Innkeeping...a way of life!

Are you a social person?  Do you love to entertain?  Is owning your own business one of your dreams?  Do you find enjoyment in helping others?  If this sounds like you, maybe Innkeeping is right up your alley!  Running your own business can be very rewarding and pleasurable.  It can be hard work, but also gratifying.  There are many books written about being an innkeeper if you want in depth knowledge, or you could visit inns and talk to the innkeepers about their life. 

Once the decision is made to become an innkeeper, next on the list is location.  You should look for a destination area, one where people visit year round.  Most areas have a high season and a low season.  The trick is to have enough high season to get you through the low season comfortably.  Locating near a local college or university can help in the slower winter months, unless of course you are in a ski area where the winter is your high season.

Buying an existing Bed and Breakfast or converting a property to a B&B the next choice.  By starting one from scratch, it is the way your dream or vision is from the start.  Buying an existing one means you need to find one that you enjoy and can take time to give it your personal touches.  You will have marketing already underway and an existing client base if you buy an existing one.  Converting a property will take some time to gain a presence in the industry.  There are pros and cons to each.

A good place to start looking at information is The Professional Association if Innkeepers International or PAII as an acronym.  Theie website is full of information about innkeeping.  You can even join this organization as an inspiring innkeeper and take advantage of workshops about becoming an innkeeper as well as many other knowledge building offerings.

Stay tuned for more on being an innkeeper in future blogs. 

Pennsylvania FlavorFest 2010 May 29 & 30.

Have you any plans for Memorial Day weekend?  If not consider coming to Lancaster County to kick  off this year’s summer season with a delicious Memorial Day Weekend at the third  annual Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest, an all-encompassing showcase of Pennsylvania’s unique cuisines, talented musicians and artisans and the region’s cultural diversity.  The event is held at the Mount Hope Estate & Winery on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.  Click on this link for more information.  Admission is FREE, parking is FREE and tasting is FREE!  The event is held on Saturday May 29 and Sunday May 30 from 11am till 5pm.  What a great way to start the Summer season. 

Check out O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House B&B for room availability.  The Mount Hope Estate & Winery is a short 30 minute drive from the inn.  You can enjoy the city of Lancaster for your evening meal and activity. Or just kick back and enjoy relaxation at the inn.  There is so much to do in Lancaster!  Hope to see you soon.  

Great weekend ahead...First Friday in downtown Lancaster and Robert Fulton Fire Company Mud Sale Saturday!

The temperatures are forecast to be in the 80's this weekend in Lancaster and no rain!  What a wonderful weekend to celebrate spring!  Why not make it a full weekend by coming to Lancaster PA and enjoying our First Friday event in downtown Lancaster from 5-9 pm.  There are many shops open, great restaurants, art galleries and music playing for your enjoyment.  Then Saturday take in one of the unique events held at local fire companies during the spring.  At the Robert Fulton Fire Company in Peach Bottom, PA will be their annual spring Mud Sale.  There will be crafts, plants, tools, antiques, quilts  horses, lumber and building supplies plus many miscellaneous items all being auctioned.  Also there is a ample supply of homemade food for sale.  If you have never experienced a mud sale, this is a wonderful event to take in.  Check our website for availability this weekend at O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House B&B.

The first settlers arrived in Lancaster County 300 years ago!  Lancaster Roots 300 is a year of events and celebrations organized by the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society and the 1719 Hans Herr House and Museum  The events celebrate the arrival of the first permanent European settlers in Lancaster County, the contributions of the Native Peoples who lived here before and after the settlement, and the rich diversity and many peoples who make up Lancaster County today.  This week to coincide with the American Quilter's Society Lancaster Show to be held at the downtown Convention Center March 24-27, there will be a display of antique quilts at the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society and a display of antique coverlets at the 1719 Hans Herr House.  The displays are open to the public from 9am - 4 pm Monday through Saturday March 22 - 27.  Admission to one exhibit is $5 or $8 for both.  There is a free open house at the Historical Society on Friday evening from 5-9 pm.  These two exhibits are a must see for all you quilters coming to the area and for everyone interested in Lancaster heritage.  Check O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House if you are interested in staying close to each of these venues this week.  We have a few rooms left! 

