Music and Tradition at the Trumansburg GrassRoots Festival

The Inn at Gothic Eves invites you to be our guest during the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, held just .3 mile from the Inn at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds from July 19, 2012 through July 22, 2012.  Voted one of the “Top Ten Small Music Festivals” by USA Today Magazine, this volunteer-run event brings great music, area crafts, and great food to one location for an amazing fundraising event.

Originally created in 1991 as a benefit for AIDS work, a local AIDS support organization, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival featured just three bands:  Donna the Buffalo, The Horse Flies, and Neon Baptist.  The success of the single-night event inspired Donna the Buffalo to continue the annual gathering of music, art, and education to continuously benefit AIDS research and cure development.  The success of the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival gave rise to offshoot organizations in other states in the eastern US.

What was once a simple, one-day event has evolved into a renowned non-profit event lasting four days.  Four stages now host over 60 bands, both "old" and new to the listening ears in attendance, with most performing some sort of world, folk, or ethnic music.  The Festival hours are long - all night, in fact, as the bands provide Cajun and Zydeco music for all-night dancing in the dance tent.  The event even offers a chamber music orchestra on Sunday morning for the quieter crowd.

Festival attendees are numerous and varied:  about 15,000 made the trek to the GrassRoots Festival last year.  Think of the event as a current Woodstock, with the attendees being just as important as the musicians in providing a memorable overall experience for everyone!  This family-friendly event offers activities for the adults, the children, and even the teenage set, so no one will be bored.

And you won't go hungry, either.  While you can bring your own food, there are more than 25 vendors in attendance to offer everything from vegan to burgers and more.  Water spigots are available on the event grounds for your convenience, and ice is sold at the event.  If you want to make a quick trip across the street, there is a local grocery store for you to grab what you've forgotten.  While alcohol is not served at the event, you are welcome to bring your own - and remember that while you may bring glass bottles into the event, no glass bottles are allowed to be carried around on the grounds.  All coolers and IDs are checked at the gate.

If you plan to attend, be sure to bring something to sit on (blanket, chairs, air mattresses), sunblock, plastic cups to hold liquids brought in glass bottles, a flashlight or headlamp for after the sun goes down, a cooler, wipes to keep fresh during the day, and an attitude for fun!

Tickets are available online (with credit card - printer needed) and at a number of area locations (cash only).  4-day adult tickets are $95 until July 15, and $110 at the gate.  4-day youth tickets are $65.  Children 12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult.  One-day tickets range from $28 to $43, depending on the day you will be attending.

So plan your upstate New York bed and breakfast vacation during the GrassRoots festival.  Stroll up the street to attend the event, and come back to the inn for evenings of relaxation and enjoyment.  It's all about having fun, raising funds for great causes, and celebrating music!


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

Hot Tuna at the Ithaca State Theater

The Inn at Gothic Eves is pleased to share some exciting event-related news:  Hot Tuna will play at the Ithaca State Theater on June 21, 2012!

Yes, Hot Tuna.  Never heard of them?  If you aren't from the northeast, the name Hot Tuna may be new to you.  But don't think you haven't heard their contributions to mainstream music!

Founders Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady began playing guitar together in the DC area at a young age, influenced by jazz, blues, bluegrass, and folk.  They even performed professionally before Jack could even drive!  Jack's lead guitar talents eventually gave way to the electric bass.  Meanwhile, Jorma's rhythm guitar playing gave way to finger-picking guitar styling.

After schooling and a stint overseas, Jorma found himself in California, auditioning to play guitar for a new San Francisco band.  He asked his old friend Jack to come join him, and the guitar section of Jefferson Airplane was born!

But the two friends still loved their original influences and created their own set of songs to play in clubs while on the road during their off-hours from Jefferson Airplane.  Before they knew it, they had obtained a record contract... and finally decided to name themselves Hot Tuna. The duo loved to make music so much that their concerts were known to be long affairs, lasting anywhere from 3 to 6 hours!

Over the next 35 years, the duo would be joined by a variety of musicians, produce more than 20 albums together (and several more apart), make guest appearances with other musicians, host an ongoing teaching initiative (both in person and online), and gone from acoustic to electric, and back again.

