It's that time of year again in Northern Indiana!  The 40th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival is scheduled for September 17-20, 2015.  The 7' apple pie is a treat to behold - over 800 slices will be served!  The four day festival will begin on Thursday at 5:00 PM and run through Sunday until 6:00 PM. With the family-friendly atmosphere, the festival attracts more than 80,000 people annually and has become one of the largest festivals in the State of Indiana! The Nappanee Apple Festival showcases two stages of entertainment, 130 craft vendors, 60 commercial vendors, carnival rides, and so much more. Crates of fresh apples can be found on any corner in the downtown area with more than 25 food vendors for your festival favorites.  Plenty of apple inspired foods like apple pie, apple fritters, apply dumplings and they ever popular apple butter are available for you to enjoy or take home!  Come and enjoy some Hoosier Hospitality at the Nappanee Apple Festival! Photo credits:  Nappanee Apple Festival

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Consider a stay at The Homespun Country Inn right in the heart of Nappanee! This century old clapboard  Inn was built at the turn of the century and features antiques and family pieces to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. Stained glass and leaded glass windows give a prism effect on sunny mornings during breakfast. The five non-smoking guest rooms have private baths and are tastefully decorated with antiques and photos of the original occupants. The parlors are the perfect place to read or work on our ongoing puzzle, or relax on the large front porch on the swing where you may catch a passing horse and buggy. We look forward to your Amish Country visit during your next Indiana vacation getaway.  "A Better Way to Stay"! You can visit The Homespun Country Inn's website for room availability or call 1.800.311.2996.

Indiana Bed and Breakfast member, The Oliver Inn, is proud to announce that they have been awarded with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award Hall of Fame Award for 2011- 2015! Innkeepers, Tom and Alice Erlandson would like to thank their guests for giving them consistent praise and recognition!!  Congratulations!

Congratulations to Big House in the Little Woods,  Inn at the Old Republic, and The Old MG Bed & Breakfast for being selected as our featured inns of the week! Big House in the Little Woods, a Millersburg bed and breakfast, provides a relaxing escape from the busy everyday world. Centered in the heart of Amish country near South Bend, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, it is sure to take your breath away. The inn is fashioned after the simplistic lifestyle of the Amish community, while in the meantime implementing the luxuries of the modern world. If you are looking for lodging in the Shipshewana area, look no further than the Big House in the Little Woods bed and breakfast inn. Enjoy a stay at the beautiful Inn at the Old Republic. This 1861 restored Italianate mansion offers a unique ambience from many years ago. Complete with period furnishings and luxurious accommodations, you are guaranteed to be impressed. Located near many area attractions, this B&B offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you seek a place that is one of a kind, come stay at the Inn at the Old Republic! The Old MG Bed & Breakfast:  The historic Grandison Eaton house was built in the early 1860's and is one of Hendricks County's historic buildings.  It has been home to some of the county's most interesting families, including the home's builder and original owner, after whom the house was named. Today, it houses a small collection of lovingly restored vintage MG sports cars and memorabilia from the golden age of sports car racing. Find a shady spot in the gardens; relax with a good book in the screened-in porch or hang-out at the garage where there is always a car under reclamation.

Congratulations to Clayshire Castle, Schenck Mansion and Kintner House for being selected as our featured inns of the week! Clayshire Castle located in Bowling Green, IN is a medieval-style bed and breakfast in the tranquil countryside of western central Indiana. Here, guests are treated like royalty with luxurious accommodations and gourmet breakfasts. Innkeepers Lord Douglas and Lady Josephine are ready and waiting to help arrange your visit. Schenck Mansion located in Vivay, IN is a thirty five room mansion built by Benjamin Franklin Schenck in 1874. One of Indiana's most elegant Bed and Breakfast Inns. Decorated with period antiques and reproductions. Full breakfast included with your overnight stay. Every inch of this unique building speaks of the quality of a bygone era. Kintner House located in Corydon, IN was originally built in 1873 and operated by the Jacob W. Kintner family. The Kintner House has figured largely in local history - many historical figures stayed at the Inn over the years Located in historic downtown Corydon, Indiana's first state capital, unique shops, fine restaurants, antique malls, historical buildings, art glass factory and an excursion train -- are all found within walking distance of the Inn. The entire downtown area has been designated a National Historic District.

