Male vs female guests making reservations

[Samster]

For leisure and events here it's women, hands down. I can tell from the notes or credit card name. Maybe it's "If Mama ain't happy, no one is happy!" Lol!

 

[josh]

90% are women, unless its a Vacation rental in the summer then almost all men!

 

[josh]

The Celebrity Apprentice was all about makig a viral video to sell a laundry detergent last night. It was very interesting. It was all about their target audience. I am sure more than just their target audience buys laundry detergent, but they had a specific demographic in mind. Both groups failed however..

The Celebrity Apprentice was all about makig a viral video to sell a laundry detergent last night. It was very interesting. It was all about their target audience. I am sure more than just their target audience buys laundry detergent, but they had a specific demographic in mind. Both groups failed however.

My daughter used to 'name' new products (yeah, someone has to do it!) They were given the target market by the product company. She was telling me about the job interview (kind of like The Apprentice) and everyone having to name a new car wash (everyone interviewed together). The target market was 20-35 years old. She told me the name she came up with that got her the job (I don't remember what it was) and I said, 'That doesn't sound like a place I would go.'
Withering tone, 'Muuuuutherrrrrrrrr, YOU'RE not the target market.'
Hubs's youngest brother is young enough to be my son and he's lived with us a few times. I had told him the above story a long time ago. He came home one day with a new haircut and asked me what I thought. I wasn't impressed and said so. He said, 'Well, you're not the target market are you?' Ha, ha.
So, it's a running joke around here if someone doesn't like something...'You're not the target market.'
Look at the PT Cruiser. THAT car was supposed to be a 20-something car until it was co-opted by baby boomers. Then no self-respecting 20-something would buy it! The car company completely missed on that one.
.

Look at the PT Cruiser. THAT car was supposed to be a 20-something car until it was co-opted by baby boomers. Then no self-respecting 20-something would buy it! The car company completely missed on that one.

Please tell me where you got 20-somthing for a throw back style car like the PT Cruiser? It is baby boomer all the way - ie "Cruiser" and woodie style if chosen. Female in her 60's at the way. I know this as my mum drives one and I laugh every time I see one there is someone who looks just like her with a cig in hand cruising along in them. ha ha That is our joke around here. I drove it a couple time taking them to the airport etc, and I was embarrassed. But then I drove DH's 4x4 with his oke pipes and I was a dude magnet - boys took notice. I won't drive either again.

.

Look at the PT Cruiser. THAT car was supposed to be a 20-something car until it was co-opted by baby boomers. Then no self-respecting 20-something would buy it! The car company completely missed on that one.

Please tell me where you got 20-somthing for a throw back style car like the PT Cruiser? It is baby boomer all the way - ie "Cruiser" and woodie style if chosen. Female in her 60's at the way. I know this as my mum drives one and I laugh every time I see one there is someone who looks just like her with a cig in hand cruising along in them. ha ha That is our joke around here. I drove it a couple time taking them to the airport etc, and I was embarrassed. But then I drove DH's 4x4 with his oke pipes and I was a dude magnet - boys took notice. I won't drive either again.

After it was taken over by exactly the person you describe, it came out that it was planned as a 'kid car' and not a boomer car. So, I'm guessing I read it in Road & Track or Car & Driver. Everyone I know who has one is female and over a certain age!
My nephew was given an almost brand new VW Beetle. It sat in the driveway for weeks- he refused to drive it because it's a 'girl' car. (Now, if that were my kid, the car would have been sold and I would have pocketed the money- ungrateful wretch!)
.

Look at the PT Cruiser. THAT car was supposed to be a 20-something car until it was co-opted by baby boomers. Then no self-respecting 20-something would buy it! The car company completely missed on that one.

