Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Welcoming J.R. Dill to the Finger Lakes NY – A New Seneca Lake Winery!


For about a year or so, I enjoyed watching the construction of The Seneca Lake Wine Trail's newest member winery, the J.R. Dill Winery in Burdette, a few miles north of Watkins Glen, New York. Although this winery is new to the Seneca Wine Trail, they intend to participate in all of this year’s major Wine Trail events, and I wish them much success.

Jeffrey (J.R.) Dill began making wine in his parents’ basement, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, who worked in the Finger Lakes vineyards over a hundred years ago. True to its heritage, the bright and airy tasting room includes a bar embedded with Seneca Lake beach glass, as well as early 20th century photographs of the beautiful Seneca Lake region. Visitors are welcomed with samples of vintages produced from Seneca Lake grapes, which can be enjoyed while comfortably taking in the lake view either from inside the winery or from the large outdoor deck.

Production at the winery is starting with about 1,400 cases, and J.R. plans to carefully increase his offerings to about 5,000 cases per year within five years. For those oenophiles interested in getting to know this Finger Lake winery better, a Case Club is offered. Winter hours at the J.R. Dill Winery are Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; in-season hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

When you visit the Finger Lakes wine region to acquaint yourself with the J.R. Dill Winery and (re-)visit the rest of the Wine Trail, I will be happy to host your getaway, whether it is a romantic getaway for two, a girlfriends’ reunion, or a family vacation. While you’re here, you can also explore the beautiful natural resources, shop local antique stores, and come back to the Inn to enjoy a soak in the wood-fired hot tub or a relaxing on-site massage. I’ll also get you off to a scrumptious and fortifying start each morning with a signature gourmet breakfast that includes locally-sourced produce and eggs. I’ll be happy to help you plan your visit and direct you to J.R. Dill Winery!

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast has a new Mobile site

Yes, it is true that my Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast has a new Mobile site. Just Google Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast, look for my listing and check the site out on your cell phone. This was a marketing decision after we found out by using Google Analytics how many people were trying to look at our website from their cell phones. The cool thing about this is, it tells you how many people have looked but also what phone they own. If you don't know about this, it is mind-boggling the amount of information that is available to you. I for one, never thought I would be so interested in this social media and cell phone technology but I am catching on and getting more and more informed.

I have come a long way. My daughters when they were in middle school wanted cell phones and we would not let them. We stood strong till two years ago. We also did not let them join MySpace either. It was just two years ago that we let them have an account with Facebook. Now I have a Facebook, blog, twitter and an i-Phone. Some days, I really see the benefits and I am appreciative of the technology. I am still turned off by bad etiquette with the cell phone use in public. Texting drives me crazy when my daughters pull out their phones to use them at the dinner table. I also think that some people may regret some of the things that they have shared with the world using Social Media.

I am 50 years old and I am from a family that taught me that your privacy was almost everything. My parents showed us over and over how privacy would have kept us from getting in trouble when we were in school. Telling people your private matters usually does come back to bite you, is what Mom used to say. I wonder if it still bites since almost everyone tells everyone everything. Is the information I protected in the past, no longer private? Shared everyday, does it no longer hurt you?

This blog could come back to bite me if those who read it are offended. I think that it is not offensive but it does show how old I am and how old my thoughts are compared to the younger generation. It also shows you how far we have come in just two years. Oh yeah, I also Skype, not bad. I will keep updating and refreshing my mind as things continue to change. I hope the marketing for the Inn at Gothic Eves gets you to come one day to enjoy our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast. This Bed and Breakfast is working overtime to stay current and open to the technology that is available to me and we would love to take care good care of you.

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Ithaca NY Bed and Breakfast is Serving Up More Luxury


I am taking careful steps with this winters renovation of one of the rooms in my Ithaca Bed and Breakfast. The goal is to give guests a more luxurious experience than just a bed at night and a breakfast in the morning. I have been making improvements for 4 years to many parts of the facility. This winter I chose the Chardonnay Suite (photo to your left before renovations) to concentrate my efforts. I started by raising the ceiling about 4 feet to give the Chardonnay Suite a more spacious feeling. The king bed will remain in the room, but the single bed has been taken out to make the room even more spacious. I have changed the colors in the room to give it a more modern feel, shades of brown and blue. I also wanted room for a beautiful gas fireplace. This fireplace is from the Valor Portrait line which is a British company who makes gorgeous replicas. I am also putting some extra seating in the room so people will have space to sit and talk and relax in the privacy of their own room. More amenities will be added like a new flat screen TV, cable and sofa.

