After months of planning, training and other preparations, Peter started his ride in Land’s End on Sunday, May 26. He finished his ride on Saturday, June 8 in John O’Groats and then rode 6 miles back to his lodging for the night at the Castle Arms. For a detailed account of his journey, visit his blog where he posted nearly every day during the ride.

In November 2007, just one day after being awarded the prestigious and highest honor in the Boy Scouts Of America, The Eagle Scout Award, Peter and Tamar’s son Simon lost his battle with leukemia. The Sharps founded the Simon Sharp Eagle Fund to honor Simon and benefit the two charities that mean so much to them — Boy Scouts of America – Andrew Jackson Council and the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital Cancer Clinic

All of the donations from Peter’s cycle ride will be split between the two organizations. The Sharps paid for all costs related to the journey on their own.

The Fairview Inn is a unique and historical 1908 Colonial Revival Mansion in the Bellhaven Historic District of Jackson, MS. After choosing any one of the inn’s eighteen guest rooms, visitors can have lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch in the on-site restaurant, get a relaxing and rejuvenating massage in the nomiSpa, and reflect on the day in the private guest lounge. The inn also offers a variety of options for corporate meetings, business retreats, family reunions, weddings and other social gatherings.

After some down time, Warren and I headed for dinner at The Olde Pink House, a restaurant recommended by several of our friends.

We walked for about 20 minutes before we realized that we were headed in the wrong direction – but luckily, as hunger loomed, a passing pedicab driver picked us up and took us to the restaurant for a great, and hearty, meal.

Although we didn’t think we would be hungry again, one look at Hamilton Turner Inn’s fantastic breakfast the next morning of wonderful biscuits, stuffed French toast and sausage changed our mind.

While we were eating, we saw a man wearing a bathrobe walk his dog past us, and were told that he is a local dentist who does this every day. The staff said that was just an example of some of the quirky things about Savannah, which we were about to set off to explore.

We arrived at the next (and last) destination on our June Vacation of a Lifetime trip ready for some relaxation after a long day seeing historic Savannah by trolley and on foot. Teresa Jacobson and her assistant, Shannon, greeted us at the Azalea Inn and Gardens as if we were celebrities.

This lovely place is near Forsyth Park in Savannah’s historic district. Our roomy suite, The Cotton Exchange, had a private deck that overlooked the beautiful gardens and pool. We later enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while visiting with other guests. One couple was celebrating their 30th anniversary and another couple their 40th. Clearly this is the place to come for a romantic getaway to Savannah.

The next morning we had a wonderful breakfast beginning with poached pears, then a buntz soufflé with mixed berries and a serving of sausage. During breakfast, Teresa explained that the mural that had been catching our eyes depicted historical events in Savannah, but with a twist.

The artists from the Savannah College of Art and Design had given different faces to the historical figures: there were the faces of Ted Kennedy, some of the students’ professors, the former owners, and even Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars!

It was hard to say good by to the people at Azalea Inn and Gardens, but it was time to return to Texas. We enjoyed getting to know Teresa and Shannon, and I would have taken Teresa’s little dog Joey home with me if I had thought I could get away with it!

Our trip to Amelia Island and Savannah was fabulous, and made even better by each gracious and welcoming host of the Amelia Island and Savannah, GA, bed and breakfasts in the Select Registry family.

- Janet

 Our room, The Kitchen Suite, had a private entrance and porch that overlooked the beautiful gardens in the back. After freshening up, it was time for hors d’oeuvres – our choice of wines, shrimp, and a corn salsa with herbs grown from Theresa’s garden enjoyed with people from different parts of Florida, West Virginia, and Ohio.

Next, we were whisked away on a carriage ride, arranged by Theresa, for a tour complete with the history of the beautiful old homes on the island. After the ride, a delicious dinner and a short walk back to Fairbanks House, we were ready to call it a day.

