A Honey of a Deal!

Recently, we made the 75-minute drive through bucolic backroads into Pickens, SC to pick up local honey from Carolina Honeybees Farm. Here, Chris is making friends with the goats and you can see the "Rainbow Row" of hives  in the background. 

 Charlotte Anderson, Master Beekeeper, produces honey that won "Best Tasting Honey" at the SC Beekeepers Association Honey Show at Clemson University.  Pristine honey houses on her farm border a babbling brook near her lush flower gardens. Here, she puts up the honey, makes honey & goat milk soap, lip balm, and beeswax candles.

 An array of beautiful hens wander around annoying the goats and providing color and humor for visitors to the farm.  We bought honey, lip balm, beeswax candles, and creamed honey (sort of like butter).  For more information go to www.carolinahoneybees.com.

On the way home, we stopped at Silver Run Falls, just south of Cashiers, with easy access down a short path to a beautiful falls that we had never visited before.
It was a Honey of a Trip!!

 HERE'S A HONEY OF A DEAL FOR YOU:

Visit us anytime mid-week, or weekend before June 28

and receive a 25% discount on a two night stay.
Email for a quote on longer stays or for the cottages:
sleeptight@colonialpinesinn.com

 Mention the HONEY DEAL and we'll include one of Charlotte's honey bears!

New reservations through June 28 only.
Does not apply to The Bargain Basement.

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
Donna & Chris Alley, Innkeepers Since 1984

(828) 526-2060

(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

Cool Cornbread and Red Hot Music

Our cornbread won (again!) at the annual Chili Cook-Off in Highlands 

on March 10, and as promised, here's the recipe:

LEMON-BLUEBERRY-RICOTTA CORNBREAD with JALAPENOS

In small bowl, whisk & set aside:

1 cup flour

1 cup plain yellow cornmeal

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp soda

Mix in large bowl, then add the above dry ingredients & combine:

3 eggs

1/2 cups buttermilk

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

2 Tbsp grated lemon peel

2 tsp minced jalapenos

Combine, then fold in:

1 cup fresh blueberries

3/4 cup cut corn

2 Tbsp flour

Pour into a foil-lined 9X13 baking pan and bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees until lightly browned. Best served warm, but we couldn't do that at the Cook-Off, so we made a topping with mascarpone cheese whipped with confectioners sugar (to taste) and fresh lemon juice (to taste), then garnished each square with a fresh blueberry.  When we ran out of mascarpone, we used cream cheese which worked just fine!

Combine that with red-hot music by Tom Hill & The Midnight Suns and you have a really fun evening and a nice break in the Highlands mid-winter cabin-fever blues! The band attracted the best crowd ever and was sponsored in part by Colonial Pines Inn.

Debbie Grossman (on right) and her crew from Fresser's Eatery entered several types of chili and won "Most Unique" for her fabulous Crab Chili.  But my favorite was her Ginger-Pear Salsa which was, without a doubt, THE BEST.  Maybe she'll give me the recipe - what ya say, Debbie?

People of all ages danced to the great music.  Here's Steve Day, DJ of our local radio station, dancing with Della, 88 years old.  I also have a photo of Steve dancing on her table!  (Saving that one in case I ever need to blackmail him...)

The band gave maracas as prizes to the best dancers
and a "Happy Time Was Had By All!"

Thanks to husband Chris, and especially niece Lauren who came over from Virginia to help out. The blueberry cornbread with mascarpone/cream cheese sauce ideas were hers! Please email me if you have any questions on the recipe.  I apologize for not having the exact ingredients for the sauce, but it was a last minute addition and we were experimenting.  

Sometimes those situations have a pleasant ending!

Thanks for checking in & Happy Trails!

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast

(828) 526-2060

(866) 526-2060 Toll Free

email:  sleeptight@colonialpinesinn.com

Half a Century is a Long Time...

Irene Coal Parr from Florida opened Parr's Guest House in the early 1960's, later renaming it Colonial Pines Inn. Three owners and 5 decades later, the Inn is having its 50th Anniversary!!! 

How do you celebrate something like that? Well, read on...

 First, you partner with your friends Rick & Helene of the 4 1/2 Street Inn (who are celebrating their Inn's 100th anniversary), you pick a date (praying for no rain), and you plan a street party & picnic celebrating a total of 150 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY. That's a lot of cracked eggs!