Please tell me where you got 20-somthing for a throw back style car like the PT Cruiser? It is baby boomer all the way - ie "Cruiser" and woodie style if chosen. Female in her 60's at the way. I know this as my mum drives one and I laugh every time I see one there is someone who looks just like her with a cig in hand cruising along in them. ha ha That is our joke around here. I drove it a couple time taking them to the airport etc, and I was embarrassed. But then I drove DH's 4x4 with his oke pipes and I was a dude magnet - boys took notice. I won't drive either again.

After it was taken over by exactly the person you describe, it came out that it was planned as a 'kid car' and not a boomer car. So, I'm guessing I read it in Road & Track or Car & Driver. Everyone I know who has one is female and over a certain age!
My nephew was given an almost brand new VW Beetle. It sat in the driveway for weeks- he refused to drive it because it's a 'girl' car. (Now, if that were my kid, the car would have been sold and I would have pocketed the money- ungrateful wretch!)

Hm, I can't imagine. Same with those GM panel wagons I call "bread wagons" but alas the demographic is changing for the PT Cruiser, around here anyway. Resold used PT's are not the 60+ year old women.
.

And then there's the Subaru Outback. I'm almost certain that the designers didn't think 'hey, lesbians need their own car,' but I have a ton of friends who swear they know a lot of lesbians who buy THAT car in particular. To the point where the guys who see women in them, won't even approach those women.
.

actually when I see those cars especially in the Pacific Northwest I think "Granola"Earthy, Biking, Hiking outdoors people.

 

[josh]

Women are people too! Don't "dumb down" your ads but always be factual about what you have. Some women hate shopping and frilly things (me) and some men find the same just wonderful. Last I looked we were not living in a sexist world. When I see exceptionally frilly fluffy rooms I'll avoid them so don't focus on something you assume would be a key..

Women are people too! Don't "dumb down" your ads but always be factual about what you have. Some women hate shopping and frilly things (me) and some men find the same just wonderful. Last I looked we were not living in a sexist world. When I see exceptionally frilly fluffy rooms I'll avoid them so don't focus on something you assume would be a key.

I don't like frilly either. I am not talking frilly fluffy nor am I dumbing them down, sheesh. I am thinking of items I should focus on and highlight. I was thinking more along the lines of comfort or elegance, style, book signings, antiquing, wineries, things that many women do love. We are living in a sexist world, most ads are geared to a certain sex or demographic - age, education, etc. In fact our state had a whole tourism promotion dedicated to girl friend getaways and all things female. It is the Live Passionately theme.
.

Look, I know a lot of men who like exactly those things and I know women who do not. We are dealing with accommodation and not selling perfume or linens. I truly think that unless dealing with either male or female retreats or "girl getaways" advertising and web sites should reflect what we have in a manner to attract both genders. Women make reservations but they also think of their husbands or partners and what they would like, too. That's my opinion anyway.
.

See for me being a Gay man, I tend to like a little Frill, Not so much the Knick Knack stuff. I always love designer sheets and coverlets, All the Bathroom amenities, Fireplaces, Bath Robes and really soft lighting. Samsters House on here and yours would Definately be places I would stay.
Elegant, Sophistaicated, Upscale, Urban, Modern, Chic, Northwest, Southern,

French! These are keywords I look for when staying some[place!

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

Josh, in a word - style.
What would you look for in the way of sights of interest - say if you were to go to small-town-ville vs metro areas?

 

[josh]

Josh, in a word - style.
What would you look for in the way of sights of interest - say if you were to go to small-town-ville vs metro areas?.

