Everyone needs a little help coming up with great Christmas gift ideas for the friends and family members on their gift list. Today being the first of the Twelve Days of Christmas, I thought I’d continue on the theme of an earlier posting I wrote about unique and unusual shops along the Old King’s Highway (Route 6A) on Cape Cod. I especially could use some help with ideas for our four grand children, who range in age from one to nearly seven. They are always a challenge for us, and I have prided myself on finding some great toys and books in the past, but this year we are stumped. So if any of you grandparents out there have an idea for a 7-year-old girl, or 5-year-old, 4-year-old, and 1-year-old boys, we would love to hear from you. (more…)

TripAdvisor TravelCast recently ranked Hyannis, MA on Cape Cod #2 on their list of Top Five U.S. Travel Destinations for 2010, saying in part that “its picturesque sandy beaches make it a fantastic retreat.” Hyannis is one of eight villages that actually comprise the town of Barnstable. West Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Barnstable Village, Hyannisport, Osterville, and Marstons Mills complete the list. Owning a bed and breakfast inn in West Barnstable, I am particularly delighted that TripAdvisor bestowed this wonderful designation on our humble little hamlet and hope that it bodes well for the coming year for all of us who live and work in Barnstable, MA. I can honestly say that I love living here and love sharing some of what makes it such a great destination with our guests. (more…)

Babymoons are a relatively new trend that we have seen grow in popularity over the last few years. Just like a honeymoon, expectant parents treat themselves to a pre-baby getaway of pampering. Today we received yet another photo of a new little bundle of joy delivered to one of the couples who spent their “Babymoon” at the High Pointe Inn. We love getting these photos and seeing the happy faces of new parents.

Each Babymoon couple is given an Angel Dear Baby Blankie. These adorable little blankets are 14” square, cashmere soft, machine washable and come in a variety of sweet, charming characters. I carry the giraffe, blue elephant, yellow ducky, green froggy, pink lamb, and brown teddy bear in my Inn gift shop and stock plenty of them for our Babymoon couples. My grandson, Jack Danger, absolutely LOVES his teddy blankie, naming him “Mr. Beasely”. Beasely has been so well-loved that it is often hard to get Jack to give him up for a washing.

Not long ago, we were recognized by Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine as one of the “hottest, hippest, most fabulous babymoon destinations in the U.S.” (May 2008).  If you or someone you know is in the market for a pre-baby getaway, we hope you’ll give us a try.  Our two-night Babymoon package includes private ocean-view accommodations, an in-room side-by-side couples massage (prenatal for the mothers-to-be and deep tissue for the dads), a three-course gourmet dinner for two at very romantic 5-star bistro, breakfast by candlelight, afternoon tea and treats, plus our special gift for the new arrival.

And for those of you who have Babymooned with us already, keep those photos of your little ones coming. We love to see them.

New Year's Eve on Cape Cod

In my last email news blast to our guests, many wrote back asking if we are doing anything special for New Year’s Eve 2009. So, back by popular demand is our 3-Night Romantic New Year’s Eve Getaway Package ! If you want to enjoy a romantic seaside interlude to welcome in the New Year, we have what your are looking for.  Call now for best room availability because this special won’t last. Toll Free 888-362-4441. (more…)

As the holidays approach and I contemplate decorating the Inn, I look for inspiration from nature. Sometimes nature fails me, so I have to look a little deeper to find unique and creative ideas for sprucing up the place in festive finery. Some of my favorite haunts are right along Route 6A, the Old King’s Highway, which stretches from Sandwich to Orleans hugging the coastline of Cape Cod Bay. Driving this sinuous route is always a delight, as the road is lined with towering trees, lovely old sea captains’ homes, quaint villages, and some truly unusual shops and boutiques. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorites. If you are looking for inspiration, a visit to any one of these shops will do the trick. (more…)