Virginia Beach Bed and Breakfast News and Views

OP SAIL 2012 VIRGINIA JUNE 1 thu JUNE 12

2012-05-21T13:48:00.000-04:00

Biggest celebration to hit Hampton Roads EVER! In Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, each city has special events during this time -

FRI-SUN 6/1-6/3 Patriotic Festival Air Show, Virginia Beach; Blackbeard Pirate Festival in Hampton; Yorktown Maritime Weekend; Historic Tall Ship Sultana at Town Wharf Onancock; Swingtime Salute big band retro salute on Deck of Wisconsin in Norfolk; American Indian Festival in Chesapeake. WED 6/6 Parade of Ships and Air Power international fleet of military vessels and aircraft Cape Henry to Norfolk; THURS 6/7 Rendez-vous of TALL SHIPS Lynnhaven anchorage Virginia Beach; Public Tours of naval vessels Norfolk; Swingtime Salute Norfolk; FRI 6/8 Op Sail Virginia 2012 PARADE OF SAIL Virginia Beach to Norfolk; FRI-MON 6/8-6/11 Norfolk Harborfest, Public Tours of Tall Ships and Navy Ships, Reenactors create 1812 atmosphere in Norfolk's Freemason Historic District Towne Bank Fountain Park, and Old Ft Norfolk; Portsmouth Seawall Music Festival; Tall Ships at Cape Charles; North American Sand Soccer Championships Virginia Beach; SAT at 9:30 pm Norfolk Harborfest Fireworks

STAR SPANGLED BANNER FLOWN OVER FT MCHENRY 1814

PATRIOTIC FESTIVAL June 1, 2, 3

2012-05-20T19:31:00.000-04:00

BLUE ANGELS AIR SHOW OVER THE BEACH - -AND MIRANDA LAMBERT; STEEL PULSE; SCOTTY McCREERY in concert at the Big Stage at 5th Street. Washington Redskins Tour with Coaches, Players and Cheerleaders; Paul, Jr. from American Chopper, GM First Responder, Corvette Museum Racing Tour, Memorial Challenge Bike Tour from DC, Wounded Warrior Salute, NAVY Dive Tank, and MORE. This will be a big show weekend so C'mon Down!

EAST COAST SHE CRAB SOUP CLASSIC

2012-04-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, April 28 from noon to 3:00 pm, the 24th Street Park on the Boardwalk will be the location for the Fourth Annual She Crab Soup Classic. Twenty of the best local seafood restaurants will be vying for the title of BEST SHE CRAB SOUP. There will be awards in both "CRITICS CHOICE" and "PEOPLE'S CHOICE" categories and the "People" will be limited to 1,500 voters who will sample and make their decision by the end of the day. "PEOPLE" Tickets are $12 from Ticketmaster or $15 at the door. ROCKAFELLER'S and MANINO'S ITALIAN BISTRO will be defending their titles as last years Critic's Choice and People's Choice winners.

FRANUS WINE DINNER @ ZOE'S Mon. April 9

2012-04-04T13:11:00.005-04:00

Fantastic Wine Dinner at Zoe's on Monday. Five Courses (including the Reception at 6:30) featuring exquisite menu selections prepared by Chef, Jerry Weihbrecht accompanied by five different Peter Franus wines. Zoe's Marc Sauter has been trying for 11 years to bring this dinner together with his good friend Peter Franus and Monday is the day! $97.00 per person plus tax & gratuity.

Come stay at Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast and walk to and from Zoe's. Take advantage of our weeknight rates.

Here's the Menu!