Well for instance I am going away this weekend to La Conner Washington for Easter Weekend! We are staying with my Friend who has a Waterfront Home looking acrross at Whidbey Island.... We like to go there and Read, Meditate, Enjoy some peaceful down time, Walking the Beach, Drinking tea ( The only time I do it...LOL)
Occasionally while there I like going to the Casino and playing slots.
I love La conner because it's Magical and is a small Victorian Fishing town with an chanel from the Puget Sound going through it. We like eating at the local places, Having Big cinnamon Rolls in the Morning with Coffee, I love shopping in the Art Galleries and Love anything that has to do with Angels and Fairies... There is a store there called "Fairy Godmother"
My partner on the other Hand loves to sleep in, Take wine tours, Visit with our Friends, Go Hiking, Walking and Running... stuff like that.
We are also going up for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and to buy bulbs, for the lawns next year.
I did stay at a really great B&B Last time I was there, www.queenofthevalleyinn.com
The owner was Fabulous and Funny as Heck! She made delicious Breakfasts, She was silly, but accomodating. Her place is on a little over an acre and surrounded by Farm land!
Mostly for me any B&B or Hotel, It comes down to Style, Comfortable Beds, Easy Access to and from them, Innkeepers that are Friendly and can have some conversation and I am not just there to pay the Mortgage. Delicious Breakfasts and Healthy. Accomodating, But Peacful and Tranquil.
I just like 2-3 days to just spend time with ME!! I always come back Refreshed and ready for a few more months of my busy life.
Does that answer what you were looking for or was it too detailed??? LOL

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

Perfect Josh. Thanks. You would not enjoy this area then. We aren't quaint or hip. Altho a nearby city is gaining that reputation.

We have heritage music, history and mountain culture. We have lakes and mountains so plenty of hiking vistas and blueways to canoe and that sort of thing. We are a half days drive from DC where you can find some great sights and sounds and tastes.
I have been to the Mt Vernon Tulip Festival and La Conner. If you came back this way I would suggest Asheville NC, it is everything you have described as well as Charlottesville VA - we have an innkeeper on the forum there.
Not to plan your itinerary, but just as a suggestion. We are in smalltown USA, patriotic southerners, mama's sunday fried chicken and sweet tea. We have guests tonight from Germany, this is something overseas visitors enjoy - the old time American south type of sightseeing.
Thanks for sharing and have fun in the Skagit Valley!

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

I am so embarrassed. Our three Europeans totally dressed up in black leather coats, deep blue shirts, I mean gorgeous and wanted to go out and hear some live music. First off, noone, and I mean noone wears leather around here. I do when I feel brave, but it is probably too Northern for most people. When Italians from Jersey move in they wear it for about a week or so and then you never see it again.
So the typical European dark stylish clothes, styled hair, looking great to go out and ugh - like I said to Josh, this is not that sort of a place. I gave them directions to one place for live music where they will stick out like a house on fire. They mentioned going for drinks afterward. Another ugh. 10 pm and everything closes here. If not before. I mean, it is after all a Tuesday.
I told Dh this sounds terrible but the best that could happen is that the place I sent them is actually closed up tight since we have a frost warning tonight, and I can live with THAT embarrassment.
Again, promote what you have accurately on your website, I certainly don't promote our area as hip, right guys? You have never heard me say this is a chic part of the south have you? I need a sedative.

 

[josh]

Perfect Josh. Thanks. You would not enjoy this area then. We aren't quaint or hip. Altho a nearby city is gaining that reputation.

We have heritage music, history and mountain culture. We have lakes and mountains so plenty of hiking vistas and blueways to canoe and that sort of thing. We are a half days drive from DC where you can find some great sights and sounds and tastes.
I have been to the Mt Vernon Tulip Festival and La Conner. If you came back this way I would suggest Asheville NC, it is everything you have described as well as Charlottesville VA - we have an innkeeper on the forum there.
Not to plan your itinerary, but just as a suggestion. We are in smalltown USA, patriotic southerners, mama's sunday fried chicken and sweet tea. We have guests tonight from Germany, this is something overseas visitors enjoy - the old time American south type of sightseeing.
Thanks for sharing and have fun in the Skagit Valley!.

