Virginia Beach Bed and Breakfast News and Views

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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NEW YEARS AT BARCLAY COTTAGE BED AND BREAKFAST

2010-12-05T20:40:00.002-05:00

TWO NIGHT PACKAGE - FRIDAY NEW YEARS EVE AND SATURDAY NEW YEARS DAY FROM $420.00 PER COUPLE

Friday wine and hors d’oeuvres on arrival at Barclay Cottage. Walk one block to Chester's Upper Deck for dinner and dancing to Oldies and Beach Music by the Craig Wolard Band. Dinner will feature Lobster or Mushroom Stuffed Tenderloin or Seafood Vol Au Vent, salad, sides and dessert (Special chicken or vegetarian entree must be ordered by 12/15); Champagne Toast; and Breakfast Buffet. Return to Barclay Cottage.

Saturday sleep in for late breakfast accompanied by your choice of Mimosas or Bloody Marys! Go sightseeing, walk the beach, take in a museum or drive to the Aquarium and Marine Science Center - perhaps go on a Winter Seafari! Go to dinner at one of several excellent nearby restaurants.

Sunday - another great breakfast after a restful sleep, then a leisurly drive home

$420.- $470 per couple all inclusive

LISTEN TO THE CRAIG WOOLARD BAND

Pre Christmas Weekends at Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast

2010-12-01T18:27:00.000-05:00

Events First Weekend in December:

Surf-n-Santa 10 Miler Road Race
Start and stop at the Virginia Beach Convention Center only 6 blocks from Barclay Cottage B&B - special early breakfast for guest participants. Supports Vasculitis Foundation. This is the first of what is hoped will be an annual event. Because this is the first time this race is being run, many prizes and free gifts are offered to all entrants. Race start is at 8:00 am Saturday 12/4

Virginia Beach Holiday Parade
Parade starts on Atlantic Avenue at 5:30 pm Saturday 12/4 and may be viewed between 15th and 25th Streets. There'll be floats, balloons, bands, and many driving and performing marching units. Combine some parade watching with an evening drive through the continuing Boardwalk Holiday Lights Display

USA Track and Field Annual Meeting
This is the annual meeting of over 1000 coaches, referees, and officials of USA Track and Field that is being held this year in the Virginia Beach Convention Center - only a few blocks away from Barclay Cottage. Booked your room yet? Take advantage of our Last Minute Specials. See our website for more information about our Virginia Beach bed and breakfast and how to take advantage of our Last Minute Specials.

Events Second Weekend in December:

Military Aviation Museum
Saturday 12/11 at 11:00 am a flight demonstration and hangar talk about the flight and the aircraft is scheduled. Aircraft to be determined. This is the largest privately owned collection of military aircraft in the world. The Museum has hangars and a landing field and also restored military and civilian vehicles that one would see at a WWII airfield. Only a half hour drive from Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast.

Game Show Murder Mystery Dinner Playhouse
Games Show Murders 7:30 pm Saturday 12/4 at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse in the DoubleTree Hotel. Sit down to a 4 course dinner with choice of chicken, beef or vegetarian pasta entrees.

Virginia Symphony Handel's Messiah
Virginia Symphony and Choral will perform Handel's Messiah at Regent University Saturday, 12/11 at 8:00 pm. Order your tickets online or book a weekend stay at our bed and breakfast, and ask us to get the tickets for you.

11/19 WEEKEND HOLIDAY LIGHTS, DINNER THEATERS, CONCERTS

2010-11-15T16:40:00.000-05:00

NEXT WEEKEND IN VIRGINIA BEACH

STAY AT BARCLAY COTTAGE B&B

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Holiday Lightshow begins November 19 and runs until January 2, 2011. For a charge of $10 during the week and $15 on weekends you, your friends and family can cruise the Boardwalk in your vehicle and enjoy the marvelous light show while listening to the Holiday Music CD provided when you enter the Boardwalk at 1st Street. Beginning at 5:30 PM, the Boardwalk closes to pedestrian traffic and opens for vehicles to slowly drive from 1st Street to 34th Street. Over two miles of light displays feature moving 3o foot high sea life and representations of each of the "12 Days of Christmas" loosly choreographed to the music CD playing on your vehicle's CD player. Those that are looking for something a little different, can ride a horse drawn carriage through the displays wrapped under heavy blankets and open to the starry sky. EVERY STAY AT BARCLAY COTTAGE BED AND BREAKFAST INCLUDES FREE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT!

NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO MYSTERY DINNER THEATERS FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE!

Games Show Murders 7:30 pm Saturday 11/20 at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse in the DoubleTree Hotel. Sit down to a 4 course dinner with choice of chicken, beef or vegetarian pasta entrees.

"A Killer Comedy" 7:15 pm Saturday 11/20 at Angelo's Murder Mystery Dinner Theater in the Best Western Oceanfront Inn Enjoy an all you care to eat buffet.

BEETHOVEN'S FOURTH SYMPHONY

8:00 pm Saturday 11/20 the Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven's Fourth at Regent University. Tickets $20 - $50

ENJOY ONE OR MORE OF THESE EVENTS WHILE STAYING AT BARCLAY COTTAGE BED AND BREAKFAST!

Halloween In Virginia Beach includes Virginia Symphony and Roller Derby

2010-10-17T14:24:00.005-04:00

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast still has rooms available for Halloween Weekend.

As usual, there's a lot happening in Virginia's Largest City......

Blue Moon Wicked 10K and Monster Mile

Run this wacky race in costume - or not...raise money for homeless families. Fun time for all! Saturday 10/30. Race starts at 8:00 am at the VB Convention Center and finishes on the Boardwalk at 19th St. Barclay Cottage B&B is only a short walk (run? jog?) away from both.

"ADULT" Halloween Party at Town Center

6-10 pm party for big people with several bands, costume party, and Hallow-tini competition. Dress-up, dress-down, come as you are (anyway can be pretty scary!) Have a frightfully good time (cab or limo recommended)

Military Aviation Museum Talk and Flight Demo

Saturday, Oct. 30 at 11:00 am, MGen Donald J Strait USAF (ret) WWII vet and Double Ace with 13.5 kills, will speak of his exploits followed immediately by a P-51 Flight Demo. Come relive history with a true American Hero. Watch the P-51 take-off, land, and perform in the air over the fields and forests of the Pungo section of Virginia Beach.

