February 15, 2006 - The Washington Irving Inn, Hunter, Greene County, NY, is proud to announce that it has been nominated as one of three finalists in the category of Bed & Breakfast of Distinction as part of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association's (NYSH&TA) Stars of the Industry program. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced "Oscar style" in front of hundreds of tourism industry professionals, friends and family on April 24, 2006 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Buffalo , NY .

The century-old Washington Irving Inn , which was placed on the Greene County Historical Register in 2003, is located on the outskirts of the historic Village of Hunter , Greene County , New York . Built circa 1890, this charming Victorian Inn is situated on scenic Route 23A, coincidentally known as the Rip Van Winkle Trail, approximately two miles from Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl in the Catskill State Park . Drive a mile in the opposite direction, and you'll find yourself in the quaint 19 th century Village of Tannersville, where Mark Twain, Maude Adams, Candace Wheeler, Elizabeth Custer, and Mary Mapes Dodge once walked the streets in search of food and fun. Make a left off 23A onto State Route 214, following a simple map provided by Washington Irving Inn proprietor Stefania Jozic, and eventually you'll end up in Woodstock ; once there, you may not see Bob Dylan but you can catch a glimpse of his musical roots.

However, it is Washington Irving, and his immortal creation, Rip Van Winkle, who are the real superstars of the Catskill Mountain High Peaks . So, it was more than a stroke of luck for the Jozic family when they found that the aging hotel they'd purchased in 1986 had already been named after Washington Irving, one of the nation's earliest man-of-letters. The Jozics were familiar with Irving 's work and reputation, having learned about him in their native Yugoslavia . From the moment that Stefania and her late husband, Mirko purchased the building, a bond between them and the great American author was permanently forged. Deed in hand, Stefania lost no time in contacting noted Catskills' historian Justine Hommel to ask her if the Inn had ever been Irving 's actual home.

"Mrs. Hommel told me that Washington Irving was very famous and although he never lived in the northern Catskills, it was once very popular to give a building or a business such an honored name," Jozic explained.

Bearing that honored name, the Washington Irving Inn could be situated in no better place than the heart of the Catskill High Peaks . With due respect to Sunnyside, the author's home from-and the place most associated with-his legacy, no other area of New York State is so imbued with Irving's literary spirit. In fact, you can't go more than a few miles in any direction without stumbling upon a Rip-something-or-other.
Situated on eight acres, Washington Irving Inn also features on-premises outdoor pool, cocktail lounge and spacious dining room, where breakfast is served "hot off the griddle" and superb dinners [for large groups only] may be arranged by reservation. Victorian High Tea is also served every Sat. and Sun. from 2-5. Reservations encouraged.
Once you arrive at the large wooden doors that beckon "Welcome to the Washington Irving Inn ," guests shed centuries like pounds as they warm to a gentler, less harried time when people-watching was a popular pastime and front porches were "the" place to be. The Inn's distinctive architectural charm-including an original wainscoted, octagonal room bracing six windows--and informal atmosphere make guests feel instantly at home. So, if you're thinking of a romantic getaway, family outing or reunion, wedding, or group/corporate retreat, Washington Irving Inn really is the place to be.

Don't be fooled. The 21 st century lurks in the shadows of this 100+ year-old inn like a half-materialized ghost waiting for the right time to show itself to a believing guest. Although the Inn 's atmosphere is old-fashioned, its rooms have many modern amenities. Each room is decorated in a distinctive color scheme and furnished with authentic period pieces and antiques to give it a splendid 19th century look, each of its 15 rooms comes fully-equipped with private bath; choice of queen-sized, twin, double, or two-twin beds; telephone, color TV and VCR; hair-dryer and iron. Some rooms even contain air-conditioning, whirlpool bath and canopy bed. Porch or a mountain view to your liking? (Availability of bed size depends on the view you choose.) Just recently, the Inn has gone wireless so laptops and notebooks allow you to stay connected even though the tranquility of this 19 th century inn makes you feel as if you've left the world behind. In addition, the Inn 's restaurant and common rooms are filled with antiques that have been lovingly restored by its owners. Washington Irving Inn is definitely a labor of love for Innkeepers, The Jozic Family.

Sophisticated travelers: Take note. Escape everyday life-at least for a while-at the historic Washington Irving Inn , © 1890, nestled within the 705,500 acre Catskill State Park . View spectacular fall foliage in the heart of the " Catskill High Peaks ," America 's First Wilderness. The Inn is minutes from world-class skiing at Hunter & Windham Mountains . Full hearty breakfast and afternoon tea included in price. Classy comfort in fifteen country rooms, modern amenities, splendid mountain views, authentic period pieces/antiques: A home away from home.

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The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) is a not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 1,500 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry.