Meanwhile Back at the Inn

And it's Orb for the WIN!!!

05/05/2013 15:45:00

With a whirlwind of activity and excitement the Spring racing meet, The Rolex 3 Day Event and The Kentucky Derby have come and gone. What an amazing time we had! May is a bustle as well with all kinds of springtime merriment--weddings, graduations, and folks just glad to get out and enjoy after winter is finally leaving us. There's still room for you, though so come on out! The Kentucky Horse Park is a fantastic place to be this spring. Irish Acres Antique Gallery--a one of a kind 32,000 sq ft emporium is always a treat and I must recommend the Windy Corner Café--another one of Ouita Michel's great ideas--we spent a perfect night on the "back porch" with John Harrod's 4 piece bluegrass ensemble, munching on delicious food and gazing out over the green countryside--the end to a perfect day. Lovely time! The Bourbon Trail is a happening place with thousands of visitors each year becoming aficionados and enjoying a taste of Kentucky heritage. The Vineyards are a favorite--last count was 63 in the state, plenty of them around us to visit taste and enjoy. Several hold music and food events so check them out through the warm weather season. It's a little rainy today and I'm taking advantage to enjoy a cappuccino and do some gluten-free baking. I've got a NY style cheesecake in the oven and GF chocolate chunk brownies are next on my list. All in preparation for our Gluten-free Restaurant here at the Montgomery, coming sometime this summer. Southern favorites, Mediterranean dishes, savory slow cooking and fresh crisp salads, and a few surprises--recreated with alternative flours and grains to be delightfully gluten-free and everyone will enjoy them. So we are looking forward to seeing you at the Inn. Come soon and come often!

Keeneland is here. Spring finally made it, too!

04/11/2013 08:10:00

Coming this Summer: ilumine restaurant at the Montgomery.

Keeneland Thoroughbred Racing is upon us and the Inn is a Bustle with activity. Warm weather is late arriving this year but Springtime in Kentucky does not disappoint! Guests this week will witness the saucer magnolia tree in full splendor upon arrival. But most likely only this week--she is stingy with her beauty and the petals fall quickly. We have two cancelations for the KY Derby if you have last minute desire.

Meanwhile, we are also busying ourselves with new dining room décor and a fantastic menu that will shift food service at the Inn in a delicious way. Still in the works, but we'll offer a full menu including Vegetarian and gluten-free options as well as some heart-smart KY favorites and Pam's authentic Mediterranean and middle eastern influenced dishes for tempting choices beyond the usual.

It is a busy season, indeed, but remember-the horses are running Wednesday through Sunday so there are plenty of spaces off-weekend if you can get away. The bourbon distilleries (now 5 of them on our end of the "Trail") are ready to delight you as are the many wineries and a stop at Irish Acres is always fun. Come on out! See you soon.

January Is Wrapping Up in the Bluegrass

01/30/2013 16:32:00

Wrapping up January, it is 55 degrees today-hardly seems fair to be enjoying winter this much! It's quieter around the Bluegrass this time of year, some of the attractions are sleeping until spring, but there is still plenty to see and do if you prefer the solitude.

We are busy at the Inn, sprucing up and refining. Lots of projects keep me busy and working up our new recipes, too. All designed to give you a great stay time and time again.

Big news--two more Bourbon Distilleries in our Area! Can't wait to stop in and check them out.

There is still time to book your Valentine Romance Package. Simply choose the suite and then if you'd like, add the Romance Package for a wonderful evening at the Inn.

We've got lots of GLUTEN-FREE recipes so be sure to let me know when you book and we'll be happy to accommodate your needs.

Derby is now wait list only at time of this writing there was a Friday night or two available, but they are going fast. Still have lots of room for Opening weekend Keeneland and some weekends. There is space for Rolex, but it, too, is filling quickly so book as soon as you firm up your travel plans.

Even on the colder days the fully loaded Magnolia tree next door has buds just waiting to welcome spring back in. Bourbon Tasting & Touring is fun winter relaxation and a cozy suite with an electric fireplace to enjoy your purchases at the end of the day will keep you purring in the meantime. So come and see us!

