Innkeeping: Part of Our Identity

Posted on February 5, 2019 by bridgeswhit

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I have always loved vanity plates and often get a chuckle out of them while driving around. Sometimes I try to decipher what a combination of letters might mean – some I can figure out and others I assume are only known to the owner.

Vanity plates often reflect the identity or passion of the car's owner. Innkeepers seem to have a passion for their B&Bs; and displaying their occupation or inn's name seems to be part of their identity. At B&B conferences, I like looking around the parking lot at the creative license plates, which is what inspired me to write this blog.

For many innkeepers, purchasing a bed and breakfast was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Each inn reflects the unique personality and background of its owners, yet we innkeepers have so much in common, such as how we immerse ourselves in our inns and how we love what we do; we even tout it on our cars.

When I asked NHBBA members to submit their vanity plates to me for this blog, they didn't disappoint me!

Henniker House Bed n Breakfast, Henniker
License plates: NH-B&B, B&B-NH

Alison and Ray are the current innkeepers at Henniker House since December 2017. They inherited a rich and storied past amidst a singularly unique setting, presenting to their visitors the authentic feeling of a 19th century New England residence. As their predecessors have done before them, their goal is to maintain and preserve those special qualities, while assuring that their guests enjoy a relaxing and memorable experience, including a full, homemade breakfast in their comfortable dining room overlooking the Contoocook River.

So whether you are visiting for business, pleasure, enjoying outdoor activities, or attending a special event, Alison and Ray welcome you to join them on the Contoocook River and create your own piece of New Hampshire history!

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Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast, Bristol
License plates: INKEEPR, PLSNTVU, INNWNCH

Pleasant View B&B, which was purchased by Heidi Milbrand in 2004, is an 1830s farmhouse, steeped in history, but made for today's modern world. Warm, comfortable, relaxing, no pretensions. An adult-friendly B&B, Pleasant View offers six rooms and a detached cottage that all have private baths, flat screen TVs, WiFi, your own heating units, A/C for the warm months, hot tub, pool, and a big farmer's porch to watch the world go by. A full country breakfast is served each morning.

Heidi's first two vanity plates are self-explanatory. But "INNWNCH" has a story behind it, going back to when she purchased her first inn, and her good friend declared, "Now you are the inn wench!" The name is reflected in both her license plate and her email address: theinnwench@metrocast.net.

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Inn On Golden Pond, Holderness
License plate: INGLDPD

In February 2018, Kelli and Darren LaValley bought the Inn On Golden Pond, which had been a bed and breakfast for more than 30 years. This top-rated bed and breakfast is located on Squam Lake, at the northern edge of the Lakes Region and in the foothills of the White Mountains. Originally built as a private colonial home, it now serves the public as a nine-room country inn, with amenities such as flat screen TVs, WIFI, A/C for the warm months, and a homemade country breakfast each morning. Aromas of freshly brewed coffee drifting to our guest rooms beckon our guests to a complimentary, full breakfast featuring home-baked breads and muffins, homemade jam, and a variety of delicious house specialties and locally produced food when available.

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Little River Bed & Breakfast, Peterborough
License plate: LITLRVR

In the fall of 2005, Rob and Paula Fox began renovating the 1870s farmhouse situated along the scenic Nubanusit River in the quintessential New England town of Peterborough. In the spring of 2007, Little River Bed & Breakfast opened with four guest rooms, each with private bath, tastefully decorated with your comfort in mind.

The inn offers modern amenities, casual elegance, and warm hospitality. Every day begins with a delicious multi-course breakfast using local eggs from free-range hens, local fruits and vegetables when in season, and fair-trade organic coffee.

Located in the Monadnock region, there are many outdoor opportunities, such as kayaking, golfing, biking, and a back-road scenic fall foliage drive. Peterborough has a pedestrian friendly downtown with antique shops, unique boutiques and art galleries, and great dining.

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Harrisville Inn, Harrisville
License plate: INNKPRS

The Harrisville Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast, is a short walk to the historic village of Harrisville, reputed to be the most photographed village in New England. Built in 1842, the antique cape retains the warmth and charm of simpler times yet features modern updates and conveniences. In 2014, Maria bought the inn, which had been a bed and breakfast for more than 10 years.

The Inn features five guest rooms with private baths, all individually decorated with antiques and luxury linens. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast served in the inn's dining room each morning. Enjoy the warm weather lounging on the patio surrounded by gardens, or in the cooler weather, sit in the living room by the fire if you want to be cozy.

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Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House, Swanzey
License plate: INNKPER

In November 2006, Susan Karalekas bought the Bridges inn at Whitcomb House, fulfilling a long-held dream of owning a bed and breakfast. Susan runs the inn along with her husband, Nick, and son, David (when he's not away at graduate school). Built in 1792, this quintessential inn serves as a comfortable home-away-from-home, repeatedly satisfying tourists, business travelers, students, people visiting family or friends, and other visitors from around the world. The delicious multi-course breakfast, warm hospitality, and various local attractions inspire guests to return year after year.

The decor is lovely with uniquely decorated rooms and many antiques, combining the splendor of yesteryear with the amenities of today. Nestled in the beautiful Monadnock region, the inn is near outdoor activities, restaurants, arts/cultural events, auction houses, antique shops, and covered bridges. The inn is located a stone's throw from the historic Thompson Covered Bridge and near the other Cheshire County covered bridges for which the inn is named.

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Written by NHBBA board member, Susan Karalekas, who owns the Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House in Swanzey. Susan's career outside the inn was as a writer and editor.
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