Thankfully, staying in the Kitchen Suite didn’t mean cooking – we heartily enjoyed the peach yogurt parfait and Bill’s special pumpkin pancakes with sausage while Theresa entertained us with her funny stories. We left wishing we had more time to enjoy Bill and Theresa’s hospitality, though luckily we had a day of exploring Amelia Island ahead of us.

Even though Warren and I were in the middle of tropical storm Andrea, we still found a lot to do on Amelia Island. After a trolley tour of the island in the morning, we toured the Amelia Island Museum of History where an enthusiastic docent told us all about the different countries who have claimed Amelia Island. After a little shopping, we headed to the beach-side bed and breakfast Elizabeth Pointe Lodge.

The largest home on renowned Millionaires’ Row in Seattle, the Shafer Baillie Mansion is an exquisite Tudor Revival home that guests have compared to Downtown Abbey, which captures the gracious atmosphere of a bygone era with the added comforts and amenities required by today’s travelers. Take a morning stroll through Volunteer Park. This is the jewel in the crown of the Seattle Parks system and is only a block away. You can also take a 20-minute walk or a five minute drive to Downtown Seattle and visit the Seattle Center, which features the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project, or visit Pike Place Market or one of the many museums, music and theater venues Seattle has to offer. When you come back to the mansion, high thread count, hand-pressed cotton linens await you in your bedroom. Fall headfirst into the comfort of your bed or convene in the library for a bit of quiet conversation as you cozy up in the leather furniture or relax with a cup of tea or coffee in the bright and airy sunroom. Breakfast, which is served over extended hours in the oak-paneled dining room, features rolls and pastries, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, cheeses, smoked salmon, prosciutto ham, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, and more. Full of thoughtful touches, coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day; rooms feature large flat-screen televisions and high-speed Internet access with both cable modem and DSL service, a personal telephone with private voicemail, and more! The only Select Registry Inn in the Seattle area, the staff at Shafer Baillie is always available to recommend a restaurant, for advice in planning your day’s activities, or for any other thing you may require.

If exquisite coastline views and a luxurious haven on the picturesque Juan de Fuca Strait  strikes your fancy, the verdant setting of Colette’s Bed and Breakfast could provide just the peace and tranquility you are after. Ideally located on a gorgeous oceanfront estate between the majestic Olympic mountain range and the picturesque Strait of Juan de Fuca, this gem of a bed and breakfast is a delight for the senses. The romantic fireplaces, exquisite views, delicious cuisine and relaxing luxuries make it a perfect place to get away from the city and reconnect with the rugged beauty of the Evergreen State.

This architectural and aesthetic gem offers tranquil charm on the Hood Canal. The exquisitely designed Willcox House Country Inn has been honored as one of the “Top Twelve Inns in America” by Country Inns magazine. When you arrive, you will discover why; the wonderful location, magnificent views, and extraordinary aesthetic experience make it a truly unforgettable place. Every guest room looks out on the sparkling waters of the Hood Canal and the splendid Olympic mountains. The rooms are individually furnished, allowing you a unique experience. The resplendent gardens surrounding the house beckon visitors, and numerous local attractions include birding, hiking, boating, antiquing and golfing. Imagine oyster hunting on the local beach, enjoying a glass of wine in the gardens, and relaxing with a good book in a comfortable antique armchair. The inn also features an elegant library, theatre, game room and terrace that allow guests to enjoy each and every minute with the comfort and convenience of home.

This Washington gem is truly a retreat for the soul.Luxury cabin living with the best of the Pacific Northwest. The idyllic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge surrounds your very own private home at the Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins. The spectacular location is an ideal base for travelers wanting to explore the Mt. Hood, Mount St. Helens, Hood River, and Multnomah Falls areas. Imagine spending the day exploring the breathtaking scenery of the local hiking trails and waterfalls and coming home to your cabin to enjoy a restful evening – complete with a relaxing soak in a bubbling spa tub, a glass of wine on the porch swing, and a glorious night of sleep on your pillow-top mattress with soft, 450 thread-count sheets. Or enjoy a day at the nearby hot springs, a dusk visit to a local winery, and a walk among the three-acre, lovingly landscaped gardens. Even in the winter months, it is a perfect spot from which to go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sledding, and the charming towns nearby – Stevenson, Washington and Hood River in Oregon – are more than worth a visit. Named as one of the “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels in the Country,” the “Editors Pick of Best Hotels to Celebrate Romance,” and “Best Places to Kiss,” there is no doubt that the Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins will provide an unforgettable experience for you and your special someone.