HIGHBROW
Haunted Classics - Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Saturday Oct 30 8:00 pm Chrysler Hall
Sunday Oct 31 2:30 pm Sandler Center for Performing Arts.

Rachmaninoff’s ghostly “Isle of the Dead,” Saint-Sans "Danse Macabre" and Boito’s “Mefistofele” prologue! Percussionist Colin Currie performs Jennifer Higdon's 2010 Grammy Award winning Percussion Concerto. Higdon will be in the audience for both performances. (there's a rumor that Rachmaninoff will also be in attendance - - oooOOOooo)

LOWBROW
Dominion Derby Girls Roller Derby Bout

Jessica Riehl Photography

Saturday 10/30 8:00 pm Haygood Skating Center

Virginia Beach's own Roller Derby Girls face off against league rivals. Be outlandish! There will be a halftime costume contest, raffles and admission is by donation only.

NIGHTMARE MANSION Haunted Special

Prepare to be scared! Friday 10/29 6:00 - 11:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 10/30-31 2:00 - 12:00 Midnight

Not recommended for those with weak hearts! Not recommended just before bed! Easy walk to - and flee back to Barclay Cottage!

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Virginia Beach October 15-17 Weekend Events

2010-10-08T12:43:00.000-04:00

Concert

Come to Virginia Beach Friday Night 10/15 for the John Prine concert at Town Center.

Shop 'til you drop

If you can't make the concert, are you looking for deals on all sorts of "stuff" Are you a rockhound, gem or fossil collector? Head for the Virginia Beach Convention Center where there'll be two shows this weeekend - The Merchandise Liquidation Sale and the Treasures of the Earth Gem and Jewelry Show.

Run Drink Beer

If you're a runner, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K will kick off Saturday at Neptune Park (31st St) then stagger down to the 24th St Park for the Craft Beer Festival Saturday and Sunday. There's always a lot going on in Virginia Beach - Virginia's Largest City - and this weekend is no exception.

And...What better place to stay than.....

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast !

c'mon down!

Rooms available at Barclay Cottage B&B Sept 17 Weekend

2010-09-09T20:21:00.001-04:00

We still have a few rooms available for the weekend of Sept 17. Festa Italiana will take place at the 17th St Park just a couple of blocks away. Lots of Italian food and drink. There'll be folk and ball room dancing on the Boardwalk, Italian cooking demonstrations, and Rat Pack impersonators.. In the sky overhead watch some of the performers of the 2010 Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show! The Air Show begins Friday night with a special twilight show followed by two days of precision flying by numerous show groups including, of course, the Blue Angels. Sunday night the action moves to the Boardwalk at the 31st St Neptune Park where the Blue Angels will mix with the crowd as Navy jets perform Afterburner flyovers and parachutists drop in formation and coast to landings on the beach. For model train enthusiasts there is the Tidewater Model Train Show and Sale at the Convention Center. Kids of all ages will love to see the various guage train exhibits and layouts. Stay at Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast to enjoy these weekend events.

Big Bands, Jazz, Blues at the Beach on tap for Sept 10 Weekend

2010-09-09T19:37:00.002-04:00

Summer is officially over, we can now take our Golden Retriever, Molly, back to the boardwalk and beach until next Summer. Things quieted down overnight Labor Day. The beach was deserted Tuesday afternoon, although it was another beautiful day and the water temperature was still 80. Molly enjoyed digging a pool and lying in it as the waves washed over her! Sept 11 weekend is Blues At the Beach featuring 10 different blues bands for two days at the 17th St Park. There'll be Big Band music and Jazz by Charles Darden Orchestra at the 31st St Stage. Also, this is the same weekend as the Neptune Wine Festival at the 31st Street Park. For a fixed entry fee, sample some (or all!) of the more than 20 fine Virginia Wines and listen to music by several bands playing throughout the day. Virginia bands "Rock Star Parking" and "Butter" will be playing at the 7th St Stage. Our full house will enjoy music all weekend. Some may venture to the Military Aviation Museum to watch the P-51 Mustang fly and enjoy the RC dogfights over the field. Others will be hiking in First Landing State Park and some will just head to the beach for some of the best weather we've had this year.

2010-07-28T16:10:00.000-04:00

Things to see and do this weekend besides "beachin' it" within a short walk from Barclay Cottage

A lot is happening in Virginia Beach In addition to the nightly entertainment at the 7th, 17th, 24th and 31st Street stages along the Boardwalk and the street entertainment on Beach Street USA,

Thurs 7/29- Sun 8/8 the 2010 AAU Jr. Olympic Games will be held at various venues throughout Hampton Roads. Some of the most visible competitions our guests will see will be on the beach - Beach Volleyball and Beach Tennis Fri-Sun 7/30-8/1. The Virginia Beach Convention Center will host the Baton Twirling, Trampoline and Tumbling, and wrestling competitions throughout the week.

July 30-Aug 2 At the Virginia Beach Sportsplex is the 2010 National Boy's/Men's Soccer Cup IX Finals and National Collegiate Showcase. High levels of soccer competition will be 10 Gilrs/Womens teams were crowned National Champions this past week!

Every Saturday morning from 8:00 AM - Noon is the Old Beach Farmer's Market just 5 blocks away. Weekend guests will often shop here for local products to take home with them.

Every Sunday night is Salsa music night at the 17th Street Park 8-10:30 PM Learn the latest Latin Salsa dance steps and watch the fireworks over the water at 10:00 (There are fireworks EVERY Wednesday and Sunday during the summer until Labor Day Weekend)

Barclay Cottage B&B for Latin Fest and the North American Sand Soccer Championships 6/11-13

2010-06-03T18:02:00.004-04:00

SAND SOCCER 2010

June 11-13, 2010 the 17th Annual North American Sand Soccer Championships will be held in Virginia Beach, Virginia all along the beach. Last year there were teams from 16 states and 10 foreign countries in all age groups and level of play from boys and girls U9-U13 to men's and women's pro/am. Come watch the almost 10,000 participants vie for trophies and prizes at all levels.

