B2B Travel ~ Sleep Better, Work Smarter: Why B&B’s Beat Chain Hotels

             As a business traveler you are already away from your home and family, spending time in a place that is not where you want to be. Sleep schedules are challenged and you are running on food that might not be as healthy. There is a better choice than a corporate chain hotel: the Bed and Breakfast or Boutique Inn.

A smaller, more intimate location in the form of a Bed and Breakfast can make your travel more comfortable and bring a sense of home away from home. Immediately upon entering a bed and breakfast, you feel the peace and quiet of a smaller space with fewer people. Every guest room has your comfort in mind. 

Your comfort starts with where you plan to sleep.  With a smaller room number, available for guest bookings, the chance for being disturbed is lower. Work and sleep become your priorities.  That means you can get a good night's sleep or work a little longer without having to hear people running up and down hallways. 

After a great night's sleep another defining factor is the homecooked, locally sourced breakfast.  The dining experience at an inn brings back the importance of being prepared for the day, with a healthy meal.  No bagged eggs here, but instead, a freshly cooked breakfast with farm fresh eggs and home brewed coffee.  Most hosts are even willing to work with your schedule.  Early meetings mean you can eat sooner or better yet invite your meeting to breakfast at the Inn.  After all, service and great hospitality are key to making your stay the best.  This attention to going the extra mile makes up for possible lost points from a chain hotel. 

Do not let those points keep you going back to a hotel chain. While yes they are nice and could yield some rewards, you never know if your host has connections to other establishments that have formed a network for earning stays.  Look for regional bed and breakfast organizations such as (e.g.,) Great Stays of Texas,  California Association of Boutique and Breakfast Inns or Vermont Lodging Association to find these rewards. Use your innkeepers knowledge in more than just the city where they are located. 

Beyond working with others, the personalized service and concierge that is offered from your innkeeper can make your stay smooth and easy.  Many locations have contactless check in, so you have quick and easy access to your room,  no matter the time of your arrival.  While also offering free parking and reliable internet connections for those after hours when you need to finish up work.  It is these comforts, superior food and focused service that are leading more business travelers to rethink their accommodations. 

At The Oaks we provide all of that and a work space in room for any before or after hours work that might need to be completed. Each room is decorated differently to make you feel welcomed and at home. We know that your time away from home and family is a challenge and want to make it the best stay away that it can be.  You can even stream your favorite shows while traveling to truly relax at the end of the day.  

Do not let the lure of the road side, freeway hotels draw you in. Break away from the path and venture to a small business and add more support to the local economy by staying at a bed and breakfast or boutique inn.  You never know, you might just find a better way to travel. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Rosemary Gin Rickey

 

    The Texas weather is starting to think like fall and lower the temperature, while the sun is down at least.  That means cooler mornings and cooler evening hours, which makes the perfect time to enjoy a herb infused cocktail by the fire.  The twist with this classic cocktail is in the honey rosemary simple syrup.  

    Never one to change a good thing too much, after all vintage is always a current trend.  Instead of just adding in a bit of rosemary to garnish, we have steeped the rosemary and honey together to make a wonderful and powerful simple syrup.  

Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup

6 servings at 1 ounce

1/2 cup boiling water

2 TBLS Raw Honey

1/4 Cup Rosemary leaves

Add the honey and rosemary to a heat proof bowl.  Pour over the boiling water and stir until the honey dissolves. Let the rosemary steep for up to 20 minutes.  This also allows it to cool before making your drink. If you do not plan to use it right away, strain out the rosemary and place in an airtight container in the fridge.  This will last about a week.  Or you can freeze it into ice cubes for several months.

    The simple syrup is a great way to add a little sweet to your drink.  For anyone who knows me, knows that I do not like my drinks overly sweet, this makes the perfect amount to adjust exactly how you like your drink.  We are going to use about 1/2 ounce, so your simple syrup can go along way.  But if you have friends who like their drinks to be a little sweeter add another 1/2 ounce or so to their drink.  

    Rosemary Gin Rickey

serves 1

1 1/2 ounces Gin

1/2 ounces Rosemary Simple Syrup

1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 cup Sparkling Water/Club Soda

In an ice filled glass pour all the liquids.  Stir to combine, and garish with lime wedge and rosemary.

    It's that simple to make this drink.  The longest portion of the drink happens to be making the simple syrup.  Once you have yours made it's pretty simple to put together.  Want to make your drink a mocktail?  Eliminate the gin and add in a bit more Sparkling Water or Club Soda.  Everyone in your group will enjoy this refreshing beverage.