New Sight and Sound production of Joseph opens in Lancaster County Pennsylvania

We went to see the new production of "Joseph" at Sight & Sound Milennium Theatre in Lancaster Pennsylvania this week.  WOW was it terrific!  The production, story, stage, animals and cast were all really good!  This ranks right up at the top of the productions we have seen at the theatre.  The stage settings were so real and well done you felt as if you were in Egypt and the story.   If you have never been to Sight & Sound Theatre, or it has been awhile, this is a must see production.  For more information on the production and show dates click here.  "Joseph" runs March 6th through October 30, 2010. While planning your trip check O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House for your lodging needs.  For an extended stay check the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitor's Bureau website for area offerings. 

March 5 is First Fridays in Downtown Lancaster

First Fridays in downtown Lancaster has become a much anticipated, well attended event.  On the first Friday of each month throughout the year, Lancaster celebrates the Arts!  Art galleries, museums and many other shops are open late.  From 5-9 pm the downtown area is alive with activities, music, food, shopping and more.  For more information on this event go to this link.  Walk around and explore our 70+ arts venues. You'll find new exhibitions, live music, theatrical performances, artist receptions, and fun surprises, too.  We are located just 1.5 miles from the center of town where the First Fridays activities are held.  Check our website for room availability.

American Quilter's Society to hold Quilt Show & Contest in Lancaster, PA

The American Quilter's Society will hold it's first annual show and contest in Lancaster Pennsylvania on March 24th - 27th, 2010.  The show will be held at the new Lancaster Convention Center in downtown Lancaster.  The show will feature nationally renowned quilting exhibits, workshops, contests and special events. There will be 400 quilts in the contest and over 300 vendors at hte Convention Center.  For more information visit the American Quilter's Society Lancaster Quilt Show page. 

We are located 1.5 miles from the Convention Center.  If you would like to stay with us while attending the show, check out our special page and availability.

Lancaster County Mud Sales to Begin Next Week

It's Mud Sale time of year in Lancaster County.  Now you may ask what in the world is a Mud Sale?  Who would by mud?  Well it is a literal term.  Mud Sales are auctions held at local fire companies on for the most part, Saturdays starting the last two in February and continuing through the middle of April.  A few more are held in the summer.  They derive their name from the usual condition of the grounds where they are being held.  The snow is melting and the ground is muddy...hence a Mud Sale.  There are a wide range of items auctioned at these sales ranging from farm equipment, buggies, antiques, quilts, to name a few.  Oh and the food is wonderful!  Amish come from near and far to these sales to participate and enjoy.  You may see Amish kids playing games while their parents are following an auction.  If you are interested in quilts, this is a great place to see, and purchase one.  If you are interested in  Lancaster County Mud Sale, check the link for a listing and explanation.  Why not plan for a weekend get-a-way, stay for the weekend and enjoy one of these truly unique and wonderful Lancaster County traditions.  

Snow Storm Does Not Hinder Valentine's Day at Lancaster Bed and Breakast.

Fear not all you romantics out there.  The second Noreaster in five days has not put a damper on your weekend Valentine plans!  We may have had 40 inches of snow in the last five days, but mother nature has been kind and given us two days to prepare.  The roads, parking lot and sidewalks are clear, the rooms are comfy and cozy, breakfasts with something chocolate await.  There are still two rooms available for Sunday so surprise your sweetheart and come to O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House for a romantic get-a-way! 
If Friday would be more to your liking, we have rooms available as well.  Check our availabiltiy and reserve your romantic memory today!  To plan your evening, review our restaurant page  and make a reservation.