Groundhog Day Special Deal in Michigan

Thursday, February 2, 2012, is Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil will be predicting the weather at approximately 7:25 a.m. If he does not see his shadow, the prediction is for an early Spring. In that case, we will offer any room at Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI for just $99 per night when you stay 2 nights between February 3-9. If he sees his shadow, the prediction is for a longer winter. In that case, we will give you gift cards for 2 dinners when you stay with us 2 nights between February 3-9 at posted rates. You win either way when you call in your reservation on Groundhog Day.

This offer is valid for reservations made on Groundhog Day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for any 2 night stay between February 3-9. Dinner certificates for Saucy Dog's Barbeque and Olivia's Chop House.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Presidents Day Getaway Package in Michigan

The Presidents Day holiday is celebrated on Monday February 20 in 2012. Some employers give their employees the day off to create a 3 day weekend to celebrate 2 of our great Presidents--George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. But to many workers, it's just another Monday.

 

The Munro House is a Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville Michigan that offers a special deal for Presidents Day weekend. Guests who are able to make it a long weekend can get any room on Sunday, February 20, for just $50 when they also stay Saturday night at regular rates. Guests need to mention the secret word "WASHINGTON" when they make their reservation to get the special deal for Presidents Day. 

With a staff of on-call spa professionals, massages and body wraps are available by appointment  every day. A great selection of local restaurants provides plenty of choices for lunches and dinners. Centrally located in Southern Michigan between Detroit and Kalamazoo, the Munro House is an option to driving all the way to Lake Michigan or the Mackinac Bridge for a Winter getaway.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Michigan B&B Deals on FourSquare

I downloaded a smart phone app called FourSquare. Basically, it tracks where you've been and lets your friends know where you are. There are additional features that provide statistics for competition with friends, mayorships, and special offers.

When I go to the gas station, I check in. At the grocery store, I check in. At restaurants, I check in. Everywhere I go, I check in. Points are achieved for first time check ins, returning check ins, and check ins with friends. Badges are earned for being a connoisseur of similar locations. Mayorships are earned by frequently going to the same places--even the water cooler. Many businesses have special offers that include freebies, upgrades, and special offers, so it's worth checking in to get a bigger better deal.

The Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI now participates in the special offers. Guests can get a free upgrade to a bigger room, tour groups get a reduced rate, and business travelers who come to Hillsdale County often can get a free massage.

Signing up is free. Gaining mayorships is fun. Getting stuff for free makes it worthwhile--I'm getting free McCafe Smoothies at my McDonalds.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Free Rooms for Vets Article

November 15, 2011 Section: News Page: 1 Memo:Munro House The Munro House was the American Legion Post in Jonesville in the 1940s and '50s. Venturini said he is very interested in local history and is looking for photos of the Munro House from that era. Munro House offers free lodging Holly Roney holly.roney@hillsdale.net JONESVILLE - The Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville opened its doors to veterans for the second year as part of "B & Bs for Vets," a program that provides veterans and their spouses free lodging the night before Veterans Day so that they can attend local events the next day.

Munro House filled their seven rooms with veterans, providing them with a free dinner on Thursday night at Olivia's or Saucy Dog's and a breakfast on Veterans Day. They have guests representing Vietnam, the Gulf War and current active-duty. One guest, Misty Wolthuis, is an active-duty Sergeant First Class (SFC) who will be leaving for Liberia to teach the Liberian army armory operations on Saturday. "I just think it's the right thing to do," said Mike Venturini, who owns the Munro House with his wife. "I think more people should do things for the veterans." The Venturinis released their rooms by encouraging potential guests to friend them on Facebook. Then they released rooms individually, letting their Facebook friends be the first to know. They said that way they were creating some anticipation about the event. Guests came from Grand Rapids, Ida, Lambertville and more. There were also guests at the reception before dinner Thursday that were local veterans and their families. "Everybody's welcome at my house," Venturini said. The reception offered appetizers such as cheese and crackers, and apples with caramel. Guests ate, told stories and relaxed before heading off to dinner. On Friday, they were encouraged to attend the memorial rededication at Carl Fast Park in Jonesville. "This place is phenomenal," said guest Larry Fry, who came from Grand Rapids with his wife. "There's a lot of history here." Jeff Venneman and fiancee Misty Wolthuis, both active-duty Sergeants First Class, enjoy the snacks offered. DAILY NEWS/HOLLY RONEY

