Bed And Breakfasts - Articles - Zimbio

TotalWebDesigner.com Launches Web site for Denise’s Desserts & Denise’s Sweet Retreat

Mon, 27 May 2008 12:45:31 GMT

posted by apainter2008

Shenandoah, IA (May 13, 2008) -- Leading Iowa design firm creates original Web site design for Denise Fichter, owner of Denise’s Desserts and Denise’s Sweet Retreat in Shenandoah, Iowa.

TotalWebDesigner.com’s graphic artist, Ashley Chapman, created a tasteful site that reveals Fichter’s creativity and passion for pasties. Of the twelve types of cookie dough, their sugar cookies are the most requested. In addition Fichter also serves cheesecakes, tortes, fresh fruit pies and specializes in wedding and graduation cakes and larger corporate catering.

Opened since August 2005 in the historic district in Shenandoah, visitors enjoy the original woodwork and brick. Fichter designed the bakery around a full wall mural of a scene in Paris. “People sit and stare at the gorgeous painting and transcend themselves to Paris while enjoying a flavored cappuccino,” says Fichter. “It’s really cool!”

In addition, Fichter operates a one-room Parisian-themed private bed and breakfast suite with office room, queen-sized bed, stove, refrigerator and microwave above the bakery. Guests are welcome to stay in the suite for breakfast with a choice of homemade breakfast casserole, ham and cheese croissants, cinnamon roll or granola parfait or join the public in the bakery downstairs for a full homemade meal and their favorite gourmet coffee.

Accommodations are fit for corporate travelers, honeymooners or singles. Private suite rates are $75 - $95 depending on the number of people staying.

Although located in a small Southwest Iowa town, Fichter caters to the likes of business meetings such as the Warren Buffet Annual Stockholders meeting held in Omaha, NE just 30 miles west. Fichter and her 10 employees prepared 30 dozen signature sugar cookies which were placed in 90 hotel rooms for the event.

Another annual summer event she caters to is the Glenn Miller Festival in Clarinda, IA, IA June 11-15, 2008. A short 20 minute drive to Shenandoah, Denise’s Sweet Retreat is already booked for this weekend.

She also plans to open for Sunday brunch from 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. later this year.

About Denise’s Desserts and Denise’s Sweet Retreat
Fichter has worked as an apprentice under two corporate chefs and as a restaurant dessert manager for seven years. For more information about Denise’s Desserts or to make reservations at Denise’s Sweet Retreat, visit www.sweetretreat.iabedandbreakfast.com or call 712.246.2295.

About TotalWebDesigner.com
Amelia Painter, a Web site designer since 1995, founded TotalWebDesigner.com in 2004 as a multi-faceted Web design and marketing operation. Current clients include: Iowa Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers Association, Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association, Nebraska Bed and Breakfast Association, the William Sauntry Mansion, and many other lodging facilities. For more information or to view their portfolio, visit www.TotalWebDesigner.com or call 712.260.5372.

Families Vacationing in Iowa Can Save on Lodging at Self-Serve & Self-Catering Cottages, Barns & Cabins