You commission local artist Duncan Greenlee to design a really fun poster, invite everyone in town, and send out email invitations to all your past guests.

 You get permission to block off the street between the two Inns, load up on supplies from Sam's, order a keg of beer, and make TONS of cole slaw, hot dog chili, and brownies.

You get a noise permit and hire your brother's blues band, "Tom Hill and The Midnight Suns." Whatever happens, at least you will have great music!

You borrow a HUGE grill from Bill & Sara Mann and grill 250 hot dogs.

  When you run out, you get more and keep grilling.  You run out again...

 

...but you are thrilled at the huge turnout!

The weather's even more beautiful than you imagined and everyone's happy. 

It's an event to remember!

The saxophonist does a great job with his brand new instrument..

 

...and you make sure even the children are glad they came.

The sun goes down but the band plays on.

You dance and a have a great time at your own party. 

What a magical evening!

You are extremely grateful to all your relatives who came from three states to help out: Meghan, Aunt Pam, Aunt Susan, Tommy & Rosie.

You think:  "OH WHAT FUN! LET'S DO THIS AGAIN NEXT YEAR!"

Later, when you're cleaning up, you have second thoughts about that...

...instead, you invite EVERYONE to come celebrate 

and be a guest at Colonial Pines Inn in 2012!

Hope to see YOU soon in the mountains!
Chris & Donna Alley

Innkeepers Since 1984

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast

We are open for the 2012 season!
Enjoy the quiet side of Highlands with
"Second Night Half Price" through April.

(828)526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll Free

Magic at Miss Rebecca's through Dec 25

A twinkly twig tree at Miss Rebecca's Cottage creates magic for both children and adults. A cozy fireplace, a collection of nutcrackers and all the comforts of home (with none of the responsibility) make this a perfect holiday getaway for couples or families.

Stay anytime through Dec 25 and you can take a 25% discount off regular rates. This means two adults can stay for $150 per night, two couples for $206, and three couples for $281. Children are welcome at no charge! Two night minimum required.

The weekly rate of $1200 has also been reduced by one-third to $800. Stay through Dec 25 and enjoy a special holiday with your loved ones with all there is to do in Highlands during this bright and festive season.

Avoid cooking by attending the sumptuous "HANDS" Chrismas Dinner with all profits donated to charity. This worthwhile event has become a not-to-be-missed Christmas tradition in Highlands. Check out this and other events at www.highlandschamber.org.

Innkeepers Donna & Chris Alley
wish You and Your Family

a Lovely and Peaceful
Holiday Season.

We'd love to be your host!
Colonial Pines Inn Bed and Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 toll-free

The Best Color in Highlands..

...might be right here at the Inn! Our two maples are absolutely glorious and, as predicted, the colors all over the area are especially intense.

Thanks to Cal Tuggle who took these photos of the large, old maple in front of the Guest House.

Cal stayed in the Bargain Basement, on the lower level of the Guest House, which has been the most occupied room this October. With only one exception, it has been rented every single night!


To find out more about this in-demand room, see our April 2009 blog post. Which night not rented? October 23 - this Sunday. We'd love to have you as our guests for the best deal on color in Highlands!

Happy Leaf Looking!
Colonial Pines Inn
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

(Scroll down to the next post for reduced rates
on Miss Rebecca's Cottage.)

Buckwheat Brownies

I was planning to post photos from our Block Party, but so many folks requested my Buckwheat Brownie recipe ("Hurry!" they said), that I'm providing it first. The party was FANTASTIC to say the least - so check back soon for a long post that will make you feel you were there, too!

BUCKWHEAT BROWNIES
(gluten-free, dark, chewy, delicious)

3/4 cup cocoa
3/4 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
10 Tbsp melted butter
1 3/4 cups dark brown sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
6 oz Ghiradelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 and line sides & bottom of 9X13 pan with foil. Combine cocoa, buckwheat, soda & salt. Set aside. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar, stirring to blend. Stir in flour mixture, then remove from heat. Whisk eggs with vanilla and add to mixture, stirring just until well blended, about 40 strokes. Mix in chocolate chips & walnuts, then quickly turn into foil-lined pan. Bake 20 minutes. Cool in pan, then remove with foil intact and cut into 20 squares or 40 triangles.

Tip: Remove 1/2 cup (packed) brown sugar from a 1 lb box and you will have 1 3/4 cup - just enough for this recipe.

