Fall Colors

There are new colors all around us as summer officially turns into autumn. The leaves are slowly starting to change colors, which will make for some beautiful scenery on all the hikes in the New River Valley. Of course, on weekends the streets become flooded with orange and maroon t-shirts as the Hokies cheer on Virginia Tech football. This weekend happens to be an away game against Boston College, but there are always students showing their pride here in Blacksburg, Va.

Here at the Clay Corner Inn, we are enjoying new colors too, mostly in our gardens. A purple hyacinth, which was given to us by a guest, is now in full bloom with vibrant shades of purple. On the other side of the fence, my tomato garden is still producing plenty of tomatoes and even a few peppers now. There’s even a cherry tomato plant
across the way that must be from John’s garden a few years ago. I’m excited to start harvesting those tomatoes soon!

We recently just finished planting a bunch of mums around the property. There are even maroon and orange ones to show our support for Virginia Tech! I know I’m enjoying the vibrant colors and I hope that you’ll be able to stay with us and enjoy them too. There’s a garden with a bench out back that has more plants around it which looks so inviting for reading a book in the evenings. Perhaps I’ll run into you out there sometime; but always know that we’re here to help you plan your visit and make your time in Blacksburg special. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Happy Fall!
Liz

New Sheets!

While we finally got some much needed rain on Saturday, it proved to be a soggy day for the first Virginia Tech home football game. Our guests here at the Clay Corner Inn appreciated coming back to a warm house and taking an afternoon nap between our new Compy spa sheets. I’ve been told that they are soft and “buttery” and are “simply amazing”! Hopefully I’ll get a chance to try the sheets out next week when we aren’t so busy. Some guests enjoy the sheets so much that they decide to buy a set from our gift shop. While some would consider a queen set to be pricey at $129, anyone who has slept on these sheets would tell you that it is definitely worth the money to have a luxurious nights sleep.

Our recent investment in new sheets is just another example of how we strive to improve our guests’ experience. Through constantly updating our amenities and services offered, we hope to be able to provide you with a warm and enjoyable experience. As always, if there’s anything that we can do to help make your stay special, don’t hesitate to contact us. While we can’t control the weather or make sure the Hokies win, we can always help you make dinner plans, prepare a plate of homemade cookies, or suggest a great day hike. I’m most positive that you’ll enjoy your stay in Blacksburg and feel at home at the Clay Corner Inn.

Liz

Edible Creations

Here in Blacksburg, we’re gearing up for the first Virginia Tech football game and preparing the inn for a busy fall. Thankfully we have a break in the heat spell and have the chance to clean and bake in a more comfortable setting. I know I appreciated the cool breeze today when I was picking flowers to replenish our vases on the breakfast tables. Arranging flowers is one of the more creative sides to innkeeping that I find very enjoyable!

There happens to be creative opportunities available most days here at the Clay Corner Inn. Every morning I get to garnish plates with fruits and occasionally fresh herbs from our garden, or even pansies, which are an edible flower. Certain evenings we have guests arrive who are celebrating an anniversary or a birthday. Then I get to put together a cookie platter to leave in the room.

On our website we offer certain specials that can make your stay more enjoyable. My personal favorite to prepare is the snack basket which includes cheeses, crackers, fruit, and nuts. It’s a lovely idea for an afternoon after a long drive, or for a relaxing evening after you’ve been at the Virginia Tech football game. We’d be happy to put together a treat for you, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you’re celebrating a special occasion or would just like something to munch on before dinner. Plus, it gives us a chance to be creative and have fun! We’re here to provide you with a friendly atmosphere and warm hospitality, so we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Liz