Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Eureka Springs Car Shows

Eureka Springs is a great place for car shows and Red Bud Manor's front porch is the best seat in town.  So plan now to make your escape and pick your favorite car show to enjoy.  The scheduled events are:

May 8 - PT Cruiser Car Show http://www.nwaptcruiserclub.com/
May 29 - 16th Annual Mustang Show
June 4 - Kustom Kemps modified street cars http://www.kustomkempsofamerica.com/
June 11 - The 9th Annual Miatas at Eureka http://www.miatasofeureka.com/ or http://www.nwamiataclub.com/
Aug 27-29 - The 17th Annual VW weekend http://www.nwavwa.com/
Sept 10-11 - The 40th Annual Eureka Springs Antique Automobile Show with hundreds of vintage cars
Sept 30 - Oct 3 - The 20th Annual Corvette Weekend. http://www.eurekaspringscorvette.org/

If you're a car fanatic why not plan a romantic weekend for you and your partner in beautiful Eureka Springs.
It'll be a real gas!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Power Foods: Green Tea

Tea is a staple at Red Bud Manor in Eureka Springs and is served at every breakfast and often as a treat in the afternoon.  I recently had a guest who was interested in green tea as he had heard it was better for you.  I of course made him a pot of Dragonwell Extra Special green tea.  We then began discussing the health benefits of green tea and how to brew it. I thought I'd share some of our discussion with you.

Green undergoes no fermentation process so it is closest to a straight-from-the-tree state and is relatively low in caffeine - about 20 mg per cup compared to 160 mg for coffee. It varies dramatically in flavor from grassy and sweet to floral and fresh to nutty and roasted.  Green tea is loaded with cancer fighting antioxidants and has been shown to reduce high blood pressure and build bone density.  It is also noted for its ability to aid weight-loss, improve immune system functioning and simultaneously relax and rejuvenate the body.

Preparation of green tea is different than black tea as the water should be heated to just under a boil and the tea brewed for only 1 to 3 minutes.  When I find individuals who say they don't like green tea as it is bitter, it is often because the cup was improperly brewed - either too long or with too hot of water. 

There are many health benefits to all teas and loose leaf tea delivers less caffeine in your cup than the bagged counterparts.  Tea in many ways is a lot like wine.  It's fun tasting different ones so you can find what pleases your palate.  At the same time you are reaping health benefits from each cup.

Red Bud Manor has fourteen different loose leaf teas to tantalize guest's taste buds,  and I'd be happy to prepare a pot for you during your next stay in Eureka Springs. 

Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Look Back at 2009

It was good to review this past year and all the changes that happened. It all started with an ice storm in late January which damaged several trees on the property. After completing the clean-up of the debris, work began on plans for new landscape features to replace the lost trees and bushes and enhance the areas for guest’s relaxation and weddings. Working on the main garden area inspired me to create a “Secret Garden" back of the Manor. This included building a new 12x24 foot deck and tiered rock wall for more plants. Guests have long enjoyed the front porch of the B&B for relaxing and now they can sit among the trees on the rear deck or have a wedding on the deck. (You can see a picture of the deck on the website under the About the Manor tab) The two-person, eco-friendly hammock is still available for guests to enjoy.


New gourmet teas were added to the tastings available to each guest. Included is an award winning green tea called “Lemon Ginger Snap”, a finalist at the World Tea Expo Championship. Special fall and spring teas were also added to the inventory and these included Spiced Pear, Harvest Apple, and Tropical Mist Sencha. With oolong teas that increase your resting metabolism, green tea that reduces high blood pressure and builds bone density and teas to help you relax there is a tea for everyone. Guests learned about the health benefits of tea and the first birthday tea party held in October was a delight for nine year old Chelsea and her friends.


More gluten-free recipes were added to the breakfast menu. I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for several folks who suffer from either gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. One of my guests who has had Celiac disease for twelve years said, “You are a great gluten-free cook”. One of the new recipes added is a cinnamon apple pancake and of course the signature lavender cookies provided to each guest at check-in are always gluten-free. I really do enjoy trying new recipes and meeting the unique dietary needs of my guests.


Guests came to enjoy the arts, the outdoors, the festivals and the holidays. Some came to celebrate their anniversaries, to enjoy their honeymoon and some just to relax and escape the daily stress of life. Several people attended the first ever August Taste of the Inns tour which included appetizers and mock tails at each of the ten members inns of the Alliance of Better Bed and Breakfasts. Halloween found my sister and me, dressed as witches, handing out candy to over 600 costumed folks who came by the Manor. Getting ready for the holidays brings magic to the Manor. I decided to enter this year’s Christmas Lighting Contest and Red Bud Manor came in 2nd place for our area of town. The Manor was all decked out for the 3rd annual Sweet Treats Tour on December 12, 2009. The year was ended by helping guests celebrate Christmas and New Years. Eureka Springs has something for everyone and I consider it an honor to help you enjoy your time while here and look forward to meeting more wonderful folks in 2010.


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Fall Happenings

October has been a busy month at the Manor. The new website launched October 1st. New marketing collateral is also in the works. New flavors of tea were added to the cabinet and 14 gourmet flavors are now served. In addition, guests can purchase stump pots to brew the tea in so they continue to enjoy a good cup of tea a home.

During this time of year Eureka Springs is bustling with folks eager to see the colors of Fall and enjoy the crisp feel of the mornings. While the busiest weekend with the War Eagle Craft Fair has past, we still have many activities for guests to enjoy. Halloween is always a fun time here. It reminds me of when I was small... parents dress up with their kids and walk the loop. At the Manor we dress up and hang out on the porch to give out the goodies.

November also has lots to offer with the Folk Festival and Food & Wine Weekends. Of course staying at the Manor on your way to a Thanksgiving feast or pampering yourself by extending your Thanksgiving Holiday is another fine November activity. Our first Fall Harvest Tea Weekend will be held November 21st/22nd.