Chirstmas in Kentucky

12/03/2012 13:29:00

Christmas in Kentucky is always a delight--frost on the paddocks in the early morning, the foggy hot breath of galloping foals in the fields, ice crstal laden trees arching the gorgeous postcard perfect byways, you'll find yourself humming "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go" even if she lived in a Manhattan hi-rise.

As always, I think it came quicker this year! We are busy making ready here at the Montgomery Inn, Putting up trees, baking and cooking and filling the Inn with the time tested Southern merriment. If you're headed this way, do stay with us. It will feel like that perfect holiday morning, waking up to the aromas even the sappy Holiday TV specials can't portray. For some of us the memories of hearth and home are distant, maybe they just never were--but you can treat yourself for a visit back in time to a day when the Victorian Christmas was the newfangled thing and all anyone could hope for. We've got some specials to make it even more enticing:

Back by popular demand-the Bottomless Soup & Salad Supper:

Choice of two tasty soup or chowders, salad of the day, hot bread, homemade dessert and tea/coffee plus a complimentary glass of vino. $12 per person. Perfect after a long drive, a day of shopping or bourbon tasting!

Gift Certificate Holiday Special:

Receive a $50 gift certificate when you purchase a $200 gift certificate.

Midweek Special Now through January:

Get a 2nd night free when you stay Monday thru Thursday nights. Not valid Christmas Week, Yes, valid New Years.

I've been loving the reviews out there--my favorite depicted us as quirky and charming. I think they hit on it!! Come see for yourself and make your shopping list light and your recipients happy with a trip of their own!

Springtime & Horses

03/17/2012 10:39:00

As mild as the winter has been this year we are still thrilled to see spring visit Kentucky. Arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth when the trees launch into full bloom--the white of the pear trees, the pink and magenta hues of the magnolias--and the buttercups and hyacinths lining our walkways--fresh hope of the days to come. We have enjoyed shirt sleeve weather on and off all season and spring looks to be no different.

You may have heard that some areas near us had extensive tornado and storm damage--we were incredibly blessed to be passed over and other than a light clean up, all is well and ready for your next visit.

At this writing we have one spot left for Derby, and two for Rolex. There is still plenty of room to come for the Keeneland Races. Be sure to get your reservation in to dine at the Inn during your stay--an easy way to relax without the traffic or crowds after an exhilerating day.

Come and stay an extra day--take in a couple of vineyards or catch a distillery tour--give yourself a chance to unwind and soak up the local hospitality--unmatched and unparelleled.

We'll see you soon!

WInter in Kentucky and on the Equator

02/04/2012 12:34:00

What a fantastic Winter we are having here in Kentucky! I can't believe it is already February and we are enjoying shirt-sleeve weather days. We'll take it! Still great days for sipping bourbons at our local distilleries, checking out the numerous world-reknown horse farms, historical points of interest, nature's bounty and our relaxed shopping, dining and nightlife.

Needing a quiet getaway? Our library and movie selection will keep you entertained with your feet up for as long as you care to lounge. Soaking in the jacuzzi tub to unwind--have dinner at the Inn and avoid going back out altogether if you like. Either way-you'll be glad you came.

We have just returned from Uganda and we are still amazed and awed by what we found there. Ask about sponsoring a child-it can be done for less than a trip to Starbucks for two per month. These funds are hand delivered and these kids will get a hug from you--no bureacracy, no hidden administrative allowances. The children we are loving and educating will in turn become the light of the future for their village, and their country. We are giving back their hopes and their dreams one child at a time in a country that has known genocide, poverty and starvation. One of my little friends wants to be a farmer-another a doctor. Together we can give them the tools to rebuild a nation.

Living Social--a welcome Social Experiment!