Reception

Oyster Rockefeller Croquette

Zoës Chicken Wings

Citrus Crab Nacho, Pink Grapefruit Salsa

2010 Peter Franus Sauvignon Blanc, Napa

Course Two

Softshell Crab & Waffles

Chicken Fried Softshell, Wild Mushroom Waffle, Tomato Hollandaise

2009 Peter Franus Zinfandel, Napa

Course Three

Coffee Cocoa Dusted Faroe Island Salmon

Mustard and Stout Nage, Turnip Gratin, Baby Cauliflower

2009 Peter Franus 'Brandlin Vineyard', Napa

Course Four

Basil Pesto Rubbed Lamb Loin

Feta and Oregano Roasted Fingerlings, Red Wine Marrow Sauce

2006 Peter Franus Red Wine, Napa

Course Five

Grilled Certified Angus Beef Petite Tender

Herb Focaccia, Creamed Leeeks, Bacon Blue Cheese Butter

2007 Peter Franus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

WINTER SEAFARI STILL AVAILABLE UNTIL 4/1

2012-03-22T14:55:00.005-04:00

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center has announced that they are extending the Winter Seafari Boat Trips until April 1. The trips will continue because many whales and dolphin are staying around Virginia Beach before beginning their northward migration. Stay at Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast and take advantage of our package that includes: admission to the Aquarium and Marine Science Center; an IMAX Theater presentation; the 2 hr wildlife watching boat trip; and dinner at Rockafeller's Restaurant. We recommend you plan a 2 night stay so you have an entire day to enjoy the experience. Boats run Thursday and Friday at 2:00 and Saturday and Sunday at 9:00, 12:00, and 3:00. Bring a Winter jacket as it can be cold out on the water.

26th ANNUAL SPRING CRAFT FAIR March 16-18

2012-03-14T11:16:00.005-04:00

200 Craftsmen and women in juried craft market in the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Shop for unusual gifts, learn from Guild members practicing their crafts

This will be going on at the same time as the Shamrock Sports Show part of the Shamrock Marathon.

Come to the Beach this weekend! 75 degrees on Friday cooling down to 61 on Sunday - perfect for the race.

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ACS National Convention and Camellia Show

2012-03-07T13:52:00.003-05:00

Come to the Norfolk Botanical Garden on Saturday, March 24 for the American Camellia Society National Convention Show and Sale. Stay in Virginia beach at our historic bed and breakfast and check out our very own camellias in our gardens. Enjoy a great meal at one of our local chef owned restaurants (many within walking distance). Return here for a nitecap on one of our porches. Wake to a multi-course gourmet breakfast, or be an "early bird", get a coffee to go, and hit the beach to watch the sunrise then return in time for our lighting the breakfast table candles.

Rock Bands and Rockers in Virginia Beach

2012-03-06T19:14:00.006-05:00

Entertainment this spring includes REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent at the Amphitheater on Saturday May 19. We've got the room and tickets start at $15 for lawn seats. After "Rockin' the night away", return to Barclay Cottage for some gentle porch rocker rocking - enjoying an adult beverage and hand rolled cigar.

Dave Matthews Band is here June 17 BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW!

SHAMROCK WEEKEND HERE!

2012-03-03T15:52:00.009-05:00

Shamrock Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8K will be run March 17th and 18th. This will be the 40th annual running of the Shamrock Marathon and the weekend is shaping up to be a good one. Several charities will be donated a portion of the fees and charges for the weekend. Runners may also raise more money for participating charities by joining Team LiveStrong's fight against Cancer, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) Team In Training® (TNT), the DetermiNation program of the American Cancer Society, Run for Operation Smile, and Preston's March for Energy to help fight Mitochondrial Disease.

We already have three rooms of runners - some participating in the Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday and the 8K on Saturday. Guests will be treated to an early light breakfast consisting of a carb/protein load (bagels & cream cheese), potassium hit (bananas) and hydration (hot and cold drinks, fruit juice, etc.). After the race, they will return to the Cottage where they will receive 8x10 pictures of them running and a printout of their final results and splits. All will then enjoy a full hot breakfast/brunch with Mimosas.

We still have the Garden Room and Shore Room available BOOK NOW ONLINE OR CALL 866-INN-1895

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Virginia Beach Theater

2012-02-29T11:50:00.007-05:00

Four theater events this weekend at 4 different venues. Enjoy dinner and a show, return to Barclay Cottage for a nitecap and comfortable bed, then awaken to a scrumptuous breakfast.

Doubletree Hotel Dinner Theater - The Butler's Been Murdered

Angelo's Murder Mystery Dinner Theater - A Deadly Twist of Fate

Chrysler Hall - Little Hall - Mr. Marmalade

Wells Theater Virginia Stage Company - Death of a Salesman

Coming to Chrysler Hall - Wicked opens Thursday March 8

Virginia Beach Restaurant Week Jan15-22

2012-01-12T11:27:00.008-05:00

Next week is 2012's Virginia Beach Restaurant Week with some of the city's top restaurants offering three course dinners at either $20.12 or $27.12. Two course lunches are also featured at only $10.12. Locals and visitors alike will take advantage of the special restaurant prices to enjoy their favorite chef's offerings.