Copyright, 2011, The Hillsdale Daily News, All Rights Reserved.  Mike Venturini

Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Free Room for Vets on the Day Before Veteran's Day

The Munro House in Jonesville MI is once again participating in the international bed and breakfast event knows as B&Bs for Vets. This program offer free rooms to veterans at B&Bs across North America on November 10, the day before Veterans Day. The timing of the event gives free lodging to veterans on November 10 which allows the vets to be in town on November 11 for morning services at local shrines traditionally held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

With many veterans wanting to participate in this event, the Munro House has set up a booking method that alerts facebook friends as rooms become available for 11/10/11. Anyone can become a facebook friend by liking us on our website or facebook page. Just find and click on the "like" button. Regular information about the Munro House will periodically appear on your facebook page along with an alert for the release of another B&Bs for Vets free room. Several rooms are yet to be released to Munro House "friends".

Munro House requires proof of service by requesting a photo of the vet in uniform, or on duty. Vets can then arrive at the Munro House for a complimentary beverage and snack reception from 5:30-7:00 attended by other local vets, before heading into town for dinner, enjoying a night in a comfortable room, and a big breakfast with other vets.

This year's Veterans Day program in Jonesville will be in the village square at Carl Fast Park just a block from the Munro House. A dedication of the restored G.A.R. memorial is scheduled along with guest speakers and a program by local middle school children.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Free B&B Lodging Offer from Stash Tea

The Stash Tea Company prints a Buy One Get One Free Bed and Breakfast Guide that contains a BOGO offer that is good at numerous B&Bs across the country. Details to obtain the guide are available online. The Munro House in Jonesville is one of many participating bed and breakfasts in Michigan.

There is always a nice variety of Stash Teas available to guests at the Munro House B&B in Jonesville. I have a weakness for the Moroccan Mint Tea, while my massuese highly recommends green teas for health and wellness.We usually stock 10 or more teas from the classic Earl Gray to fruit flavors and exotic chai variations and infusions. We prefer the pre-packaged tea bags while loose teas, specialties, and gifts are also available online. I have a weakness for the Moroccan Mint Tea, while my masseuse highly recommends green teas for health and wellness.

The Stash Tea Company is an online seller of natural, herbal, and caffeine-free teas. Many people have found that tea has a calming effect that helps them relax. Essential oils produce the aroma of the tea, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, and polyphenols (not tannins) account for the much-publicized antioxidant and anti-disease properties. 

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Special Talk Like a Pirate Promotion

Avast, me hearties! Talk like a Pirate when ye claim yer room and drop yer anchor with us fer the days of September 16 and 17. We'll send ye a car-r-r-rd to get yer dinner for 2 at ye Saucy Dog's Bar-r-r-rbeque on Friday and dinner for 2 at Olivia's Chop House on Saturday at no extra char-r-r-r-r-rge. Wear yer eye patches, dew rags, and hooped earrings to look the part, as I'll be havin' a rip roarin' good time with me buxom beauty on the morn o' check-out.  For we be celebratin' early the annual September 19 International Talk Like a Pirate Day.  Acquire me treasure on any room priced at $149 and up. Limit 2 land lubbers per room.

Ye can make yer reservation online, but to get the dinners, ye must call me directly at 1-800-320-3792 and make sure ye talk like a pirate to get yer dinner car-r-r-rds.  A few day's notice is required. Can't be combined with any other booty or treasure. We'll swab the poop deck with all ye mutinous dogs who try. Ar-r-r-r-rr!

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

August B&B Discount

Hot Summer Nights in August brings a special deal for bed and breakfast guests at Munro House B&B in Jonesville. All rooms are discounted to as low as $99 on every Sunday night it August. This brings significantly lower prices to folks who can getaway on a Sunday night in Southern Michigan.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Memorial Day Parade and Program in Jonesville

The traditional Memorial Day Parade in Jonesville is an assortment of veterans, public services, farmers, and patriots who march about a mile down US-12. The Jonesville High School Marching Band plays patriotic songs while police cars and fire trucks blare their sirens and vintage automobiles toot their horns.

The morning parade ends at the Freedom Memorial on the East end of Jonesville with a fine program put on by the local American Legion Post. This year's guest speaker is current active duty Air Force with several years of experience from Kosovo to the Middle East.

