BETWEEN THE SHEETS: WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW BEFORE OPENING A B&B

The 17 Bed and Breakfasts of Historic Cape Cod Bay present “INNtense...INNvaluable...INNtimate Education for Aspiring Innkeepers”, a 3-day/2-night weekend seminar that promises comprehensive coverage of personal and professional topics affecting aspiring innkeepers, plus a chance to tour a variety of inns and speak one-on-one with innkeepers actively innkeeping on Cape Cod. The first of many planned innkeeping seminars will take place January 18-20, 2008. Additional seminars are planned for February 29-March 2, and March 28-30.

The weekend includes 12+ hours of classroom time to cover the “inns and outs” of business planning, financing, and marketing a bed and breakfast inn, as well as an opportunity to tour a variety of inns–from 3-room B&Bs, to full service inns, and inns with spa services. The weekend will kick off with a wine tasting hosted by the innkeepers, which will be held at The Wine List in Hyannis.

Aspiring innkeepers will be introduced to a diverse group of innkeepers, including single parents and ex-patriates. Unique to this innkeeping program is the opportunity to discuss sensitive issues that affect innkeepers’ personal lives, such as innkeeping with children or as a single parent, as well as the nitty gritty aspects of how to organize a B&B cooking school, remodel and decorate an inn, or network to build business during optional 90-minute break-out sessions held on Sunday afternoon.

The price of the program is $175 per person or $195 per couple, which covers the cost of the materials, lunch on Saturday, and the wine tasting. Accommodations are additional, however, each of the 17 Bed and Breakfasts of Historic Cape Cod Bay is offering a special rate for those attending the weekend seminar.

For more information visit http://www.historiccapecodbay.com, where you can read profiles of each inn, view inn photos, and find contact information to make reservations. Rates for accommodations vary by inn and space is limited.