Got Pigg? Better Pray for Rain!

Pigg River Ramble May 13-15, 2011

Shellie your Innkeeper slices over "The Ledge"

Canoe or Kayak, skilled or unskilled, the Pigg River Ramble is fun for the whole family. 

Shoot for the Stars or at Least Hike to One!

Mill Mountain Star Trail traverses from the Roanoke River to Roanoke's highest point - the summit of Mill Mountain (1703 ft.) and the Roanoke Star. 

Roanoke is called The Star City

GET OUTSIDE THE WEATHER'S FINE!

UPCOMING EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON             

             

Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!

Breakfast is Served!

THE OTHER "B" IS IMPORTANT TO US HERE AT THE CLAIBORNE HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST!

1. Guests often ask if we serve a full breakfast? YES, THERE IS NOTHING CONTINENTAL ABOUT OUR BREAKFASTS
2. Guests ask if we serve meat with our breakfast? YES, PORK IS THE BREAKFAST MEAT OF THE SOUTH. WE CAN LEAVE IT OFF IF YOU PREFER (let us know in advance of allergies and restrictions).
3. Guests ask if we serve sweets at our breakfast? YES and NO.  WE WON'T SERVE YOU A STALE POP TART, BUT WE WILL ALWAYS SERVE FRESH FRUIT AND ALTERNATE SWEET AND SAVORY.
4. Guests ask about having breakfast in their room? YES, IF YOU HAVE BOOKED THE SIERRA SUITE OR THE WASH HOUSE COTTAGE WE CAN DELIVER BREAKFAST TO YOUR DOOR. WE CALL IT THE RED HOT LOVER'S BREAKFAST!

Battle of Lynchburg

More Civil War battles were fought in Virginia than in any other state

2011 Commemorates The Civil War Sesquicentennial - let's discover the role Lynchburg played 150 years ago...

Battle of Lynchburg

Wood Brothers in Virginia - 50 FREE things to do in Franklin County

Simple and Enjoyable Free things to do during your visit to help stretch your dollar - to get off the beaten track

50 FREE things to do in Franklin County - it only costs the fuel to get here! 

1. Treasure Hunt for Fairystones 
2. Hike, Bike, Walk, (on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Philpott Lake, near Smith Mountain Lake, near The Pigg River at Waid Homestead – Original site of The Carolina Road)

Claiborne House Breakfasts Make You Smarter!

ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS EATING STRAWBERRIES BOOSTS BRAIN POWER

Claiborne House picks berries locally for our guests May-June

Celtic Crossroads "World Fusion Tour" in Roanoke for St Paddy's

Celtic Crossroads abounds with fusions of traditional Irish music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz whilst pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion.


Sat March 12, 2011 in Downtown Roanoke Tickets here 
Your innkeeper at The Claiborne House says "Every seat is a great seat at Mill Mountain Theatre!"

Star of moonshining movie makes visit to learn dialect

FRANKLIN COUNTY IS THE "WETTEST COUNTY IN THE WORLD"
As described in the bestselling book by Matt Bondurant which tells the tail of moonshining brothers in Snow Creek.

Walk in the footsteps of History

THIS BRIDGE ITSELF PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA!

This is from the Virginia State Parks Blog – pretty interesting!!  Appomattox is about 1 hour 30 from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia. Remember more battles were fought in Virginia than any other state.  

High Bridge Trail State Park. Norfolk Southern Railway donated the abandoned railroad right aways for these trails. The High Bridge itself played a key role in the end of the Civil War. 

The High Bridge - an historic photo
The bridge's renovations are the last piece of the development 
of the newest Virginia State Park - High Bridge Trail State Park

Reluctant Bridesmaid - Another Book set at our Smith Mountain Lake

Based on Smith Mountain Lake

Author Wendy Davy has fond memories of the many summers spent at Smith Mountain Lake while visiting her Grandmother.  She has used some of this to draw from for her latest book "Reluctant Bridesmaid" soon to be be released!

Where the Heck is Burnt Chimney?

Growing up I remember the popular bumper sticker "Where the Heck is Wall Drug?"  

