Little Bit's Barkin Blog

Big Changes at Best Western of Murphy

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:50:00 GMT

Well, I am very sad today. My friend, Sean, has left his job here as Front Desk Manager and moved to Texas. I really like Sean, and so do all the guests. He has always had a smile and a friendly word - no matter what his personal life is doing. He has been here at the hotel for 5 years and will be missed by both staff and guests. I hope he finds a wonderful job at a hotel in Texas - they will gain a tremendous asset.

On another front, we had our semi-annual Best Western inspection a couple of weeks ago. We did well and scored Above Average. Kudos go to the housekeeping staff for a job well done - but then, they always do a good job.

The weather is finally changing! Our days are still hot, but the nights are getting colder - it's been down into the 40's - but the days still get up into the high 80's or 90's. It's really great up here in the NC mountains for outdoor activities - the mornings and evenings are cool and the days aren't too hot.

Speaking of outdoor activities, now is the perfect time to go hiking with your dog. In the upper elevations, the leaves will be starting to change in a week or so and the trails are calling.   If you do go hiking with your dog, don't forget to carry a bottle of water for him/her along with one for you. It is still warm during the day and your four legged friend may need a drink between finding any natural water source. If you are thirsty, probably your companion is also. My mom has found that there are collapsible bowls available that fit into a very small space in a knapsack. A small package of kibble wouldn't be objected to, either. If I am exercising a lot, I like a snack as well as the next person!

By the way, as a pet friendly hotel, we are glad to see that North Carolina has passed a new health regulation whichallows restaurants with outside eating areas that can be accessed without passing through the inside area to allow dogs and cats to stay with their people. There are a few caveats: we have to be on a leash or in a kennel; we cannot have any contact with table linens, eating implements, food or food handlers; we cannot walk into the inside area and the staff cannot pet us or have any physical contact with us. I think this is a great idea and we are working on getting some of the area restaurants designated as "pet friendly" so that you don't have to get takeout or leave us behind when you eat dinner. Right now, Doyle's is the only restaurant to sign up with our pet friendly group, but I expect others will be added to the list shortly.

Wow, October is almost here! We are usually really busy on the weekends in October, when the fall color gets here. If you are planning to come see the leaves change, you might want to make a reservation. In years past, all the hotels fill up for a 50 - 75 mile radius and the prices skyrocket as the availability goes down. Sometimes you might have to pay 90+ dollars for a room that I wouldn't want to walk into, much less sleep in - but that's all that is available.


                          The Road calls!                                     A Brasstown setting
I guess it is time to go back to work - hope you are having a great time and hope that you will be able to come see us up here in the mountains of NC pretty soon. I know that Murphy is not far from your thoughts and you would really enjoy a trip to see the fall color changes!

Talk to you later!

Summer in the Mountains

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:25:00 GMT

Summer in the Mountains

Summer here in the mountains of North Carolina is usually cool at night and warm during the day. But this year, is has been hot during the day and warm at night. Boy, have those of us who wear fur coats really sufferred! The good thing is that we get to go out in the woods and wade in those cool creeks up here in the mountains! Check out these photos of my family and I playing in the water.



Water is really essential for us on these hot days. Oh, and by the way, you wear shoes, but I don't and that asphalt pavement is really, really hot! I really appreciate not having to walk on those parking lots or cement sidewalks for very long. The Best Western has a big grassy area that is perfect for walks and play.

Speaking of heat, it gets really hot inside a car too. I've heard that the temperature can get well over a hundred degrees in less than 15 minutes - that's just too hot for anybody! Please take us with you or make arrangements so that we don't die from the heat (or get sick either).

July 4th was really great! There were bunches of people, great food, and a lot of fun entertainment. If you didn't get here, you really missed a wonderful event. We have lots of festivals in the area coming up - it's a great time to come visit the mountains of Western North Carolina. The next one is on Sept 4th - the annual Heritage Day Festival. There is lots to do, from great food to music, to historic tours and of course lots of great crafts from our local artisans.

Not all hotels in Murphy are pet friendly, but I really look forward to seeing other critters come to visit the Best Western.  I usually keep some treats under the counter for our four legged visitors. I am looking forward to fall. I am sure that you will be amazed at all the colors that show up in these mountains. I really enjoy digging in the leaves to see what is underneath. I am sure that you and your pet would really enjoy a hike through the mountains this fall. Speaking of hiking, the Best Western has some great package deals for hiking, biking, driving, and rafting. All of them include all meals and all maps, books, fees, etc.  You need to call the hotel and ask about the adventure packages - I think you will be surprised at what all is offered.

Well, I guess it's about time for my nap - you know a girl needs her beauty sleep! (I must be really beautiful since I sleep at least 18 hours a day!)

