YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE OVER-THE-HILL TO TAKE A ROAD TRIP!

GIRL FRIEND FAST-GET-AWAYS!

Here is a photo from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast parking lot today. Yeah your innkeeper drives a Hemi and got to meet a new friend "Delilah" also a Challenger from Florida who is staying with us a few days.

The owner of Delilah is female, a bit younger than I am, but it reminded me to let y'all know that B&B's are perfect for girl friend getaways. Road trips aren't just for the "over-the-hill" crowd!  We have guests who meet here half way and spend time at the inn.  After arriving they walk to dinner, play Yahtzee on the porch, take a country drive out to the lake(s) or up on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hemis Rule Rocky Mount (today anyway)

Got Hemi?

Shellie's car is named Odie, which is from ODM (Old Dude Magnet.) This being FORD country we are innundated with Mustang's in these parts, and not a lot of Dodge.  Don't forget Arrington Engines who build high performance motorsports Hemis is just down the road in Martinsville VA. You can take a facility tour click here.  


BED AND BREAKFAST INNS ARE A BETTER WAY TO STAY!  
"B&B's Kick Gas!" Mention "Better Way to Stay" and save $15 on your reservation (not combined with other discounts). Valid until June 30, 2011  

VIRGINIA IS FOR HEMI 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, take MP 121 the Roanoke Exit South.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

I Have an Announcement!

THERE IS NOTHING PINK IN OUR INN!

Even Frankel Fitzpatrick Claiborne our resident gnome is cool!

How about that.  
I just wanted y'all to know, people think ALL VICTORIANS are dripping gingerbread frou frou and girlie.  The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is a sophisticated lady, but she is not girlie.  
Nothing against bed and breakfast inns that are girlie, that have pink, velveteen, dried flowers and baskets everywhere. We just don't.  We don't serve uber gourmet mystery-meals either, we serve homecooked-hearty breakfast!

GUYS ENJOY STAYING HERE TOO!

We just are not that way. We host NASCAR FANS TWICE A YEAR, GUESTS WHO LIKE TO HIKE THESE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, MUSICIANS AND MUSIC BUFFS, INNTERESTING PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.  Last year we had a guest from near Auckland New Zealand (who lives 5 miles from where Tony grew up) and guests from Russia.  Just to share a few of the non-frou frou cool guests we have.

We have off-street paved parking. Ride on!

I tell people often as they think it is part of some innkeeper regime to not really share the truth about innkeeping, but really folks, we have the greatest guests! Just last week we had a Capt of a SWAT Team here all week.  rat tat tat...
Do I have your attention now? We are not "Retired" we do not have "Staff" as we do it all ourselves, so whatever you see - yeah that was us, we did it! No this house was not inherited by us, we work hard for our guests and hope y'all make memories here in Blue Ridge Country Virginia!  See our Hanky-Panky Romance Packages here.

CLAIBORNE HOUSE GUESTS ROCK!

VIRGINIA IS FOR HIP INN 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, take MP 121 the Roanoke Exit South.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

Got Hemi?

Arrington Engines - Facility Tours

A must see for any NASCAR or Racing Fan!

This is just 35 minutes from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast (Yes your innkeepers both drive a Hemi!)

Arrington Engines
67 Motorsports Drive
Martinsville, VA 24112

Driving Directions

Arrington Performance, a key Research and Development arm of Dodge Motorsports, operates out of a 105,000 sq. foot facility in Martinsville. They initially started building high-performance cars for professional NASCAR and NHRA race teams. Over the years, Arrington have done that plus so much more. 

The facility houses the finest race engine development, manufacturing and testing program in the racing business. Because many race drivers loved the HEMI engines and custom performance parts of their racing cars, they called Arrington Engines to the table and put them in charge of their personal car needs as well. 

Before your next trip to town, give us a call to take advantage of our facility tour. See how we became the known and trusted name in racing. Meet the team of race-seasoned engine builders, tuners, machinists and dyno operators

Average Cost Per Person: Call for current pricing.

Hours:
Opens: 9:00 AM
Closes: 5:00 PM

Telephone:
Stacy Reynolds x:152 (Director of PR): (866) 844-1245
Local Number: (276) 666-6767

VIRGINIA IS FOR HEMI LOVERS 

Website:  www.shophemi.com/t-hemi-engine-installation-tour.aspx

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, take MP 121 the Roanoke Exit South.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

Zombies and Aliens Attack Blue Ridge Country Virginia

JUST WANTED TO LET OUR GUESTS KNOW...
If you are in downtown Roanoke after dark and happen to see Zombies chasing people through the streets or battling it out with military personnel, don't be alarmed, it is a remake of the original cult-classic and very cheezy movie "Plan 9 From Outer Space."  The remake will be called "Plan 9" and begins filming this Friday night.


LOCALS LOOKING LOCO
Parts of our Franklin County Virginia might also be used in this film, so if you see locals walking around looking loco then you know why.  

The Roanoke Times had an article titled 'Worst Movie of All Time' to be remade in Roanoke

Plan 9 Teaser Trailer from Darkstone Entertainment on Vimeo.

Anyone interested in being an extra -- "whether it's a zombie or a person running from zombies," send an email to casting@darkstone-ent.com. It would help to include a head shot or current photo and a resume if it includes previous acting experience, though experience is not required.

For more information, and to see a teaser trailer click the video above and visit plan9movie.com for more information.