LATIN FEST 2010

To make things even more exciting, the 24th Street Park will host the Hardee's Latin Fest with an international line up of performers such as Locos Por Juana, Leydy Bonilla and Mala Fe. Free Zumba lessons will get you ready to enter the 3 hour Zumba Marathon.

Can you say "GGOOAALLL!! "

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast still has several rooms available.

BOOK YOUR ROOM FOR THE WEEKEND HERE!

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Barclay Cottage Video showing grounds and common areas

2010-05-27T16:44:00.001-04:00

Virginia Beach Events May 22-23 Will Keep Guests Busy all Weekend

2010-05-16T11:12:00.042-04:00

Brad Paisley H2O Tour comes to town at the Amphitheater Friday.

Feel the beat of the World Music Drum Festival at 17th St Park Saturday.

See WW I and WW II War Birds Over the Beach all weekend - big show at Military Aviation Museum with dinner and dancing at the Museum Saturday Night.

Rainbow Philatelic Society Stamp Show is Saturday & Sunday at the Convention Center.

Ah, yes, things are really heating up going into Summer. Alice's Room and the Garden Room are still available as of Sunday morning 5/16.

Alice's Room Garden Room

Virginia Garden Week Tour

2010-03-30T18:03:00.002-04:00

Virginia Garden Week 4/17 - 4/25, 2010

As Part of Virginia's Garden Week Celebration, the Virginia Beach Garden Club and Princess Anne Garden Club are sponsoring a tour of 5 Virginia Beach private homes and gardens and 6 historic homes and gardens on Wednesday, April 21. Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 the day of the tour. A Buffet luncheon will be served at Princess Anne Country Club for an additional $15.00 charge.

Stay at our 1895 Victorian beach cottage and enjoy our gardens during your visit to Virginia Beach

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast Wins Another Award

2010-03-25T17:15:00.002-04:00

Viewers of LanierBB.com and readers of the book The Complete Guide to Bed & Breakfasts, inns and Guesthouses International have voted us 2010 Best Bed and Breakfast with Beach or Shoreline Nearby. We were voted top in this category from among 8,500 B&Bs around the world that appear in the Pamela Lanier online and print guides.

LanierBB.com of Petaluma, California announced the award February 11th and stated in its press release "... Barclay Cottage B&B serves its guests with extraordinary comfort and unparalleled attention to detail. Warm, welcoming and full of character, Barclay Cottage B&B offers travelers an ideal base for a relaxing and memorable bed and breakfast retreat....an unforgettable experience."

2010 Shamrock Marathon Weekend a Big Success

2010-03-23T19:21:00.030-04:00

Eight runners in our 5 rooms ran in the 8K and Half Marathon over the weekend. Each of the two couples above ran together the entire 13.1 miles of the Half Marathon. While all four are longtime runners - for each couple it was the first race that they had run together from start to finish, and they enjoyed themselves immensely. One couple also ran the 8k on the previous day and will be getting Dolphin Challenge Pins when they return home. (The Dolphin Challenge is to run the 8K on one day followed by the Half Marathon the next)

One Irish guest who ran in the Half Marathon drove this Shamrock festooned vehicle from Washington, DC.

Just an 8K walk down the street Or an 8K waltz

REAL IRISH GIRLS! Good kick!

As usual, we had our early morning runners' light carb loading, potassium loading, hydrating early morning runners' breakfast. Steve drove runners to the start then staked out a good spot on the course to take these pictures. By the time everyone returned to Barclay Cottage, 8X10 glossy pictures were printed and given to the runners along with their official times printed directly from the computer as the results were finalized.

Brunch, served after the race, was an international smorgasborg of individual French quiche Lorraines, potato latkes, Jewish cheese blini, Greek spanikopita and locally made chicken apple sausages washed down with coffee, tea, juice, water, and, of course Mimosas to celebrate the efforts of our guests. We also celebrated a guest's birthday and each had a serving of Strawberry Pie which she purchased to share with the others.

While we had a three night minimum for this event, our rooms averaged a little over $500.00 for the 3 nights 4 days, which included multi-course gourmet breakfasts the other two mornings, snacks and hot and cold drinks 24/7, wine for a nitecap, and home baked cookies every afternoon!

Join us for the next runner's event in Virginia Beach!

Sat. 3/13 Women of World War II and P-51 Mustang Demonstration Flight

2010-03-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

On Saturday 3/13 at the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum, Alice Wamsley and Beth Chaves will be speaking about their experiences in support of the United States military in the war. Dassa Carvey, the President of the National WAVES Association will speak about the Navy veterans group for women.

Immediately after the talks, thrill to the flight demonstration of the Museum's P-51 Mustang.

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is offering special rates for WWII veterans staying here attending these events.

More Snow causes most Barclay Cottage guests to stay indoors

2010-02-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

Three weeikends in a row is getting to be a bit much! We only had a dusting today, but it is COLD COLD COLD. We've got a full house, including a couple that RAN a 14K race this morning before breakfast! It was the Virginia is For Lovers 14K which was run out at the Verizon Virginia Beach Amphitheater. They ran through heavy snowfall and cold temps, and are spending a good part of the afternoon in bed trying to warm up! Brrrr

12 Inches of Snow in Virginia Beach??

2010-02-08T12:57:00.000-05:00

The last day of January brought up to 12" of snow to parts of Virginia Beach. We have lived in this area almost 14 years and never have seen this much snow here. (Of course in New England, where we hail from, this would have been a rather normal occurrence.) Schools were closed for 3 days waiting for the stuff to melt, but cold weather kept it around far longer than expected. We were bracing for the next storm, but, luckily for us, it veered to the north and dumped even more snow on Washington, DC.

We were cozy in Barclay Cottage, and took the time to tackle some long pending projects. We lost power only for a short time so we got quite a lot accomplished.

Marie-Louise was up at dawn on Sunday 1/31 and took these pictures......