Bikes and Wrecks come to Murphy

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:02:00 GMT

What a couple of weeks here at the Murphy Best Western!

The B.A.B.E. (Big Apple 2 Big Easy) rally got here (well most of them did anyway) in pretty good shape. This is a really fun group of people that buy a junk car for less than $500, fix it up to be road legal, and then drives it from New York to New Orleans, partying along the way. The folks are really nice - they made sure that I got to share in the ham, hamburgers, and steaks they cooked in the parking lot. I know I enjoyed it and I think they did also. Mom got to sample the 'homemade apple juice' that came in the van - she said it was really smooth and tasted great. I've got some pictures here of some of the cars.

          Aren't these a trip?



The "wrecks" left on the 10th and the Bikes got here on the 16th. This group is called the Hard Chargers and they are prison guards and personnel from all over the country. They have chapters all over the country and get together to go on awesome rides once a year. This year, they stayed with us and saw some of the wonderful country around Murphy.

Yesterday, they rode the Dragon (Deal's Gap) and today they were headed out to Cherokee and Maggie Valley. They have been having a good time sitting around the pool at night and riding out during the day.   Best Western is motorcycle friendly and lots of bikers like to stay with us.   When I go out to walk around the hotel, the bikers all stop and pet me. I like that, but I really don't like the loud noise when they fire up their engines. I prefer to be inside my office when that happens.

         Heading out for the day!

Next week, we have a group called Heaven's Saints Motorcycle Ministry coming in. They are a christian motorcycle group that does a prison ministry, toy runs, feeding the homeless, and other good works. Their annual international rally is held in Murphy at the Peace Valley campground. Our Best Western is the group's hotel for those who are not camping out. We look forward to seeing them every year. I'll post some pictures later, but for now, you can go to the website for some really great pics!

It is Hot, Hot, Hot here in Murphy this week. I have trouble walking across the parking lot because the black asphalt gets too hot for my little feet, so my Mom carries me or makes sure I walk in the shade. I hope other Moms and Dads think about the hot pavement and their dog's bare feet. I will talk about how to help your pet travel in the heat on my next blog.

Got to go - Mom just "popped the top" of my lunch - I love these little cans of turkey and gravy with their pop tops - it makes it easy to get fed.

See you later.

WOW! It's been a long time

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:58:52 GMT

Wow, I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted anything. Well, a lot has happened around Murphy and the hotel. The Snow and cold finally moved out, but left lots of rain behind.

I traveled to a couple of graduations - one for college and one for high school. For me, it was pretty boring - just sitting there with nothing to do, but my Mom seemed to like watching her grandchildren graduate. Then I got to go to a Bridal Shower - that was pretty fun- everyone wanted to talk to me and give me little treats.

The Ride-4-Life poker run was pretty successful - and the party at Doyle's was neat. I had a little problem with a cute black pom who was flirting with me. He got pretty insistent, but my friends held me out of reach until his Mom came and got him. Boy, when you're as cute as I am, you just have to fight the fellas off!

Memorial Day was really busy here. We had lots of really nice bikers who came to ride the Dragon and take in some of the other, less known, great bike rides in the area. That Tail of the Dragon is something else! It has 318 curves in 11 miles! Riders come from all over to be able to say that they "Tamed the Dragon." But that isn't the only great ride around here. We keep maps at the front desk and my Mom gives people directions to lots of other great areas to explore.

This weekend, I get to attend my first wedding. That ought to be interesting. Maybe I will get to sample some of the great food afterwards (but not at the event).

If you are wondering why I get to go to all these great events, it is because I am not just a pet, but a registered service dog. I keep an eye on Mom and let her know when she is about to get into trouble medically. I like my job because I can help her and go to all these neat places that most dogs never get to even think about. One day I will talk all about service dogs.

Next Wednesday, the B.A.B.E. rally will be in town. BABE stands for "Big Apple to Big Easy" and is a road rally like no other. The vehicles cannot cost more than $500 original purchase price. That means they are pretty much "clunkers." Then people spend lots of money fixing them up, decorating them, and otherwise making them road worthy. The group leaves New York City and makes their way across the country earning points along the way. Here are a few pictures from last year.....

Some of the cars get really wild. Wish you could see them!

We have put together some really neat package deals for the summer. There are combination Hiking, Biking, and Rafting deals that include all meals, lodging, rentals & fees. Call the hotel to see what all is available.

Well, got to go now - will try to get the paws back in gear to post more often.

Spring has Sprung?

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:35:32 GMT

Well, after having snow and freezing rain on Monday, it finally warmed up.
By Wednesday, the temperature was at 76! We took off and went all around
the area dropping off information about the hotel. The sun was shining and
I got to really check out lots of different local news, you know, the doggie
kind of news left around parking lots.

