Enjoy a vacation close to home in Durham

CLARINGTON -- While some business owners are muddling through the recession, Lynn Morrison has had her busiest year ever.

She has run Willow Pond Country Bed and Breakfast for seven years and has never seen a winter season as busy as this past one was.

"We kept saying when are they (guests) going to go away?" Ms. Morrison said laughing, joking that she and her husband started to wonder if they would ever get some time off.

But despite the constant swirl of guests checking in and out, there are many in the region who are unaware of the great B and Bs operating in their own backyards, Ms. Morrison said.

So Clarington B and B owners want to show those who live in the region that you don't have to go far to get away. The region has opportunities for shopping, touring and exploring that aren't the same as what travellers can find elsewhere, Ms. Morrison said.

"It's close, but it's a world away," Ms. Morrison said. "Oshawa has its own atmosphere, which is totally different than the atmosphere here."

Overnight establishment owners in the area have worked hard to show people from out of town that their properties are unique with many exciting outings to go on. The B and Bs are not just a place to sleep, Ms. Morrison said.

This weekend a group of B and Bs and local businesses are throwing open their doors and giving visitors a chance to take a self-guided drive around the area to see what getaways there are within kilometres of their homes. Or to get a taste of the properties where they can send visitors when they come for weddings, Thanksgiving or Christmas, Ms. Morrison said.

Each local B and B has something different to offer, said Luverne Baron, owner of Model A Acres in Bowmanville. Visitors to her property can enjoy cars and planes her husband Ian has rebuilt. This, and her proximity to Mosport International Raceway, garners her a lot of racing guests.

Because all of the B and Bs offer something different, both Ms. Baron and Ms. Morrison said the network of bed and breakfasts in Clarington are very supportive of each other, making referrals to other places when they are full or think potential guests are looking for something a little different than what they have to offer.

And Sunday's tour is not just about overnight properties.

Not being recognized by customers is a problem store owner Diane Powers has too, which is why she participates in the tour. Ms. Powers owns The Spruce Tree Unique Gifts and More store on Old Scugog Road. She's used to people walking into her shop and saying they thought the building was a home, since many of the homes on the street are named, she said.

"I always thought it was just a home with a name, people will say to me," she said.

So, Ms. Powers and other business owners participate in the tour to bring people through the door. The tour always brings in people who become repeat customers, she said.

The tour brings out shoppers of all ages who are looking for something different than what they can find at a mall, Ms. Powers said.

"It's for people looking to support the local businesses and who just want to look for nice and unique things," she said.

For the tour this Sunday, participating establishments will have special happenings to entertain visitors. Ms. Morrison's place will have a nouveau-flamenco guitarist performing for those who choose to join her for lunch. At Spruce Trees, inventory will be discounted.

The open house and attraction tour takes place on June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 905-263-4319 or 905-263-8889 or visit www.claringtoncountrybedandbreakfasts.com.