A large gathering of Jonesville residents along with veterans from several eras and the Jonesville High School Band take part in the program. Hundreds of local residents take the mile walk to the Freedom Memorial to pay tribute to anyone who has ever served in the armed forces.

Military veterans took advantage of Munro House Special Pricing over the Memorial Day Holiday. Veterans from any era along with current active duty and reserves are honored over all military holidays with special rates at the Munro House B&B.  Discounts for vets are also available for Flag Day, Independence Day, Patriot Day, and Veterans Day. A photo of the vet on duty is required.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"

Munro House Bed and Breakfast

May Gardening Special

Weekday Special promotion in May. Bring me a flat of flowers, help me plant them and/or provide 1 hour of labor working in my yard and stay 2 nights in a Jacuzzi Room for $199. Valid on Sunday through Thursday night arrivals with work being done around 11 a.m. of the second day Monday through Friday. I can always use a few tips on gardening as I have been a trial-and-error, learn-as-you-go gardener.

I prefer red, yellow, and orange flowers and do not care for multi-colored flowers or groups of flowers in mixed colors. I prefer varieties that you may have had good luck with in your yard.  I have several gardens with perennials and 2 with annuals. I have had good luck with tulips, daffodils, salvia, and Asiatic lilies and have had great fortune using sedums and English ivy for ground cover.

If you are better at planting trees or bushes, that is another option for the deal. I prefer hard maples or trees with red fall colors but would be willing to try anything--especially if it is unusual--like my bald cypress--as long as it is hardy in Michigan.

FYI:  Several huge black walnut trees in my yard have made it difficult to plant anything that will survive more than one season within 30 feet of them.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"

Munro House Bed and Breakfast

1-800-320-3792

B&Bs for Vets Free Bed and Breakfast Program

The Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, MI, participated in a national bed and breakfast program honoring veterans and active duty military personnel called B&Bs for Vets. The idea was to offer a free night bed and breakfast on the day before Veterans Day to allow vets to be in town for morning programs at local memorial services. About 1,000 B&Bs across American gave 1 or more of their rooms to veterans at no charge on this day.  We have accommodations for 14, but can only seat 12 at the big table, so we gave 6 of our 7 rooms to vets (and blocked the remaining room off for a regular businessman) so all of our vets could sit together at one table during breakfast.

Our first guests arrived at 3:00 check in time and my last guest arrived at midnight--she kept me informed of their progress in the fog--and I greeted them with a smiling face. The majority of our vets found out about this event through a military website, military.com. One found out through a state newspaper article and another through USA Today. Two of our guests were active duty, two were retired military, and two served their required term and moved to the private sector. Only one couple had previously emjoyed a B&B experience.


Weekday breakfast time is negotiable and they individually told me they wanted breakfast at 9:00--Woo-hooo! I had 6 guests down at 8:00 and 10 by 8:30--SURPRISE!!! Good thing I had coffee going, so they all mingled while I finished my prep work. When it comes to making breakfast, I am "the man". We offered our signature item--Lori's Secret Recipe Belgian Waffles" plus any kind of eggs along with fruit, juice, toast, and bacon. Those vets can eat! I plated 20 entrees to 12 people in about 30 minutes. We had lively conversation over breakfast and made sure everyone could attend the veterans day program that was taking place just a mile away.

Veterans from the Cold War, Vietnam, and Desert Storm representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force spent the a day with us in our great old house. All were very appreciative at the generosity of this program. One guest remarked that he did the math on the lost revenue incurred when giving free bed and breakfast to 6 couples this morning. He said that as a small business, the Munro House "went beyond the call of duty" and honored the innkeepers, Mike & Lori Venturini, for what they had done. A Vietnam vet was in tears saying "no one has ever been this good to me on Veterans Day". The wife of a current serviceman, heading for the Middle East on Tuesday, said "we really needed this".

Jonesville has a great Freedom Memorial. The local American Legion Post has organized programs for all military holidays. My town of 2,400 had over 300 people show up for the morning service. I was proud, and my guests were moved when all vets were asked to step forward and join the color guard. The program lasted under a half hour and everyone went their separate ways after "taps" was played. Veterans were honored, support was shown, and new friendships were made. Everyone had a great time at no cost and all felt honored on their day in this small town in Michigan.


