Shady Acres Bed & Breakfast, Hanover, VA

Shady Acres, a small country B&B in Hanover, VA, has been inspected and approved for membership with BBAV. Innkeepers Gail and Ralph Olberg opened Shady Acres due to their love for hospitality. Gail says, “It’s fun! My husband and I love having company. Our home has always been where people gather for holidays and other events…We used to live in an area where the Chamber would put out a request for people to open their homes to accommodate tourists throughout the year, such as, parent’s weekend at colleges, foliage season, marathons and other events. We met so many wonderful people with such interesting stories from places like Oregon, Texas, New Mexico and Canada, etc.” Shady Acres allows Gail and Ralph to carry on this tradition of hospitality through their business, having fun while they do it. Part of what makes them love being innkeepers is that they get “to provide a relaxing family-like experience for guests, where they will want to return and share their experience with their friends, family and acquaintances.” In other words, For Gail and Ralph, Shady Acres is a home away from home, where guests stay as family and leave as friends. Gail and Ralph sought BBAV inspection and approval in order to work and connect with other B&Bs, sharing experiences and information, as well as gaining access to the wealth of information and resources provided by the association. Gail says, “I have found it to be the more knowledge I acquire the better experience I can provide for my B&B guests. Whenever I have had a question BBAV has provided an answer either directly, through their members or through one of their many online webinars.” She continues to describe the BBAV membership as “like a seal of quality” in that BBAV has a high-standard of quality that must be met for membership. Shady Acres is more than just a place for Gail and Ralph to host guests like family and friends. The inn treats its visitors to a small-town country atmosphere made possible by both Gail and Ralph’s hospitality and amiability as well as the gardens and hens on the property. Gail bakes pies made with fresh fruits from the yard, and she uses fresh eggs for breakfast each morning. These hens, too, are part of the family at Shady Acres, with their own names and personalities. Gail says, “They all come running when it’s time for their daily treat! Some of their favorites are fresh blueberries, watermelon and grapes.” Come visit Gail and Ralph at Shady Acres, where you’ll find a relaxing, country atmosphere and some great company, too.