Thursday, there was another meeting about the July 4th celebration. That is
really going to be something! The ladies are right on top of everything and
are making sure there is something for everyone to do. I just wonder if I
get to try to catch that little pig - that sounds like fun!

I want to share who my family is with you all today. You met my doggie mom,
Vixie, earlier. My brother is Lobo, he is reallllllly big! Even though we
are all full-blooded poms, he weighs in at about 23 pounds. He likes to sit
up in my human mom's lap and lean back so he can get his tummy scratched and
go to sleep. I've tried that, but my little butt isn't really big enough to
support me for very long. I have an adopted sister named Gypsy. Someone
abandoned her on the road when she was about 3 months old. She is another
big pom - she weighs about 18 pounds. She is blonde and has some problems.
One of her eyes doesn't seem to focus and she doesn't hear too well either.
She loves my human dad, but fusses at everyone else. We all like to travel
places, but Gypsy gets scared easily - I guess its because she doesn't see
too well. Anyway, we have fun together.

Lobo Gypsy

Well, got to go now. I do hope you will come to Murphy and stay at the Best Western - I love meeting new people (and their pets).

Snowy Nose!

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Snow, snow, snow! It snowed again yesterday here in Murphy, NC. The flakes were just huge and stuck to my face when I went outside. The good thing is that it didn't seem to stick to the ground very much. In fact, today it is supposed to get up to almost 70! What a year for weather it has been.

What's happening around Murphy? Well, Saturday was the Empty Bowls meal at the John C Campbell Folk School. That's where local potters make beautiful bowls and people buy tickets for $25 to get a great meal of soup and bread at the Folk School. Then they get to pick out a bowl to take home with them. All the money raised goes to local food banks to help feed the hungry folks around here. If you missed it this year, make plans for next year - it's really a great outing and a greater cause.

Saturday was also the Bridal and Special Events Fair at the Macguire Mill Race Farm. I got to go and show people all about the Best Western hotel in Murphy. The Business Women of Cherokee County put on a fashion show of the pretty dresses at the Princess Closet. That's another great project. Girls who cannot afford to buy a dress for their prom can pick one out from the Princess Closet and, for only a $30 deposit, can be outfitted with a beautiful gown, shoes, and jewelry to wear to the event.

Sassy's did a fashion display of the new trends in Spring clothing and ended with a really neat wedding gown. There were displays by photographers, cake makers, event organizers, retreats, clothiers, intimate apparal retailers, and lots of good information. There was lots of great food displayed and sampled. George's Butcher Shop had smoked ribs, chicken, and pulled pork and Macguire's Mill Race Farm had some of the best lasgna, rolls, and turky dressing casserole to sample. That, combined with the candy and cake samples made for a great day. It's just too bad that all I am allowed to do is look, I don't get to sample. The whole event was organized by a team called "Bosom Buddies" from the Relay For Life. All the money raised goes to the American Cancer Association to fight cancer.

I supervised the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Biz2Biz on Thursday. Lots of the Chamber members get together to see what is going on and to network with each other. This time it was at Highland Realty on US 64. I met some really nice people and helped greet people as they came in the door.

The local Farmers Market will be opening on Saturday, April 3rd in the pocket square downtown Murphy. My people have participated in that for years selling local, free range eggs. I am going to try to go some this year. It should really be fun to see what all is grown and made around the area.

As always, wish you were here!

Riding with glory - a rally for cancer

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:43:00 GMT

Did you know that people play poker by riding their motorcycles around the countryside? Its called a Poker Run and we're having one right here in Murphy as we rally to find a cure for cancer.

Of course, we have some of the country's best motorcycle roads - all within minutes of the Best Western hotel in Murphy, NC. In fact, the Best Western gives special discounts to motorcycle riders and includes motorcycle wipes for each rider and provides a wash station for keeping the bikes clean.

The Poker Run is called "Relay Ride 4 Life" and is part of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life to raise money to fight cancer. BB&T is sponsoring the ride and we are helping with the logistics of the event on Saturday, May 15th, 2010.

I've got some pictures of some of the roads the motorcycles use. The roads are great and the views are awesome!



How does a Poker Run work? Well, riders pay an entry fee and get a poker run score card. Then, they follow a map to several places, like Deal's Gap, and draw a card at each place. When they get to the end of the trail, this time at Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant, they find out who has the best poker hand. The best hand wins a cash prize. There are usually other games and ways to win prizes also.   Then there is a big party.   Most of the riders from out of town will be staying here at the Best Western of Murphy and riding some of the other roads before going home - we keep maps of all of the great motorcycle rides in the area. Some even bring their pets along for the ride (we are a pet friendly hotel).

   Isn't he just gorgeous!

Anyway, aside from my drooling over that hunk of a dog, I really do like to see people inluding all their friends in an event like this.
I sat in on some of the planning for this event and, let me tell you, it's going to be GREAT! You can email relay_ride4life@yahoo.com for all the information about this rally for cancer.

