Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Living the B & B Dream


 
 
 
 
I hear it all the time: “Someday, we thought it would be nice to open a bed and breakfast.” This is usually one part confession and one part inquiry.

As I am nearing my 25th anniversary of actually owning and operating a B & B, there is no quick & easy response to this. Truthfully, I would like to say: “Why someday? Life is short. Why not do it now?”

But I am not so direct. I do realize it’s a dream for many people - a rosy image of heritage home, delicious smells of eggs & bacon and interesting travel conversations over coffee. If I were to ask Why Not; the dream might just fracture into serious self-doubts and lack of planning.

So I smile and say: “Ask me anything.”

I mean it. Do you think you would like to do bed & breakfast? My name is David - ask me anything!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Bananas in Vancouver?



It's September and the bananas are ripening in our West Coast garden. Take that - Calgary, or just about anywhere else suffering freakish early snowfalls!

Our American friends just can't stop connecting our northerliness with "it must be cold up there". In Vancouver's case, remember the "temperate rainforest" bit? In a protected space between Nelson House and the neighbours, we planted a single banana plant a few years back and now look at our little jungle grove...


Friday, August 1, 2014

Vancouver in summer...



It's that time of year when everyone wants to be right here - in the downtown, West End. We have three nights of amazing fireworks set to music. This year it's the USA, France & Japan providing the "oohs & ahs!" We have multiple free concerts, both musical theatre and Shakespeare in the park. The streets are full of talented buskers and tourists trying to squeeze in the visual and culinary delights of Vancouver before boarding their Alaska cruises.




And then there is Gay Pride - weeks of celebrations and cultural events leading up to the big party and parade on the first Sunday in August. It's a wonderful thing to watch a rainbow-coloured parade against a backdrop of blue water, sailboats and mountain peaks.

Like those Alaskan cruise-ship passengers, a taste of Vancouver in high summer is sure to bring you back!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Valentines in Vancouver


After all these years as an innkeeper, my best advice to couples wanting to warm their romance is to keep it simple. Do something that you both enjoy and do it together.

Relax. Don't let Valentine's Day stress you out. A little getaway is more fun than a box of chocolates. A change of scene is way better than a bunch of flowers. Like diamonds, memories of a great time together, are forever.

Check out the Nelson House fun choice of rooms. That's Hollywood pictured above. Sleep in late, breakfast will still be waiting.

You will be very happy Valentines.