Win the Inn!

So here we go! Our local Charlottesville paper the Daily Progress sent an awesome reporter, Bryan "Mac" McKenzie out to talk to us last week about the Essay Contest. We are starting with our local friends getting the word out, knowing it will spread as others hear about our awesome inn. If you didn't get to see the paper, here's a link to the article on the front page - nice photo of my mother with her sassy new haircut, too! (by the way, the dahlia on the table is from the garden...we have gotten a few survivors even with all this rain!)

I will be posting later this week some answers to the most frequently asked questions, some guidelines for where to find information (everything is in the Official Rules) people are looking for, etc. Pretty much, everything you'll need to know to enter or to follow the contest will be on our blog, some fun stuff on our Facebook page...but mostly in the Official Rules. Updates will be sent via email to anyone who has entered, for anything an entrant might need to know.

And we'll be getting press - which is nice! Just remember, if you are planning on entering, make sure you always refer back to the Official Rules...ever play that childhood game of 'operator'? Where one person whispers something in another person's ear, and then it goes around the room, and by the time it gets back to the first person, it's a totally different statement? Yeah, that can happen. The rules won't change, they will always be found here on our website, and so will any other pertinent, accurate information. Facebook will be fun to interact, but since comments can be made by ANYONE, the best place to have your questions answered is here on our blog and website. We're keeping this anonymous, so don't jeapordize your entry by not reading the rules.

One last comment on who can enter - obviously not our family, but you'll notice we did not exclude friends. That is such a vague word sometimes, and we have met so many people through the years passing through the doors of the B&B, who we would consider friends, yet who are not connected in such a way that they should be excluded from the contest...so that's the reasoning there. And it's also the reason that it's so important that those of us selecting finalists and ultimately the winner, read essays anonymously. The integrity of the contest is the most important thing to all of us!

So - what's your dream? Might it include this happy house on a hill? Someone out there is perfect for High Meadows, and it is perfect for them...do they even know it yet? Spread the word, if you know of someone who should enter! We have loved being here - and I can't wait to meet the next owner of High Meadows.

Essay Contest

I thought I'd write about several other contests happening around the state and country...there are quite a few, and I do have some favorites! Here's the list, in no particular order:

Blue Hill Inn, Maine

Street view of The Blue Hill Inn

www.winthebluehillinn.com

I love this place! Owner Sarah has taken time to get an online contest done right...the official rules are clear and she obviously has the right intention. Good Luck to her and the team at The Blue Hill Inn! The next owner of this property will be lucky indeed. The current owner also had the very good fortune of a front row seat to the most talked about contest lately, The Center Lovell Inn - which was featured on everything from the NBC Nightly News, to the Today Show. Clearly she has learned from their small mistakes. This is an inn ready to move into the future while embracing it's past. Just lovely! $150 and 200 words.

Rock Spring Farm

www.rockspringfarm.org

View of the main house at Rock Spring Farm

Imagine life on a tranquil 35 acre farm on the Rappahannock River in Virginia...now imagine that life could be yours! This essay contest giveaway property is my favorite of all those that are not necessarily income-generating properties, though even here - there is a rental cottage. About an hour from Williamsburg, this farm is rural - but isn't that ideal for horses, or goat, or llama or alpacas? A farm sancuary? I imagine the possibilities here are pretty broad, especially if you can work from home, or make your living with the animals. This also has the perk of the house being built in this century! $200 and 1,000 words gives you ample room to woo the judges.

The Claiborne House B&B http://winclaibornehouse.blogspot.com

Another inn located in beautiful Virginia, this one down in the Southwest corner, near the birthplace of country music. This B&B has already seen one family raised here, it's time for a new one! Five rooms is the perfect size to manage for one person or a couple, living and working from home. It's a great life, and it can be yours for 200 words and $150.

Finally,  our own 

High Meadows Vineyard Inn

www.highmeadows.com

Thanks to Meredith Sledge for this pretty spring photo! 