Time for a Digital Sabbatical

TIME TO UNPLUG
Is routine zapping you of energy? Zapping your time with your loved ones? Are you being consumed by technology? Is Facebook and other social media becoming your only hobby?

Grassy Hill Hike in Rocky Mount

GET OUTSIDE!
Roanokeoutside.com wants you to know about our Grassy Hill Hike here in Rocky Mount!
Grassy Hill is just 2 miles from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast.  We recommend this hike, and if you wish a quick dip at the YMCA heated pool afterwards (the Trail Head is near the YMCA fyi).  

Junie B Jones Asst Innkeeper The Claiborne House

Keep your eyes out for turkey, deer, bear and even bob cats.  We have seen them on Grassy Hill!  Remember, we have a short-legged very eager dog for rent should you wish to have a companion on this up-hill hike.  Junie would be more than happy to show you the ropes! 


"HAVE LEASH WILL HIKE!"


Featured Hike - Grassy Hill Natural Preserve             

Grassy Hill is 1,295-acre preserve on the west side of the Town of Rocky Mount. The site is characterized by rocky slopes forested with hardwood species and scattered patches of Virginia pine. 

The trails are wide, well-marked, and easy to follow.  Two loop trails and one side trail combine to give you a total hike of 6.6 miles. But you can always just do one loop if you're looking for something a little shorter.

 

Hike details:

• 6.6 mile hiking trail system
• Trail map 
• Fact sheet and driving directions to preserve 

Add on:

• Drive the following scenic back roads for a little mobile adventure: routes 602, 640, 748, & 623

VIRGINIA IS FOR HIKING LOVERS

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate!

Randomness at The Claiborne House B&B

17 Random things about The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast & her innkeepers

History in Rocky Mount VA

Follow the Wine Trail through these Mountains!

The Blue Ridge Mountains is now a favorite "stomping grounds" for those who love to follow wine trails!

Virginia has a long history of the grape, but now these Blue Ridge Mountains are producing award winning wines while showcasing breathtaking scenery unique to this region.

Are B&B's a Better Way to Stay?

Romance & Comfort

5 reasons why you should try a Bed & Breakfast

We'll just come right out and say it: far too many travelers and vacationers give far too little thought to where they're staying...Article by Darren Murph

Read more...

VIRGINIA IS FOR B&B LOVERS

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate!

Winter at Smith Mountain Lake Virginia

Innjoy some winter scenes from our Smith Mountain Lake Virginia. 

Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's largest lake with over 500 miles of shoreline.  She is a beauty in all seasons. We hope you can come out and meet her soon!

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is not situated on Smith Mountain Lake, we are in the historic district of the Town of Rocky Mount a Main Street Community and the county seat for Franklin County. We are a short drive to this lake, and hope you visit our Sites of Interest page and this blog for things to see and do in this gorgeous part of Virginia!

VIRGINIA IS FOR LAKE LUBBERS (ahem, LOVERS)

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate!

Andy Griffith's Boyhood Home, Mount Airy "Mayberry" North Carolina

"Mayberry" Mount Airy is just 1 hour 30 minutes from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast.
Innjoy this video from Dan Travelling. If get a chance, stop in to Mount Airy and say "HEY!" to Keith Holland Assistant City Manager who was our Town Manager here in Rocky Mount when we first moved here in 2004.


2010 was the 50th anniversary of the Andy Griffith Show.  We had guests head down for the day to take in some of the celebrations!

A couple of my favorite guests live in Mount Airy.  Learning more about these Blue Ridge Mountains, things such as Ernest T and his rock throwing, I have discovered this is a place on the Blue Ridge Parkway not far from us call Mayberry Trading Post.  Just speculating, of course, but perhaps that is where the name came from for Andy Griffith's town.  Whenever they mention Mount Pilot you should know they really speak of Pilot Mountain (also a stone's throw from Mt Airy NC) More info on that click here.

More trivia on The Andy Griffith Show can be found here.

Claiborne House is a green lodging

Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
More on The Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia.org

The BLUE RIDGE parkway is a Virginia GREEN attraction.