My partner and I looked at your place earlier on line, He loved the cottage that you have and another room. He also would love your area as he is Low Key, we are very different in a lot of ways, But Love each other and that's what makes us Happy. We both agree not to disagree and take turns when going on trips to do something the other person likes.-
He is originally from Kentucky. He said he has been thru your area and it's Breathtaking-
He is from a small town and would like to Move back to Kentucky or Georgia in a few years when his contract is up with the .com company he works for, He has been a good trooper all these years living here, But I am stuck cause I am not sure I want to move to the South or Midwest/East Coast. I really love the West Coast, I also Love Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico. We have been discussing different options the last year.
We are soul mates, so there is no splitting us up. Just need to find a happy Medium. -

 

[egoodell]

Perfect Josh. Thanks. You would not enjoy this area then. We aren't quaint or hip. Altho a nearby city is gaining that reputation.

We have heritage music, history and mountain culture. We have lakes and mountains so plenty of hiking vistas and blueways to canoe and that sort of thing. We are a half days drive from DC where you can find some great sights and sounds and tastes.
I have been to the Mt Vernon Tulip Festival and La Conner. If you came back this way I would suggest Asheville NC, it is everything you have described as well as Charlottesville VA - we have an innkeeper on the forum there.
Not to plan your itinerary, but just as a suggestion. We are in smalltown USA, patriotic southerners, mama's sunday fried chicken and sweet tea. We have guests tonight from Germany, this is something overseas visitors enjoy - the old time American south type of sightseeing.
Thanks for sharing and have fun in the Skagit Valley!.

My partner and I looked at your place earlier on line, He loved the cottage that you have and another room. He also would love your area as he is Low Key, we are very different in a lot of ways, But Love each other and that's what makes us Happy. We both agree not to disagree and take turns when going on trips to do something the other person likes.-
He is originally from Kentucky. He said he has been thru your area and it's Breathtaking-
He is from a small town and would like to Move back to Kentucky or Georgia in a few years when his contract is up with the .com company he works for, He has been a good trooper all these years living here, But I am stuck cause I am not sure I want to move to the South or Midwest/East Coast. I really love the West Coast, I also Love Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico. We have been discussing different options the last year.
We are soul mates, so there is no splitting us up. Just need to find a happy Medium. -
.

Josh,
We are not a city although they call it one here, but there is enough old money and a university here so that it's somewhat hip.We have the wineries and the small and large farms so we have lots of great restaurants and gourmet shops.
We have to turn towards Richmond (1 hour) or DC or Northern Virginia (1.5 - 2 hrs) for real shopping and city stuff. But Charlottesville is growing and has several theaters and a new stadium (John Paul Jones) so we do pull major musicians here to perform as well.
Check Virginia, central (more your partner) and Northern (more you) and you might find somewhere you like.
Come out and visit anytime!
Erika

 

[EmptyNest]

Perfect Josh. Thanks. You would not enjoy this area then. We aren't quaint or hip. Altho a nearby city is gaining that reputation.

We have heritage music, history and mountain culture. We have lakes and mountains so plenty of hiking vistas and blueways to canoe and that sort of thing. We are a half days drive from DC where you can find some great sights and sounds and tastes.
I have been to the Mt Vernon Tulip Festival and La Conner. If you came back this way I would suggest Asheville NC, it is everything you have described as well as Charlottesville VA - we have an innkeeper on the forum there.
Not to plan your itinerary, but just as a suggestion. We are in smalltown USA, patriotic southerners, mama's sunday fried chicken and sweet tea. We have guests tonight from Germany, this is something overseas visitors enjoy - the old time American south type of sightseeing.
Thanks for sharing and have fun in the Skagit Valley!.

My partner and I looked at your place earlier on line, He loved the cottage that you have and another room. He also would love your area as he is Low Key, we are very different in a lot of ways, But Love each other and that's what makes us Happy. We both agree not to disagree and take turns when going on trips to do something the other person likes.-
He is originally from Kentucky. He said he has been thru your area and it's Breathtaking-
He is from a small town and would like to Move back to Kentucky or Georgia in a few years when his contract is up with the .com company he works for, He has been a good trooper all these years living here, But I am stuck cause I am not sure I want to move to the South or Midwest/East Coast. I really love the West Coast, I also Love Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico. We have been discussing different options the last year.
We are soul mates, so there is no splitting us up. Just need to find a happy Medium. -
.