Treat yourself at the Cameo Heights Mansion and vineyards. The proprietors of this spectacular property, J. Alan and Deanne Fielding, have teamed up with designer Dr. Dan Cox to offer a five-star romantic retreat for couples. The inn is ideally located in the very heart of Washington wine country. This incomparable property in its sylvan setting gives visitors the very best of everything: spacious suites and private spa baths, fireplaces and elegant furnishings, veranda views and poolside patios, exquisite menus and the absolute ultimate in luxury relaxation. The attentive staff here knows what hospitality is all about – they cater to any wish you could have, and the owners have literally thought of everything in this wonderfully appointed, once-in-a-lifetime-experience property. Lush vineyards and orchards surround the mansion, which sits on majestic basalt bluffs overlooking the serene Walla Walla River. The Cameo Heights Mansion is truly a distinctive destination retreat for the discerning traveler.

Experience the Timeless Appeal of the Shelburne Country Inn Bed and Breakfast. This gem lies in the small town of Seaview, which is near Long Beach in Washington State. Established as a retreat for visitors from Portland, Oregon in 1896, it has been in operation ever since, making it the oldest, continuously operating hotel in the state. A relaxing retreat for city dwellers and a sublime sanctuary for nature lovers, the Shelburne features fourteen guest rooms with antique-style furnishings, private baths, and wireless internet service. Some rooms even have private decks. Other amenities include a fully furnished guest library with telephone and computer access. According to the St. Louis Dispatch, the complimentary gourmet breakfast served at the Shelburne “is like art to the Louvre.” Travelers near and far have found warm hospitality, splendid cuisine, and romantic shelter at the Shelburne. Isn’t it your turn?

To discover these and other bed and breakfast inns in Washington state, contact Select Registry today.

The Oregon Coast and Wine Country are among America’s most beautiful and breathtaking spots to take a romantic getaway or hold a wedding. From the fresh waters, stunning sunsets and exquisite panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to lush hillsides with charming wineries, Oregon is a perfect place to say “I do” or just spend time reconnecting with a special someone. Select Registry represents only the very best of the state’s bed and breakfast gems, and these are just a few.

Cocoon Yourselves in Luxury at The Whale Cove Inn

Along the winding, magical Coast Highway in Oregon lies The Whale Cove Inn, which sits perched high above the serene expanse of Whale Cove, a pristine marine refuge. The perfect place to snuggle up as newlyweds, this inn is perfect for storm watching and romantic rendezvous under the opulence of an Oregon sunset.

Rooms feature breathtaking views of the Pacific, Paloma gas fireplaces, king Tempur-Pedic sleep systems with soft down comforters, over-sized showers, body-pampering linens, private balconies with Jacuzzi Spas and an unobstructed view of the ocean and bay, and complimentary internet. Premier suites provide all this and more, accommodating up to six adults. With each room spaciously and tastefully furnished, you’ll find The Whale Cove Inn to be an oasis of tranquility that you’ll never want to leave.

According to Frommer’s Oregon, “there is nothing else like this boutique inn anywhere on the Oregon coast. The Whale Cove Inn is the most sophisticated and contemporary small inn on the coast…that the inn also has what just might be the most jaw-dropping view on the coast seems only befitting of such luxury… you will experience the best that Oregon’s shore has to offer.”