Thu, 23 May 2008 16:28:13 GMT

posted by apainter2008

The emerging Iowan preference for private vacation lodging has spawned a new self-catering industry in the state. It’s the personal touch, as much as the facilities, that makes the difference. These new innkeepers are playing the off-premises concierge to a fault. Most will book lessons with local instructors (horseback riding, guided fishing tours with all gear supplied, tickets to area attractions, and much more), and they will point out some favorite local walks and the best attractions in the area. And no question of arrangement fees, unlike some hotels and resorts in popular tourist areas. Superior self-catering: the top Iowa properties THERE’S ONLY ONE association representing superior self-catering properties in Iowa right now, it is the Iowa Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Associaton (IBBIA). This association has high quality standards and all members are inspected. Inspection are important, because Web sites and brochures can give you a feel for a property, but they can be deceptive as well. The association takes the guessing out of the equation. When you stay with a self-service lodging facility that is an member of the IBBIA, you know the owners have met health and safety regulations, along with other quality standards. Here is listing of some of the top Iowa self-service/self-catering lodging accommodations from around the state. 1. IOWA GREAT LAKES AREA - OKOBOJI The Prairie Cottage, a recently refurbished four to six-person cottage is available for nightly, week-end and week-long family getaways. The price includes a self-service kitchen, cable TV, a computer connected to Wireless High Speed Internet, bottled water and sodas upon arrival, a variety of cereals and snacks in the cubboards, a top-of-the-line gas Bar-B-Qer with the most popular condiments in the cuppboards, a complete video library and VHS, board games for the kids, and library of priaire flower identification books to be used in conjuntion with the native prairie garden planted on the property. The staff can also arrange a wide range of activities, including canoeing, fishing tours with all gear and bait supplied, or they can simply point out some of the fabulous attractions in the area. Open May - thru October, call: 712-580-3117. 2. ELKADER Barn on the Bluff is intended for groups of families, quilter, retreaters, hunters and other small groups, this self-catered facility can sleep up to 20 adults comfortably. You will find plenty of room to play, not only in the spacious living area, but also in the huge game room and on the porch. When you reserve the barn, the entire barn is yours. The 30x60 foot hayloft has been converted into five levels for living and sleeping. Ranging from three private bedrooms to two dorm-style bedrooms to two lofts (accessible by ladders for the younger set), 20+ could sleep quite comfortably. You will find a full kitchen, dining for 20 guests, 3 bathrooms, a fireplace, game room, 60’x12’ covered porch and a fire pit, where you can sit outside to enjoy the view that Elkader forefathers affectionately named "Little Switzerland". Some of the many area activities include productions at the 1903 Opera House, first-run movies at the refurbished Main Street Cinema Theater, golfing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking/biking trails, historical sights, museums and many unique shops and restaurants. Open year round, call: 563-245-2820 Lodge or 319-231-9195 Cell. 3. DOWNTOWN ELKADER Cedar Street Suites is afully furnished two-bedroom apartment like setting with keyless entry. The suite is near the downtown shops, establishments, and the historic Elkader Opera House. It is also near the river's dam and the river's walking path -- it is a peaceful and and enjoyable lodging choice with lots of privacy for the couple wanting to getaway, yet be close to all downtown amenitites. Open year round, call: 563-245-3211 or 563-880-1233. 4. IOWA FALLS What was once a small cabin on the Iowa river has been beautifully restored and converted into a self-catering cabin/cottage. You will enjoy your own private hide away in a two-bedroom cabin overlooking the Iowa River. A nature lover's paradise! It is handicap accessible, has a complete kitchen, a gas fireplace and log beds for that "rustic feel." Some meals can be supplied, and your stay can include a 90 minute Iowa River Cruise where you will see limestone bluffs, beautiful park scenery and the Iowa Falls Swinging Bridge. Your captain will provide a historical narrative of the river as well. This cruise is based on the date you plan to visit and availablity. Open year round, call: 641-648-9571. 5. SHANNON CITY Timberview is a 1900 four-bedroom Farm House that is handicap accessible and near shopping in Afton, Creston and Mount Ayr. It is perfect for small reunions, receptions and children's parties. Hunters, fishermen and other sports enthuasist are welcome. This facility can be rented with a country-style breakfast included or with a self-service option. Open year round, call 877-339-2431. 6. SHENANDOAH Denise's Sweet Retreat is located above Denise's Desserts Parisian Bakery. The private suite is Parisian-themed and features an office/sitting room, one-bedroom with a queen sized bed, a full kitchen and a fold-out sofa bed above the bakery. (Kitchen features a stove, refrigerator and microwave oven.) Guests are welcome to stay in the suite for breakfast with a choice of homemade breakfast casserole, ham and cheese croissants, cinnamon roll or granola parfait or join the public in the bakery downstairs for a full homemade meal and their favorite gourmet coffee or they may have the option to do their own shopping and prepare their own meals in the suite's kitchen. Accommodations are fit for corporate travelers, honeymooners or singles. Private suite rates are $75 - $95 depending on the number of people staying. Open year round, call 712-246-2295. 7. Mount Ayr Lesanville Inn at Ramsey Farms is a historic working farm and village (circa 1802 - 1950s). Restore Victorian Farmhouses, a School House, Church, Depot/General Store are all to be found on this unique property. Visitors cal elect to have a typical Bed & Breakfast option or rent their own separate farmhouse by the day, week or month. Groups and family reunions are welcome. Open year round, call 641-464-3178.
	Visit the Iowa Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Associaton online at: http://www.iabedandbreakfast.com Or Visit their blog for discounts, recipes, and special events across the State of Iowa at: http://www.iabedandbreakfast.com/blog