Josh,
We are not a city although they call it one here, but there is enough old money and a university here so that it's somewhat hip.We have the wineries and the small and large farms so we have lots of great restaurants and gourmet shops.
We have to turn towards Richmond (1 hour) or DC or Northern Virginia (1.5 - 2 hrs) for real shopping and city stuff. But Charlottesville is growing and has several theaters and a new stadium (John Paul Jones) so we do pull major musicians here to perform as well.
Check Virginia, central (more your partner) and Northern (more you) and you might find somewhere you like.
Come out and visit anytime!
Erika
.

Sorry Erika...but Charlottesville is a CITY You may have to head to Richmond to shop...but me...Charlottesville is where I usually go I usually can find anything I need there.

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

Perfect Josh. Thanks. You would not enjoy this area then. We aren't quaint or hip. Altho a nearby city is gaining that reputation.

We have heritage music, history and mountain culture. We have lakes and mountains so plenty of hiking vistas and blueways to canoe and that sort of thing. We are a half days drive from DC where you can find some great sights and sounds and tastes.
I have been to the Mt Vernon Tulip Festival and La Conner. If you came back this way I would suggest Asheville NC, it is everything you have described as well as Charlottesville VA - we have an innkeeper on the forum there.
Not to plan your itinerary, but just as a suggestion. We are in smalltown USA, patriotic southerners, mama's sunday fried chicken and sweet tea. We have guests tonight from Germany, this is something overseas visitors enjoy - the old time American south type of sightseeing.
Thanks for sharing and have fun in the Skagit Valley!.

My partner and I looked at your place earlier on line, He loved the cottage that you have and another room. He also would love your area as he is Low Key, we are very different in a lot of ways, But Love each other and that's what makes us Happy. We both agree not to disagree and take turns when going on trips to do something the other person likes.-
He is originally from Kentucky. He said he has been thru your area and it's Breathtaking-
He is from a small town and would like to Move back to Kentucky or Georgia in a few years when his contract is up with the .com company he works for, He has been a good trooper all these years living here, But I am stuck cause I am not sure I want to move to the South or Midwest/East Coast. I really love the West Coast, I also Love Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico. We have been discussing different options the last year.
We are soul mates, so there is no splitting us up. Just need to find a happy Medium. -
.

Josh,
We are not a city although they call it one here, but there is enough old money and a university here so that it's somewhat hip.We have the wineries and the small and large farms so we have lots of great restaurants and gourmet shops.
We have to turn towards Richmond (1 hour) or DC or Northern Virginia (1.5 - 2 hrs) for real shopping and city stuff. But Charlottesville is growing and has several theaters and a new stadium (John Paul Jones) so we do pull major musicians here to perform as well.
Check Virginia, central (more your partner) and Northern (more you) and you might find somewhere you like.
Come out and visit anytime!
Erika
.

Josh,
We are not a city although they call it one here, but there is enough old money and a university here so that it's somewhat hip.We have the wineries and the small and large farms so we have lots of great restaurants and gourmet shops.
We have to turn towards Richmond (1 hour) or DC or Northern Virginia (1.5 - 2 hrs) for real shopping and city stuff. But Charlottesville is growing and has several theaters and a new stadium (John Paul Jones) so we do pull major musicians here to perform as well.
Check Virginia, central (more your partner) and Northern (more you) and you might find somewhere you like.
Come out and visit anytime!
Erika

Our nearby city is your city's "ugly quirky little sister" and hip - now. Was not when we first moved here, it is leaps and bounds and a lot of fun now. I think your city is very hip - heck how many artists/famous live here?
John Grisham, Sissy Spacek, Robert Duval, Dave Matthews (band) and big Indie music scene, Jessica Lange, Howie Long (Footballer) - those are just a few that come to mind.

