Stevenson Ridge
Innkeeper(s):
Debbie & Dan Spear, Jennifer LaRock
Conneen/Jarrell Wedding 26 Apr 2013, 2:11 pm
Congrats Stephanie & James! Click here to check out their wedding on
"Going Green: A Mindset that Saves Money, Makes a Better World" 5 Apr 2013, 3:07 pm
What does "being green" mean? For me, it's not about crunching numbers to determine my energy or waste reduction or making substantial investments in new EnergyStar appliances. For me, "being green" is just a state of mind, an extra step in the thought process. Before I throw something in the trash, before I make a new purchase, before I grab a new piece of paper just to jot down a telephone number... I stop and think.This being said, when it came to starting up my business, I was more concerned with getting the doors open than I was about "being green." It wasn't until I began to see the amount of waste that is produced in the hospitality industry, that I realized my folly.
It pained me to throw out the small bottles of bath amenities after just one use and to count the cases of water we went through in a week. Realizing there was an opportunity, we started making changes to reduce the amount of waste. We installed amenity dispensers in the showers, replaced plastic bottled water with reusable glass bottles, changed to cloth hand towels in the bathrooms and kitchens, and much more.
Now, the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" philosophy is something that is embedded in our daily operations. Not only are our employees trained on our green practices, caterers who work at Stevenson Ridge are as well. The special events industry creates a lot of waste, and so we have implemented a few policies such as requiring recycling, permitting only recyclable plastics and prohibiting disposable linens.
We also take advantage of the opportunity to educate inn guests. Signage is located in each cottage explaining Stevenson Ridge's commitment to green practices and ways the guest can help such as reusing towels, turning lights off when they leave, and using recycling containers.
From a business perspective, it is exciting to say that what we do actually saves us money. Although we spend a little extra for recycling pick up, energy-efficient light bulbs and upgrading to low-flow shower heads, we more than make up by reducing our energy and water usage, eliminating unnecessary purchases and repurposing supplies such as frayed bed linens for cleaning towels.
For 2012, we estimated a savings of more than $4,000 from just turning the heat down and hot water off in between guests stays, and using bulk amenities instead of disposables. For a small business, this is significant savings. However, we are always looking at more ways to better our efforts and save a little money.
This post was published by Jennifer LaRock in the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce's April Chamberlink. Jennifer is a proud member of the Green Business Initiatives Advisory Committee and assists the Chamber in promoting green business practices.
Adrian Cabin Getaway (A Guest's Story and Review) 2 Apr 2013, 7:50 am
We had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with a weekend guest and writer and share the history of Stevenson Ridge. Click here to see what she had to say about her stay in the Adrian Cabin.
March 2013 Bridal Newsletter 27 Mar 2013, 2:04 pm
Photo Credit: Carley Rehberg Photography
To subscribe to our monthly bridal newsletter, please contact our event coordinator, Elizabeth.
February 2013 Bridal Newsletter 1 Mar 2013, 6:00 am
To subscribe to our monthly bridal newsletter, please contact our event coordinator, Elizabeth.
"The Shining" Engagement Session 28 Feb 2013, 10:27 am
Click here to check out this spooky but fun engagement session at Stevenson Ridge by Renouf Photography! REDRUM!
February 2013 Newsletter 20 Feb 2013, 10:56 am
Click here to see the latest updates at Stevenson Ridge. We hope you can join us for our Open House this Sunday!
January 2013 Bridal Newsletter 30 Jan 2013, 1:03 pm
Click here to check out our latest bridal newsletter!
To subscribe to our monthly bridal newsletter, please contact our event coordinator, Elizabeth.
Staff Trip to A. Smith Bowman Distillery 24 Jan 2013, 1:27 pm
While searching for unique activities for our guests, the staff took a trip to the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in early January. After taking a wrong turn, we are now ready to give you tips on how to get there! Upon arrival, we were greeted by Mary who provided us with a great tour of the facility and Truman Cox, the Master Distiller. The picture above is where the whiskey and bourbon barrels are stored during the aging process. Once we completed the tour, we were able to try samples of the A. Smith Bowman products. Truman joined us during the tasting to share more about the flavors of each liquor and told us about his experimental batches! With an ABC store in-house, you are able to pick up whatever you like and they have some fun things you won't find in your typical ABC store. I will be going back to pick up the barrel chips for grilling! If you are looking for a fun activity, you can tour the facility alone or as part of the Grapes & Grain Trail. Guests can purchase tickets in the office or at any of the Grapes & Grain Trail stops. To learn more about the distillery, click here.
2013 Wedding Trends 23 Jan 2013, 8:27 am
Vintage
This vintage theme is slightly changing from the rustic burlap and mason jars to the Roaring Twenties. This trend has perfect timing for 2013 as the “The Great Gatsby” with Leonardo DiCaprio premiers this summer. So get in touch with your inner Daisy Buchanan while planning your vintage wedding.
Mint
Although Emerald Green was announced as Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year, the lighter but just as earthier, Mint Green, is popular among brides. Perfect for spring and summer weddings as this trend is fresh, fun and shabby chic. Get creative with your décor as this retro color will look great with little hints of gold or melon.
Rainbow
Why choose just one color when you can have them all? Incorporating many colors within your wedding décor is a fun trend that will be a hit as each bridesmaid, tables at the reception, centerpieces, or any other décor can each represent a unique color. Whether you choose jewel tones, primaries or pastels, your guests will enjoy a colorful day!
Birds
What’s more romantic and charming than lovebirds (or birds in general)! This trend is easy to integrate into your big day; you can’t walk into Hobby Lobby or browse Pinterest without seeing these cute creatures! You’ll find bird-themed stationary, cake toppers, statuettes, favors, etc. Don’t forget the birdcage for your cards!
Mini Menus
Smaller is better! This year mini menus are going to be a hit at weddings as miniature food will be seen more often for cocktail hour and desert bars. Mini waffles, mini cheeseburgers and fries, mini pies and cakes will be passed around so whatever you choose for your mini menu your guests are sure to love this itty bitty trend.
Photo Credit: Wedding Elation Blog
Photo Credit: Wedding Elation Blog