TotalWebDesigner.com Launches Web site for the Okoboji Country Inn

Mon, 27 May 2008 13:28:29 GMT

posted by apainter2008

Unique Iowa Great Lakes bed and breakfast
includes tea room and gift shop

West Okoboji, IA (May 13, 2008) -- Leading Iowa design firm creates original Web site design for Donna Muilenburg, owner of The Okoboji Country Inn in West Okoboji, Iowa.

TotalWebDesigner.com’s lead website graphic artist, Emily G. Boetel, fashioned the new website to appear warm, yet spacious for travelers. Boetel and the bed and breakfast owner wanted guests to get a feeling of a comfy retreat; quiet and welcoming with an informative page listing several options of things to do in the Iowa Great Lakes area. “

The website displays beautiful photos of each individually decorated room. All rooms include luxe bath towels, soft oversized bath mats and 600 thread count Egyptian cotton linens.

For breakfast guests gather in Annabelle’s Tea Room. Here Muilenburg can also serve 20-25 afternoon tea guests for small parties, showers and family gatherings.

In the beginning, Muilenburg wanted a hobby while raising four children. She and her husband bought and refinished their first building remodel. They turned an old wash house into a quaint, beautifully decorated gift shop. Then, up against nationally-known competitor Hallmark. For the past thirty years Muilenburg has been selling home interior, bright florals, candles, linens and artfully framed pictures to appease many different tastes.

While successfully managing her wash house turned gift shop, Muilenburg had her eye on an old farm house. When she realized city developers were about to buy the land the house was on and build a mall, she took immediate action. She purchased, moved, remodeled and opened yet, another building and created a business. By February 2008 her concept of a bed and breakfast was finally born and ready for guests.

Today Muilenburg is hosting guests from the entire US in her bed and breakfast. “People have a special place in their hearts for the Okoboji area,” says Muilenburg. “Some grew up here and others come from California or Texas just to enjoy what Okoboji has to offer.”

The summers are a beautiful lush green and the water is a perfect blue - and one of only three blue water lakes in the world! Spring-fed West Okoboji Lake is 134' deep.

Fall provides a different kind of beauty. Outside The Okoboji Country Inn one can sit and take pleasure in watching deer, mallard ducks and pheasant among Muilenburg’s apple trees and planted wild flowers.

The Muilenburg family background is hard-working agriculture and homey Midwestern hospitality rich in extra-large beds, exquisite breakfasts and private sunroom views. As Memorial Day and Fourth of July approaches Muilenburg states, “come to the Lakes to treat yourself to something special.”

About the Okoboji Country Inn
The Okoboji Country Inn is located in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes area. As a superior vacation spot enjoy local recreational trails for bikers, hikers and runners, golf, numerous water sport rentals, theater, Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, Pearson Lakes Art Center and much more. To make reservations or for more information please visit www.okobojicountryinn.com or call 712.332.2358.