One of THE best things about Thanksgiving dinner are the leftovers! Here is a great recipe from Kraft that just might hit the spot for a late night snack or take it with you while you are shopping on Black Friday! Enjoy! Turkey Cheddar Panini What You Need: 2 slices whole grain bread 1 Tbsp. MIRACLE WHIP Dressing 1-1/2 oz. thinly sliced leftover roasted turkey 1 KRAFT Big Slice Mild Cheddar Cheese Slice 3 thin plum tomato slices 1 thin red onion slice 2tsp. butter Make It: HEAT panini grill. SPREAD 1 bread slice with MIRACLE WHIP. Fill bread slices with remaining ingredients except butter. SPREAD outside of sandwich with butter. GRILL 4 min. or until sandwich is golden brown and cheese is melted. Kraft Kitchens Tips: Serving Suggestion Serve with a mixed green salad and your favorite fresh fruit to round out the meal. If You Don't Have a Panini Grill: Assemble sandwich as directed. Cook in skillet on medium heat 3 min. on each side or until sandwich is golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted. Note: This is a great way to use leftover cooked turkey. Visit Kraft Recipes for more delicious ideas!

  In honor of Thanksgiving, I found it quite appropriate to feature Turkey Run State Park for today's blog. "Located on State Road 47 southwest of Crawfordsville, the park offers the chance to explore deep, sandstone ravines, walk along stands of aged forests, and enjoy the scenic views along Sugar Creek." The park is open daily in November and December from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  While you're there, you can help feed the birds, or reptiles, view the Planetarium Star Show or just enjoy what nature has to offer.  For a complete list of events and maps, visit the website for Turkey Run State Park. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Autumn has to be, by far, my most favorite time of year.  Football, bonfires, and cozy sweaters are just a few of the things I love most.  But I have to say this time of year shows Mother Nature's talents at its best; the beauty that is the fall colors.  It doesn't get any prettier than this! According to the Farmer's Almanac peak fall foliage dates for Northern Indiana are October 5-21, 2012 and for Southern Indiana are October 12-28.  Why not pack up the car and take a weekend excursion around our great state to visit some of Mother Nature's artwork and while you are out and about be sure to stay at one of our many bed and breakfasts.  For some ideas on where to go and what to do, take a look at the Fall Excursions page at the Indiana.gov website and enjoy all that is available to you!

Happy New Year from Indiana Bed and Breakfast Lodging Faculties Thanks to all of you who chose to stay with us during 2011. You make our jobs so much fun. We enjoy meeting you and sharing our little corner of Indiana with you, whether we are located in a bustling city or a small town,  in the the rolling hills, farm or Amish country, along or near the Ohio River, the mighty Wabash River or Lake Michigan. We hope to see you again in 2012.

No matter the cost of gas, Americans still want to travel. We want to spend fun time with family, or get away from the stresses of everyday life, or see something new, or all of the above.  Gas prices may force travelers to redefine the word “vacation”.  Instead of one, long vacation to a far-away place, you might consider several short trips to near-by points of interest.

What do blueberries, marshmallows, catfish, pickles, covered bridges, steel guitars, old boy’s toys, and bluegrass have in common?  They’re all celebrated with festivals in Indiana and summer is the perfect time to visit local festivals and fairs.   What a great way to enjoy food, fun, and family!

Where to start?  Indiana tourism is a valuable resource for festival and fair information.  Go to www.visitindiana.net or www.indianafestivals.org to see what’s happening or to request an Indiana Festival Guide.  Or, if you have a destination in mind, go to the county visitor’s bureau’s website or the local Chamber of Commerce to see what’s happening in the area.

While you’re “On the Road Again”, consider staying in a bed and breakfast.   Each B&B is unique; so are the innkeepers…none are alike.  Visit www.indianabandb.com and take a look at the variety of Inns from which to choose. Go to “Find a B&B”, check the amenities you want, the area you want to visit, activities you like; a list of inns that match your wishes will be generated for you.

