kent and Sussex, enjoying all the attractions of the city, as well as castles and quaint villages. Another option is to spend your time exploring Wales, a country often passed by, yet full of promising possibilities. Or perhaps you want to explore Scotland with time to enjoy Edinburgh, “The Whisky Trail,” and hope for a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness.

On her popular website, prolific travel writer Karen Brown has listed several itineraries for visitors to England, Scotland and Wales. Her detailed itineraries offer plenty of interesting and unique places to visit, sightseeing, as well as offering driving instructions and maps of each area. Karen Brown readers also have voted and chosen the following as the best hotels, inns and B&Bs in England, Scotland and Wales:

These three countries are a romantic land — a land of inspiration for a myriad of famous poets and writers. If it is romance you want, try the Gilpin Lodge, which was chosen by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s “Most Romantic” lodging choice. Located in England’s Lake District National Park, the inn rests on 20 acres of gardens, woods and moors. The rooms are elegant, and each has been decorated individually. Every room offers a charming view of the gardens or moors. Spa treatments, such as massage with aromatherapy oils, can be arranged in the privacy of your room. Guests also enjoy privileges at a local “leisure club,” which has a pool, sauna, steam room and fully equipped gym. Four rooms comprise the award-winning restaurant’s dining areas. There is also a bar and afternoon tea is served in the lounge.

Bolhays, a lovely Victorian bed and breakfast in the appealing English town of Salisbury, is the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for England, Wales and Scotland’s for “Warmest Welcome.” The two guest rooms are picture perfect English country retreats, and the marvelous homemade breakfasts are the perfect start to a day that might include a trip to Stonehenge or the famed Salisbury Cathedral. Your innkeepers, a warm and helpful sister-duo, are full of helpful information for travelers.

Meadowland, a Bath bed and breakfast, was chosen by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s “Greatest Value.” The three guest rooms are decorated in an English country style that is both comfortable and elegant. The home is distanced by about a 15-minute’s walk into the heart of Bath, but public transportation is just two minutes away. Explore the famous Roman Baths, linger in the Pump Rooms, and spend a day exploring the area around Pulteney Bridge with its museums, shops and galleries or head out of town for a visit to Blaise Castle or Salisbury Cathedral.

Pamper yourself at the spot named by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s best “Splendid Splurge.” Chewton Glen, located on 130 acres in the heart of Hampshire, is an idyllic English country estate offering a mix of traditional and contemporary guest rooms and suites, all elegant and romantic in style. The hotel offers a long list of amenities and services, including a full-service spa, tennis courts, a swimming pool and nine-hole golf course. The hotel has a full-service, gourmet restaurant and afternoon tea is served on the terrace or in one of the finely appointed lounges. The surrounding area offers many fun attractions, such as historic home tours, garden tours, Stonehenge, and the National Motor Museum, which displays more than 250 different motor vehicles.

For those of us who crave unique travel opportunities, there is no better place to stay than a bed & breakfast inn or a boutique hotel, where service and style go hand in hand. Here’s a cool travel tool that is quickly becoming a hit. Computer giant Apple and ILoveInns.com, publishers of more than 60 travel books, have teamed up to create an easy way for inngoers to find and book a stay at a country inn or B&B. InnTouch, new and free downloadable software, is now available exclusively for those with an iPhone or iPod Touch.

There are more than 3,500 inns listed in the InnTouch system, including B&Bs, country inns and boutique hotels from more than 2,000 cities in the United States and Canada. All you have to do is go to the Apple App Store or ILoveInns.com and download the software onto your iPhone or iPod touch. After that, you can search for inns by name or by location. When you are ready to make a reservation, you simply touch the “Call” button and you are connected to the inn automatically.

InnTouch for iPhone provides accurate travel information, updated around the clock, from inn owners and the iLoveInns staff, as well as up to 10 photos per inn. As an added bonus, ILoveInns.com has included more than 1,200 favorite innkeeper recipes on the application, so you can create some inn ambiance in your own home.

Chris Monahan, chief technology officer at iLoveInns.com, was the lead designer of the application and explains, “You can search for inns by city, or seeing what’s around using the “Nearby” feature. This pulls your GPS coordinates and shows you nearby inns within 60 miles.”

With the phone being an all-in-one device, a person can call with one touch; not dialing each digit of the phone number. They can see the inn address on a map, get directions, save the address in their contact list as well as email or visit the inn website with single click actions.

“We plan on adding many new features in the upcoming year,” Monahan said, “but after our initial launch, InnTouch already has received great response from travelers who are using it worldwide.

Let’s face it, planning a wedding isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It’s a lot of work to make your special day memorable. But there is a way to enjoy the romance and wonder of the event without dealing with all the stress. Let an innkeeper plan and prepare your wedding.

Every year, hundreds of couples marry at historic inns and quaint bed and breakfasts. Innkeepers are experts as creating romantic ambiance, dealing with guests and coordinating events. Getting married at the inn is not only romantic, but convenient. You can prepare for your special day in one of the guest rooms, get married, enjoy a posh reception and even spend your wedding night at the inn. Innkeepers can do it all – plan the ceremony, find caterers and florists, direct guests and even house them, if necessary. They do all the work, and you have all the fun.

At the Holladay House in Orange, Virginia, innkeepers Sam and Sharon Elswick are happy to help couples plan a wondrous, intimate wedding for up to 30 guests. They also often host rehearsal dinners, receptions and bridal showers. These experienced innkeepers even offer an all-inclusive elopement package for couples who really want to keep it simple. Sam and Sharon can help you plan all the details from catering to finding an officiant to even procuring a harpist or other musicians.

The Holladay House is full historic charm. Decorated with antiques and beautifully restored to its original 19th-century glory, the Federal-style Virginia inn is warm and inviting. Your guests will marvel at the original fireplaces and architectural details.

There are six guest rooms, each with individual decor, fine linens and several house beautiful antique beds. Some rooms include double whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, so you can pick a favorite for your honeymoon night. Specialty hypoallergenic bath products, CD players, alarm clocks and televisions with DVD players are among the other amenities. There’s plenty of room for your bridal party, and inn guests enjoy not only the comfortable accommodations, but a full, homemade breakfast in the morning. So you and your friends and family can just relax and enjoy the whole event.

In the end, a wedding is meant to be a happy, romantic event. So let your helpful innkeeper take on all the pesky planning details and enjoy your special day.