Blackberry Bramblings

Our Own Blackberry Inn Blend Coffee from Rock City Coffee Roasters!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:35:00 +0000

There is nothing like the aroma of the first pot of fresh coffee as it brews in the early morning! As a life long lover of coffee, one of the absolute musts for me was serving a great cup of coffee to our guests every morning. For that reason, we found the best roasting company in our area and worked with them to develop what is now the Blackberry Inn Blend that we proudly serve every morning! Our special blend is sold here at the Inn so if you come to love our coffee as much as we do, feel free to take some home with you!

As for the coffee itself, it is a product of Rock City Coffee Roasters in neighboring Rockland, Maine. In the companies 16 years, they have grown significantly and in 2002 were recognized with a TOPS Award for Excellence from the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Visit their website at http://www.rockcitycoffee.com/ for details of the award, their history and information on their commitment to education and the community. And while you are there, take a look at all of the phenomenal coffee varieties they have to offer!

Nothing Like a Family Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:33:00 +0000

This past weekend marked a very special event for us, and for this reason, we share it with you! Jim's daughter Kerry was married to Nathan Wood in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, September 20th in a beautiful, romantic setting at the Adelphi Hotel! As you can see, they make a spectacular couple and will surely have a long and happy life together! The family were almost all in attandance, even one of the twelve grandchildren made the trip, so everyone was able to spend some time together and meet the groom, some for the first time! What a great end of summer celebration and get-a-way for us! Kerry and Nathan, we wish you health, love and happiness always!

It's Apple Picking Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Every year as the leaves start to turn colors and the air turns colder, I am reminded of a tradition from my childhood, having grown up in New York... applepicking! This is a family pasttime, and one that I love to relive annually! There are many resources available to help you find just the right orchard, your favorite kind of apples, the proper techniques and where to pick! Try this one... http://gonewengland.about.com/ for tips on states throughout New England! What to do with all of those apples once you have them? APPLESAUCE! Here's a basic but very tried and true recipe for making you own... and you can vary however you would like, with additional spices like nutmeg or allspice, or additional fall fruits and berries! Delicious every time!

Ingredients:

6 large apples
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon, or a few good shakes!

Peel, core and chop your apples. The smaller the better! Place all ingredients in saucepan and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Using a masher, blender, or hand-held mixer, mix until smooth. Place in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator to cool, or serve warm! Enjoy!

Did You Know...?

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:33:00 +0000

That Camden, Maine's schooner fleet is the largest in the world? Since 1936, these wooden schooners have sailed from Camden carrying vacationers on scenic cruises amid the islands of Penobscot Bay and for this reason, Camden is know as the schooner capital. Among the fleet, you should consider taking cruises on such ships as the Schooner Lazy Jack, the Schooner Olad, or the Schooner Surprise. In addition, you can take a lobster cruise on the Lively Lady Too or take a longer cruise on a large windjammer, with trip ranges from a couple of hours up to a week. Many of the ships sail well into the fall months, a great time to explore the coast and see the wildlife on the islands and sea. What a great time of year fall is for a New England visit!

A Well Kept Secret: Many uses for WD-40!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:00:00 +0000

It's amazing the uses for some of the things we have around our house, and the problems we try to solve when the solution is probably in our garage or kitchen cabinets! Here is a surprising list of 43 creative and safe uses for WD-40, whose primary ingredient is fish oil! Who knew!

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel si nks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor. Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks!
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly. Use WD-40!
20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easie r to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony ( they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37) Florida's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38) The favorite use in the state of New York: WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just That purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are Not allowed in some states.
40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of Lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

Good luck! I am buying a can myself and walking around the house, putting it to many new uses!