Congratulations to Zoe's Once Again Voted Hampton Roads Best Restaurant

2010-01-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

Hampton Roads Magazine's critics have once again voted Zoe's on 19th Street in Virginia Beach Hampton Roads' Best Restaurant and Top Platinum Plate winner. The magazine's food critics, culinary school professors and local food experts agreed that chef Jerry Weihbrecht, sommelier Marc Sauter, and their staff provide the highest level of service and cuisine of all restaurants in the Hampton Roads area. Five of the top 10 Platinum Plate Awards went to restaurants located in Virginia Beach, and, in addition to top ranked Zoe's, include: Terrapin, Salacia, Coastal Grill, and Swan Terrace (numbers 5,6,7 and 8 respectively).

Zoe's has long been a favorite of ours and of our guests, and is the restaurant included in our ongoing Think Free Getaway and in many of our romance and other packages.

Congratulations, Jerry, Marc, and everyone at Zoe's

SPECIAL RATES FOR RESTAURANT WEEK - JANUARY 17-24, 2010

2010-01-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

Restaurant Week is back to Virginia Beach! Go ahead. March to a different drummer. Take a few days off the fast track right in the middle of winter and during the week. (OK, if you can't get time off, come on the weekend!) and sample some of the very best cuisine in Virginia. Virginia Beach Restaurant Week gives all of us "gastronomes" (a/k/a "foodies") the opportunity to enjoy Virginia Beach's premier locals' favorite, upscale restaurants at prices that will make your wallet think that someone made an addition error! (Dinner $20.10 or $25.10 and Lunch $10.10) Let us make your reservation at a different participating restaurant for each night of your stay and enjoy the special showcase menues that have been specially prepared for this annual event.

We are offering discounted room rates for this event.

Lillian's Lighthouse or Alice's Room
          Sun-Thurs only $90.00 / night regular $115.00
          Fri & Sat. $105.00 / night   regular $135.00

Garden or Shore Room
            Sun-Thurs only $75.00 / night regular $95.00
            Fri & Sat  only 85.00 / night   regular $110.00

2010 NEW YEAR TREE

2010-01-09T15:46:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! !

Every year after Christmas, Marie-Louise undecorates our tree and redecorates it with champagne glasses, noisemakers, and other stuff appropriate for celebrating the New Year.

Here is our 2010 New Year Tree!

Barclay Cottage Guests Leave Beach for Home

2009-12-15T14:59:00.000-05:00

Here's an e-mail with pictures we received from some of our recent guests . . . .

Hi Steve and Marie-Louise,

We just wanted to say thanks again for a wonderful weekend away! Thank you also for allowing us to check in late on Thursday - it was so much nicer than staying in a hotel that first night! We really appreciated all your recommendations for things to do and places to eat, and the delicious breakfasts, as well as the company at breakfast, made our time away special. It was a perfect, relaxing break before all the chaos of the holiday season. I've attached a couple pictures of the good old-fashioned Minnesota winter weather that welcomed us home.

Rich and Barb

During your stay at Barclay Cottage visit Virginia's First Landing State Park

2009-12-01T13:25:00.002-05:00

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is only 10 miles from the trail center of First Landing State Park. Here are a few pictures of the Bald Cypress Trail. Note the Spanish Moss hanging from the Cypress trees - it does not grow any further north than Virginia Beach.

The Bald Cypress Trail is an interpretive nature trail for which one may purchase a Bald Cypress Trail Guide. There are wooden posts in the ground with numbers and letters on them that correspond to the numbered and lettered sections of the Guide. The Guide explains what flora and fauna may be seen at certain stops along the trail, and describes historical and geological events that shaped the park area.

In 1997, the remains of 64 Chesapeake Indians were buried at First Landing. The remains had been unearthed at several sites in the Great Neck area and kept in storage in Richmond. Present at the re-burial ceremony were representatives of Virginia's eight recognized tribes and tribes from many other parts of the country. The burial ground and a small Indian encampment may be visited.

Across Shore Drive from the entrance to the First Landing State Park Trail area, is another section of the park which abuts the Chesapeake Bay. The park offices and the Chesapeake Bay Center are located here. The Center has a wet lab, and displays maintained by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. There are also displays that describe settlement of the area by native Indians and English settlers. A wooden walkway leads over the fragile dunes and down to the beach below. One may watch the ships entering and leaving the Chesapeake Bay, fishermen tending their weirs, and many shore birds. This is one of Laura Fagin's favorite places!

Join Us!

2009-12-01T12:08:00.002-05:00

Experience a Virginia Beach sunrise in November (they're pretty much the same all year round). Maybe you'll get to see the marvelous colors as we did last week!

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast open for Thanksgiving Holidays

2009-11-13T21:09:00.001-05:00

This year our daughter Danielle is having Thanksgiving and we have decided to stay open for the Thanksgiving holidays.

We are offering a 3 night special package for only $775.00 per Couple (all taxes & fees included)

INCLUDES::

3 night stay with gourmet breakfasts each morning (early on Black Friday so you can catch the sales!)
Thanksgiving dinner with your local friends or family you are visiting - or we will reserve a table for you for a special Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant;
maps to local malls and specialty shops for some searious shopping after which you will return for a
massage to relieve the stress, followed by a
bottle of wine and crudites while you dress and prepare to walk to
dinner at Zoe's (4 Diamond rated and just a few blocks away).

Stay an extra night explore Virginia Beach or finish shopping and catch the Early Bird Special dinner at Rockafeller's then enjoy the Boardwalk Christmas Light Show - additional $200.00

Come stay with us over Thanksgiving !

Steve & Marie-Louise

Virginia Beach Weather is Stormy Yet Still Much To Do

2009-11-11T18:38:00.000-05:00

We are being hit by a Nor'Easter that is generating gusts up to 60 mph with sustained winds over 30 mph! The waves are really kicking up and putting on a show of Mother Nature's immense power. Everything is supposed to clear out by the weekend and become pleasant again, but until then, all but the adventurous, will be spending most of their time indoors.

However, notwithstanding the wind and driving rain, our guests were out and about the area visiting: 1) the Virginia Beach Library for some genealogical research; 2) the Military Aviation Museum to view the many WWII aircraft and learn from of the actual pilots about the craft; 3) the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum to observe the various denizens of the deep and take in an IMAX 3-D show; 4) several shopping malls and upscale shops; and 5) continuing a multi-day business trip calling on local clients.