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

Colonial Pines Turns 50!

YOU'RE INVITED TO A BLOCK PARTY!

Celebrate 150 Years of Hospitality
at Colonial Pines Inn (50 Years Old)
& 4 1/2 Street Inn (100 Years Old)
Tuesday September 13, 2011 5:30 - 7:30pm
Join the Innkeepers for a cookout with live music by
"Tom Hill & The Midnight Suns"
Tour the Inns, dance, and enjoy old-fashioned hospitality.
Parking available courtesy of the PAC Center on Chestnut St.
Contact Donna & Chris at (828) 526-2060
for more information.

www.colonialpinesinn.com

Fourth Night Free through August

Stay three nights, and receive your fourth night absolutely FREE through August. What better place to celebrate Summer than under our huge, brand new Old Glory? Our flag flies 365 days a year, but it's especially beautiful this time of year rustled by gentle mountain breezes and we'd love to have you join us! Call now - availability is limited. This offer does not apply to rooms already booked, or to The Bargain Basement which is always discounted at $90. See our previous posts for some great music events and check the calendar at the Chamber of Commerce for details on many other ways to enjoy Highlands.

Whatever you do, have a wonderful Summer!

Like us on Facebook

www.colonialpinesinn.com
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

Friday Nights are aLIVE with Music - All Summer!

A perfect way to start your weekend:
Arrive Early on Friday Nights and stroll Main Street
to enjoy Free Entertainment!
5:30-7:30pm
(times were changed after the poster was printed)
Near Kilwins and sometimes on "The Hill"

Please Like us on Facebook
www.colonialpinesinn.com
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll Free

Banana Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Muffins

Okay Vickie, here's the requested recipe - just for you - and anyone else who is interested, of course! These are moist & delicious and a great thing to make when you find yourself with three over-ripe bananas. Plus, they are gluten-free since they're made with all Buckwheat flour - but you'd never guess!

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP BUCKWHEAT MUFFINS

Preheat oven to 400. Line muffin pans with paper or foil liners. Bake for 20 minutes. Makes 12 regular muffins or 36 mini muffins.

3 overripe bananas
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar*
2 Tbsp. molasses*
1 cup + 2 Tbsp. buckwheat flour
3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

*or 1/2 cup dark brown sugar & no molasses

Mash bananas in mixer and add oil, eggs, sugar, molasses. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and add to banana mixture, beating gently until blended. Add chocolate chips. Spoon into muffin cups and bake as directed. Cool completely and store in airtight container. Even better the next day and can be eaten at room temperature or reheated in a warm oven.

ENJOY!

Donna Alley, Innkeeper Since 1984
Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
www.colonialpinesinn.com
(828) 526-2060 or (866) 526-2060 Toll Free

P.S. Please like us on FACEBOOK. We are finally there!

Got Entertainment?

We Do!!
Check out this amazing array of artists scheduled for the 2011 Season at the Performing Arts Center, only HALF A BLOCK from Colonial Pines Inn:

Jeri Sager, Broadway Series, June 11

Small Stages: Educating Rita, June 15 - June 19

Bluegrass Series: The Gibson Brothers, June 22

Broadway Series: Franc D'Ambrosio, June 25

Storytelling Series: John McCutcheon June 29

Small Stages: Educating Rita, July 1 - July 3

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival July 4 through August 15

Highlands-Cashiers Players: "Sirens," Aug 18 - 21, & 25 - 28

Storytelling Series: Bill Harley, Aug 31

Bluegrass Series: Suzy Bogguss, Sep 2

Robert Ray, September 3 & 4

Bel Canto, September 11

Native Plant Conference September 16 & 17

Highlands Male Chorus, September 23

Bluegrass Series: Chatham County Line, October 1

Broadway Series: John Treacy Egan, October 8

Storytelling Series: Carmen Deedy, October 12

Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, October 14

Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival: October 15

Highlands Cashiers Players: "Kitchen Witches," October 27 - 30,
November 3 - 6

Highlands Cashiers Players: Holiday Reading, December 8

For tickets and other information, call (828) 526-9047
or go to www.highlandspac.com

It's nice to see that there are some mid-week options which means you can take advantage of our discounts while enjoying some top-notch entertainment.

Call for a reservation soon - it's going to be a busy season!!

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free
www.colonialpinesinn.com