Widow Kip’s Country Inn
“Historic home; cozy atmosphere; charming hosts; great breakfast; beautiful location….here is a combination that is sure to please everyone looking for a home away from home while in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.” –TripAdvisor Reviewer
Mount Jackson, Virginia provides a step back in time that is perfect for any history enthusiast, and no place reflects that rich history better than BBHSV member Widow Kip’s Country Inn. Widow Kip’s Country Inn is a restored Victorian home built in 1830 that boasts both elegance and history. Each of the five bedrooms—The Wildflower Room, The Morning Glory Room, The Marigold Room, The Hollyhock Room, and The Sweet William Room—are outfitted in history with everything from canopy beds to 1920s inlay furniture to empire dressers and antique armoires.
The inn itself is not the only history in the area, of course. If you’re staying at Widow Kip’s, then there are a few historic sites right down the road from your lodging:
The Virginia Museum of the Civil War– “The Virginia Museum of the Civil War (VMCW), Bushong Farm, and self-guided battlefield tour provide many opportunities to reflect upon the social and military struggle which changed the course of American history.” Explore artifacts and dioramas, battlefields, and stained glass windows that depict the war in the Shenandoah Valley.
Fisher’s Hill– Jubal Early’s Confederate army fought the Battle of Fisher’s Hill on September 21–22, 1864. They were defeated by the Union Army of the Shenandoah during a “scorched earth” invasion. You can now walk the battleground for yourself and explore what history has left behind.
Interested in staying at Widow Kip’s Country Inn? Click here to make your reservation.
Shrine of the South: Lee Chapel in Lexington, VA
With a bold spire, flared tower, and latticed windows, Lee Chapel in Lexington, VA certainly stands out against the classical design of the rest of the campus of Washington and Lee University. When its construction began in 1867, Robert E. Lee probably had no knowledge that in the year 2013, Lee Chapel would still be in use not only as a place of worship, but also as a museum and a final resting place for Lee and his family.
After his Civil War surrender at Appomattox in 1865, Robert E. Lee was offered the position of president of Washington College, which he accepted and fulfilled until his death five years later. “In his first ‘Report of the President’ dated June 1866, Lee requested that the Washington College board of trustees appropriate funds to build a larger chapel…The chapel, which Lee described as ‘a pleasing as well as useful addition to the College buildings,’ was dedicated on the morning of June 14, 1868” (Encyclopedia Virginia).
Fun, Fast Facts:
– Lee attended morning services at the chapel every day and then would walk downstairs to his basement office.
– Jubal A. Early, another former Confederate leader, made a speech at the chapel in 1872. This speech is credited as a “landmark event in the creation of the so-called Lost Cause view of the war” (Encyclopedia Virginia).
– Washington College was renamed Washington and Lee University after Lee’s death in 1870. (Shenandoah at War).
– Lee’s wife Mary is the one who made the decision to bury Lee at the chapel, where he was “interred in a vault in the chapel basement.”
If you are planning to visit the campus of Washington and Lee University and/or Lee Chapel, consider the following BBHSV members to suit all of your lodging needs: Brierley Hill, Fox Hill Bed and Breakfast, and A B&B at Llewellyn Lodge.
Shenandoah Caverns, Luray, VA
You may have noticed that the weather is heating up, and it’s only going to keep getting warmer as we move into spring and then at last into summer. But there is one spot in the Shenandoah Valley that keeps its comfortably cool temperature of around 56 degrees all year long. We’re talking about Shenandoah Caverns in Luray, VA, a 90-year old spot with fascinating formations, concerts and festivals, and the only cavern in Virginia that offers elevator service.
According to the Shenandoah Caverns website, “an hour long guided tour takes you on a one mile trek on crushed gravel pathways through seventeen rooms, each one more spectacular than the next. See the famous ‘Breakfast Bacon,’ marvel at the soaring rooms like Grotto of the Gods, and be amazed by the sparkling calcite crystals of Diamond Cascade.”
If you’re interested in more than just rock formations, then visit during one of the Caverns’ shows or festivals. In fact, one activity, the Shenandoah Jamboree, is coming up on April 4, 2015 and is “the Valley’s premier country entertainment series of shows.” Later this year on November 14, 2015, the Caverns will be presenting Shenandoah Uncorked, a family-friend wine festival with crafts, children’s activities, food, and of course, wine tasting.
Think you’d like to check out Shenandoah Caverns? Complete your adventure with a BBHSV getaway at our Luray member, South Court Inn. Happy caving!
Local Chop & Grill House, Harrisonburg, VA
“Local Chop & Grill House strives to provide creative meals with locally sourced products from our neighbors. We are dedicated to supporting local artists, craftsmen, family farms and vendors—bringing you the best of what the Shenandoah Valley has to offer.” At the Local Chop & Grill House in Harrisonburg, Virginia, you’ll find high quality steaks and charcuterie, organically raised poultry, organic seasonal produce, and hot, fresh baked goods. Sounds pretty appetizing, right? There’s a reason this establishment won the 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the OpenTable Diner’s Choice for 2014, and Virginia Living’s Best of 2014!
Feast on an appetizer of twin oaks tofu, chicken livers, Rappahannock river oysters Rockefeller, or arancini de riso. Savor a salmon filet, filet mignon, duck breast, or cauliflower “steak,” then for dessert, indulge in toffee pudding, dark chocolate cream pie, crème brulee, or house made ice cream. At the Local Chop & Grill House, you’ll only be treated to the highest quality ingredients. 
Furthermore, Local Chop & Grill House offers a bar complete with wine, beer, cider, and signature cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a glass of Cabernet Franc, a bottle of hard cider, or a glass or Lakefront New Grist, the House bar will quench your thirst. Be sure to try out a signature cocktail too, as they’re pretty fantastic!
Check out our Harrisonburg B&Bs, so that you have a place to rest your head after an evening of indulge at Local Chop & Grill House—Stonewall Jackson B&B, By the Side of the Road B&B.
Cream Current Scone Recipe from South Court Inn
There’s never a bad time for a scone, right? Whether it’s an 80-degree summer day or a frigid winter morning, scones are the perfect addition to any breakfast. No one does scones better than a bed & breakfast, and if you can’t make it one of our Shenandoah Valley B&Bs, then you can at least eat like you’re at one! Enjoy this recipe for Cream Currant Scones as prepared by South Court Inn in Luray, Virginia:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoon sugar
2½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into tablespoons
½ cup dried currants
1 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender to cut butter into the flour mix until mix forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the currants. Pour heavy cream over the dry ingredients and stir with a fork or rubber spatula until combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, pat out into a round about ½-inche thick. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut as many rounds as possible (or cut 10 wedges.) Cover baking sheet with parchment paper, then place dough rounds an inch apart on baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown, about 17 – 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with jam and butter on the side.
Eat and enjoy! To check out recipes from our other member inns, click here.
Photo Credit: Benson Kua
BBHSV Recipe: By the Side of the Road B&B Pancakes
We love pancakes. Really though, who doesn’t look a delicious helping of hot, griddle cakes, dripping with butter and syrup and just waiting for you to sink your teeth in for the first bite. But you haven’t really tried pancakes until you’ve tasted country pancakes with orange cardamom syrup! This recipe is a favorite at BBHSV member By the Side of the Road Bed & Breakfast and was even finalist in the Best B&B Breakfast Tournament: 2014. Want to try it out for yourself? Here’s the recipe, originally published on BedandBreakfast.com:
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs
- 5 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 1/4 cups Flour
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 3/4 cups Orange Juice
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Corn Starch
- Zest of one orange
- 10-12 Fresh sliced strawberries
Directions
- For the Pancakes: Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended. Put the butter and the milk in a saucepan, and warm over low heat until the butter is melted. Set aside and allow to cool a little. Once it has cooled a bit, stir the butter mixture into the eggs and mix well.
- Put the flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, and salt into a bowl and stir.
- Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir only until the dry ingredients are well moistened. (Lumps are good.) Set aside batter.
- For the Syrup: Mix the dry ingredients together, and slowly stir in liquids and zest. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. When thickened, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
- To Serve: Bake 4-inch pancakes on a 350 degree griddle (makes 12). Serve the pancakes stacked with a few fresh strawberries and two tablespoons of syrup atop each one.
Eat and enjoy! (Want to try a couple more BBHSV members’ pancakes? We have recipes for Banana Cream Pancakes and Apple Crisp Pancakes!) To make a reservation at By the Side of the Road Bed & Breakfast, click here.
Photo property of By the Side of the Road Bed & Breakfast
Member Feature: Lackawanna B&B
One of the first things that stands out about Lackawanna Bed & Breakfast is its unique name, which not only represents an American Indian tribe, but also paints it as a hub of history: “Lackawanna (a Delaware Indian word meaning ‘meeting of the waters’) was built in 1869, by Dorastus Cone who moved to Front Royal soon after the Civil War. The house was named Lackawanna when it was built; probably because Mr. Cone came here from Lackawanna County, PA, and also because the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River meet at the end of our road” (Lackawanna B&B).