    As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

B2B Travel ~ Your Secret Weapon for Client Meetings

     Picture this, you are traveling for business to a new town and it’s a smaller market than you are used to and you still want to impress your clients with your local knowledge.  How can you best achieve this with a minimal amount of effort?  This is where a Bed and Breakfast is a great option. The innkeeper will have all the local knowledge and send you to the best locations to help impress your clients.

As a hospitality business owner, I believe the best travel experiences offer the same personalized service and local expertise I provide my own guests.  That’s why, at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast in Sulphur Springs, Texas, we treat every business traveler as a VIP with dedicated concierge service. Your stay is more than just a place to sleep; it’s your point of entry to a successful, memorable trip.  

We serve as a personal concierge to each guest, especially our business travelers.  The personal touch each guest receives is what marks every visit as unique. A lot of that personal touch is directing our guests to the best places to eat and find entertainment.  By choosing to stay at a local inn where you are a name instead of a number, your business travel experience is instantly elevated.

Imagine, it’s your first visit to Sulphur Springs, Texas and your clients asks you to select the dinner spot. Do you rely on generic online reviews or do you ask your local innkeeper for the best spot to take your client?  The smart choice is the latter. 

Your innkeeper knows the ins and outs of town and can guide you to the perfect choice for the entire group. Every time you travel to a new environment, you have an opportunity to make a powerful impression.  Do you need a unique venue for a client lunch, or a refined atmosphere to wine and dine a prospective customer?   

Choosing a local bed and breakfast or boutique inn offers a unique and authentically local stay that a chain hotel simply can’t match.  The local insight of a small business owner levels up your business because they are personally invested in your comfort and success. 

Demonstrate your willingness to learn and impress by leaning on local knowledge.  Your innkeeper will know the perfect spot to create an unforgettable experience for your client. We can direct you to a local caterer or, hint, we might even be able to prepare delicious, locally-sourced meal right here at the Oaks.   

Why take the predictable road?  Even if you have visited the same city multiple times, the next best restaurant is the latest food truck or just downstairs from your room.  Why not take the adventurous road and stay somewhere new and exciting to experience the town from a different point of view.  Discover the difference when your accommodation is more than just a place to lay your head it’s the launchpad for your business triumph.  

Would you Stay in a Yurt?

    

    When we travel we always like to find a bed and breakfast to stay at, but this last time we were in Maine, we went a little outside and tried a yurt!  What could be more fun than some glamping in a yurt.  Let’s step back to part of the reason we wanted to explore a yurt style of stay.  We have thought about adding some “cabins” to the bed and breakfast line up.  With a little twist.  We want to allow people to “try before they buy” for example, a yurt, container, or tiny home are just three of the alternative living ideas we have come up with.  There are so many people who are trying to be more cost effective with their home purchases that we figured, why not allow people to get a little taste before they make the big purchase.

First up for us to try is a yurt.  This yurt is located in Maine, about 35 minutes from where our children go to college.  Not to far, but you still needed to plan drive time to where ever you happened to be going.  The location of the yurt is a working Maine farm, where you can visit the animals, pick apples and go on hikes around the area.  Super cute and fun, if that is what you are looking for.  The owner even has a little farm stand where you can purchase bread and farm fresh eggs if you happen to be cooking your meals at the yurt. 

This yurt was simple and a great place to sleep and relax after your day of travel.  One of my favorite parts of the yurt, was the wood burning stove.  Let’s be honest that probably won’t happen here in Texas, since we do not usually get that cold except for a few times per year.  Since we happened to be in Maine in October where the high was around 55 degrees, the property owner started the stove for us the day of our arrival. So nice, and we stoked the fire when we returned for the night.  That being said, wood burning stoves give off a lot of heat and we probably would have been fine, without stoking the stove upon our return.  It was a little warm.

With that lesson learned we did not light the fire our second night and it was much cooler sleeping that way.  Now you might be wondering where the toilet goes in a yurt.  Well our yurt was a little more rustic, remember glamping, and came with a compostable toilet.  Which is not for everyone but I love the idea of this method of waste removal.  Essentially, an outhouse is built with a five gallon bucket that you use to do your business and then place a cup or two of sawdust on top.  Believe it or not, there was little to no smell and no bugs.  Part of that could have been because of the time of year, but you know how flies are, they are around no matter what.  Each use of a compostable toilet saves one gallon of water.  Plus you have just helped to make compost. 

Inside our yurt we had a hand washing station that is similar to the pump ones that are supplied for porta potties but this water all drained out and was not recycled.  There was a dresser with a mirror, a 5 gallon water jug for fresh water or to make coffee and tea.  As well as a couch with an ottoman and a book shelf with a few essentials such as pans for cooking, coffee and tea.  Also of course, a bed for sleeping.  The host also provided a picnic table and grill outside, for use, if that was part of your stay.  