We have just over 13 acres in the cute Town of Scottsville, plenty of room to make this the farm of your dreams, with meadows and old pastures, a pond, a stream, and pretty woods. The vineyard is not currently in production, but the infrastructure is all here and ready for whatever you want to do. Our inn gets rave reviews, and has been an award winning restaurant as well...will you continue that tradition? We are rural enough for privacy and country life, but less than 20 minutes away is Monticello, a World Heritage Site and Charlottesville, consistently ranked as one of the most desirable small cities in the US to visit or to live in. The property is close to Dave Matthews' Blenheim vineyards & winery, First Colony winery, Thistle Gate, and over 30 others. Breweries, cideries, great restaurants, and great swimming holes are all within a half hour, or a half mile! Washington DC is 3 hours north, and accounts for the vast majority of our visitors, and is an easy getaway when we are craving the Smithsonian. We truly have the best of everything here, and we are so happy to be giving a chance to someone else to make their dreams come true. Our contest details will be announced August 17th, just one week away - it will be $150 to enter, and you've got 300 words to tell your story. Stay tuned and help us spread the word!

Making lemonade out of lemons!

First of all, let me start by saying I LOVE LEMONS. A slice of lemon with salt makes my lips pucker just thinking about it, and plain water with a squeeze of juice is so refreshing! Baked, preserved, sweet or sour, lemon curd, lemon pie, lemon pickles...and yes, even lemonade - truly I love lemons, so this silly saying always makes me laugh, because if you start  with something you like, then of course the outcome of any effort to improve on it is probably going to be great!  It's appropriate then to describe the past few months here at High Meadows, and the decisions we have made regarding our stewardship here. It's been emotional, to say the least.

 The support and love from friends, guests, family and pretty much everyone has been unending, eyeopening, and truly life changing. I am going to try to bring everyone up to date without too much backstory or digression...

One of the first things that most of our friends and family have been wondering is 'What is the status of the inn?' Many of you donated and pledged support towards a rather large balloon payment on the property mortgage that was looming, and potentially going to stand in the way of our future here. I was humbled by the support of so many people! We love what we have been doing here at High Meadows, and were grateful when things worked out for us to continue living and working at the Inn. However, despite what seemed to be the answer to our prayers only months prior, we were faced with other, more personal challenges...and after several weeks of discussion, the decision was made to pass on High Meadows to her next owner.

I won't lie - it was an incredibly difficult decision to make, and there are small moments when I question it...like a few weeks ago, when 4 sisters staying with us hugged us goodbye and thanked us so sincerely for making their getaway so special, and I wondered if this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing - making people happy, because it makes up happy in return!  Those moments of questioning have been welcome - because it is with a very clear heart that I look forward to whatever is next in my family's journey. They are also welcome, because it's clear that we have made something wonderful happen here, built on the love of those who lived here before us - and it is time to pass it to another someone to love the inn, the property, the house - and to make it their own.

As anyone who knows me, or who has been to High Meadows will tell you, I don't do ANYTHING the 'right' way. If it's quirky or strange, or wildly wonderful - I will try it! So why then just put the inn 'on the market' up for sale? Purchasing an inn like High Meadows would be expensive - well out of the financial reach of lots of people who might really love her, and be really good at this innkeeping thing. Frankly, it was financially out of our reach when we came here...but we were lucky to start with a lease, and then lots of creative financing. Yet practically, we have a mortgage on the property to pay off, and family expenses - there is certainly a 'number' that we need to achieve if we sold the inn in the traditional way. So imagine my joy at reading about an ESSAY CONTEST being run in Maine to pass on another historic inn, the Center Lovell Inn! The current owner actually won the inn 22 years ago in an essay contest, and was passing it along again the same way.The new owners will be opening soon, and the previous is happily retiring...what a joy for all involved! I loved reading about it several months ago, and now, presented with my opportunity to find someone to love High Meadows - I find this solution to be ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.
So an essay of 300 words or less, on a topic such as 'Why I'd love to own High Meadows Inn' or 'The Future of High Meadows with Me', a potential innkeeper/farmer/homesteader (let's face it - we have over 13 acres here plus the house...the property can be almost anything!) will send in an entry fee of somewhere around $125-200 (we haven't ironed out all of the details yet) and their essay...and to the best/most creative essay - the prize will be High Meadows! With enough entries (we are hoping for around 5,800)our family will be able to turn over the property and the business free and clear to the winner...who takes over as the next owner for the price of their entry and a few hours' writing time. What better way to set the next future innkeeper up for success! In addition, I get to put High Meadows into the hands and heart of someone who will love her. Obviously, there will be some tax,training, and transfer issues for those of us involved - but we believe it's nothing that a successful, growing business and gorgeous property like High Meadows can't handle for the next owner!

