In a recent "Our Places" post for The Virgin Atlantic Blog, Giverny Tattersfield names Black Sheep Inn and Spa in Hammondsport as one of "the best New York State B&B's."
Tattersfield writes that Black Sheep Inn "ticks all the B&B boxes" thanks to "thoughtful, attentive service . . . beautiful surrounds and the proximity to many award-winning microbreweries and wineries." But Tattersfield also sites one of Black Sheep Inn and Spa's main intentions, offering visitors unique and often educational experiences.
"Co-owners of the Black Sheep Inn and Spa . . . Debbie and Marc, are firm believers," writes Tattersfield, "in fresh, organic, local produce and the incredible breakfasts at this B&B will make believers of you too."
"We're all about the freshest and healthiest ingredients when we're preparing breakfast for our guests," says Debbie, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute. "In our pursuit of local, sustainable and seasonal, we are proud to source over 85% of our ingredients from within 50 miles of the Inn. You will experience, first hand, the freshest ingredients available here in the Southern Finger Lakes, directly from the Farm to your Table, and you will learn all about the process and philosophy of the local, organic movement, and how easy and beneficial it is to work directly with your local Farm to Table sources."
In addition to offering an amazing Farm to Table breakfast every morning, Debbie makes sure to learn about her guests' food allergies and dietary restrictions to ensure that they enjoy a nourishing, delicious meal, while maintaining their dietary protocols. She has grains milled specifically for the Inn and offers gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, vegetarian, and raw options as well. Many of the conversations you'll hear her having with her guests are focused on teaching them the best practices, but also on showing them that "healthy" food isn't tasteless food.
Built in 1859, by Timothy M. Younglove (one of the founders of Pleasant Valley Winery) and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, this tastefully restored octagon-shaped house is a very distinctive example of the "Octagon" movement of the mid 19th century. Marc relied heavily upon his degree in Interior Design during the transformation of what had become a run-down home into such beautiful upscale accommodations that they call an oasis from the stress of everyday life.
Debbie and Marc are known for their creative offerings and for their commitment to creating extraordinary getaway packages and experiences for their guests. The Black Sheep Inn and Spa offers unique architectural history, a great location, and exciting hands-on opportunities, like the chance to create art - including jewelry design with Debbie and stained glass work with Marc who is also a stained-glass artist.
Debbie and Marc believe in the creative reuse of materials and in supporting the regional art scene in a number of ways, including their involvement with the annual Arts in Bloom Arts Trail event which takes art lovers to nearly two-dozen stops including working pottery studios, art galleries, and more.
To learn more about Black Sheep Inn and Spa, visit www.stayblacksheepinn.com or call 607-368-8471 or 607-569-3767.
