The Inn is well located just off Interstate 81 (Exit 247B) near Historic Old Town Harrisonburg, VA, minutes from James Madison University, and a short drive to many Shenandoah Valley attractions such as the Skyline Drive,Blue Ridge Parkway, two National Forests, the Civil War Trails, multiple Civil War Battlefields and Museums.

 

January News for You!
 

Animations - happy new year

In This Month's Edition:

 

 

 

January Special       

In last month's newsletter, we offered our loyal Stonewall Jackson family a holiday gift of a $25 discount on any midweek stay of one night or more, and $10 off on weekend nights before March 1st. Well, stand back because our January special is even more unbelievable! Stay with us in any available room during the month of January and save 20% on our regular rates, weekends included! Even better, stay two consecutive nights and get the third night at 50% off!  This is the perfect opportunity to experience the unique luxury and comfort offered at Stonewall Jackson Inn. What are you waiting for? Call today to reserve your room. Be sure to mention this special when making your reservation.

 Animations - 413

Coming Soon

 Watch your email for our Valentine’s Day package! You will definitely want to take advantage of this!

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Roger's Adventures 

Roger had a great Christmas Season at his Sears store.  So much so, he and his girlfriend Tina are planning to take some time off and hike down the Grand Canyon , stay at Phantom Ranch, and hike back up to Bright Angel Lodge.  Both have a New Years’ resolution to work out, lose some excess pounds and develop "hard bodies" by next year.  Roger and I have made this hike several times, so he knows that it is not a piece of cake.  It takes stamina and agility, but is an unforgettable hike as you can well imagine.  He is also planning a trip on the Mississippi Queen Steamboat, also a memorable and fun thing to do.  If you have done either of these adventures, I'll bet the farm you have a very good memory of the experience!  By the way, don't forget this number  -- 3474 -- it is his store number that you use when you order anything from Sears anywhere in the world.  He will get credit for the sale as referring you for the purchase. Thanks for remembering him in his endeavor.  He would love to see you when you come to town.  His store is about a mile from the Inn . 

http://www.searsdealer.com

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Wayne's Adventures

  My New Years Resolution is to sail the Rivers of France next summer, but first comes the Mardi Gras Carnival in Trinidad the last week of January and the first week in February.  I will be leaving on January 19 and returning on February 7.  The actual Carnival Program happens the first week in February ending with an unbelievable all night street party on the Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday, but the week before is just as enjoyable as the preparations are made for the "Mas" Carnival days.  I have been there several times and so have many friends to visit.  I will be staying with one of them who has a B&B, just outside of the Capital City , Port-O-Spain. If you are curious, "Google" Trinidad Carnival.  They have an excellent and very informative web site. I plan to write daily internet post cards to those who request them, so if you want to receive an email "blog" postcard, send me your email address and request. I will add you to my special Yahoo Group.  My Yahoo address is wee32@yahoo.com user name "Angel".  I will be taking my digital camera to send you pictures as well, so sign up and have fun with me!

Renovation Progress Update  

  We made the Christmas Eve deadline!  We had the final inspection and have the Certificate of Occupancy so I can move in with my beautiful ethereal Audrey.  I was gifted a very old hand-made Antique "Rope Bed" on which we plan to sleep (see picture).  It is just a tad smaller than a full, and I had to have a special mattress made for it.  If you have never slept on one of these, it is a real treat, a gift from Benjamin Franklin.  For those of you who have woodworking skills/buddies, the plans for making one are at: http://www.lydia.org/~zaphod/sca/ropebed/.  It makes a wonderful (not too hard) project and a beautiful piece of functional furniture.

    The Innkeeper Apartment renovation is progressing nicely.  I am putting a Sky Light Green House in the living room area that is unusual and innovative.  Also I am putting really neat "Sun Tunnels" in the southern bedroom.  I have great construction sub-contractors, but they all think I am (to put it tactfully), "tetched-in-the-head" when I propose unusual things like this :-).  They might very well be accurate!  The state of being is that the framing and plumbing is done.  The electrician is currently rewiring the entire 1st floor.  After that passes inspection, it is drywall time.  Occupancy target is March 31.  Will keep you posted..it will be very nice!  Free tours of this and Audrey's Attic :-)

The Innkeeper News  

I am still in dialog with Joseph in Tanzania who also wishes to relocate and train with me to be a Master Innkeeper.  I am working with the governmental and embassy there on his Visa application for that training.  Steps are moving in a positive direction as we have some high ranking guys that I am working with, both here and in Tanzania .  He may be here by April 1 if  progress continues without a hitch. He is a great guy, personable and will be a great asset to the Inn .  You will love him...guaranteed!  Again, the Inn 's adopted charity is "Godparents for Tanzanian Children" which sponsors tuition for impoverished, but well qualified students.  Check out the website and join us in this very well run and worthy charitable program.      