An elegant city event at Portland’s historic White House

Built in 1911 by a local lumber baron, this exceptional Greek Revival mansion has been painstakingly and lovingly restored to its full glory. With its 14 massive columns, a circular drive and cascading fountain to greet visitors, Portland’s White House in the Northeast Historic Irvington District is a sight to see. Inside this majestic architecture is a warm and welcoming inn that is a perfect place to hold a wedding or anniversary celebration.

Portland’s White House features sparkling European chandeliers, formal dining room, a large parlor with grand piano, a sweeping staircase, magnificent leaded glass windows and gilt-gold ceilings in trompe l’oeil and grand ballroom style. It is a feast for the eyes, with extensive collections of European and continental porcelains as well as 18th- and 19th-century oil paintings adorning the walls. It is the perfect spot for a distinctive, historic wedding or anniversary party. The dining room features candlelit dinners and delicious local fare, and the innkeepers are happy to create a special menu for your event. Vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary requests are pleasantly accommodated.

For out-of-town guests, the mansion features eight individually designed rooms in the Main House and Carriage House, all elegantly furnished with antiques, paintings and porcelains. Sumptuous feather beds, feather pillows and rich linens guarantee visitors a deep sleep in this historic dreamlike atmosphere. All rooms include a private bath, climate control, private phone line, data port, and wireless internet access. For luxury lovers, spa suites include French champagne and chocolate to tempt the senses.

The location is ideal for out-of-town visitors wanting to explore the best of Portland. Within minutes are the Pearl District, NW 23rd Avenue Shops, the International Rose Test Gardens, Japanese gardens and Classical Chinese Gardens, the Portland Art Museum, the Pittock Mansion, and Washington Park. Nature lovers will revel in the nearby Oregon wine country, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Gardens and the Columbia Gorge, all of which are wonderful day trips from this elegant home base in the “Rose City.”

A vineyard wedding at Youngberg Hill

Whether you have in mind an intimate elopement, a large and lavish affair or anything in between, the spectacular setting of Youngberg Hill offers the best of Oregon’s premier wine country for your special day. Located on a 50-acre hilltop in the Willamette Valley, this breathtaking property is an organically farmed, 22-year-old vineyard famous for its award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vintages.

Youngberg Hill takes pride in its green heritage and respectful approach towards the land, an outlook that is reflected in its philosophy of creating memorable events with the beauty and bounty of nature in focus. This delightful locale – a favorite of Wine Spectator – includes numerous wineries and tasting rooms, and specializes in creating exclusive, romantic and personalized romantic events.

An intimate and relaxing couple’s getaway at the Channel House Inn

With its spectacular setting on the magnificent Oregon Coast, the Channel House is a memorable place to hold an intimate wedding celebration. With the comfort and convenience of a four-star hotel and the congeniality of a country inn, this exceptional seaside retreat combines subtle elegance inside and natural beauty outside.

Guests here enjoy seaside breezes, watch whales skim the surface of the deep blue water, listen to the hypnotic crashing of waves, and witness the delightful ocean sunsets from the comfort and luxury of the Channel House’s bed and breakfast rooms. Private decks with whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces offer a rejuvenating private retreat.  All units here include private baths, phone, cable television, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition, a hearty and complimentary continental breakfast is served in the breakfast room overlooking the entrance to the Channel and Pacific Ocean. This distinctive bed and breakfast, located in Depoe Bay on the Oregon Coast Highway, has been rated Number One by the Oregon Coast Lodging travel guide. The friendly innkeepers can help you plan your stay, whether a romantic weekend, an intimate elopement or a small wedding gathering of family and friends. Consider the gourmet delights of a wine package or the ultimate relaxation of an in-room massage.

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These are just a few of the highlights of the Select Registry properties in Oregon. Contact Select Registry today to inquire about the many options for your romantic getaway, wedding, or anniversary party!

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For discerning travelers who enjoy the bed and breakfast experience, Select Registry offers several premier properties that are a perfect vacation spot and base from which to explore the footprints and influence of foreign statesmen such as Winston Churchill and Napoleon, to the founding father Thomas Jefferson to intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark.