We are so excited! Details will follow soon...we are building an online entry form, and working out the official rules. We are working on a marketing calendar to get the word out - this can only work if we get enough people who want to try their hand at a creative essay! The contest is slated to begin around August 17th, and run through November 30. I will need time to read all of the essays, narrow them down, then send the finalists to the judges - 3 people not connected to the inn, but whose opinions I value - who will make the final decision of the winner. We will call the winner on Christmas morning - what a gift this will be to the future innkeepers of High Meadows! So...wish us well, and keep an eye out for contest updates. The next few weeks will be somewhat quiet as we work behind the scenes to get the website in good working order, (though we'll be able to accept entries through the mail as well) then we are looking forward to a busy fall of blogging, press releases, community support, and finally of reading about the hopes and dreams of those wanting to be the future of High Meadows Inn!

Be happy for us, be excited for the future owners of High Meadows, and if you think you know someone who would be a perfect fit for our little bit of heaven up here, pass this along! Follow us on Facebook, and check back around August 17th at www.highmeadows.com for online entry information.

We have truly loved every minute of our time here - and can't wait to meet the next owner!
Cynthia, Nancy, Francis & Sophia

Oh Henry.

There's a certain amount of trepidation and excitement felt when moving and beginning a new job.  For me, High Meadows was an instant hit, but still, you know some things will be different.  High Meadows itself is truly different; what do you expect from two houses built within 40 years of each other during plantation days, and then joined at the hip? I expected to work hard, meet new people, and enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside.  I did not expect Henry.

If you've stayed with us before, then you've probably met or heard of the late, great Mr. Henry, our resident peacock.  Henry was stately and handsome, and boy did he know it.  His favorite past time was strutting along the stone path towards the gazebo, fanning out his brilliant plume, and slowly rotating like a model on a runway for the inevitable visitor standing 10 feet away with a camera.  Of course, being from Missouri originally, I didn't know people sometimes owned what I thought of as exotic, zoo-only birds.  I felt that, over time, Henry and I developed a sort of professional-ish bond; he watched me as I worked, and I took pictures of him on my phone and echoed his calls with an admiring whistle when I thought he looked lonely.

However, Henry was unfortunately lost to us this summer.  A few theories float around to try and make sense of his disappearance, but no none can explain for sure what happened to poor, lovely Henry.  It has been far too quiet this fall and winter without him.

Needless to say, I was ecstatic when Cynthia announced we'd recently accepted a new member into the High Meadows family--a young peacock! It's too early in the year for his beautiful tail feathers to be shown off, but his neck is a lovely, iridescent green.  He's a wee teenager compared to Henry, but he is sure to enjoy the grounds and visitors to the inn just as much as his predecessor.

We haven't yet named the new peacock, but I'll follow up with it as soon as a decision is made.  In the mean time, leave your suggestions in the comments and come see our new peacock!

--Written by Dannah

Martin Luther King Jr Day Approaches!

Hi, I'm Dannah!

Since moving to Virginia in April, I have been working as an assistant innkeeper here at High Meadows and have now witnessed the house in each season.  It seems winter has moved in; the cold snow lightly settled among the trees sets a comforting contrast to the warm coziness inside High Meadows.  Excited children celebrate the area's first official snow day today, while we are taking advantage of the quiet day to prepare for the upcoming three day weekend that is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I am looking forward to the warmer weather expected to come just in time for the holiday.  What a holiday it is going to be--we are booked! Nothing like an extra long weekend to enjoy the area's wineries and attractions, like Monticello...and nothing like cuddling by the fireplace at the end of a full day.

If you are unfortunate enough not to be amongst the lucky travelers who booked a room here at High Meadows this weekend, alas I feel your pain.  You will most definitely miss out on an excellently cooked breakfast prepared by Cynthia, and truly warm welcome by Nancy this weekend.  You will not take a luxurious bubble bath in one of our house rooms.  Nor will you book a massage with our talented masseuse, Tarja, pondering briefly while you relax the sad lot of those who are not enjoying your three day weekend vacation.  However I offer this word of hope to you, my forlorn traveler: winter is not over and there are still many opportunities to come stay with us!

Winter is such an underrated season to travel when there is still so much to offer.  Tourist attractions and restaurants are less busy, and the hills and mountains of the area are beautifully highlighted for the season.  High Meadows is a short distance to the slopes when you feel the call of winter sports.  Not to mention that the quickest fix for seasonal depression is taking an extra two days off work to get away and unwind (in fact we're conducting a non-clinical survey here at the inn; side-effects include: happiness, sleeping in, and a reluctance to return to the office).  In short, take a winter retreat to High Meadows.  We can't wait to have you!