If the weather continues to blow tomorrow as expected, there are still many indoor things left to enjoy including: the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum and Coast Guard Lifesaving Museum which are each only a few blocks away on the Boardwalk; the Virginia Contemporary Art Center on 22nd Street; the Cape Henry Lighthouse; and many more museums and attractions in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Newport News only short drives away.

That's one thing more about Virginia Beach that we love - there's always something to do no matter what the weather!

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Christmas Lights going up

2009-10-26T14:05:00.003-04:00

The waves were crashing big time today when Marie-Louise and I walked Molly on the Boardwalk. A storm is coming and the wind was out of the NorthEast. The Pier was closed except for a couple of gift shops and the time share "Vacation Info" booth.

The city and oceanfront hotel employees were bustling around setting up the lights for the Christmas Lightshow on the Boardwalk. This starts before Thanksgiving and lasts until after New Year's Eve. Promptly at 5:00 PM every night, the Boardwalk is cleared of pedestrians and bicyclists and carloads of people slowly drive along the Boardwalk from 1st to 36th Streets taking in the wonderful Christmas Light Displays. One pays $10 ($5 before Thanksgiving), gets a CD with Christmas Music on it, and drives the Boardwalk listening to the music and watching the animated Christmas Light show choreographed to the CD. It's all quite fun and the proceeds go to charity.

They keep getting younger!

2009-10-13T18:24:00.000-04:00

Check out our new housekeeper!

Grand daughter Sophia shlepps the
vacuum around the Great Room.

NEPTUNE FESTIVAL BOARDWALK WEEKEND

2009-09-30T19:11:00.008-04:00

Barclay Cottage had a full house this past weekend. Guests enjoyed cooler weather and strong ocean breezes as they played in the water, goofed off at the beach, and took in the sights and sounds of Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend. Our location at 16th Street let our guests walk a couple of blocks to be right in the middle of the Boardwalk activities. After taking in the festivities, they returned to the Cottage for a little peace and tranquility before heading out to dinner at one of our fine locally owned restaurants.

Boardwalk Weekend is the final event of Neptune Festival which consists of year round activities which raise money for several local and national charities. In March, a prominent business person is elected "King Neptune" who is surrounded by his court of "Tridents", similarly elected from the business community. The results are announced and the honors bestowed at a Gala held for the purpose. May brings: Spring Wine Tasting at the Oceanfront; an Art and Wine festival at Towne Center; and the Neptune Golf Tournament. In April, the Neptune Tennis Tournament is held, and then Neptune and his Tridents knock off for vacation until September when there is a flurry of activities.

The early part of September features: "Endless Summer Beach Bash" with dancing under the stars at the Cavalier Beach Club; followed the next weekend with a Seniors' Gala and Fall Wine Tasting at the Hilton and 31st St. Park; then the Sandman Triathlon is held at the 24th Street Park.

Boardwalk Weekend, which falls on the last weekend of September, has many activities. The North American Sandsculpting competition is held which brings artists from all over the world to compete for a top prize of $9,000. (Yes, there are Professional Sandsculptors!)

Zen Garden & Sculptors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Dancing with the Stars

The Atlantic Regatta pits many different types of sailboats in a handicapped race along the shore from Cape Henry to Rudee Inlet. Sand Soccer and Beach Volleyball Tournaments and the Neptune Surfing Classic all take place on the beach from Rudee Inlet to 10th Street, and the Neptune 8K/5K foot races start and finish at the 24th Street Park providing hours of excitement for participants and spectators.

Racing sailboats & Surfer in wave - - - - - - - - - - - -Beach Volleyball

Daughter Danielle, Tim & kids - - - - - - - - - - - - Hometown Hereos Float

A Grand Parade is held Saturday morning on Atlantic Avenue from 16th Street to 40th Street led by King Neptune and his court, and features floats, marching bands, military units, service organizations, and plenty of clowns, and characters.

NOT a Marching Band! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Band - Marching Type

The largest draw is the Boarwalk, itself, where artists, craftspersons, food vendors, and carneys provide two miles of booths to sample, enjoy, and purchase fine art, jewelry, or kitsch. The juried arts and crafts show was located from 16th to 33rd Streets and the carnival rides and games were from 16th Street to Rudee Inlet. Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is pleased to support the Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia , which runs the art show portion of the weekend.

One of many artists' booths - - - - - - - - - - - -- - Food Vendors, too!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -The OBLIGATORY Corn Dog! - - - - - - - - - - -

Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

2009-09-08T15:47:00.020-04:00

The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon once again came to Virginia Beach over Labor Day Weekend.

On Sunday, September 6, over 20,000 ran/walked/rolled from our Convention Center south along Pacific Avenue, over the Rudy Inlet Bridge to General Booth Boulevard, through Camp Pendalton and the surrounding area, and finished on the Boardwalk at 13th Street.

We welcomed back 5 rooms of runners and supporters (Dan, Pat & Meg) - all knew one another from previous visits - and had a wonderful weekend, with glorious weather. Of course, the American Music Festival also took place this weekend, and the stages at 7th, 17th, 24th, and 31st Streets along the Boardwalk featured free concerts of Blues, Rock n Roll, and Beach music every night. The Main Stage was set up on the beach at 5th Street, where "Boyz to Men" , "Heart", and "The Black Crows" were the headliners. There were fireworks on Saturday and Sunday nights, and Beach Street USA (free street entertainment along Atlantic Avenue) completed its final nights of 2009.

As usual, we served a 5:00 am wake up of bagels, bananas, other fruit and fruit juices, coffee and tea to help our crew "carb up" and load some potassium to ward off muscle cramps. Steve took pictures of the race and returned to the Cottage to print the pictures and download official times with splits/pace/etc. for each of our runners. After everyone returned, a big brunch with mimosas was served and everyone told race stories and shared the pictures.

BARCLAY COTTAGE RUNNERS :
MARSHALL 1st 1/2 Marathon

MOLLY - HER FIRST RACE! Just took up running 9mos ago

SORITA & MICHAEL (NEWLYWEDS!)