Hope you get to come!

The Blog Special

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:27:00 GMT

Wow, I can't believe a whole week has gone by since I posted. We went to Chattanooga on Friday. Since the road through the Ocoee gorge is closed for a rock slide, we went south through Ellijay and up across Fort mountain to Chatsworth. There was still 6 inches of snow on top of the mountain! On our way back, we came through Cleveland and went north to get around the gorge. There are definitely some curvy roads through these mountains.

Murphy has had some nice weather this last week - up into the upper 60s and sunny. It has been great for getting outdoors and into the woods. The trees are already putting on buds and the birds are starting to come back from their winter vacation spots. Boy, do I love barking a welcome to the birds in the yard.

We are having a special price for March 21 - 28. If you mention the "Blog Special", you will get an extra 10% discount on your pet friendly rate.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

What is it? Sun???

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:25:00 GMT

I can't believe that the sun is actually shining! I was beginning to feel as if it had gone forever into the land of snow, ice, and rain.

Today is a slow day around here. I guess people are holding back on traveling until the weather is more stable. Well, have I got news for them! This weekend is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous! The temperatures are going up into the 60s and the sun is hanging around for a bit. What a great time to go hiking with your dog.

Speaking about hiking with your best friend, here are a few tips for you humans. Please remember to take water for your canine friend as well as for yourself. We get thirsty and a bowl of water really does feel good after a long climb up the mountain. You might also want to think about bringing a towel or cloth to dry Fido off after a stream crossing - the temperatures are still a bit cool to air dry. Snacks for both should be included when packing up - keeping the energy up helps make the day more fun.

Remember that the Best Western in Murphy takes pets up to 50 lbs. Of course there is a fee that is based on size, but it is well worth it to have a nice, warm, clean room to crash in after the day's activities. I look forward to meeting you and giving you the low down on all the neat smells around the grounds.

Looking forward to seeing you in Murphy this weekend!

Snow! Snow! and More Snow!

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:16:51 GMT

I went out this morning to inspect the yard and came in all wet from rain. By the time I went out to the car to go to work, I got covered in the biggest flakes of snow you ever saw! Some of them were as almost as big as the top of my dog food can. Getting to work was a bit scary 'cause I couldn't really see to navigate with all those big snow flakes hitting the window.

It was really pretty at the hotel with all the big trees covered in snow, but I really don't like getting my feet cold and wet when I patrol the grounds. By late afternoon it had all melted and turned into one big puddle. I think it is supposed to snow again later tonight after it gets colder.

Too bad you aren't here to see all this - I bet you would really like it!

Talk to you later......

It's Monday again!

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:48:00 GMT

Well, we made it through the weekend without any rain, ice, or snow! In fact, most of the weekend was pretty sunny - cold, but sunny.

Things are a little slow around here. All of our 4-legged guests have checked out and I have been relegated to patrolling the grounds by myself. It was nice to know that the weekend was covered and I didn't have to worry about things around here.

Mike Lalone brought us a poster about the Empty Bowls event on March 20th. That is really a neat program - local potters make pretty bowls and the Folk School cooks some bodacious soups. Then, people pay only $25 for a great meal and get to pick out a bowl to take home with them. All the money goes to the local food bank to help people out in the community.

March is my mother's birth month - her name is Vixie and she will be 16 this month. She looks pretty good for her age, but is starting to have a little trouble with some arthritis. She loves to ride in the car.
You can see where I get my good looks and charming manner from!

Welcome

Little Bit's Barkin' Blog — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:26:12 GMT

Hi! My name is Little Bit and I work at the Best Western of Murphy.

It is my job to keep an eye on happenings around the hotel and to report them to you. So, what's up around here?

Well, we went to the Chamber Biz 2 Biz event last night at Brother's Restaurant. Boy! What a spread they can put out! Too bad nobody shared any of that great looking shrimp with me. Oh well, it's not my job to sample, just to report. Anyway, lots of people told us about their business and what they do. There is sure a lot to do in Murphy! It's a shame you're not here to enjoy it. But, on your next trip to Murphy, just ask me and I will tell you where you can go and what all you can do here.

This morning I supervised a meeting of the July 4th committee from the Business Women of Cherokee County. They are planning a real big shindig for July 3rd at Konehete Park. i can't wait to see what all they are going to do to celebrate the 4th!

That really tired me out, so I took a nap and let Sean take care of the front desk. He does that so well and the guests really like him (almost as much as they like me!) He has a new baby at home and looks a little tired around the edges, but seems to be happy about it.

Right now we have a Tibetan Spaniel staying in house - I met his man, but haven't had a chance to meet Scooter yet. Looking forward to seeing her later.

Wish you were here!