September...Fall Specials and our local food bank

Fall is here...despite a bit of hot weather welcoming in September - we are expecting a cold front coming through this weekend!  A nice snap of cold will make the apples crisp, and get the leaves jumpstarted...are you ready?

We are - during the months of October and November, we are offering a special rate for 2 night stays Sundays thru Thursdays.  I know it's hard sometimes to get away during the week...but trust me...if you saw the weekend crowds at the breweries, wineries & orchards - you would take that extra day or two and enjoy relaxing at all those same places...with the views nearly all to yourself.
Just some of the best reasons for a weekday getaway:
     *  Same great views...without other people in the way!
     *  Often you'll get a visit from the winemaker or winery owner...the weekdays are when they get to     enjoy their places too!
     *  Restaurants...no reservations required, and you might get to meet the chef
     *  Farmers Markets are later in the day, nearby on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
     *  Sleeping in on a workday...THAT'S luxury!
     *  Reduced rates - our special happens to be $359 for 2 nights, (and if you reserve by Sunday, we will throw in lunch!)...but pretty much all the area B&B's offer midweek prices less than on the weekends.

 If that doesn't convince you, then hey, we would still love to have you on the weekends!  


On another note - the best B&B's and inns in Virginia belong to different associations...Select Registry, Relais & Chateau, Diamond Collection, and our own Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia.  To belong to one of these means the inn has been inspected, keeps some pretty high standards, and generally - even if the place is still the innkeepers home - it's a professionally run place, where hospitality comes first.  Many of these groups fund-raise for different charities.  Last month, for the first time - the Virginia group (BBAV) partnered with the Virginia Area Food Banks.  We thought that since 'breakfast', the most important meal of the day, is part of our name - what better way to give back to our communities than to help make sure EVERYONE in our areas has enough to eat.




Some inns provided food collection bins, and gave discounts for guests who brought a contribution.  Some made envelopes available to guests, and encouraged donations to local food banks.  We, like several other inns, committed to donating a portion of our income to our local food bank.  I am pleased to be donating 1% of our August sales to our Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.  Turns out, just before the holidays - food banks are often very low on funds.  It's just before people really feel compelled to give during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, so they are especially grateful.  Our donation provided over 1,000 meals!  Thank you to all of our guests, for helping make this happen - even if you didn't realize you were helping, you were.  And also - thank you to neighboring inn Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast for being the engine behind this wonderful fundraiser...Dan & Orquida are remarkable people - and super fun, so if you need a place near Wintergreen skiing this winter - look them up!
 
Just a reminder...if you are reserving a room in October & November, checking in Sunday thru Wednesday - be sure to select the Fall2014 package!  We are looking forward to those leaves!

We had the sweetest wedding here at High Meadows last month...a bride and groom, and their closest family and friends...what joy! Big parties are always fun, but something about the sincere simplicity of this wedding was just delightful.  There is no doubt that sometimes, it's just easy to see when a couple is 'made' for each other, and this was one of those times.

I had the pleasure of making their wedding cake, a lovely raspberry & lemon cake with lemon buttercream frosting...it was as pretty as could be, and since there wasn't much left - delicious too! Flowers for the bride came from our gardens, and a few select blooms from my favorite florist Hedge Fine Blooms in Charlottesville. A simple summer luncheon, and games in the yard that afternoon, then off to dinner at our place The Smokehouse Grille.  They had the entire balcony for themselves upstairs, and the entire evening to enjoy celebrating with family and friends...what could be better?  Oh, and the weather?  Rain clouds parted for the outdoor ceremony, and a light cloud cover the rest of the afternoon kept off the summer heat.  Perfect!

We love to host weddings...though we may be changing it up a bit...our friend Jan at Belle Haven has such a talent for welcoming brides, we encourage anyone looking for a magical location to seek her out first.  High Meadows is just 1/2 mile away...so we'd like to be your place to stay!  Jan's barn and beautiful gardens, and our overnight rooms make just about the perfect combination for larger events.  In 2015, we'll be focusing on the intimate weddings we love...and being the best place for Jan's wedding parties to stay overnight nearby!  If you just have your heart set on High Meadows, however, please get in touch - a good party here and there never hurts...:)  Enjoy the fleeting last bits of summer - and plan a fall visit to see us!