The middle American state that gave birth to the great Western migration and the Oregon Trail is flecked with fascinating historical tidbits and highlights that complement its natural beauty, friendly faces and hometown hospitality, and the elegant bed and breakfasts here are the way to experience it all.

Soothing Stopover at Yates House Bed and Breakfast

On your very own road trip, Rocheport is a charming and tranquil stopover worth a visit – it has even been named “One of America’s Top Ten Coolest Small Towns” by Frommer’s Budget Travel Guide.  And there is no better place to stay the night than Yates House Bed and Breakfast, selected by Midwest Living Magazine in its “Where to Stay” category as “2010 Best In the Midwest.” This picturesque red brick, slate-shuttered bed and breakfast gem is located within a block of the most scenic section of the Katy Trail State Park, a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Even for locals from the urban centers of Kansas City and St. Louis on opposite sides of the state, Rocheport is a fabulous weekend trip or short break. Readers of the Kansas City Star call this charming spot their “Favorite Day Trip.”

The Yates House Bed and Breakfast offers a distinctive option to the urban lodging in nearby Columbia. This lovely house features modern conveniences alongside small-town friendliness and big-city gourmet cuisine with local ingredients courtesy of Dixie, the Yates House resident chef. Several of the rooms feature large flat-screen TVs, DVD players and a DVD library, luxury linens and bathrobes, and jetted tubs – all the opulent accouterments that discerning travelers appreciate.

Antiques buffs will enjoy the many quaint shops and boutiques as well as the early 1800s architecture of the Historic District. Gourmands will appreciate the local vineyards and winery just a few blocks up the hill – one of middle Missouri’s premier cultural and recreational attractions.  The Les Bourgeois family-owned and operated winery offers visitors a dégustation of the finest award-winning wines, exquisite bistro cuisine, and beautiful scenery in the Midwest.

In nearby Fulton, the Westminster College campus is the site of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s famous “Iron Curtain” speech. The British Bulldog, traveling alongside President Harry S. Truman, delivered the charismatic postwar address in 1946, and a memorial erected in 1969 honors the life and legacy of one of the greatest statesmen of all time. History buffs will also revel in the Arrow Rock State Historic Site, a formerly thriving old-time river port town, still dotted with architectural treasures, graceful storefronts, and charming landmarks.

Explore between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, in the footsteps of famed explorers Pike, Lewis and Clark

Located just outside the center of the Columbia metropolitan area, Rocheport is a charming small town that includes the Rocheport Historic District – with buildings dating all the way back to the 1830s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Even before it was officially incorporated, this storied spot was mentioned in the diaries of the legendary Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they passed through in summer of 1804. At the convergence of the Missouri River and the Moniteau Creek, they noted their surroundings and the local flora and fauna, as well as the native pictographs they found on bluffs near the fluvial plain – likely the art of the Sauk, Ioway, or Meskwaki first nations tribes native to the area.

Just two years later, the famed US Army captain Zebulon Pike led his expedition through the region to explore and document the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase territory, which had recently been acquired by President Thomas Jefferson from French Emperor Napoleon. After passing through Rocheport, Pike continued his hunt for the headwaters of the Red River, during which time he recorded the discovery of the Colorado summit that would later be named after him – Pikes Peak.

Nowadays, Rocheport is a sleepy yet enchanting small town amidst sylvan forests and rolling plains that once were crisscrossed by herds of bison and convoys of covered wagons. Today, it is home to Missouri native son and acclaimed travel writer William Least Heat-Moon, whose works include “River Horse: The Logbook of a Boat Across America,” his account of a four-month coast-to-coast boat trip across the United States retracing Lewis and Clark’s frontier exploration using almost exclusively the nation’s waterways.