Bring your rod and reel and stay two nights in Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast Sun-Thurs at our Rockfishing Special rate - save even more while exploring the Beach's gastronomic delights and getting in a little fishing. (As always, we'll package and freeze your catch for taking home.)

Seafari Package Boat Trip Sightings

2012-01-08T16:38:00.012-05:00

Our weekend guests here on our Seafari Package got a real treat when they went out on their Winter Wildlife Boat Trip, which is part of the package. They saw four whales off the Cape Henry Lighthouses and a pod of dolphin while motoring along the beach.

The afternoon trip started with spotting a seal on the jetty rocks as they came out of Rudy Inlet. After watching him play for awhile, and fish for his lunch, they looked to the sky. The birds put on a show - pelicans, seagulls, and Gannetts with 6 foot wingspans were all diving into masses of baitfish. As they headed north along the beach to Cape Henry, they encountered a pod of dolphin who played in the boat's bow wave and wake. This was unusual as typically it is too cold at this time of year for the dolphin, and by December they have already headed south. Once the boat reached Cape Henry a total of 4 whales were encountered. The birds never stopped diving and feeding the whole time they were out.

(c) Virginia Aquarium

Here are some pictures of whales encountered on the New Year Winter Wildlife Boat Trip.

(c) Virginia Aquarium (c) Virginia Aquarium

Boardwalk Christmas Lights

2011-11-17T18:44:00.008-05:00

Boardwalk Holiday Light Show begins tonight and continues until January 2, 2012.

Enjoy miles of moving and static holiday light displays while slowly driving your vehicle along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Listen to holiday music (from the provided CD or tape) while watching the choreographed light show. Stay in your car all warm and toasty or opt to snuggle under a horse blanket in a horse drawn carriage - perhaps sipping on a hot chocolate purchased from volunteers before beginning your tour.

$10 per car 11/21-1/2 $5 special 11/18-20 FREE WITH STAY AT BARCLAY COTTAGE!

Christmas Breakfast Ideas from Virginia Bed and Breakfasts

2011-11-15T12:26:00.003-05:00

The Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia's Cookbook is hot off the presses and has great ideas for whipping up a delicious breakfast for Christmas morning. Buy the cookbook and include a gift certificate to let your loved one know that she/he should look forward to a relaxing getaway after the holidays. Call us at 866-466-1895

B&Bs for Vets

2011-11-12T14:28:00.002-05:00

Thursday 11/10/11 we gave all 5 of our rooms away. Had 5 couples - 2 Marines, 1 Navy, 1 Army and 1 AirForce. Only one cancellation which we immediately filled from our wait list. Three of the couples took advantage of our Veterans Day Weekend 50% off offer and extended an extra night. The Marines would have even stayed longer, but had to leave for home and the Marine Ball this evening (Saturday).

Our Virginian Pilot newspaper on Thursday featured our inn on the front page of their Local Magazine insert called the Beacon, and interviewed Marie-Louise and the Navy officer who stayed with us. Very good publicity for us, B&Bs for Vets and the Better Way to Stay Programs.

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/virginian-pilot-ledger-star-norfolk/mi_8014/is_20111110/local-inn-veterans-house/ai_n58417591/

Breakfast Friday and this morning were a HOOT! The comeraderie and good natured ribbing was thoroughly enjoyable. Unfortunately, one couple had to leave before breakfast Friday to rush home and take a sick child to the doctor, but they enjoyed their night away especially as he had just returned from IRAQ on Wednesday. Friday night 3 couples wrapped up in blankets and enjoyed wine and cigars on our second floor porch. One couple that checked in Friday are both in the Army, and were surprised at breakfast this morning to meet one of the officers who had been in charge of one of their schools also staying here. They are running a leg of a Wounded Warrior Marathon relay in Norfolk on Sunday and this is their third stay with us.

All were greatly appreciative of our participation in the B&Bs for Vets Program and said they would spread the word for next year. We expect to see all of them again when they take advantage of our year round 20% Military Discount.

We got as much out of the weekend as did the vets. Should be called "Vets for B&Bs"!