08/25/2011 19:49:00

When we went live with our Living Social Escapes Deal on July 27th, we had no idea what "going viral" meant except that we sold out 500 reservations in 22 hours. That is amazing! People began booking immediately and we enjoyed serving our first Living Social Guests the next day (and they have continued to stream in every day since!) It is amazing to be sharing stories and special events (one guest just celebrated their 60th anniversary and 8 dining couples applauded at dinner the other night!) Anniversaries, wedding gifts, birthdays and just getting away to enjoy the beautiful Bluegrass area and take in some bourbon distilleries tours and see some gorgeous horse farms.

What a treat to take what would be a slow time of year for us and offer a great opportunity for many folks to try out the B&B experience. Who doesn't enjoy a great deal these days! We look forward to meeting many new people as they come for a visit and maybe a sit on the porch. Hats off to Living Social for bridging the gap between we who have something to offer and you who'd like to enjoy it!

Summer Fun at the Montgomery Inn

07/05/2011 11:12:00

Wow! The summer is in full swing! The Musical Magical Fourth of July fireworks display was fantastic last night. Our guests have been celebrating Independence Day with us from France and Britain to Arizona, Massachusetts and Iowa. The accents floating around the Montgomery are too fun.

With good weather come summer projects and we are loving the new touches here at the Inn. New black and white striped awnings, red blooming hibiscus trees, huge red patio umbrellas shading the patio seating, a new brick walkway and Victorian post lamp accenting our new sign--as the A-team used to say (I know I just dated myself) "Love it when a plan comes together!"

There are Friday Street Festivals with food vendors and live music and the shops are staying open later for the events. Not every Friday so we'll have to check the dates--but it is really nice to have the dowtown livened up so if it's going on when you're here be sure to wander down. It's a comfortable stroll.

There are concerts in the Park in Frankfort and Lexington, the new waterslide park in Danville is only $14 per person and abour 45 minutes away. This thursday Slugger Park in Louisville is having a great promotional night with lots of giveaways and music. Fun around every turn in the road this year.

For those of you who read my blog, enjoy a 2nd night consecutive stay in July for 50% off!

We've upgraded half of the rooms to 32" flatscreen tv's so if you are a TV person you'll enjoy the upgrade. These rooms also have iphone homes: The French, The Oriental, The English, The Tuscan, The Colonial. The Admiral has a 32" regular style tv now.

So come for 2 nights in July and enjoy the savings!

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us....

05/26/2011 12:02:00

Can you believe May is almost over? What a busy month it has been here at the ca 1911 Montgomery Inn BnB. Travelers are venturing out again in good numbers and we are enjoying seeing some "old friends" and lots of new faces from around the globe.

To continue our year long celebration of our Centennial Anniversary, we offering Free Hotdogs with fixin's this Sunday and Monday. Potato salad, dogs, lemonade, iced tea--the weatherman says it's going to be sunny and warm both Sunday and Monday so if you're looking for a relaxing couple of days off join us at the Inn and receive Monday at half price when you book Sunday and Monday nights. That wrap around front porch is a great place to exhale and enjoy life.

We're working up a special Bourbon Dinner available for Father's Day. Bring Dad out for a manly getaway--treat him to a tour of the Woodford Reserve and a great dinner here at the Inn. Ties are nice, but give him the day off from chores and honey-do projects. He'll love that jacuzzi tub, and not to worry--all the suites have cable tv, dvd players and wi fi so he won't have to be tech-less. We'll serve up a hearty breakfast fit for a king.

So many times we don't experience what is right in our own backyards--and here in Kentucky there is a wealth of fun and beauty to behold--so book with us this summer and explore all we have been blessed with--from nature to bourbon, thoroughbreds to antiquing, spelunking to art and music--and the food--so much great food! Get-aways in the Bluegrass are a habit well-worth forming!

We're Off to Visit Oscar Wilde

03/23/2011 10:09:00

It is a season of horse racing and matrimony--and people have been preparing for both at the Montgomery Inn. I'm betting all my money on a horseman named O'Malley. We're off to celebrate and we'll see you all back at the Inn for the April Season! (With great tales to share I am certain....)