Select Registry properties: Home bases for Missouri travel and tourism highlights

Rocheport is not the only charming spot to enjoy the bed and breakfast experience in Missouri. Travelers visiting the Gateway Arch in St. Louis can visit another Select Registry standout – the Fleur-de-Lys Mansion in the Compton Heights Historical District. This meticulously restored 1913 Tudor mansion has won numerous accolades for its urban refinement and period style. The Fleur-de-Lys, with its European elegance yet all-American service, is a perfect base from which to visit the nearby unique Cahokia mounds – for a real taste of history.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site takes travelers back in time to the prehistoric native civilization, which nearly a millennium ago was one of the largest and most sophisticated cultures in the Americas, with a larger population than any European city at the time, and one that would not be eclipsed on the North American continent until the Industrial Revolution.

Across the state in the sparkling Kansas City, the Southmoreland on the Plaza brings visitors all the fun of this jazz, blues and barbecue capital with an elegant flair. Just one and a half blocks of K.C’s famous Country Club Plaza, visitors are in right in the middle of the exciting downtown buzz, yet can come home to a relaxing retreat with features such as a treetop deck, Jacuzzi tubs, wood burning fireplaces, and complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Travelers heading for the relaxing leisure time activities at the Lake of the Ozarks can kick back and enjoy a peaceful stay at the beautiful Inn at Harbour Ridge in Osage Beach. Golf lovers will be in heaven with the selection of fourteen championship courses, and a lazy afternoon of sailing or fishing is just a stone’s skip away on the water.

Let Select Registry show you what the Show-Me State has to offer. Contact us today to learn about the best of the Midwest in bed and breakfast experiences!

What better way to spend Mother’s Day weekend with my daughter Micah than at one of the Noble Inns Bed and Breakfasts in the King William District of San Antonio, Texas.

The Garden at Oge House

After a quick flight on Southwest Airlines, we arrived at the Oge House on Friday morning.
We were met by Megan MacDaniel, who showed us our accommodations: the lovely Castle Howard Suite on the first floor. Although the Oge House was built in 1839, the bathroom, especially the huge shower, was definitely 2013 style with 5 pulsing jets. I could have stayed in there for an hour!

The picturesque San Antonio Riverwalk was only a very short walk away, and Micah and I headed there. We enjoyed people-watching on the Riverwalk and also managed a stop at the Rivercenter Mall where we were able to take advantage of some great sales. That evening we had a tasty Caribbean dinner at a restaurant Megan had recommended, Azuca Nuevo Latin.

The next morning, after a delicious breakfast of baked apples and granola, spinach soufflé, sausage and biscuits, we headed to the Farmers Market. Since Micah and I are directionally challenged, it took us much longer than we anticipated, and we ended up walking about 4 miles to get there. We took a cab back!

Virginia Living magazine recently released its second annual Best of Virginia 2013 issue. Seven Select Registry inns were recognized in the “Most Welcoming Bed and Breakfast” category. At least one Select Registry Inn was voted into the top three in each of the five regions: Central, Eastern, Northern, Shenandoah Valley, and Southwest. In the Shenandoah Valley region, the top three inns are all Select Registry properties.

Central Region

Chestnut Hill Bed and Breakfast in Orange took first place in the reader vote. The inn, built in 1860, has been carefully restored to preserve the craftsmanship of the original home while providing all of the luxuries of the present. The inn offers guests the option to enjoy its gourmet breakfasts each morning at the large main table or at a quiet private table. Either way, visitors enjoy fresh-roasted coffee, a fresh fruit entrée, homemade gourmet granola, and the entrée of the day. In addition to exceptional accommodations, the inn also offers wedding services for up to 200 guests.

Eastern Region

The second most popular Bed and Breakfast in the eastern region is the Inn at Warner Hall. The inn, located in Gloucester, is proud of its home on the plantation created by George Washington’s great-great grandfather in 1642. The 38-acre waterfront retreat is a romantic and historical retreat that offers guests luxurious accommodations in its 11 guest rooms. The rooms are a perfect combination of period antiques and the latest in comfortable beds, mattresses and linens.