We will probably participate in this program honoring vets again next year. We will begin to release free rooms sometime in August. We will not take a waiting list, but will announce our participation on a random date through our facebook fan page and give away rooms on a first come-first served basis. Anyone interested in coming to Jonesville and staying with us free and attend the 11/11/11 service will need to become a fan of the Munro House by clicking the "like" button on our facebook fan page. You will get regular postings of events and things of interest in Jonesville including additional military discounts for Flag Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. Our fans will be the first alerted to the availability of a free room for Vetereans Day.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Goldwing Rider Runs Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast

There is a motorcycle riders safety course offered at the Town and Country Harley Davidson dealer near the Artesian Wells in Cement City, about 20 minutes from my place, the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, Michigan. This innkeeper took the 4 day class last Summer and bought my first bike on Mothers Day this year.

I wanted a touring bike and pursued listings online at Craigslist.  After narrowing the selection down to about 20 different bikes, I chose to check out a Honda Goldwing that was offered by a guy up in a northern suburb of Detroit. I loved the bike, we struck a deal, and now I ride my Aspencade at every opportunity.

I had a couple thousand miles experience before I had the confidence to take a rider. Now, Lori and I go for a ride at every opportunity. We wait patiently for all of our guests to arrive, then take an early evening ride for dinner, ice cream, or just to enjoy the day. 

To encourage bikers to select our Southern Michigan Bed and Breakfast as a place to stay when touring the state, anyone who rides their bike to our house during 2010 can get any room for $50 off our regular rates priced at $139 and up by asking for the "2 Wheeler Special". Even if you are not a biker, it can pay to follow our blog as different groups or special promotions are offered on a regular basis.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

4th of July Discount on B&B Lodging

Every Michigan Bed and Breakfast has its high season and low season. These are times in which there is either a big demand for lodging or a small demand. Inns on the water can command a higher than normal daily rate due to supply and demand and location. The 4th of July weekend is a prime example where many bed and breakfasts have a higher than normal demand. During this time frame, many B&Bs will get top dollar for their rooms and can require guests to stay 2, or 3, or 4 nights, or more.

However, not every inn is near water, or an attraction, or a special event. At these locations, a special deal may be available for travelers who want an affordable getaway on a holiday weekend. The Munro House in Jonesville is a prime example.

The Munro House has discount pricing for guests staying any 2 nights from July 1-5. They call it the "Proud to Be An American" promotion where Americans are honored by getting a great deal on any room during the Independence Day holiday weekend. $99 a night for bed and breakfast is a significant discount for any of their rooms.

Coming to a small town during a holiday means that there will be more peace and quiet than crowds and activity. Premiere Theater shows new release movies on 7 screens in Hillsdale. There is a parade plus activities and fireworks at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds. Spa services including manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, body wraps, and waxing are available onsite every day at the Munro House to create a relaxing getaway over the Fourth of July holiday.

Whether you need a couples getaway or are visiting family and friends in the area or just need some quiet time, the Munro House is a good choice for escaping the crowds that congregate near beaches and amusement parks and casinos in Michigan.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Springtime Special Deal in Jonesville Michigan

My property, the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, Michigan, has been a work in progress for several years. I am learning to be a gardener on my own in my spare time. There is a lot of trial and error going on my yard. Now that Springtime is here, it is time to reassess and reevaluate what I have done and what I hope to do.

It all started when I got tired of 7 forty foot tall pine trees that lined my parking lot. I had them removed and replaced the area they once occupied with a new brick patio, a privacy fence, a retaining wall, and lots of plants, shrubs, and trees. After 3 years, the area is beginning to mature, but the trees just don't grow fast enough.  The plan is for the future, so in time, it will become what I dream it will be.

My flowers are beginning to bloom. The daffodils and tulips are just beautiful, the iris and lilies are coming,  the annuals will be planted around Mother's Day. I need to increase the groupings and organize them better.  But I do have color throughout the yard, so I am moving in the right direction. I need to move the big stuff back and short stuff forward.  All of this takes time.  Sometimes I have it, and sometimes I don't.  Some people notice and some people don't.  I guess it's the effort that counts.

I may never be a master gardener, but I am getting more confidence and pride in what I am doing in the yard.  I know that there are lots of people who love gardening and would like to share their knowledge. To those people I am proposing that if they will bring me a flat of their favorite flowers and help me choose a spot and help me plant them, they can buy one night and get the second night free at my B&B through May 5. I have ordered flowers through local fund raisers that will be here in early May, so this offer is only good until I get my flats.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"