VIRGINIA IS FOR MAYBERRY LOVERS

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

Does Size Matter?

OKAY GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER!

I was talking about guest rooms and beds here at The Claiborne House.  As we finish the renovations to The Sierra Suite our largest room at the inn, I wanted to share a few details about this beautiful room with you, and what makes it so special.  Other than the obvious hard work every night and two weekends to get the room freshened up for y'all!

The Sierra Suite is our largest room

The king bed is now along the wall to the right

Private Bath (all of our rooms have private baths fyi)

First to note, size does matter.  The Sierra Suite has a tall king sized bed with a step up.  The bed itself - now that we have placed it on a different wall (than in the images above) is gorgeous. It is hand turned walnut, for those wood workers reading this, you will appreciate the craftsmanship in this bed! Comments about it being "uber comfy" also apply.

Other than the painting and adding new outlets and removing a door, replacing drywall and plaster, etc.  We have replaced the blinds, changed out the old TV with a brand new 32" flat screen TV.  There is an iPod docking station with speakers (so bring that along if you want to hear your own tunes).  There is some artwork from our local Uttermost Company.  Here are some more features for you to hear about:

• Sunken Room (you step down 3 steps to enter this room)
• Vaulted Ceilings
• Sitting area with sofa (is a sofa bed)
• Wingback chair
• Side table w/reading lamp
• Soft muted colors to inn-hance relaxation/floral curtains
• Wall to wall carpet
• Antique accouterments
• Bathrobes in a light sage 
• Hair dryer and ironing board with iron
• Built in closet
• Dresser and two nightstands with lamps
• Lots of windows and light (overlooking the 3 level ponds and gardens)
• Private bath with shower stall and pedestal sink, (marble floor tiles), antique mirror
• A new lovely ceiling fan with ornamental fixture
• Central A/C and Heat
• A private entrance from the gardens (guests on wedding nights or romantic escapades love this! We will leave the lights on low, the door unlocked from the outside and they sneak in unbeknownst to us for a special evening together)
• Complimentary WiFi (I mention complimentary as most hotels charge a daily fee for wifi!)
• Breakfast delivered to your door! (We have chosen two rooms for this amenity, because we can only deliver two plus serve everyone else at the dining room table)

All of our guest rooms are on the second floor except The Wash House Cottage. See our floor plan here (I added this to help guests can pick their room location, I am a nice innkeeper. Many other inns do this?)

You may also like to order some romantic add-ons to surprise your sweetie:

INNSTANT ROMANCE ADD ONS

• Fresh fragrant flowers and sparkling cider $43.00
• Bouquet of fresh fragrant flowers $33.00
• Sparkling cider for two $15.00
• Cheese, Crackers and Fruit Plate and Sparkling Cider $30.00

  Special Packages Click HERE

Now if I can just borrow Jim Scott in the PACNW's wide-angle-lens for my Nikon I could get some new photos! This is the part guests don't understand, it is a major ordeal to get new photos, something minor like an alarm clock looks cluttered in room photos.  No worries, it is on the list!

VIRGINIA IS FOR BED AND BREAKFAST LOVERS

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate!

Be Mine Valentine

LET JEFF of HALL'S MUSIC DELIVER YOUR VALENTINE!

• 3 love songs performed on his romantic harp
• a card with your special message
• a rose

For only $60.  (If anyone has ever tried to hire a harp for a wedding, you know they do not come cheap, so this is a bargain, and what a special way to say "I LOVE YOU!")

photo © 2007 James Jordan | more info (via: Wylio)

We highly recommend Jeff Hall, owner of our local Rocky Mount music store Hall's Music.  

For romantic valentine's harp reservations call 540-483-8890 and ask for Jeff. Tell him you are staying with us at The Claiborne House B&B!

VIRGINIA IS FOR ANGELIC HARP LOVERS

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate!
*Note - information is provided to help plan a spectacular visit to Blue Ridge Country Virginia!  We are not responsible for changes to hours of operation or anything else from third parties, give them a call or visit their website for more details.