Your innkeeper is not into slash-films, but she does like cheezy.  I mean who didn't love the old "Creature from the Black Lagoon" or "Night of the Living Dead."

The Claiborne House is just 19 miles to Roanoke VA.

VIRGINIA IS FOR LOW BUDGET HORROR FLICKS TINGED WITH HUMOR 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, take MP 121 the Roanoke Exit South.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

Coming up end of March at Kirk Avenue Music Hall!

Kirk Avenue Music Hall 

Rootstone - Primitive Roots Music last week at Kirk! Coming up this week at Kirk Avenue Music Hall. Y'all don't wanna miss these fantastic shows! The Farewell Drifters Sunday, March 27, 2011  7:30pm  $14  Students $7 http://thefarewelldrifters.com/  The Farewell Drifters create harmonic roots music that draws influence from the traditions of folk, bluegrass, film scores, 60's revolutionary pop, and their young Nashville peers. They have been delighting audiences everywhere from MerleFest to intimate listening rooms with their dynamic performances, and their album "Yellow Tag Mondays" debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. Sami Akbari & Valerie McQueen Monday, March 28, 2011  7:30pm  $8  http://www.samithegreat.com/      http://www.myspace.com/valeriemcqueen4 When one sees former Roanoke College grad Sami perform for the first time, they will notice that not only are her songs beautifully heartbreaking with an almost magical essence to them, but she is also incredibly entertaining in between songs in ways that have had people describe her as a mix between a serious musician and Sarah Silverman. Valerie McQueen has deep roots in Folk and Americana music, after spending much of her childhood in Appalachia as a singer and guitarist. Her music has been described as "an organic blend of Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones, yet she has undoubtedly created her own unique voice and style".  Sierra Hull & Highway 111 Tuesday, March 29, 2011  7:30pm  $15  Students $8   http://www.sierrahull.com/    "Combine the angelic voice of Alison Krauss with the fiery mandolin picking of Rhonda Vincent and you have the sound of Sierra Hull on her new recording, "Secrets". It's dominated by her mandolin and vocal dynamics few artists of any age ever master."  One of the most respected artists in the new school of bluegrass, Hull has received 5 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) nominations in the past 3 years and is the first bluegrass musician to receive Berklee College of Music's prestigious Presidential Scholarship. Amy Speace & Jill Andrews Wednesday, March 30, 2011  7:30pm  $18  Students $9    http://www.amyspeace.com/        http://www.jillandrews.com/    Amy Speace maximizes traditional elements to blend her songs into a good variety, all of which are carried by her strong voice. Her natural voice has a folk-pop duskiness to it and she wields her voice like an instrument, letting it take on a variety of sounds.   Jill Andrews' voice is warm and rich and touched with a soft Southern twang, that's as likely to swing down into its earthy lower register as arch upwards into a hopeful trill; it's steady and sure but flecked with a certain weary sadness that stops you dead, and draws you near. It's beautiful. And it knows something.

Later This Week: Caleb Klauder Country/Cajun Honky Tonk Dance! at The H2O Heater Friday, April 1, 2011  8:00pm    Advance: $13 Students $8  Door: $15 Students $10  Don't forget those Down by the River tickets http://downbytheriver.org/  and, check out other great music coming up in April and May on our webpage:  www.kirkavenuemusic.com  Kirk Avenue Music Hall is 25 minutes from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast. We love this music venue and encourage our guests to check it out! VIRGINIA IS FOR ROOTS MUSIC 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. Take MP 121 Roanoke Exit South Toward Rocky Mount.   We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate. Disclaimer - we are not responsible for information/hours/prices from third parties, please give them an email or check their website to double confirm.

Bicycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is America's Favorite Drive, not just for motor-vehicles and motorcycles alone, but bicyclists love this Scenic Road!

Bicyclists ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke VA

VIRGINIA IS FOR SCENIC RIDE 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.

Image Credit: Scott K. Brown/ www.Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation

Hay Y'all from Virginia!

Just wanted to share a few Trail Riding Events coming up at our favorite Reba Farm Inn in Bedford VA (to help you plan for these special events now):

• May 9th MOTHERS DAY TRAIL RIDE AND LUNCH @ 11AM $65.00 per person. Trail ride -- horseback ride to the Inn, enjoy gourmet lunch, then saddle up for a return ride to the barn.



HAY Y'ALL!

• Jun 20th FATHERS DAY TRAIL RIDE AND CAMPFIRE LUNCH @ 11AM $60.00 per person. Celebrate Fathers Day outdoors with a trail ride followed with a campfire lunch at the barn.

Reba Farm Inn and Saddle Soar

1099 Reba Farm Lane

Bedford, Virginia 24523

(888) 235-3574

Bedford is about 50 minutes drive from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast. A very scenic drive up Route 122 past Smith Mountain Lake. We encourage our guests to innjoy this lovely country road, to stop in at:

1. Homestead Creamery for some ultra creamy homemade ice cream
2. Visit the Booker T Washington National Monument
3. Walk the dock or rent a boat from Bridgewater Plaza at Smith Mountain Lake 
4. and take in a trail ride at Reba Farm Inn.

Do something extra special for Mum or Dad!

The Leete Family Innkeepers has been on Moonlight Trail Rides and Cowboy Christmas at Reba Farm inn and highly recommend them.  They have a gorgeous setting near the Peaks of Otter in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

VIRGINIA IS FOR SCENERY 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. MP121 Roanoke Exit and head South on HWY 220.    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, please give them a call or visit their website for more details.