 
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Jeff & Rudi's News

As many of you know, before coming to the Stonewall Jackson Inn as Aspiring Innkeepers, Jeff and I had the blessing of being trained in the ancient tradition of the Ishayas’ Ascension, living and teaching in a variety of retreat centers around the country. This meditation-like practice uses a series of mechanical techniques based on Praise, Gratitude and Love, which are designed to remove stress from the central nervous system, allowing us to live our lives as originally intended, in True Freedom.

 While we love innkeeping and all its’ aspects, our hearts’ desire is to continue sharing the precious gift of Ascension with others, incorporating our God inspired mission into our lives here. So, we are very pleased to announce that we will be combining the best of both worlds by offering this teaching as a weekend workshop at the Stonewall Jackson Inn on February 22-24. The classes, called First Sphere weekends, will begin Friday evening, continue Saturday and reach completion around 4 pm on Sunday.  We will also be scheduling retreats for advanced Ascension work at future dates to be determined.

            We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing this practice with our Stonewall Jackson family. If you would like to know more, please call and chat with Jeff or me at 540-433-8233 or email us at: innkeepers@StonewallJacksonInn.com. Blessings to you all!

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Guests of the Month

Boys of the Lough

On December 6, 2007, we were delighted to host “Boys of the Lough,” an internationally known and respected Celtic band, who performed an amazing concert that evening at Court Square Theater. Originally formed as a trio in 1967,  Boys of the Lough  is one of the longest-surviving traditional music bands, having completed over 60  tours of the United States, with performances and recordings spanning over 5 decades! Joining founding member Cathal McConnell, whose specialties include: Flute, Tin Whistle, and Vocals are: Dave Richardson - Mandolin, Cittern, English Concertina, Button Accordion, Composer; Brendan Begley - Accordion, Melodeon, Vocals; Malcolm Stitt - Guitar, Bouzouki; Kevin Henderson - Shetland Fiddle. Their performances are not to be missed. To learn more about these wonderful, world class musicians, visit their website at: http://www.boysofthelough.com

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Poet's Corner

The Month After Christmas...

 'Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house, nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste at the holiday parties had gone straight to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number! When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared; the gravies and sauces and beef nicely "rared,"

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese, and the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt and prepared once again to do battle with dirt---

I said to myself, as only I can ,"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So----away with the last of the sour cream dip, get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished, till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie--not even a lick. I'll spend my time chewing a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie. I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore --- but isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.

Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

 ~Author Unknown (but we have our suspicions!)~
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Our Surprise Visitor

Great Grand Daughter of Robert E. Lee ’s Outfitter 

Visits the Stonewall Jackson Inn

Barbara Chittum-Hutchens, great-grand daughter of Charles H. Chittum (1848-1934), visited us at the Stonewall Jackson Inn, on Friday, December 07, 2007.  She spoke with great love for her great-grandfather Charles, who had the honor of outfitting General Robert E. Lee with horse saddle & boots.

  This was not the only service Charles provided for R.E. Lee.  He was also instrumental in finding the coffin that Lee was to be buried in.  Three days prior to Lee’s passing, the North River at East Lexington , VA flooded to the point of stealing away all three coffins that were stored at Alexander’s Wharf.  When Lee passed on October 12th, 1870, there was no coffin to be found in store at Lexington .  Searching together, Charles Chittum & Harry Wallace located the coffin for Lee, two miles from its original point of storage, marooned on an island in the North River .

In addition, the Charles & Rebecca Holtzman Chittum family held the honor of caring for Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee, widow of General Robert E. Lee and Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, widow of General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson .

 Mrs. Chittum-Hutchens shared these stories with great delight and love, honoring her family for having played such interesting roles in our country’s history.  Barbara and her husband Hugh reside in Harrisonburg .

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 Did You Know?

The Commonwealth of Virginia observes Lee-Jackson Day, an annual holiday celebrating the birthdays of Generals Robert E. Lee (Jan. 19, 1807) and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson (Jan. 21, 1824 ).

The town of Lexington, VA, home of Stonewall Jackson House and Lee Chapel and Museum, celebrates with an event-filled day honoring the lives and character of these two most notable Civil War figures, in their final home and resting place.

Robert E. Lee's birthday has been celebrated as a Virginia holiday since 1889. In 1904, the legislature added the birthday of Stonewall Jackson to the holiday, and Lee-Jackson Day was born.