We really only slept at the yurt and then went off to explore or visit with our kids.  I think it would have been fun to explore their area a little more and enjoy the little extras they had on the farm.  For sure a little hike, if nothing else.  Be adventurous and try something new, a unique stay that puts you out of your comfort zone might just be what you need on your next trip. 

Travel ~ Montreal, Canada with The Oaks Bed and Breakfast

        

         In the quiet province of Quebec sits the beautiful and historic city of Montreal. Founded in 1642 as a missionary settlement, Montreal soon found it’s way as a trading point due to its location along the St Lawrence River and access to the Great Lakes. Over the years Montreal has evolved and welcomes visitors and immigrants from all over the world. Both English and French are spoken by the majority of the residents which makes communicating easier for travelers. I definitely felt that the French speaking people were more open to Americans than those in Paris, in particular. I’m sure that has more to do with their close proximity to English speakers.  The flexibility in communication made travel easier and fun, even though I did try to use the few French phrases that I know.  

 Overall, Montreal was a delight. A very walkable city that is easy to navigate and explore. Our first stop was China Town. The gateway happened to be just down the street from our hotel and so we headed in that direction to explore. If we had not had dinner reservations we would have eaten in China Town, as well. There were quite a few shops and a myriad of restaurants to select from. The early night life here was lively. People from all over the world could be heard speaking and seen exploring. The archway entrance we found was a side entrance, with a larger arch signaling China Town on a later street. 

Much of our time spent was marveling at the architecture of the city. The modern mixed with the old. The preservation of the old to keep the roots of the city grounded made for fantastic memories and photos. The dock area, or the Old Port, had life sized signs you could stand in while having the skyline of the city at your back.  In multiple locations there are signs in French and English explaining what a visitor is looking at, which made the visit even better.

One of my favorite stops was the Basilica of Notre Dame.  Even while under restoration, this beautiful building is a must see stop.  The outside is beautiful and depicts architecture of the era in which it was built and added on over the years.  I’ve been to some beautiful churches over the years and this one by far is one of the most impressive.  The color and details inside are just breathtaking.  A visitor can enter the church during the day for about $12 American dollars, and spend as much time as one would want exploring, praying, and photographing (without flash) as much as they would choose. The knaves of the church were just as resplendent as the main sanctuary.  The stained glass windows depict historical events from Montreal’s history as it pertained to the Church.  I honestly felt that you could spend hours in the building and not see every detail.  A visitor could return multiple times and find something new to marvel at each visit. They offer concerts at the Basilica and I can only imagine what that experience would be like! 

As with most older cities, there are multiple churches and buildings of historic significance all over.  The original Customs House, homes of merchants and buildings that have found new life after years of completeness to change from their original intention to something new for the public. Old Montreal is filled with buildings that have been repurposed for use in today's world, and some that maintain their original purpose.  The Marche Bonsecours a historic market, house boutiques that all specialize in products made in Quebec.  What a great way to feature the province and sell goods to the public.  

Montreal has modern elements that draw the eye as well.  Including a metal circle that gives a great straight view to McGill University up on the hill.  The circle is unique enough that it draws in visitors and locals alike.  Below it’s location is a food court and shopping of sorts as well.  Lots of souvenir shops, boutiques and restaurants line the streets of Montreal.  I even made my way up to their farmers market, Jean-Talon, located in Little Italy.  The fun part of traveling up there was using the metro.  I love to use public transportation when I can while visiting larger cities, when it’s available.  Of course, here I had to remember where I got on since all the stops were in French, with no English counterparts.  Either way, it was a fun adventure and worth the trip to see the beautiful market full of fresh produce, cheese, meat and flowers.  Since it was a week day, there were few visitors, but I can imagine that in the height of the season this market is bustling. 

Many of the streets have become pedestrian only, which makes for easier movability while walking around. You do not have to worry about cars and can aimlessly explore the area, to find the best shopping or restaurants.  Our favorite restaurant we dined at while visiting was Jellyfish Montreal. We enjoyed this restaurant with my husband's work colleagues and ate from their tasting menu.  What an amazing experience.  I could probably do a single post about that dining experience, except I do not have any photos. Let’s just say, we enjoyed every dish that was presented, and for one day, I was not a vegetarian, since I snuck into dinner.  

All in all Montreal was a fantastic city to visit.  Take time to spend a little bit of time exploring our neighbors to the North and experience the history and culture a little closer to home.  There is something for everyone in your household to experience, from the history, culture and food. Montreal should be on your travel list. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cranberry Bourbon Sour

    

    The Uncorked Wine festival is expanding this year and we are happy to host two amazing events for festival goers to attend.  Tickets must be purchased in advance so grab yours today and plan to attend either the Festival Happy Hour or Boozy Bruch.  For more information about these two events click on the links for the details.  We are whipping up some amazing fall cocktails to enjoy at the Festival Happy Hour.  We hope that you will join us to enjoy these delectable delights, and experience them first hand. 

