B&Bs Take the Green Theme Beyond Leprechauns

Enjoy an eco-escape where Patty O'Furniture comes from recycled plastic

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. October 14, 2008

AUSTIN, TX, March 3, 2008. This year, BedandBreakfast.com innkeepers throughout the country have taken the green scheme beyond St. Patrick's Day, offering a host of eco-escapes and green getaways. Environmental stewards, these innkeepers reward travelers for walking rather than driving, and offset guests' carbon footprint with donations to local charities. For a complete list of Green Getaways and Eco-Escapes in the United States and Canada, visit www.BedandBreakfast.com, and click on SEARCH, then SPECIAL PACKAGES, and choose Green Getaways/Eco Escapes from the drop down box, or read below for highlighted ideas, listed alphabetically by state.

1882 Harvest House Bed & Breakfast, Eureka Springs, AR: From now until the end of April, mention the BedandBreakfast.com Go Green Package, and receive $17 off a two-night stay. In addition, the innkeepers will donate $17 in guests' names for each Go Green Package to Good Shepherd Humane Society or Turpentine Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Wallingford Victorian, Wallingford, CT: Go carless. Just five blocks from the local train station, The Wallingford is a 90-minute train ride from New York City. Walk to town where New England shops, dining, live music, swimming, and tennis provide plenty of activities. Mention the "green getaway" special anytime through the end of 2008 and receive 10% off standard room rates for a two-night stay.

Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, ME: Enjoy a romantic escape, walk to L.L. Bean and Freeport shops, and save on gas! Stay two or more nights Sunday through Thursday, from April 7 - July 31 and get $25 for a two-night stay, or $50 for a three-night stay, to put toward gas or other travel expenses.

Historic Inns of Rockland, Rockland, ME: Committed to offsetting their own carbon footprint, the three members of this association, Berry Manor Inn, LimeRock Inn, and Captain Lindsey House, will make a $3 per-booking donation to local environmentally friendly nonprofit groups through 2008. To help fight global warming one light bulb at a time, guests are given a compact florescent light bulb ($12 value) and list of suggested green schemes for home.

The Spencer Hotel, Chautauqua, NY: Go car-less and carefree by parking the car upon arrival. Bring your own bike, or the Spencer Hotel will rent one for you, to explore the Rails-to-Trails paths along the shores of Lake Erie, then fill up on a picnic lunch at one of Chautauqua's parks while bird and wildlife-watching. Top it off with an all-natural breakfast. From now until June 20, the green package includes one night's accommodations with one picnic lunch, breakfast, and two bicycle rentals for $239 per couple. Two-night packages are $412 per couple.

Flery Manor, Grants Pass, OR: With each room offering a mountain view, guests always feel close to nature. Outdoor adventurers will enjoy hiking to Mount Walker from the private trail in the lower meadow or following the old logging roads next to the inn up Mount Sexton. Now through October 31, 2008, book a two-night stay, mention the Green Getaway, and a seedling tree will be provided for planting in the lower meadow with a plaque bearing the guest's name and date of planting. A photo of the event is yours as well. Two nights' accommodations, tree seedling, plaque, photo of planting and daily breakfast start at $240 per couple.

Washington School Inn, Park City, UT: This inn has made a difference in the fight against global warming by installing shampoo/conditioner/shower gel dispensers, saving over 4,000 one-ounce bottles from being produced and discarded. By providing filtered water in elegant stainless steel canteens, the inn has eliminated the need for the manufacture and disposal of 1,400 plastic water bottles. Until April 12, when you make a reservation, ask for Jean (required), mention BedandBreakfast.com's green getaways, and explain how you have made a difference in the fight against global warming, and you'll get a one-day Park City Resort ski lift ticket ($79 value). One caveat - Jean must decide if you've really made a difference. Possibilities include buying renewable energy or credits, driving a hybrid car, or installing solar systems.

The Essex Inn, Tappahannock, VA: Take advantage of the "It's Easy Being Green" special. Stay for two nights, and all guests participating in the Green Tappahannock scavenger hunt will receive a 20% discount. Park the car on arrival and walk or bike to shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and golf courses.

Earth Rider, Brodhead, WI: Travel light to cyclers' heaven on your next weekend getaway. Stay two weekend nights from April through June 2008, in these bike-themed rooms and get one day of Trek hybrid bike rentals (up to two bikes) free from this B&B and Bike Shop.

Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters, River Falls, WI: Bring kayaks (or rent them here) and bikes, then paddle and pedal from River Falls to Prescott and back. The innkeepers will help guests launch their kayaks down the Kinnickinnic River, then meet them at the river take-out with their bikes. From there, it's a scenic ride to Prescott where fine dining can be found along the St. Croix River; wrap up the day with a 12-mile bike back to the lodge for a relaxing dip in the outdoor hot tub, overlooking the Kinnickinnic River. Free bicycle transport and shuttle services for those staying two or more nights through November 15, 2008.

To learn more about additional Green Getaways and Eco-Escapes, visit BedandBreakfast.com. Additionally, for information on a range of independently-owned distinctive lodging, visit BedandBreakfast.com's sister site, www.Inns.com