Ft Monroe in Hampton becomes 396th National Park

2011-11-07T15:12:00.003-05:00

On Nov. 2, 2011, President Obama designated Hampton Virginia's Ft. Monroe our country's 396th National Park. Named after President James Monroe, the fort was built between 1819 and 1834 on a site long important for the defense of Hampton Roads. This fort was continuously occupied by the US Army until its decommissioning this month. It stayed in Union hands throughout the Civil War, and protected the harbors with massive guns during WW I and WW II

In 1619 Dutch slave traders brought the first African slaves to the peninsula on which the fort was built. However, during the Civil War it became known as the "Freedom Fort" for taking in and protecting run away slaves from throughout the South. Robert E Lee served there before the Civil War and Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned there at the war's end. It was General George McClellan's headquarters during his 1862 Peninsula Campaign and President Abraham Lincoln visited on several occasions.

Stay here at the Beach and explore this newest of America's National Parks - perhaps as part of your Civil War history tour including some of the battlegrounds along the James River. Go back further in time to the Yorktown Battleground, see Colonial Williamsburg, and watch the archaeological digs at Jamestown. All short day trips from your cozy beach cottage.

All of our rooms donated for B&Bs for Vets Program

2011-11-07T11:33:00.007-05:00

We salute our service men and women on this upcoming Veterans Day. As a way to show our appreciation for their sacrifices, we have invited active and retired veterans to stay with us on Thursday night before Veterans Day at absolutely no charge. As members of PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) we decided to participate in the B&Bs for Vets program that the association sponsors and will have 5 couples from various branches of the military staying with us on Thursday night at no charge. Some will continue their stay through the weekend at our special 50% Veterans Day rate. While all of our rooms are booked Thursday night, we still have two rooms available Friday and Saturday (Vets get 50% off) and two more rooms available for just Saturday night. If you are an active duty military member or retired veteran, give us a call to book one of these rooms at 50% off our normal rate.

DAYLIGHT SAVING SPECIAL - 49 HOURS FOR PRICE OF 48!

2011-11-03T11:24:00.010-04:00

The Weekend Weather is shaping up nicely for a stay in our Virginia Beach Bed and Breakfast - sunny and in the low 60s.

Great time to do some hiking in First Landing State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or False Cape State Park. Stroll the Boardwalk or walk the beach - maybe even stick your toe in the water!

In addition to all the museums and attractions here in Virginia Beach, Admission is Free to the Soaring Gull Circuit Dog Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center this weekend 11/3-6.

Virginia Beach features excellent dining choices with over 600 Restaurants. For those looking to do some dancing or for evening entertainment Check out the following links:
FRIDAY at the clubs; SATURDAY at the clubs.

FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB - Josh Blue paralympic comedian

For Theater or Symphony check out the following:
Angelo's Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Murder, Las Vegas Style Mystery Dinner
Great American Trailer Park Musical - Generic Theater
Broadway in Norfolk Disney's Beauty & The Beast - Chrysler Hall
Virginia Stage Company Red - Wells Theater
Virginia Symphony - Jefferson and His Time - Hayden Symphony 83 Beethoven Violin Concerto - Regent University

Franz Liszt's 200th Birthday Party in Virginia Beach!

2011-10-24T13:30:00.006-04:00

Franz Liszt's 200th Birthday Concert

Pianist Fabio Bidini performs with the Virginia Symphony:

TCHAIKOVSKY	Suite from Swan Lake
LISZT	Piano Concerto No. 1
LISZT	Totentanz
SUK	Fairy Tale

Chrysler Hall on Saturday Night 10/29/2011
Sandler Center on Sunday Afternoon 10/30/2011

RUN WALK WHEEL then WINE ABOUT IT

2011-10-24T12:41:00.007-04:00

RUN

Blue Moon Wicked 10K and Monster Mile to be run Saturday morning 10/29 at the Oceanfront. Dress up in your zaniest, scariest costume and run to benefit Livestrong joining the fight against Cancer.