On June 21, Hot Tuna plays at the Ithaca State Theater with special guest Steve Kimock.  Tickets for the 8:00 pm show are available from the State Theater.  Prices are $36.50 for generals seating, and $42.50 for front area seating.  Sorry, but taping is not allowed at Hot Tuna concerts.

Other shows coming to the State Theater include:  Lindsay Buckingham on June 8, 2012; Fiona Apple on June 19, 2012; Josh Ritter on September 15, 2012; and comedy entertainer Craig Ferguson on October 11, 2012.

When you plan your Finger Lakes getaway at the Inn at Gothic Eves, you can catch some great entertainers in nearby Ithaca, and return to the Inn where your cozy room and friendly innkeeper await your return.  I hope to see you soon!

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

Ithaca Festival: A Celebration of Art

Come celebrate Finger Lakes' artists of all kinds during your May 31 through June 3, 2012 stay at my Upstate New York bed and breakfast during the Ithaca Festival.  Now in its 36th year, this 4-day festival welcomes over 1000 area artists to entertain, sell their wares, and be the guests of honor.

No matter what the talent, you'll see it during the festival.  Dancers, actors, media artists, craftsmen, clowns, spoon-players... you never know who will be in attendance.  Enjoy the parade, luau, craft show, the kids' area, a myriad of performers on 6 stages, great food, adult beverages, and more!  Some of the shows are even participatory - join in for Zumba, square dancing, kids shows, power yoga, amateur radio experiences, and of course all the great music will have you tapping your toes and singing along.

As a special added treat, the Bed and Breakfast of Greater Ithaca group (of which IGE is a member) will participate in the opening parade!  Look for a rolling bed decorated with tiki lamps, grass skirts, and bright yellow floral linens!

True to the environmental awareness that permeates upstate New York, the Ithaca Festival strives to be a zero-waste event, reusing and recycling as much discarded material as possible.  In 2011, the Festival collected 5460 lbs of recyclable material, and almost as much (5440 lbs) compost.  That's  almost 5.5 tons of materiel saved from landfills!  So please look for the proper receptacles throughout the downtown Ithaca Commons show site and help save our environment!

This year's artwork design for the commemorative merchandise was designed by Meghan Wood, an Ithaca native and Graphic Design student at Rochester Institute of Technology.  A Festival button displaying this artwork is only $5 and will give you unlimited admission to the event during all four days.  Buttons can be purchased at nearby stores after you arrive at the Inn, and I will be happy to direct you to the nearest source!

So plan your New York getaway to the Finger Lakes Region at the very end of May.  Enjoy one or more days at this amazing Ithaca event, then return to the Inn for an evening of rest and relaxation.



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

Finger Lakes entertainment at the Hangar Theatre

Looking for a bit of refined entertainment during your Finger Lakes getaway?  Look no further than the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY.  Located less than 11 miles from my Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast inn, the Hangar Theatre is an easy drive for an evening of quality entertainment!

And why is it named Hangar Theatre?  You guessed it - the building is actually an old municipal airport hangar.  The conversion from planes to plays was funded by none other than Nelson Rockefeller.  Work on the transformation was a combined effort of the Ithaca Repertory Theatre, the City of Ithaca, Ithaca College, and Cornell University.  An additional building, housing a set and costume shop, was added in the mid 1980's, thanks to the generosity  of the New York State Natural Heritage Trust.  Finally, in 2002, the Hangar tent and Starlight Cafe was added to provide a full evening of enjoyment for guests.

Over the years, the not-for-profit Theatre has matured into national recognition for both its productions, and now year-round theatre education programs for up-and-coming theatre professionals.  The Theatre now hosts an annual New Play Festival, offers programs for kids and young adults, and can be rented for meetings and events.

Summer, 2012 performance offerings include Lend Me A Tenor, The Little Mermaid, Titanic, Seussical Jr., and many more!  And you can be assured of quality entertainment when you attend a production at the Hangar:  proven by numerous local and regional accolades, and the 2010 SALT award for 'Production of the Season' for the Hangar's production of Rent.  Single-show tickets are available from Ticket Center Ithaca.  There are also season tickets with great seating still available.


To show appreciation to both the Theatre and to our guests who support the Theatre through attendance, The Inn at Gothic Eves is now offering the Theatre promotion:  show your Hangar Theatre ticket stub to get 10% off an overnight Sunday -Thursday!  This offer is not valid with any other offers or on holidays.  Please make your reservations in advance and mention the Theatre promotion when you book!