The bathroom has been enlarged and it will be tiled including the curved wall. A large vanity was chosen for all of us women who have their creams, solvents, makeup and other toiletries that are necessary to get ready every morning and still have room for their mates belongings too. It has 6 drawers so there will be ample room to store your toiletries away for privacy. The shower is large enough to fit two people with a spa body shower added to indulge your yourselves. There will be two large mirrors to help you prepare for your special dinners and events while you are in the Finger Lakes Region of NY. The improvements are scheduled to be finished by May 1st.

The Parlour last year, pictured to the left, was greatly improved with new chairs and sofa with comfort in mind. This winter I have also added a flat-screen TV, cable and DVD player. To make things even more enjoyable and special for guests, I am installing a wet bar and cabinets for the ice maker and beverage refrigerator. My guests said they wanted access to ice, a TV, refrigeration and a bar setting for them to mix drinks. Many of you bring your friends and the Parlour will now accommodate a social gathering. I expect to be finished with this project by the beginning of April. I look forward to meeting you there in the evenings to share the happenings of the day.

the Main house will be closed till the end of March. At that time, the work will be restricted to the Chardonnay and Syrah Suite only, and the other suites will be available to accommodate your visit. If you need a place to stay in March, the Potter House suites are available for the entire season. So if you are coming to Ithaca, NY for a special getaway this season, consider staying in the Chardonnay Suite at the Inn at Gothic Eves or stay in one of the other suites and just enjoy the new social environment of the Parlour. New photos will be available on our website in late June showing all improvements. I look forward to taking care of you.

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035

Monday, March 7, 2011

Finger Lakes School of Massage Provides Just the Right Touch for a Getaway Weekend in Upstate New York


As a resident of upstate New York, I certainly appreciate the nearby Finger Lakes School of Massage. Not only can a massage ease your aching muscles, but it results in a deep relaxation that is good for the soul as well.

The Finger Lakes School of Massage has been training massage therapists in upstate New York for more than a decade. Students undergo 1,000 hours of holistic massage education, where they gain an underlying knowledge of the human body, as well as hands-on training in bodywork. Graduates from the program are then prepared to take the New York state licensing exam, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork's national exam, or other exams that qualify them to practice their craft.

You may (or may not!) be surprised to find out that the health benefits of massage are being accepted as positive complementary medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, some studies have found that massage is helpful for stress relief, managing anxiety and depression, pain, blood pressure control, and boosting immunity. In addition, many people benefit from the caring and comfort of the physical touch of a trained massage therapist.

Newsweek magazine also touted the benefits of massage, and also offers tips about the benefits of massage. One study cited in the article occurred at the University of South Florida. Study subjects were hypertension patients who received ten 10-minute massages during a three-week period. The blood pressure of patients who received massage showed significant improvement relative to study participants who simply rested in the same environment, but did not receive massage treatment.

Because I have personally benefited from a relaxing massage helping clear my head and rejuvenate my body, my Ithaca B and B offers a massage service. If you wish to explore this experience, you can reserve a massage time when you book your room, or after you arrive (if there are still spots open!). My massage therapists offer full-body Swedish massages for relaxation and increased circulation, which may be combined with a deep tissue massage concentrating on problematic areas. Massages can be reserved for individuals or pairs of guests, or can be part of a romantic couples’ getaway. After treating yourself to the pampering benefits of a trained massage therapist, I think you’ll find yourself determining how to work a regular massage into your schedule!

My massage therapists have been with me for over 4 years. Renata Walls Boyle, LMT graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2004. She has her own practice but comes to The Inn at Gothic Eves on a regular basis. I tease her often about the expressions of our guests faces after one her sessions. Lots of compliment,s but my favorite was a guests who said it was better than drugs. I recommend you have your couples massage after breakfast on a day that you do not have plans for the rest of the day. Many guests just take the day off, rest, read and then head out to dinner in the evening to end their day and others add a hot tub soak.


Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033