WALK - WHEEL
On Sunday 10/30 Ramps Across America Rollin' Races will have 4 heats starting at the 24th St Park on the Boardwalk First Heat able bodied, Second Heat Prosthetics, Third Heat wheelchairs,
and Fourth Heat Walkers and Assisted Racers

WINE ABOUT IT
Saturday, 10/29 Chesapeake City Park will be the site of the 2nd Annual Chesapeake Wine Festival - featuring Wines from Virginia and around the world. Sponsored by the Chesapeake Rotary Club and local business, the festival raises money for several charities

ALSO FOR GUYS' WEEKEND - CRAFT BEER

2011-10-18T15:16:00.003-04:00

Oh yeah! As if the Car Show, Gun Show, Coin Show and UFL Championship Game were not enough, I forgot to mention that Oct 22 and 23 is the Craft Beer Festival at our 24th Street Park on the Boardwalk. 25 brewers represented and live music all weekend.

Life is Good!

VIRGINIA BEACH GUYS' WEEKEND COMING

2011-10-17T13:44:00.013-04:00

OCTOBER 21-22 is shaping up to be a great Guys' Weekend in Virginia Beach. Sports fans, car buffs, coin collectors, and gun nuts will all be happy visiting the Beach.

FRIDAY NIGHT - At the Virginia Sportsplex watch Marty Shorttenheimer's Virginia Destroyers take on Jim Fassel's two time defending champion Las Vegas Locomotives in the UFL Championship game at 8:00 pm.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY - At the Virginia Beach Convention Center see Wild Wheels Weekend with hot rods, classic cars, muscle cars, extreme trucks, and tricked out bikes. Oogle the chrome, check out the paint jobs, listen to the rumble and roar.

ALSO SATURDAY & SUNDAY - At the Virginia Beach Convention Center Gun and Knife Show....

..and Coin Show

Cigars and Cognac on the porch, anyone?

ROCKS - BLUES - STEWS & BREWS

2011-10-15T11:13:00.008-04:00

WEEKEND EVENTS: October 15-16, 2011

TREASURES OF THE EARTH - GEM & JEWELRY SHOW at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
Fine jewelry, rocks, crystals, minerals, beads and fossils - admission $4

BLUES, BREWS AND STEWS at the VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Benefit held in the outdoor sculpture garden. Saturday
Featuring stews from over a half dozen local restaurants, brews by O'Connor Brewing Co. of Norfolk, and Cathead Vodka. Live Blues by DangerMuffin. This will help fund the Museum's spring and summer Andy Warhol Exhibition. Admission $30 for stew tastings and cash bar $60 VIP tickets open bar.

WINGS AND WHEELS Saturday
Antique car show at the Military Aviation Museum in Pungo. Oldies, modifieds, muscle cars and Airplanes from WW I, WW II, up to the Gulf War. Take in the ongoing exhibit of Nazi Forced Labor Camps before it opens at the Smithsonian.

Motown Monday - Valentine's Day

2011-02-05T16:33:00.002-05:00

Come stay at Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast on Monday, Feb 14, enjoy an early dinner at Rockafeller's followed by a great concert at the Sandler Center featuring the Four Tops and the Temptations! Dine at 5:00 - perhaps opting for the "Sweetheart Deal" for two consisting of Caesar salads, oysters Rockafeller, Waterman Trio dinners, and dessert sampler for $59.99/couple. Then head for Town Center for the 7:30 concert (tickets $44.00- $100.00) Return to Barclay Cottage and have a nightcap before retiring. Sleep in, awaken to a scrumtuous multi-course breakfast then head home from your mini one night vacation.

Our Virginia Beach Bed and Breakfast
Rooms from $95.00 / night

BARCLAY COTTAGE B&B VOTED BEST FRONT PORCH IN NORTH AMERICA

2011-01-26T17:04:00.002-05:00

Having two floors of porches may have "stacked" the cards a bit in our favor, but our Virginia Beach bed and breakfast was voted as having the "Best Front Porch in North America" by readers of online and print editions of Pamela Lanier Travel Guides. The award appears on our LanierBB.com listing and will also be in the print editions of Lanier's Complete Guide to Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and Guesthouses International.

Check out our porches which can be seen in various places on our newly redesigned website, http://www.barclaycottage.com . Here's a picture of our Harlequin Porch -a sample of what you may find.......

SPECIAL! Print our website page where the above picture appears, and bring it with you for a 15% discount off the total bill for your stay. Hint...It is NOT on our "Welcome" Page. (Offer Expires June 1, 2011 may not be combined with any other discounts)

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