Northern Region

The Ashby Inn and Restaurant in Paris is the second most popular in the northern region. The inn’s menus, including breakfast, represent the finest, freshest seasonal products that can be sourced locally. Its offerings change daily to support this effort. The inn’s guestrooms are as carefully created with 19th-century pieces including four-poster beds, quilts, oriental rugs and blanket chests.

Shenandoah Valley Region

Select Registry inns clearly dominate the Shenandoah Valley region; first, second and third place all went to Select Registry properties!

The Iris Inn in Waynesboro has everything you want and need in a relaxing, romantic getaway. This modern inn invites guests to wake fully rested in a king-sized bed every morning and open the blackout curtains to let sunlight fill the room. Guests can then walk out on the impressive decks to take in a breath of fresh air as they begin their day. Of course, no stay at a Select Registry inn would be complete without a delicious breakfast. The Iris Inn continues its luxury and comfort by serving a homemade, seasonal breakfast to guests every morning.

Fully enjoy the countryside at the full-service Fort Lewis Lodge in Millboro Springs. Approaching the inn for the first time, you will be awed by the expanses of rolling pastures and towering cliffs along the river and 3200-acre Fort Lewis estate. The feeling of awe will continue once you reach the inn and take in the relaxed elegance of the four-hand hewn log cabins with stone fireplace, Riverside House and Main Lodge with silo. The inn serves all three meals of the day at the fully-restored 19^th century Lewis Grist Mill. You may never want to leave.

The Frederick House in Staunton is comprised of 5 award-winning 19^th-century residences and offers 23 guest rooms.   Breakfast is served each morning in Chumley’s Tearoom. Lunch and dinner of Mediterranean food and tapas are served in the inn’s Aioli restaurant. If you are intrigued by the paranormal, a visit to the Frederick House will be delightful. Though the innkeepers have never seen a ghost, they claim there is evidence of paranormal activity.

Southwest Region

It is easy to see why Virginia Living readers voted Inn at Riverbend in Pearisburg the “Most Welcoming Bed and Breakfast” in the Southwest Region. The inn, located on 14 acres with views of the New River and Appalachian Mountains, offers visitors airy wraparound decks and terraces, seven guest rooms with views of the river and mountains, Monday night 3-course dinners, daily 3-course gourmet breakfasts, and “Cowboy Cookies.” Consider leaving the planning to the inn and booking the Eco Tours of the New River package, which includes a relating(relaxing?) trip floating down the river.

It comes as no surprise to us at Select Registry that several of our inns were recognized in Virginia Living magazine. All of our inns in North America strive to be the most welcoming and luxurious inns in the area. We suspect that more will be added to the top three for each region,  except the Shenandoah Valley region of course, in the coming years.

We’ve done some of the work for you and found the Select Registry Inns closest to some of the top marathons and triathlons in the US and a few more we think you should check out.

Newfound Lake Triathlon Festival in Bistol, NH- June 1 & 2

The Glynn House Inn in Ashland, NH is only about 20 minutes outside Bristol. The historic inn has 12 luxurious guest rooms, each with a whirlpool tub, fireplace and other deluxe eco-friendly amenities for racers and spectators to relax in before and after the race.

Black Fly Triathlon in Waterville Valley, NH – July 5

Both the Glynn House Inn in Ashland and the Manor on Golden Pond are about 30 minutes from Waterville Valley.

The Manor on Golden Pond is a 24 guest room inn overlooking Squam Lake. Many of those guest rooms include wood-burning fireplaces, stunning views and lavish private baths. If you are looking to relax at the inn before and after the race, you are in luck. The inn offers both breakfast and dinner so you can retire to you room immediately after dinner to enjoy the inn’s quality amenities if you choose.