 

[Samster]

Women are people too! Don't "dumb down" your ads but always be factual about what you have. Some women hate shopping and frilly things (me) and some men find the same just wonderful. Last I looked we were not living in a sexist world. When I see exceptionally frilly fluffy rooms I'll avoid them so don't focus on something you assume would be a key..

Women are people too! Don't "dumb down" your ads but always be factual about what you have. Some women hate shopping and frilly things (me) and some men find the same just wonderful. Last I looked we were not living in a sexist world. When I see exceptionally frilly fluffy rooms I'll avoid them so don't focus on something you assume would be a key.

I don't like frilly either. I am not talking frilly fluffy nor am I dumbing them down, sheesh. I am thinking of items I should focus on and highlight. I was thinking more along the lines of comfort or elegance, style, book signings, antiquing, wineries, things that many women do love. We are living in a sexist world, most ads are geared to a certain sex or demographic - age, education, etc. In fact our state had a whole tourism promotion dedicated to girl friend getaways and all things female. It is the Live Passionately theme.
.

Look, I know a lot of men who like exactly those things and I know women who do not. We are dealing with accommodation and not selling perfume or linens. I truly think that unless dealing with either male or female retreats or "girl getaways" advertising and web sites should reflect what we have in a manner to attract both genders. Women make reservations but they also think of their husbands or partners and what they would like, too. That's my opinion anyway.
.

See for me being a Gay man, I tend to like a little Frill, Not so much the Knick Knack stuff. I always love designer sheets and coverlets, All the Bathroom amenities, Fireplaces, Bath Robes and really soft lighting. Samsters House on here and yours would Definately be places I would stay.
Elegant, Sophistaicated, Upscale, Urban, Modern, Chic, Northwest, Southern,

French! These are keywords I look for when staying some[place!
.

Josh, you are sweet to say that about our place but there is nothing chic about this town either. lol! Although we are really developing an arts niche.
Now, 90 minutes North and you can find everything that you're looking for but I somehow never get out of this Southern town.

 

[egoodell]

Perfect Josh. Thanks. You would not enjoy this area then. We aren't quaint or hip. Altho a nearby city is gaining that reputation.

We have heritage music, history and mountain culture. We have lakes and mountains so plenty of hiking vistas and blueways to canoe and that sort of thing. We are a half days drive from DC where you can find some great sights and sounds and tastes.
I have been to the Mt Vernon Tulip Festival and La Conner. If you came back this way I would suggest Asheville NC, it is everything you have described as well as Charlottesville VA - we have an innkeeper on the forum there.
Not to plan your itinerary, but just as a suggestion. We are in smalltown USA, patriotic southerners, mama's sunday fried chicken and sweet tea. We have guests tonight from Germany, this is something overseas visitors enjoy - the old time American south type of sightseeing.
Thanks for sharing and have fun in the Skagit Valley!.

My partner and I looked at your place earlier on line, He loved the cottage that you have and another room. He also would love your area as he is Low Key, we are very different in a lot of ways, But Love each other and that's what makes us Happy. We both agree not to disagree and take turns when going on trips to do something the other person likes.-
He is originally from Kentucky. He said he has been thru your area and it's Breathtaking-
He is from a small town and would like to Move back to Kentucky or Georgia in a few years when his contract is up with the .com company he works for, He has been a good trooper all these years living here, But I am stuck cause I am not sure I want to move to the South or Midwest/East Coast. I really love the West Coast, I also Love Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico. We have been discussing different options the last year.
We are soul mates, so there is no splitting us up. Just need to find a happy Medium. -
.

Josh,
We are not a city although they call it one here, but there is enough old money and a university here so that it's somewhat hip.We have the wineries and the small and large farms so we have lots of great restaurants and gourmet shops.
We have to turn towards Richmond (1 hour) or DC or Northern Virginia (1.5 - 2 hrs) for real shopping and city stuff. But Charlottesville is growing and has several theaters and a new stadium (John Paul Jones) so we do pull major musicians here to perform as well.
Check Virginia, central (more your partner) and Northern (more you) and you might find somewhere you like.
Come out and visit anytime!
Erika
.