Recipe: Banana Cinnamon Cookies!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:04:00 +0000

What to do with those leftover bananas... this is our solution, and a popular one! We have been asked for and shared this recipe with many guests, and would now like to share it with you! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 ½ cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening (NOT butter or marj)
2 eggs
1 cup ripe mashed banana ( 3 or 4)
1 tsp vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Cream shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 min. on med/high mixer). Beat in eggs, bananas and vanilla. Set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ¼ tsp of cinnamon. Blend into banana mixture. Combine remaining ½ cup sugar and ¾ tsp cinnamon. Drop cookie dough onto greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until just lightly browned.

Makes about 4 dozen….they freeze great! Either before baking…just shape into balls, lay out on cookie sheet and place in freezer. When frozen, put into bags When ready to bake just roll in cinnamon and sugar and bake at 350 for 14 minutes. No need to defrost! Or, bake first, when cool freeze on layers of parchment paper. When ready to serve , thaw and then refresh by baking for just 4 minutes at 350 degrees. Great every time!

Harvest Time for Maine Blueberries!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:11:00 +0000

Did you know that Maine produces over 90% of the wild blueberry crops harvested each year in the United States. And these are not planted crops, rather wild blueberries, tended to and hand harvested with a rake specifically made for this purpose. Some of the local blueberry farms even hand them out to visiting guests! Wild blueberries are smaller than their cultivated counterparts, and have a more intense, tangy-sweet flavor. Wild blueberry crops are maintained by farmers who own the land they grow on, and many farmers have been doing so for generations, with some fields having thousands of years history! The wild blueberry bush has a 2 year cycle, which means that every other year a blueberry bush will produce berries. During the year that no berries are produced, the farmers try to help the vegetative growth to increase. This helps the general health of the blueberry bush as a whole plant. During a blueberry-producing year, the plant is prepared for an August harvest, when the blueberries will be ready for picking. So here we are in August, with this vitamin and antioxidant abundant fruit at our fingertips. Lots of great recipes available for their use! Next time you are in Maine, consider a trip to one of these amazing farms! For more information, visit http://www.theheartofnewengland.com/backporch-MaineBlueberries.html to find out where!

Recipe: Cold Cucumber Mint Soup! Refreshing!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Nothing like a cold refreshing soup as a meal starter or paired with a salad on a hot summer day! We love this recipe! Try it out!

1 medium onion or three scallions
2 tbsps chopped fresh mint, plus sprigs for garnish
3 tbsps vegetable oil
2 Cs chicken broth
2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
4 fresh cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped
8 oz. sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Lightly saute sliced onions in oil over moderately low heat until onion is softened. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and cucumbers and simmer about 15 minutes, until cucumber are softened. In a blender purée mixture and 1/2 of the mint in batches until smooth and cool. Stir in white pepper and salt to taste. Chill soup, covered, until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 day. Flavor just gets better with time! When ready to serve, mix sour cream and remaining mint. Serve soup topped with a dollop of the sour cream mixture and a sprig of mint.

FREE Movies at the Camden Ampitheater

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:19:00 +0000

Did you know... the Camden Public Library sponsors a FREE outdoor movie night, every Monday evening beginning at dusk! This is part of their summer reading program, and features a variety of movies that have been made from books. Some of the titles included are Jumanji, Man Without A Face, James and the Giant Peach, 12:01 and more... the program is part of the "have fun at home" concept in small towns everywhere! Bring a blanket and a picnic! Lots of FUN for all!!!

We are celebrating our 10th Anniversary!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:19:00 +0000

This month marks our 10th annivesary at the Inns at Blackberry Common! Actually, we started as The Blackberry Inn and have come so far and made so many changes over the years, most notably, purchasing The Elms and becoming the Inns at Blackberry Common! July 16th, 1998 was our first day as innkeepers and a great start to an exciting future! What a trip it has been...

We would like to thank all of our guests who have helped make the Inns at Blackberry Common the home it is today, helping in the creation of so many unforgettable memories, friends made and milestones celebrated. We hope to continue to be part of your special events, getaways and celebrations for years to come. And thank you to all of you for helping make our dreams a reality!