LESLIE

BROOKE (5:00 AM before race - note bird!)

MISC PICTURES:

Birds of a Feather

2009-08-27T15:31:00.005-04:00

Recently, three couples of four at breakfast discovered they had all traveled from Quebec. While most were bi-lingual, French was the language of the day, and Marie-Louise enjoyed interpreting from French to English and back! Our Canadian and Quebec flags were flying and, as usual, the puns and jokes were flying around the table (nothing was lost in the translations :) )

Lost Least Bittern

2009-05-18T13:18:00.011-04:00

Imagine our surprise to come outside one morning and see this character on our second story porch!

He stuck around the entire day, just hanging out on the porch, and hiding in one of the Crepe Myrtle trees when our guests wandered onto the porches just before breakfast.

Least Bitterns are very shy shore birds and tend to be found (with difficulty) in reeds and grasses in tidal wetlands. Their coloration allows them to blend in perfectly with the grasses, and when startled, they look straight up - allowing their heads and bodies to form one long silouette, and their brown striped colors to mimic their surroundings.

He obviously knew that he was being watched as he continually stretched his neck and body to be parallel to the branches in which he was perched. Don't think we would have noticed him if he stayed in the Myrtles and hadn't been perched on the porch.

Later in the day, we got these photos of one of our neighborhood mockingbirds.

Bye the way, our little Christmas Robin fledged and has stuck around all spring. We think he is the one responsible for the new nest in our Camelia bush on the Arctic Avenue side of the Cottage.

SHAMROCK MARATHON WEEKEND 2009

2009-03-21T13:29:00.019-04:00

Shamrock Marathon Weekend got off to a good start...Saturday early (6:00 am) carb load breakfast for our runners in the 8K - we had four - a husband & wife team and a brother and sister. The rest of our guests slept in 'til the regular breakfast hour at 9:00.

As usual, we took pictures of our runners - here are a couple from the 8K

Sunday dawned bright and clear, with no wind to slow our runners down. The whole Cottage was up by 5:30 to nosh some fruit, bagels and English muffns. Of the four guests who ran the 8K on Saturday, two were running the Marathon and two the Half Marathon (working on their Whale and Dolphin pins and standings). They were joined by two more guests for the Marathon and one for the Half Marathon. After driving them to the Starting Line, Steve returned the car to the Cottage and picked up his camera for more shots of our guests. A few are shown below - - - -

-----------

After the race, our runners returned to Barclay Cottage for a full breakfast of fruit and sweet breads, Spanikopita, broccoli quiche, sweet potato bisquits, and breakfast meats (or veggie substitutes) coffee, juice, etc. Steve retreived their official times and presented each person with his or her picture and time printout. Breakfast conversation pretty much was dominated by discussions of the race and various aches and pains that had developed over the day! When breakfast was over, some got in their cars and had to drive home, but several of our repeat guests stayed another night and took advantage of the massage studio across the street. They spent the rest of the day relaxing before heading home after one more Barclay Cottage breakfast Monday morning.

Next up - - the 2009 Rock 'n Roll 1/2 Marathon ! We still have one room available for 3 nights over the Labor Day Weekend.

Whales and DOLPHINS!

2009-03-08T19:57:00.004-04:00

Guests of Barclay Cottage here on a Whale Watching Package March 7 saw over 50 dolphins that stayed with the boat the whole time it traveled from Rudy Inlet to Cape Henry and back.

The 3:00 pm trip on Saturday encountered more dolphins than had ever been seen on a whale or dolphin watching boat trip run by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum - winter or summer! Unfortunately no whales were seen Saturday. BUT those guests who opted for Sunday's 3:00 pm trip got up close and personal with a humpback whale who put in a timely appearance. Not a single dolphin appeared! Go figure!

Whale Watching Packages are still available until March 15 at 3:00 pm which will be the last trip of the season. Dolphin Watching Packages will be available beginning in late April and run until October. Usually our dolphins appear and stay throughout the summer, but after this weekend, it may be wise to book those trips earlier this year.

One Lucky Christmas Robin

2009-02-10T20:01:00.006-05:00

Only one of our Robin eggs was viable. But this little guy with a lot of help from his Mom and Dad made it through some very cold weather and managed to fledge! Perhaps he'll return to build another nest near or on our bed and breakfast....

Endangered Right Whales Seen on Whale Watch

2009-01-19T17:07:00.007-05:00

Guests of Barclay Cottage who were visiting Virginia Beach on a Whale Watching Package, got a rare treat on January 9. They spotted a female Right Whale and her calf durng their whale watching boat trip !
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, which guides the trips, sent pictures of the whales to the New England Aquarium in Boston, where researchers identified the mother from her markings as shown in the pictures. Mom turned out to be a 40 foot mature female known as "Baldy", and researchers were pleased that she had calfed.
It is believed that only about 350 North Atlantic Right Whales roam the ocean, and Virginia Beach Whale Watchers have only seen right whales on two or three occasions in more than six years. Typically, sightings are of humpback and fin whales
Book one of our Whale Watching Packages and perhaps you will be lucky enough to enjoy a similar once in a lifetime opportunity!

Packages are $375 per couple and include:
two nights at our wonderful B&B with full breakfasts each morning;
admission to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center;
a 3-D IMAX Theater presentation;
two hour whale watching boat trip guided by scientists from the Aquarium; and
dinner for two at Rockafeller's Restaurant.

http://www.barclaycottage.com/packages.html
http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/
http://www.rockafellers.com/

Happy New Year

2009-01-07T12:34:00.002-05:00

Blog 2009 New Year Musings

On January 1, 2009, we pause to express gratitude for the many guests who have become friends over the past 5 ½ years that we have owned Barclay Cottage and for the many new friends who have come into our lives this year. I guess this is the time of year when we tend to get thoughtful about things and we realize how very fortunate we are to spend our days doing what we love best…being with nice people. So, to those who have visited with us this past year, thank you for honoring us by coming and being part of our extended ‘family’. You are the reason we like what we do more and more each year.