Josh,
We are not a city although they call it one here, but there is enough old money and a university here so that it's somewhat hip.We have the wineries and the small and large farms so we have lots of great restaurants and gourmet shops.
We have to turn towards Richmond (1 hour) or DC or Northern Virginia (1.5 - 2 hrs) for real shopping and city stuff. But Charlottesville is growing and has several theaters and a new stadium (John Paul Jones) so we do pull major musicians here to perform as well.
Check Virginia, central (more your partner) and Northern (more you) and you might find somewhere you like.
Come out and visit anytime!
Erika

Our nearby city is your city's "ugly quirky little sister" and hip - now. Was not when we first moved here, it is leaps and bounds and a lot of fun now. I think your city is very hip - heck how many artists/famous live here?
John Grisham, Sissy Spacek, Robert Duval, Dave Matthews (band) and big Indie music scene, Jessica Lange, Howie Long (Footballer) - those are just a few that come to mind.
.

Acutally I just found out Robert Duvall lives in No Va in Middleburg. That is also country enough for Josh's better half, and chic enough for him. If he can survive being in a small town. But it's only something like an hour to DC from there I think.
We strolled around window shopping there and could only afford to shop in their Thrift Shop!!!!
Riki

 

[egoodell]

Perfect Josh. Thanks. You would not enjoy this area then. We aren't quaint or hip. Altho a nearby city is gaining that reputation.

We have heritage music, history and mountain culture. We have lakes and mountains so plenty of hiking vistas and blueways to canoe and that sort of thing. We are a half days drive from DC where you can find some great sights and sounds and tastes.
I have been to the Mt Vernon Tulip Festival and La Conner. If you came back this way I would suggest Asheville NC, it is everything you have described as well as Charlottesville VA - we have an innkeeper on the forum there.
Not to plan your itinerary, but just as a suggestion. We are in smalltown USA, patriotic southerners, mama's sunday fried chicken and sweet tea. We have guests tonight from Germany, this is something overseas visitors enjoy - the old time American south type of sightseeing.
Thanks for sharing and have fun in the Skagit Valley!.

My partner and I looked at your place earlier on line, He loved the cottage that you have and another room. He also would love your area as he is Low Key, we are very different in a lot of ways, But Love each other and that's what makes us Happy. We both agree not to disagree and take turns when going on trips to do something the other person likes.-
He is originally from Kentucky. He said he has been thru your area and it's Breathtaking-
He is from a small town and would like to Move back to Kentucky or Georgia in a few years when his contract is up with the .com company he works for, He has been a good trooper all these years living here, But I am stuck cause I am not sure I want to move to the South or Midwest/East Coast. I really love the West Coast, I also Love Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico. We have been discussing different options the last year.
We are soul mates, so there is no splitting us up. Just need to find a happy Medium. -
.

Josh,
We are not a city although they call it one here, but there is enough old money and a university here so that it's somewhat hip.We have the wineries and the small and large farms so we have lots of great restaurants and gourmet shops.
We have to turn towards Richmond (1 hour) or DC or Northern Virginia (1.5 - 2 hrs) for real shopping and city stuff. But Charlottesville is growing and has several theaters and a new stadium (John Paul Jones) so we do pull major musicians here to perform as well.
Check Virginia, central (more your partner) and Northern (more you) and you might find somewhere you like.
Come out and visit anytime!
Erika
.

Sorry Erika...but Charlottesville is a CITY You may have to head to Richmond to shop...but me...Charlottesville is where I usually go I usually can find anything I need there.
.

You can find a good amount here but I don't think the prices are that great. Go over Afton towards Staunton and now you've got good prices.
But no, I don't consider this a city for shopping, not like my home San Francisco. We are pretty limited here unless you have lots of money to shop the boutiques, which I don't. And to me the traffic is town traffic, not city traffic.
We have a great mall just outside Richmond though, Short Pump. That's about 45 minutes away.
Riki