    If you are unable to attend we wanted to be able to share with you one of the cocktails this month.  After all fall is in the air, or at least we hope it is.  The temps are slowly dropping in our neck of the woods and we are ready for some cocktails on the deck to welcome in the cooler temperatures.  So we have come up with a great new herb infused cocktail feature rosemary and bourbon.  This months bourbon comes straight from a distillery right here in Texas. 

    Their routes started in wine and they have recently branched out to bourbon to bring new flavors and guests to the table.  The Bending Branch Winery was founded in 2009 and is located in Comfort, Texas.  The Chickenduck Wheated Bourbon featured in our cocktail this month, has been aged in American Oak for one year and brings with it flavors of buttery toffee, cinnamon and caramelized sugar. Some of those flavors add to our cocktail to make it a delight for the taste buds.  

    The classic mixing of cranberry and bourbon adds a little tart to the somewhat sweet tastes of this bourbon.  It's perfect for mixing together a great cocktail or pouring over some ice to enjoy by the fireside.  Do not miss out on this delicious combination in this months herb infused cocktail of the month.

Cranberry Bourbon Sour

2 ounces Bourbon

1 ounce 100% Cranberry Juice

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

1/2 ounce rosemary simple syrup

2 dashes orange bitters

fresh cranberries

fresh rosemary sprig

Add all ingredients except for garnish into cocktail shaker that has been filled with ice.  Give it a vigorous shake, until well chilled on the outside.  Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprig.

    Rosemary simple syrup is easy to make and store.  Equal parts water to sugar.  I used 1 cup of each and added in two four inch sprigs of rosemary to the pot.  Cook until all the sugar has dissolved.  Let the rosemary sit in the sugar until cooled and it's ready to use.  Store in an airtight container for up to seven days.    

        We plan to make this one in a big batch for an event and are sure it will not disappoint.  Be sure to use the fresh squeezed lemon juice, since it will just add to the flavor of the drink and a little kick.  If you do not have 100% cranberry juice just adjust your simple syrup amount to counteract the sugar in the juice.  

    Make this drink your own and how you want it to taste.  Mix it up add a little more sweet or a little more tart based on how you are feeling and what you might be eating.  Either way, please be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!    

Around Town ~ Pink Brizilia

     

    This month we stopped in to visit with one of the newer boutique owners in Sulphur Springs.  Shelly De La Rosa, owner of Pink Brizilia.  After working in construction with her husband, Shelly decided that she wanted to branch out on her own and open a boutique featuring women’s clothing.  Fast forward four years later, and you can now find her boutique in downtown Sulphur Springs.  While she might miss working with her husband on a daily basis she is excited about her boutique and sharing it with all of her customers.  

After all, variety is the spice of life and downtown shopping has seen lots of changes and evolution in the shops over time.  One of the new additions to downtown Sulphur Springs shopping is Pink Brizilia.  The boutique is located at 220 Connally Street, Suite A, with hours Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Of course you can find great deals twenty-four/seven on their website at www.pinkbrizilia.com.  They even offer local, free pick-up with online orders there at the store, saving their customers money on shipping.  

Shelly is the owner and founder of Pink Brizilia and has had a storefront for almost four years, when she started her business in Mount Vernon.  Six months ago she made the move to downtown Sulphur Springs and has fallen in love with the location, warm welcome and the people.  Her overall goal for the store is for her customers “to know God the way she does and to be a blessing to those who walk into her boutique.”  When a customer walks in you are welcomed by her or her clerk and soft music, and beautiful clothing. 

Her clothing line is very unique compared to other boutiques in the area.  She offers modest attire and different collections for her customers, as well as clothing with bold patterns and colors.  Her favorite line has to be the dresses she offers.  From Maxi, Midi, and Mini, she offers dresses of all different lengths for a variety of occasions.  There is a dress for everyone at her boutique.

Now some of you may be wondering where she came up with the name for her boutique, Pink Brizilia. To start, pink is her favorite color so that was easy and Brizilia is her mother’s and daughter’s name. Add them together and you get Pink Brizilia. Family and God run deep in her store and heart so it was only natural for her boutique to be named after those she loves. 

Shelly is looking forward to an amazing fall and some wonderful new lines that they will be offering soon. Be sure to stop by and explore this great new boutique in downtown Sulphur Springs during your next stay at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. They will even have  a booth at the Uncorked Wine Festival on October 11.