Shopping in Camden, Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:30:00 +0000

While Camden may be a quaint ocean side town, with irresistible views and a laid back Maine atmosphere, the shopping you will find is irresistible too! With an array of attractive and unusual shops to choose from, you will be sure to find just the right keepsakes and gifts to commemorate your visit, as well as some of the finest goods Maine has to offer. We offer everything from books stores, antique shops and local art, to furniture stores, clothing, novelty stores, marine supplies and more. Some of our favorite specialty stores include a Stonewall Kitchen Company Store, Lucy's Dollhouse, and the best little market, French & Brawns for all of your picnic needs. And if this isn't enough, some of Maine's finest furniture makers and craftsmen are in the area, a short drive away, including Windsor Chairmakers! Of course Camden also offers a great selection of restaurants to choose from, also with the town harbor area, a few blocks from the Inns. Stay tuned for more information on our favorite restaurants, and feel free to ask for recommendations on shopping and more when your visit!

Photo courtesy of CRL Chamber

Recipe: Sun Tea with Fresh Mint

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:53:00 +0000

Place about 6 tea bags and 3 or 4 fresh sprigs of mint into a clean 2 quart glass container and fill with warm water. Cover. Place the container outside in the sun or anywhere the container will be exposed to plenty of sun for the next 5 or 6 hours. After the tea has steeped and reached its desired strength, refrigerate. You can leave the tea bags in for added flavor development, or remove them if desired, but do remove the mint leaves while storing. You may add a new sprig of mint or muddle some mint in the bottom of your glass when serving. Use within 2 to 3 days. Enjoy on a hot summer day!

Our Herb Garden and Yours!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Did you know that a large percentage of the herbs we use in our daily cooking at the inns are grown right here on the property? If you haven't visited our herb garden in the past, be sure to do so on your next trip! The herbed omelets in the morning are my favorite!

Tips for your herb garden:

Make sure you understand what size each planting will mature to, and make sure you have adequate room for their growth
Separate your plantings by rocks, bricks or artificial borders so the more aggressive plants don't suffocate the more delicate plantings
Ensure your trimmings are done appropriately to encourage new growth. Techniques vary for each variety so make sure you find out before trimming!
Label each planting as you go or make a map so your remember locations and can find more quickly at harvest time
Let varieties, like basil, flower at the end of the season and save the seeds for next years garden!

Herb gardens are a lot of fun, don't take a tremendous amount of space, and can be widely used in food and drinks! Try some fresh mint in your iced tea this summer... you'll be hooked!

The Schooners are back in the Harbor!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:40:00 +0000

Summer is here and all of our Maine schooners are back in the harbor! Generally sailing between the months of April and October, the schooners have been ramping up their sailing and have rolled out their full schedules for the summer months. If you have not taken a day trip on one of our Maine schooners in the past, make this your year! Most of the schooners offer hourly, half day and full day excursions, or you can even charter a trip for a personal adventure! Just some of our schooners include the Olad, Heron, the Surprise, the Appledore and the Windjammer Mary Day. Visit the Camden Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.camdenme.org/ and click on the boating page for all of the available excursions and links to the ships websites. Give us a call if you prefer and we will help you plan your excursion and give you all of the tips you'll need to make your sailing trip a success!

Recipe: Asparagus Risotto

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:13:00 +0000

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1" lengths on a diagonal
4 - 5 cups chicken stock (heated)
2 tlbs. olive oil
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tlbs. unsalted butter

Directions: Blanch asparagus in salted water until just tender (2 minutes); set aside. In saucepan over medium heat, bring stock to gentle simmer and maintain over low heat. In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and saute until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the rice and stir until each grain is well coated with oil and rice is translucent with a white dot in the center (about 3 minutes). Add the wine and stir until it is completely absorbed. Add the simmering stock...a ladleful at a time, continuously stirred after each addition. Wait until the stock is almost completely absorbed before adding the next ladleful. (This is the secret to great risotto!) Reserve 1/4 cup to add at end. When the rice is almost tender to the bite, but slightly firm in the center and it looks creamy, add the asparagus and a ladleful of stock. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is heated through and the rice is al dente. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and reserved stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve a once. Makes 4 servings. Enjoy!