As a bonus hint to my guests, you will pay less for weekday evening performances and Sunday matinee performances, making the Theatre promotion perfect for taking advantage of these reduced performance prices.

I look forward to hosting your stay at my Finger Lakes accommodations, and hope you enjoy the theatrical offerings at the Hangar Theatre!

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

A New Way to Experience the Finger Lakes Wine Region 2012

Relax to the Max! Sounds good to all of us after a long winter doesn’t it? The phrase conjures up an image of white, sandy beaches, fruity drinks with umbrellas, and tropical nights. Unfortunately these aren’t things you typically find in the Northeast in March. But wait! There is a spot in the heart of the Finger Lakes where you can "Relax to the Max."  The Inn at Gothic Eves located right outside of Ithaca, New York and adjacent to Cayuga Lake and Taughannock Falls, may be just what you’re looking for.

For many of us, the color green and the month of March just seem to go together. In that spirit, the Inn at Gothic Eves has come up with a package deal (good until March 31st) that’s affordable, that’s guaranteed to turn your friends “green” with envy, and that will be as much fun as a St. Patrick’s Day celebration!   When you sign up to take advantage of “Relax to the Max” here are just a few things you can expect:

    • A one-hour massage for a single person for each night you reserve a room. If you spend two nights at the Inn, you’re eligible to receive a couple’s massage. Once you’ve checked in you can enjoy a full-body Swedish treatment. If it’s been an extra hard week, you can add a deep tissue massage that concentrates on your problem areas. Massages are provided onsite by New York State licensed nationally certified masseuses who are eager to offer you their knowledge, experience, and caring touch.

    • A beautifully decorated room with plenty of natural light and comfortable bedding

    • One of the freshest and most flavorful breakfasts you’ve ever had, including Gimme!, really good local coffee

    • The chance to take advantage of other relaxing activities like the outdoor wood-fired hot tub, a board game room, or the parlor, furnished with a leather sofa, recliners, and flat-screen cable television.

Those of you who have been my guests in the past know that my staff’s main goal is to make sure your Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast stay is everything you hoped it would be, and more. At The Inn at Gothic Eves we know how hard you work and how important it is for you to have a place to refresh, rejuvenate, and revitalize yourself over the weekend so you’re ready to take on the challenges of the coming week. We’re here to make that happen for you. Don’t forget to mention “Relax to the Max” when you reserve your room to receive your special rate. It’s that easy!


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

Enjoy A College Year End Finger Lakes Vacation

It's that time of year again.  The college year will be over before you know it.  Whether you're picking up your student to take them home, attending graduation, or just visiting one last time before students go their own way for the summer, why not come up a little early to enjoy New York's Finger Lakes Region once more before your students depart the area?  The Inn at Gothic Eves is the perfect place to enjoy an upstate New York visit before the school year ends!

This year, Ithaca holds its last final exam on May 11, 2012, spawning a mass exodus of students the weekend following.  Commencement happens on Sunday, May 20.

In a similar time frame, Cornell University's last official class is Friday, May 18, 2012.  Senior week is May 20-26, and Graduation is on Sunday, May 27.

May is such a lovely time to visit the area - flowers and trees blooming, birds migrating back to the area, and animals becoming more active.  As you may have discovered last week, there are many other reasons to plan a Finger Lakes vacation, but spring coupled with the celebration of a student's success may be the sweetest reasons of all.  Although the end of a school year can be potentially stressful for students and parents alike, Gothic Eves offers wonderful amenities including inviting and comfortable beds, luxurious linens, a hot tub, spa services, and some of the best breakfast foods offered in the area!

Have friends who will also be picking up their students?  Gothic Eves has gathering space for your group to enjoy cocktails together, or even bring the kids up for a small party gathering with the families.

And what better graduation present is there than a getaway at a beautiful Finger Lakes bed and breakfast?  Students love the Finger Lakes region and all it has to offer.  We welcome responsible students, with or without their parents.  What would be better than days of hiking, boating, and nature before facing that summer job or start of a new career?

So enjoy your stay at my Ithaca inn and celebrate another year of matriculation and success for your students!  I welcome the chance to give you a visit to remember!

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