I am getting ready to take down the Christmas garlands, lights and wreaths. Here is a picture of a wreath we won’t be taking down for quite some time. It seems that over the Christmas holiday, a robin family built a nest in it! So, when you come, be sure to notice it!

Bah Humbug!

2008-12-03T11:36:00.005-05:00

I remember when I got my first facial....It was December 9, 1987. As a gift for my June birthday, I had received a gift certificate from my friend, Susan, for a facial at a salon in our local mall. I had saved it for the perfect time, and, when we were invited to a Christmas party on that particular Saturday, I know this would be the perfect time for a facial.

The reason it comes to mind now, is that I felt SO smug to be there relaxing and being pampered while thinking about all the other people racing throughout the mall in their annual quest for the right Christmas gift for each person on their lists. It really was even more relaxing knowing that I had completed my shopping.

Now, so many years later, as the owner of an inn, I got to thinking that I can't help people relax by actually doing their shopping for them. But, I can wrap their gifts while they are getting a massage. So we developed a Christmas package that lets our guests get off the rat race during one of the busiest times of the year.

Our "Christmas Shopping Made Easy" package includes:

2 nights at our inn;
Multi-course full breakfasts each morning;
One hour massage after your shopping spree while we wrap your gifts;
Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants - we'll make the reservation;
Ticket for Christmas Light Show on the Boardwalk

All for $455.00 per couple plus taxes

November Happenings

2008-11-02T11:01:00.002-05:00

11/1-12/31 Striped Bass World Championship throughout area
11/6-11/8 Susan Tedeschi/James Hunter Blues Sandler Center
11/7-11/8 Fall Home Show at Convention Center
11/8 Stampin' Up Scrapbooking Convention Center
11/14-11/18 Big Flea Antique Flea Market Convention Center
11/15 Mozart's Haffner (Symphony 35 D Major) Virginia Symphony Sandler Center
11/21 Buddy Guy Rock 'n Roll Sandler Center
11/21-1/1 Holiday Lights - 2nd St - 33rd St Boardwalk Light Show
11/22 Vince Gill - Country Sandler Center
11/22 Holst The Planets - Virginia Symphony Chrysler Hall
11/23 A Celebration of Cultures - Multi-Cultural Expo Convention Center
11/26-11/30 BARCLAY COTTAGE B&B CLOSED
11/29 Rock Around the Clock Rockfish Tournament Bay Bridge Tunnel

Barclay Cottage Best B&B in Mid-Atlantic Region

2008-10-03T17:44:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 2, 2008
Contact: Stephen LaFond 757-422-1956

BARCLAY COTTAGE BED AND BREAKFAST CHOSEN
ONE OF THE TOP B&BS IN MID-ATLANTIC AMERICA IN THE BEST OF BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM AWARDS
Virginia Beach, Virginia -- Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast of Virginia Beach was chosen as one of the best bed and breakfasts in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards, 2008-2009. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 50,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.
"We know how important independent reviews are. We're pleased that inngoers concurred that Barclay Cottage is a favorite among those seeking the B&B experience," explained BedandBreakfast.com's Sandy Soule, one of the most highly recognized authors and a spokeswoman for the B&B industry. "It's clear that Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast earned high marks from inngoers for their fine accommodations, breakfasts, amenities, and wonderful hospitality and service," commented Soule.
"We are thrilled that we were chosen for a Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award, and are pleased that our guests posted reviews that resulted in this award," stated Innkeeper, Marie-Louise LaFond. "It is gratifying that our attention to the details that make a difference to guests were recognized by inngoers who took the time to write reviews of our inn," she continued.. Here's an excerpt from one of our reviews: "Outstanding Property! Everything about Barclay cottage is top notch. Very clean, excellent breakfast, very comfortable, and great innkeepers. We felt very much at home as soon as we walked in and Steve and Marie Louise made sure that we had everything we needed...”
Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast was built in 1895, served as a private school for 50 years, and has been graciously welcoming guests since 1917, making it one of the oldest continuously operating lodging establishments in Virginia. Located on a quiet street in an historic neighborhood, it is only a three minute walk to the bustling activity of the boardwalk and beach. One of only two remaining Victorian era cottages in Virginia Beach, it has all modern conveniences including: central heat and air conditioning; a Guest Business Center with computer, printer and copier; property-wide WIFI and jetted tubs. The many antiques, hand-made quilts, and Victorian memorabilia take one back to days gone by. One constant is the outstanding service provided by the innkeepers.

The 2008-2009 award winners for the Mid-Atlantic United States region are:

Best of Mid-Atlantic (United States)
My Fair Lady B&B, Crisfield, MD
Ostrander's Bed & Breakfast, Canton, NY
Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast, Penn Yan, NY
The John F. Craig House, Cape May, NJ
The Columbian Bed & Breakfast. Columbia, PA
Brickhouse Inn, Gettysburg, PA
The Brafferton Inn, Gettysburg, PA
Cordials B&B, New Hope, PA
Barclay Cottage, Virginia Beach, VA
Cedars of Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA

For a complete list of Best of BedandBreakfast.com winners, and thousands of perfect choices for your next B&B getaway visit http://www.BedandBreakfast.com , the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network worldwide, listing nearly 7,000 B&Bs and inns. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, welcomed at nearly 4,000 B&Bs in the U.S. and Canada, and read up-to-date trip reports on the BedandBreakfast.com blog, read and write independent reviews, and post questions on expert-hosted message boards.

High resolution photos available upon request

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast
400 16th Street
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
866-466-1895
http://www.barclaycottage.com

Barclay Cottage Receives VIRGINIA GREEN LODGING CERTIFICATION

2008-06-19T10:46:00.005-04:00

On June 13, 2008, Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast of Virginia Beach was certified as Virginia's newest Green Lodging facility. A Certificate of Environmental Commitment was presented to owners Stephen and Marie-Louise LaFond on behalf of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality by Laura Habr, owner of Croc's Restaurant - the first restaurant in the state to win the Virginia Green designation. Croc's is located a short walk from Barclay Cottage on 19th Street.

Barclay Cottage was certified for its commitment to minimizing its environmental impact, and preventing pollution wherever feasible in its operations as a B&B. These efforts include: recycling; water and energy conservation; sponsoring green events; and encouraging environmental awareness by its guests.