Did you know that...

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:22:00 +0000

the Inns at Blackberry Commons is a proud member of the Passport to New England group?

This exclusive group features 12 New England inns located in 6 different states, all members of Select Registry, the highest standard of excellence achievable in the industry. These 13 inns offer passport members savings, credits toward free nights stays, gifts as a guest at the member inns, and much more. Please visit the website for more details at http://www.passporttonewengland.com/. Keep in mind, when you visit us or any of the member inns, you can request to become a member and receive your passport card with credits for your first stay! Planning a bed & breakfast tour? Visit the website for a variety of special packages available and plan to make the passport member inns your first stop! Check our Special Packages page for two of these packages that combine stays at fellow passports member inns with the Inns at Blackberry Commons!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:21:00 +0000

We are very proud to announce that the Inns have been certified as Environmental Leaders in Hospitality by the Department of Environmental Protection for the State of Maine. Due to our "green" efforts, we are one of 77 locations in the state that have recieved this cerfitication, and we continue to improve and expand our program every day! You may have seen an earlier entry regarding all of our efforts here at the inn to contribute to reserving our natural resources, recycling and conservation. We are always making changes, and welcome your suggestions and input. While you are here as our guests, we are happy to help you with recyclables and any other "green" practices you keep toward improving our environment!

Wines Available at the Inns!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:11:00 +0000

Did you know the Inns at Blackberry Common offer a full variety of red, white and sparkling wines, available by the glass in our parlors, or by the bottle if you prefer to enjoy a quiet evening in one of our guestrooms. Below is a sampling of the varieties offered, although we do have specials available periodically and change our selection seasonally. Looking for a special item to help celebrate your special occasion? Please ask and we will do our best to accommodate and special selection requests!

A sample of our whites:

Dry Creek Chardonnay, Sonoma
Brilliant golden hue, tastes of pears, hazelnut and citrus.

Lugana Ottella, Italy
Dry and crisp, long finish. Hint of apple.

Rockbare Chardonnay, Australia
Elegant and full bodied; with citrus and surprising flavor intensity.

A sample of our reds:

Pepperwood Grove Cabernet , California
Dark and fruity with subtle spice and smooth tannins.

Frei Brothers Cabernet, Alexander Valley

Dark Berries abound with this Full-Bodied Cab with sweet vanilla.

Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence, Rouge, France
A complex Cabernet blend. Dark chocolate, spice, fresh thyme and lavender.

Our sparkling selection:

Pommery Brut Royal, France

Fresh & vivacious with a fruity finish. The real thing!

Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc, Napa
Brilliant straw color with elegant pinpoint bubbles. Crisp aroma of
Apple leads to a balanced, toasty style and complex clean finish.

Saint-Hilaire Blanc de Blanc, France
The Benedictine monks have been making this fine sparkling wine for
Over four and a half centuries. Crisp, dry with hints of berries and apple.

Time for Spring plantings!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:32:00 +0000

Start with pansies and the time is now! You can't beat them for color and cold tolerance as the temperatures waver between winter and spring. Generally, as long as temperatures stay above 25 degrees your pansies will do well. If the temperatures do drop below this, try to cover them loosely with plastic overnight. If you forget, the plant will still survive, however any flowers in bloom are likely to discolor the existing leaves and kills buds. That's OK! Be patient and they will come back with a little TLC! The good news is you are guaranteed their beauty and continuing flowering throughout the summer months!

Recipe: Cranberry Apple Chutney

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:05:00 +0000

1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup chopped apples (skin on)
1/2 cup apple cider or cranberry juice
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
OR
1 cup dried cranberries
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt

Add all ingredients to a stainless or other non-reactive 3 or 4 quart pot. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 30 minutes. Cool and serve at room temperature or chilled. Great with red meats, duck or pork. Can be made ahead of time and stores in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months!