This year, Lee-Jackson Day will be observed January 19, on Lee’s birthday!

And now you know!

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Recipe of the Month
 

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

We need zesty, spicy flavors to wake us up, and good solid nourishment to see us through the winter months. This richly-colored, flavorful chili is the perfect answer. You can serve it on rice, or with home made Cheesy Biscuits, taco chips, or corn bread.

INGREDIENTS :

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 large sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 28-can diced tomatoes
4 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained (or 6 cups freshly cooked)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 cup chopped cilantro leaves, washed and dried  

DIRECTIONS :

1. Warm the oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the onion, garlic, and salt. Saute until soft, about 4 minutes.  

2. Add the sweet potato and lime zest, and cook 10 to 15 minutes more, continuing to stir occasionally.

3. Add the tomatoes, black beans, jalapeno, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and cocoa, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

4. Serve over brown rice, if desired, with lime wedges and cilantro, or with corn bread, biscuits, or taco chips alongside.

Serves 6.

HELPFUL HINTS:  This recipe freezes well, too, for great leftovers.

 

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Calendar of Events
For more information on any event, please call us at 800-445-5330 or visit:

Daily News Record
 Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau.

***Innkeeper's Choice - See Below***
 

Jan. 10-13 -- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead-- Court Square Theater

When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelry store the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that sends them, their father and one brother's wife hurtling towards a shattering climax. With Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, and Marisa Tomei.  R; 117 min. www.courtsquaretheater.com/artman/publish/article_118.sh

 

Jan. 10-31 -- Macbeth -- American Shakespeare Center -- Staunton , VA  www.americanshakespearecenter.com

THRILLING, VIOLENT, and DEEPLY TRAGIC. From the first words of the play until the title character loses his head, Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy is his most unrelenting examination of the dark side of man. Driven to bloody deeds by their lust for power, Macbeth and his Lady tragically struggle to hold on to their ill-gotten throne, to their sanity, and to each other.

Jan. 17 -- Tribute to the Country Gentlemen -- 7:30 pm -- Court Square Theater

The Country Gentlemen are considered by many to be the first "progressive" bluegrass band.  Formed in the late 1950's, members have included Charlie Waller, John Duffey, and Eddie Adcock, along with Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson, and others.  Their unique choice of material and strong musicianship have given them legendary status, and their influence can be seen in many of the bluegrass bands playing today. Celebrate the music of this legendary band with long-time member Bill Yates and friends, including Darren Beachley (guitar), David Propst (mandolin), Mike Phipps (guitar), Scott Walker (banjo), and Dave MacGlashen (bass).www.courtsquaretheater.com/artman/publish/article_119.shtml

  ***Innkeeper's Choice***

Jan. 18 -- Sweet Honey in the Rock -- 7:30 pm -- James Madison University

Grammy Award-winning African American female a cappella ensemble with musical roots in the sacred music of the black church - spirituals, hymns, and gospel - as well as jazz and blues. Tickets:  $24, $10, $22.

Jan. 24-31 -- Volpone (Sly Fox) -- American Shakespeare Center -- Staunton , VA www.americanshakespearecenter.com

Ben Jonson’s outrageous masterpiece, is a parade of gold-diggers, con-artists, punks, vultures, and foxes – plus a dwarf, eunuch, and hermaphrodite thrown in for good measure. But nothing turns out well for the wicked in this gloriously pungent comedy.

Jan. 25-26 -- ComedyFest! -- 8 pm -- Court Square Theater www.courtsquaretheater.com/artman/publish/article_120.shtml

GLICK & PHILLIPS will headline two nights of comedy to benefit Court Square Theater.  Other acts to be determined. 

Jan 28, 2008 -- Riders in the Sky  -- Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton -- 7:30 PM

With 26-plus years and more than 4,800 performances under their collective cowboy belts, the Grammy-winning Western music group, RIDERS IN THE SKY celebrates their 30th Anniversary. Performing music firmly grounded in the rich American traditions of such legendary cowboy singers as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, the Riders are themselves the stuff legends are made of. For more information, check out: www.ridersinthesky.com. 

 

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547 E. Market Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 433-8233
(800) 445-5330 
 Info@StonewallJacksonInn.com 


Our lovely Inn provides exceptional Virginia lodging, in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of historic western Virginia betwixt the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountain ranges. A stay at the Stonewall Jackson Inn in Harrisonburg, VA will provide you with a wonderful alternative to conventional hotel or motel accommodations. Massanutten and Bryce Ski Resorts are an easy, scenic drive from our bed and breakfast. The Shenandoah Valley is among the top tourist destinations in the east because of its natural beauty, recreational facilities, historic sites and aesthetic orientation.

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