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Contact press release copy writer Rainey Johnson at 515-419-5896 for additional information about the Okoboji Country Inn. High Resolution Images of the Okoboji Country Inn can be obtained for publication by calling 712.260.5372.

Is our Placerville Bed and Breakfast haunted?

Fri, 7 Jun 2008 23:50:25 GMT

posted by Steph2472

Yes, we have been wondering that very thing for a long time ourselves. When Rita and I first moved in there were a number of things that we could not explain and chalked up to being in a new house, exhaustion from moving and learning to be innkeepers….but we also felt like there was more going on….and we were right.
We recently had the experience of having Nancy Bradley and her team of “Gold Rush Ghost” hunters visit and record their experience with us and the home of Albert Shafsky. Below is a portion of their preliminary report…more to follow.

Submitted by Paul Dale Roberts
“Sometimes when I go to Blockbuster Video, I pick up a few horror movies, like Thirteen Ghosts. That was one scary movie, in which every ghost is hideous and is an imminent threat to the guest’s well-being. Ummm…how come I never run into Thirteen Ghosts that will scare the living daylights out of me? Case example, I get a call from Robert Reppert - Head Investigator of Gold Rush Ghosts and his lovely wife Nancy Bradley - Celebrity Psychic. They run down a story to me about a preliminary investigation that Robert Reppert, Rodney Roberts and Catherine Noble did at the Albert Shafsky House B&B. The story is intriguing. Robert wants me on the official investigation. Robert has me hooked, because he also mentions an Indiana Jones meets the Winchester House type of discovery. Robert discovered a stairwell in the basement area that leads to nowhere!

When I arrive to Nancy’s home, the paranormal investigative team gathers: Robert Reppert - Head Investigator, Nancy Bradley - Psychic Extraordinaire, Rodney Roberts - Technician, Brian Abeel - Evidence Analyst and of course me, Paul Dale Roberts - Ghostwriter. We gather all the equipment that we will be using this evening of Sunday - May 18, 2008, which includes: thermal reader, digital audio recorders, digital cameras, video cameras, temperature gauges, EMF Readers. We all pile up in the official GRG Truck and head over to the Shafsky House - www.shafsky.com / 2942 Coloma Street, Placerville, CA 95667.

We are greeted by the owners Rita Timewell and Stephanie Carlson. Two very sweet ladies that have stories to tell. Nancy and I, conducted the interviews for her show Journey into the Paranormal. With the interviews, I learn that Albert Shafsky and his wife Dora Shafsky aka Kitty came to Placerville in 1901. Albert was a dry goods salesman and opened up a department store on Main Street. He was the first man to have glass show windows and he had a milliner who made lady’s hats. He built a beautiful home for his wife Kitty and their 2 year old daughter Alberta. He later had 3 more daughters, Verah, Bernice & Jeane. He was to later have a son named Boyd, born in Oakland. Albert became well known in the community and was elected City Council Member from 1906 to 1910 and Mayor of Placerville from 1906 to 1908. Albert and his three brothers came from Kishinvev, Moldavia. His daughter Alberta lived for 103 years. Albert Shafsky is descended from Kopel Yarashafsky of Modavia. “

I will post more in a few days…..

Welcome to Zimbio!

Mon, 25 Apr 2006 18:03:13 GMT

posted by The_Zimbio_Team
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Bed And Breakfasts - Articles - Zimbio

TotalWebDesigner.com Launches Web site for Denise’s Desserts & Denise’s Sweet Retreat

Families Vacationing in Iowa Can Save on Lodging at Self-Serve & Self-Catering Cottages, Barns & Cabins

TotalWebDesigner.com Launches Web site for the Okoboji Country Inn

Unique Iowa Great Lakes bed and breakfast includes tea room and gift shop

Is our Placerville Bed and Breakfast haunted?

Welcome to Zimbio!

Unique Iowa Great Lakes bed and breakfast
includes tea room and gift shop