NOTE: This basic recipe can be used for all of your favorite fruits... just substitute the apples and cranberries in the same quantities with your favorite selections and enjoy!

More Carriage House, now Birch Retreat photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:54:00 +0000

The Carriage House suite has a new look and a new name! Look for the Birch Retreat on our Rates and Rooms pages!

How do I save my Easter plants?

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:23:00 +0000

What to do with those Easter lilies and bulb plants like tulips and daffodils? Good news! Most of these can be planted outside when the weather warms! Only a few things to remember to make your transplants successful. The first is to let the green stems die down naturally before you cut them off. This allows energy to go to the bulb and makes the bulbs stronger for next season. By the way, this is also true of any bulb plants currently in your gardens. Tying them down as opposed to cutting the stems will always produce stronger plants the following season. Secondly, you'll probably need to plant these bulb plants slightly deeper than they are in the pot presently, about six inches deep is just fine. Easter lilies are also hardy - just plant in a somewhat protected area, and mulch well next fall. That's all you have to remember. Next time your guests bring you an Easter plant, you'll be able to enjoy that special gift for years to come!

Carriage House Renovations are Complete!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:15:00 +0000

And the outcome is spectacular! This suite is now truly a home away from home, with all the extras. The two person jacuzzi and luxury bath is perfect for a long relaxing bath after a day of sightseeing! And the suite still contains two rooms, one with two twin beds, and a kitchenette, making this a perfect place for a family stay, and all the luxuries that come with it. We hope you will consider this room on your next visit!

Maple Sugaring Season Is Upon Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:20:00 +0000

A long held tradition, Maple Sugaring in Maine always takes place on the 4th Sunday of March! This years it falls on Easter, good for some who may have a long weekend or maybe even a week off! What is this traditional all about? Basically, it is the process of turning all the sap collected over the last several weeks from our Maple trees into the delicious maple syrup so popular in our region! The sap is boiled down in a sugar house to produce the syrup. More on the process can be found on Wikipedia through this link, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_syrup. While these events are taking place thoughout the region, we have one of the best right down the street at Maine Gold in Rockland! Events for the day include an Easter Egg Hunt, the making of maple sugar in the new sugar house, a fantastic brunch, and shopping discounts. Visit the webpage, Maine Gold Maple Sunday, for more information and to search other sugaring events that weekend! What a great family event for all to enjoy!

Going Green at the Inns... every little bit counts!

noreply@blogger.com (Cyndi & Jim) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:45:00 +0000

Living in Maine, where every day you are close to nature, really has made us strive to do our part to preserve the land, water, air and our planet! Like our guests, we appreciate and value nature . Here are some of the things we currently do at the Inns to play our part!

Daily trips to the recycling center with glass, boxes, paper, plastics and more. If you have items you would like us to include while you are in our company, please pass them to any employee or leave them in your rooms and we will add to our next trip!

All of our "scraps" from the kitchen are composted to the extent possible and used in our many gardens!

It seems we are always doing laundry, and for that reason, have updgraded to energy efficient, low water and soap usage washing machines. And of course environmentally friendly products!
You will find in the guest rooms, requests to hang your towels for another use and help us minimize daily laundry if you will be staying with us for several nights.

To conserve energy, lighting is kept at a minimum when possible, as is heat when we do not have guests in our company, and you will notice the use of our fireplaces and wood stove to warm your rooms and our parlors. Whenever possible, we also use low wattage, low voltage and CFC lightbulbs. In addition, many of the windows in the Blackberry Inn have been replaced with new double pain "E" glass to conserve heat.

While we are not a recognized organic grower, we do not use any pesticides or chemicals in our flower, herb or vegetable gardens and our berry patch is on stock that is over 50 years old! Many of these ingredients are used in our cooking, as are local ingredients from our neighbors, the local farm markets and other growers dedicated to the same environmental visions as us!

Changes are being made daily, and please share your suggestions while you are here as our guests, helping us do our part to conserve our planets and the beautiful resources around us!