Vineman Triathlon in Guerneville, CA – July 27, 2013

The romantic Sonoma Wine Country Applewood Inn offers tranquility and relaxation in its 19 rooms and suites, upscale restaurant and luxury spa. After racing or fighting crowds as a spectator, we recommend you stay a few extra days to enjoy a massage, aromatherapy session, and a private winery tour.

The Boston Triathlon in Boston, MA – August 4, 2013

The Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, MA is comprised of two Federalist mansions and offers visitors luxury accommodations that’s just a 30-minute, scenic coastal drive from Boston. The inn offers guests the opportunity to relax in front of formal fire placed parlors, in double Jacuzzis and on quiet sun decks and patios.

Pikes Peak Marathon in Colorado Spring’s, CO – August 17, 2013

The Old Town Guesthouse is a three-story urban inn offering upscale amenities for adult leisure. Each of the inn’s soundproof guestrooms has a private porch overlooking Pikes Peak and luxurious bathrooms to relax in before and after the big event.

The Triathlon at Pacific Grove, CA – September 13-15

The Old Monterey Inn in Monterey, CA is just minutes from Pacific Grove and offers the perfect accommodations for racers and onlookers. The meticulously restored, historic inn is surrounded by English gardens and  offers massage services. You can also opt to have your breakfast in bed if you need a day to relax after the race.

The Lobsterman Triathlon in Freeport, ME – September 14, 2013

The Queen Anne Victorian Brewster House Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to make basecamp for the triathlon. You can choose from one of the five traditional guest rooms or opt for one of the two two-room suites. Three of these rooms have gas fireplaces for you to relax in front of to relax after a long day. While you are in the area, don’t miss out on the local shops and outlets and visits to nearby lighthouses.

SavageMan Triathlons in Deep Creek Lake, MD – September 14 & 15

September can be cool in Maryland. If race day happens to be rainy or cold, relax in the comforts of knowing you can return to the 9-foot fireplace in the great room or your room’s gas fireplace at the Lake Pointe Inn. If the weather is warmer, you can relax on the inn’s wraparound porch in a rocking chair. Either way, you can be assured of a great night’s sleep on quality linens.

Portland Marathon in Portland, OR – October 6, 2013

Every guest at Portland’s White House feels like a VIP. The inn’s exterior is remarkably similar to the Washington, D.C. landmark. The interior is complete with European chandeliers, grand ballroom, lead glass windows, and extensive collections of porcelain. Of course the service and amenities continue the theme to make this a perfect place to stay for the marathon.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon – October 13, 2013

The Harvey House

Just outside downtown Chicago in Oak Park, Harvey House Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay for the big race. The “EL” to downtown departs from just three blocks away every eight minutes. And the inn’s luxurious details and amenities will have you racing to return for the evening. If you aren’t too exhausted after the event, you can walk to dozens of shops and restaurants from the inn or relax in one of the inns oversized Jacuzzi tubs.

Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth, MA – October 26, 2013

Whether you choose one of Palmer House Inn‘s bed and breakfast chambers or the secluded cottage suite, you will find plump pillows, 600-thread-count sheets, Posturepedic mattresses and more. If you aren’t running, take one of the inn’s complementary bicycles to watch the event.

Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC – October 27, 2013

There are two Select Registry inns to choose from in DC, each with its own draw.

The Swann House, built in 1883, is in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in DC.  Each of the rooms in individually decorated in rich colors and luxurious fabrics to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. After the marathon, you can relax in front of one of the inn’s elaborately carved fireplaces or in your in-room whirlpool tub.

The Embassy Circle Guest House is housed in a former embassy in Dupont Circle.  Each of the guest rooms has a Persian carpet and decorative elements selected with the intention of creating a relaxing atmosphere. You will enjoy the peace and quiet of this luxurious boutique inn located in a quiet and beautiful residential neighborhood.

Whether you plan to push your personal limits by competing in one of these challenging events or simply want to root for those who do, a Select Registry inn is the perfect place to stay. Nowhere else has been quality assurance tested to guarantee the highest quality accommodations and the best customer service.