Go for a festival, stay for more.  Because innkeepers are members of the community, they can help you find many fun things to do, awesome places to visit, and great places to eat.  In addition to comfortable rooms and scrumptious breakfasts, innkeepers provide great concierge service!

Enjoy all that a bed and breakfast has to offer when you get away to one of Indiana’s amazing festivals!

Make plans to getaway to some of Indiana’s amazing festivals and while you’re away from home, enjoy the many things a bed and breakfast has to offer.   Check in, check us out and you’ll see why bed and breakfasts are “The Better Way to Stay”.

Innkeepers of the Indiana Bed and Breakfast Association are proud to announce that the 20th edition of their Bed and Breakfast Guide of member inns is now available, free to all travelers requesting the 24-page, multi-color directory. The Bed and Breakfast Directory features color photos and detailed information on over 60 quality-inspected and approved Member Inns. These free directories list members by location and provide contact information, web addresses, room rates, GPS coordinates and other particulars such as the Innkeepers' policies on children, pets, breakfast service, and inns that are available for Weddings, have Business Facilities, or are able to accommodate small Conferences.  From a converted Dairy Barn, or Victorian Elegance to a Cozy Cottage or Stately Mansion, you will find just the right one for your choice of lodging. It also offers the traveler several helpful resources such as a Indiana Map with roadways, indicating the location of the IBBA Member properties. Also, the IBBA Gift Certificate Program is highlighted, with gift certificates redeemable at over 60 B&Bs across the state - ideally suited for Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, and other special occasions.

Bed and breakfasts are some of the most unique romantic spots which offer escapes for lovers of all ages. Wish to dine at a local eatery, soak in spacious spa tubs, take a sleigh ride or enjoy the day at a local Maple Syrup Festival.  Our innkeepers will pamper you and your loved one with extras like champagne and chocolates, fresh rose petals, flowers, and carriage rides. Many Valentine's/February Romance specials are offered throughout the month. What no better way to say I Love You this Valentine's Day than a stay at an Indiana Bed and Breakfast.

With the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, while staying at an Indiana Bed and Breakfast, check out the local artisans and crafters for that one of a kind item. Check with the innkeeper for their recommendations on where the best shops and boutiques are in the area for that unique handmade gift that will be sure to please. They will be sure to point you in the right direction on where that perfect gift can be found and ease the stress of last minute shopping.

As Summer turns to Autumn, a season of sunny days; with a slight chill in the evenings, while the leaves are turning to crimson and gold!  Mothers Natures gift to us all. Stay at the many Indiana Bed and Breakfasts offering Fall Specials; enjoy an excursion through the countryside, or have fun with getting lost in a corn maze. Experience the romance of B & B hospitality that feature delightful breakfasts of the flavors from autumn's harvest from local farmer's markets.  See the rural landscape as it was meant to be experienced.

You may be looking for the perfect vacation get away or the ideal place to do business. Perhaps you're looking for relaxation or romance. You probably expect something a bit different at each Bed and Breakfast. But one thing you don't want when you check into a bed and breakfast is an unpleasant surprise.  Staying at a bed and breakfast inn offers an experience well beyond your typical travel accommodation. Members of the Indiana Bed and Breakfast Association look forward to hosting you and your family on your next trip to Indiana and wish to offer the very best in Hoosier Hospitality.

No need to leave your best friend and beloved pet at home. Just stay at one of our preferred pet friendly B&B’s. They go the extra mile to ensure that your pet is welcome!  But before setting out on your trip, be sure that your pet has all the essentials to ensure that their trip is happy and safe.  Make sure to pack enough pet food for the trip. Don't count on picking some up during your trip as your pet's favorite food may not be readily available.  Include food and water dishes, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, grooming supplies, a favorite toy, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. In addition, a container of drinking water for your pet should always be with you. Your pet should wear a sturdy collar with ID tags throughout the trip. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone number.  It is also very important to include a tag with the address and telephone number where you or a contact can be reached during your travels. Be sure to carry a current photograph of your pet with you. If your pet is lost during a trip, a photograph will make it easier for others to help you find your pet.