April Events going on Around Barclay Cottage B&B

2008-03-28T15:01:00.002-04:00

April is NOT all about the flowers! Some upcoming events

April 3 - Opening Day Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball Team plays the Buffalo Bisons
http://www.norfolktides.com/

April 11-12 Judo Senior National Championships VirginiaBeach Convention Center
http://www.usjudo.org/

April 14-19 International Azalea Festival featuring Golf, Gardens, Parades and NATO events, with this year's honored country the Netherlands.
http://www.azaleafestival.org/events.asp

April 18-20 Spring Craft Show Virginia Beach Convention Center
http://www.emgshows.com/

April 18-20 Virginia International Tattoo Military music and events, pipers, acrobats, etc.
http://www.virginiaartsfest.com/tattoo.php

Saturday, April 19 Skirt Women's Show Virginia Beach Convention Center
http://www.skirtwomensshow.com/

Saturday and Sunday April 19-20 Southeast Gun and Knife Show Virginia Beach Convention Center. http://www.guns-knives.com/

Wednesday and Thursday April 23 and 24 14 beautiful gardens and homes may be viewed as Virginia Beach's contribution to Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Eight private residences and six historic homes/museums will be open for touring included in the ticket price of $25.00 Check out all the details at :
http://www.vagardenweek.org/schedule-vabeach.htm

Saturday April 26 Cruizin' Virginia Beach Auto and Motorcycle Super Show - Check out all the cars and bikes set up for viewing along the 3 mile Boardwalk.
http://www.beachstreetusa.com/beachstreetusa_web_site_025.htm

April 24-27 Smokey Joe's Cafe - Broadway comes to the Beach! Sandler Center for the Arts
http://www.sandlercenter.org/calendar/?event=18

These are just some of the events in the area. Call for additional infomation

Barclay Cottage Runners in Shamrock Marathon

2008-03-14T16:19:00.005-04:00

This weekend is the Viirginia Beach Shamrock Marathon on March 15 and 16. The race was started in 1973 and many world records have been set during the years. An 8K race is scheduled for Saturday and the 1/2 and full marathons are to be run on Sunday. There are also races for walkers, wheelchairs, and children. Special awards are provided for those entering both the 8K and 1/2 or full marathons and there is a Military Cup and children who have run 25.2 miles at home or school will run the Operation Smile Last Mile. A separate category for team participants is always fun and often runners turn out in some outlandish costumes.

All proceeds of entry fees are donated to various charities including: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training; Operation Smile; The Virginian Pilot Joy Fund providing holiday gifts to needy children; Preston's March for Energy of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation; Mike McGreevy Memorial Scholarship Fund founded in memory of a local Navy Seal killed in Afganistan in 2005; and Soles 4 Souls a worldwide organization that donates footwear to those in need. Various sponsors provide participants with water and energy lifts during the race, and food and beer at the finish.

One guest of Barclay Cottage B&B is running in the 8K on Saturday, and on Sunday five guests are running the 1/2 Marathon and two are running the full Marathon. The innkeepers cheer on their guests, take pictures of them during the race and provide printouts of their official times as soon as results are posted on line. The pictures and times make for interesting discussion during the runners' Mimosa brunch in the Barclay Cottage Great Room after the races.

GO BARCLAY COTTAGE RUNNERS!!

Steve and Marie-Louise LaFond
Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast
Virginia Beach, Virginia
http://www.barclaycottage.com/

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast Appears in Daily Press Article

2008-02-29T15:17:00.002-05:00

Virginia Beach's Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast was featured in the travel section of the Daily Press Sunday, February 24, 2008. In an article titled "Get away just a little bit. Have a relaxing couples weekend without a long drive" the Newport News, Virginia paper highlighted a stay at Barclay Cottage and touted what a good deal could be had by selecting the Barclay Cottage Whale Watching Package. See the article online at: http://www.dailypress.com/travel/dp-now-getaway-virginiabeach,0,1237496.story

Whales entertain Barclay Cottage Guests

2008-02-18T11:35:00.003-05:00

Whale sightings have been few and far between during the Virginia Aquarium Whale Watching boat trips this year. January 2007 had a 98% sighting rate on the trips and the lack of whales this year has been disappointing. However, some Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast guests who visited on the Whale Watching Package, recently saw 3 fin whales while on the included boat trip. This President's Day Weekend had no whale sightings but lots of dolphin who put on a terrific show for one boat. They traveled next to the boat and jumped clear of the water - just like the paid performers at SeaWorld!

The Barclay Cottage Whale Watching Package continues until March 16, 2008 and includes: 2 nights lodging with full breakfasts each morning; 2 hour whale watching boat trip guided by naturalists from the Virginia Aquarium; entrance to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center; IMAX theater presentation; and dinner at Rockafeller's Restaurant - a locals' favorite for seafood. The cost has been kept the same as last year at $350.00 per couple including all taxes and fees. Check it out at http://www.barclaycottage.com/packages.html

Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast Wins Guest Favorite Award

2008-02-12T13:37:00.001-05:00

Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast won another award today as announced in New York by BnBFinder.com The press release read in part:

"New York, NY February 12, 2008 - BnBFinder.com, the world's most comprehensive B&B directory, awarded Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Virginia Beach, Virginia the Guest Favorite Award for 2007. The Guest Favorite Award, decided based on independent reviews posted to the site by guests, is the highest distinction awarded by BnBFinder.com.

According to BnBFinder President, Mary White, "Guests of Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast gave it high marks for its beautiful setting, comfortable atmosphere, and outstanding service."

The inn holds a Three Diamond rating from the Automobile Association of America, is a recommended lodging in Frommer's Virginia, is rated #1 in guest satisfaction by TripAdvisor.com, and has received many favorable reviews from national magazines and newspapers including: Coastal Living ; Washingtonian; Continental (the airline's inflight magazine) ; The New York Times ; Atlanta Journal Constitution and Philadelphia Inquirer.

For more information see http://www.barclaycottage.com/ or e-mail the innkeepers at innkeepers@barclaycottage.com