Heritage music- the melodic sounds of bluegrass, gospel, folk, country, Celtic, and Appalachian instruments and song – has been passed down through our American generations and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the United States. Often, along with the festivals and concerts, you'll find breathtaking natural scenery, traditional crafts and artisans, wonderful restaurants featuring local specialties, and of course, the perfect bed and breakfast nearby. I Love Inns (www.ILoveInns.com) has these suggestions for your musical interlude.
Music and Dance in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle
In Shepherdstown, West Virginia, just 70 miles from DC, guests at the Thomas Shepherd Inn can enjoy music, movies, and theater along with a myriad of dining choices in the oldest town in WV, all within walking distance. Heritage music comes alive every Thursday night at O'Hurleys General Store, where local musicians including store owner Jay Hurley meet for a jam session of dulcimer music and Appalachian songs. Shepherdstown Music and Dance also has a full schedule of contra and morris dancing, concerts and May Day festivities. Experience a wonderful blend of modern comfort and old-fashioned rhythm for a perfect getaway!
Musical Traditions near the Biltmore in North Carolina
An Arts & Crafts style National Historic Register treasure in Asheville, NC, the 1900 Inn on Montford brings the music to their guests so that they never have to leave the elegant surroundings. Local musicians with banjos, guitars, and harmonica play on the expansive porch every Thursday and Saturday night during the evening social hour. The town of Asheville provides diversions with shopping for locally-made fine crafts and art, fine and casual dining, and of course, the Biltmore Estate, only two miles away. The Inn is furnished luxuriously with King beds, fireplaces, and whirlpools.
Music and Theater in Granbury, North Texas
Guests at the American Heritage House Bed & Breakfast can enjoy a variety of music and theater which carry on the heritage musical traditions. The Warm Country Heart Theater and the Granbury Live have 'Branson-style' music shows and the Brazos River Music Fest offers bluegrass and country music in the spring. Newly built in the Federal style and furnished with elegant antiques, this B&B offers true Southern hospitality and charm – and a gourmet multi-course breakfast – to make you feel welcome in this popular destination area.
Celebration of Southern Music in the Smoky Mountains
The country lodge of Hilton's Bluff Inn sits in the wooded foothills of the Smokies near Pigeon Forge, TN. Heritage music and theater is just a few minutes away at the Smith Family Theater, where the trio delivers a rousing show of country, bluegrass, gospel and oldies rock'n'roll, with some comedy impressions thrown in for good measure. Dollywood is located closeby, featuring shows and heritage crafts. Guests at the Inn can enjoy the tranquil setting of the mountains while relaxing by the stone fireplace or lounging on their deck or porch.
Appalachian Music Festival in scenic West Virginia
The Ponderosa Lodge in Lookout, WV is located just a few miles from Camp Washington-Carver, a mountain cultural arts center with a summer season of music and events including the Appalachian String Band Festival, one of the largest old-time music festivals in the country. The scenic beauty of the New River Gorge and Babcock State Park is nearby, and West Virginia heritage arts and crafts are gathered at the Tamarack Arts Center just down the highway. The Lodge's layout and location make it a perfect place to plan a family retreat or group outing to enjoy the sounds and sights of the area!
Chesapeake Bay Heritage Music on the Eastern Shore
Views of the river and marsh are yours at the Whitehaven Hotel in Whitehaven, MD, an award-winning bed & breakfast rescued from demolition in 1995. This area of the Eastern Shore has several events throughout the summer and fall, including the Bay Music Festival in Centreville, the Fiddlers Convention in Berlin, and the Chesapeake Celtic Festival at the Snow Hill Heritage Museum. Bluegrass, rockabilly and Celtic music are featured at these shows, along with skilled artisans and heritage crafts. This B&B has its own gift shop featuring one-of-a-kind handmade Eastern Shore crafts, and several artists have studios nearby.
Hoe-downs, Jamborees and Opera in the Ozark Mountains
The Arsenic and Old Lace B&B Inn is a Queen Anne Victorian-style B&B on a hillside in the historic district of Eureka Springs, AR. The Ozark Mountain Hoe-down and the Pine Mountain Jamboree located in town provide heritage music and theater from March through December, while the winding streets offer old-world charm along with spas, specialty shops and restaurants for your enjoyment. Return to the B&B and enjoy the wraparound veranda with a view of the gardens and the Arkansas hills or relax in your luxurious room or suite.
Still undecided? Log onto www.iloveinns.com and browse through the 19,000 B&Bs and country inns that specialize in other events and locations that may interest you. Many of the properties listed above are also in the best-selling bed and breakfast guidebook Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns with a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free Certificate. ILoveInns also offers Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates, a perfect solution to help celebrate any occasion.
About American Historic Inns and iLoveInns.com
American Historic Inns, Inc. (www.iloveinns.com), founded in 1981, is the leading publisher of bed & breakfast guidebooks, with more than 2.5 million bed & breakfast guidebooks sold, and runs iLoveInns.com, a top bed & breakfast and country inns directory.
Note: For photos or interviews, please contact Deborah Sakach at 949-497-2232, ext. 308.