Along with Lackawanna’s rich history, you’ll also find a wealth of amenities that will make your Front Royal getaway absolute perfection. Rest easy in The Charles Suite with its queen-size sleigh bed, sitting room with a TV, and claw foot tub that’s perfect for soaking your cares away. Relax in The Rose Room’s four poster rice bed, as daylight greets your through the floor-to-ceiling window, offering an idyllic view of the Shenandoah River. Also overlooking the Shenandoah River is The J. Webster Room which provides its guests with an in-room bath and a large walk-in shower, a romantic seating area for two, and elegant décor.
Treat yourself to one of the B&B specials—Friends and Fellowship, Girlfriend Getaway, a Mid-Week Escape, or Valentine’s Day Weekend—or take a “just because” trip to escape reality for a bit. Whatever your reasoning, Lackawanna B&B awaits your arrival, ready to pamper you with everything that the historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia offers.
Field of Lost Shoes: The Movie and the History
“Every year a parade is held at VMI to honor cadets who gave their lives at a turning point during the American Civil War. On May 16, 1864, seven friends marched into the Battle of New Market…only four came out.” If you have seen the 2014 film “Field of Lost Shoes,” then you may recognize these words from the very beginning of the film as the camera pans over cadets marching across the fields of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. This film is the dramatization of a real event, the Battle of New Market, that occurred right here in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia during the American Civil War, and whether or not you’ve seen the film, it’s a fascinating story and an interesting place to visit.
According to the VMI website, the cadets “helped close the gap” so that the Confederate forces could push the Union army back and force Sigel to retreat. At this point, Breckenridge and his men were able to secure the Shenandoah Valley for the Confederate Army. It was during this battle that may of the cadets lost their shoes to the thick mud as a result of heavy rain and “freshly plowed soil.” It thus became known as the “Field of Lost Shoes.”
Want to see this place for yourself? Check out the Annual Reenactment, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War (which is closed for renovations at the moment, but will re-open after January 9), or take yourself on a self-guided battlefield tour. And nothing completes your tour through time like a stay at a historic bed & breakfast. Click here to check out our Shenandoah Valley B&Bs.
First Night 2015, Harrisonburg, VA
You’ve got your Christmas plans all ironed out. The recipes are already prepared (and some may even be prepared in advance), the presents are wrapped, and you’re almost finished with your Christmas shopping. It looks like you’ve got everything under control for Christmas, but in all of the holiday haste, you may not have given New Year’s Eve a second thought.
Let the BBHSV plan your New Year’s Eve for you! Harrisonburg, VA, which is home to a couple of our fabulous member inns, is gearing up for First Night 2015: “To celebrate, we will highlight the arts and bring the community together by transforming retail stores, churches, and downtown businesses into performance venues that showcase local and regional talents. Past performances have included a range of live music, from bluegrass to rock n’ roll for the adults, and clowns, face painters and magicians just for the kids” (First Night Harrisonburg).
Fast Facts:
Where: 212 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA
When: December 31, 2014, 6:00 P.M. – Midnight
Cost: $6 in advance, $8 on the day of the event (children 5 and under free)
Lodging: By the Side of the Road Bed & Breakfast
Stonewall Jackson Bed & Breakfast
Happy Holidays from the BBHSV!
“Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.” –Goran Persson
Frontier Culture Museum Lantern Tours, Staunton, VA
If you’ve never been to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, VA, then you’re missing out. This outdoor exhibit brings history to life with its re-creations of the lives of 17th and 18th century Germany, Ireland, West Africa, England, and America: “The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia tells the story of the thousands of people who migrated to colonial America, and of the life they created here for themselves and their descendants” (Frontier Culture Museum).
A normal tour of the museum is already fascinating, and every year, they take it one step further with thematic Lantern Tours that will make you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. Beginning on December 12, 2014, these lantern tours will include a Mummer’s play, a horse-drawn wagon ride, live music, and refreshments in the Dairy Barn Lecture Hall.
The Frontier Culture Museum’s Lantern Tours are a unique holiday treat, so this year, do something different, and spend a bit of the season in the past.
Quick Facts:
Dates: December 12, 13 , 14 & 15
December 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (beginning at 6:00, tours take place every 30 minutes).
Lodging: A BBHSV Bed & Breakfast
Click here to purchase your Lantern Tour tickets.
