Many people spend this time of the year either reflecting back on all that has happened or starting to set new goals for the next year. Some people may wrap up their year literally wrapping presents. I have lots of ideas floating around in my head on ways to make Banks Bed and Breakfast even better than the year before. I always like to take a look back at how the past year went so changes for improving our outreach can happen in a realistic way.
Every year we get to host a wide range of new and returning guests and this year was no different. Guests came from as far away as Colorado and as close as Garner. Lots of North Carolina people come from areas around the coast, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Virginia to enjoy museums, concerts and small town charm that leads them to a stay with us. We appreciate everyone who stays with our small business because small business dollars bring more into our local economy to help improve the lives of our community. We know that our guests understand the importance of community and how their dollars can go further to impact more individuals.
We had some events to enhance our visitor outreach and provide a way for locals to get a chance to experience the beauty of this old house. Once again we hosted the Red Hot Caboose Tea to help raise money for the Garner Museums caboose restoration project. This year the work began on the caboose with steps being added for easier access and lots of de-rusting, scraping, metal repair and painting. We also organized four other teas one of which was a tea with a Mark Twain actor, Don McNeill, who delighted the group with stories from the Mark Twain repertoire. Two other teas allowed us to work together with other small business owners. Melonie Hand from the tea shop across the street Steep Right Up steeprightup.com taught the fine art of tea drinking and explained the mixology of tea involved with different tea blends. The second tea was a Halloween themed tea where Shalon Maxile, from Bundts by Brenee bundtsbybrenee.com guided participants in decorating their own mini-bundt with a creepy crawly topping. Remember, both of these small businesses during the holiday season for your parties and gift list. Our final tea of the year was our Holiday Tea that included a fun snowman ornament craft using actual wood lath from the Banks house restoration work and a winter wonderland themed tea in the parlor.
This year the North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center recognized our work on becoming a Certified NC Destination Business. The certification is part of a statewide effort to assist businesses in attracting new customers to help strengthen their local economy. You can find more information about the town where Banks Bed and Breakfast banksbnb.com is located by looking at the North Central area on maintomaintrail.com We are proud to have achieved this designation and our unique position stating “Banks Bed and Breakfast is the only 1897 stay located on North Carolina’s first paved highway” Yes, the Banks house has been around a long time.
Speaking of history we received an Anthemion Award from Capital Area Preservation. This award was presented “In recognition of outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in historic preservation in Wake County, North Carolina.” It recognized us and our partners in the restoration for “commercial rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Banks house.”
Lights, camera, action! In the fall our library was the setting for part of a ten part docuseries being produced by Enderley Productions enderley.pictures . In their search for an appealing interior our library was selected for a local detective expert witness interview. For those of you who have visited us you know the library is a favorite room among guests. Be on the lookout for “Staged” coming out in the future. We also had our first news interview. The local ABC station came out to discuss what being a Certified NC Destination Business meant and how the economy was treating us.
In our desire to continually make improvements we received a grant from the Downtown Garner Association to continue the brick sidewalk from the parking lot to the side towards the parlor. This allows us to more easily help the caterers access the parlor and allow guests to go from the parlor to the parking lot without going through the grass. We also received grants from Capital Area Workforce Development to spend on marketing ads and logo swag to give out at tabling events. These grants for small business entrepreneurs help us get our name out in the community. We want everyone to think of Banks Bed and Breakfast for their overnight stays, stays for out of town guests and small event space. Speaking of the small event space this year our parlor was the site of bridal luncheons, baby showers, business meetings, celebrations and even a church service. Our community has really helped in getting the word out about our space and services.
Our main focus continues to be our bed and breakfast business which we consider the star of the Banks house. We are always looking for ways to add that special touch to make sure guests are feeling cared for, comfortable and well fed. Long ago when we started the restoration work on this property we had a dream to preserve the house for future generations, make it a comfortable place for people to visit and stay and to provide a space for community member events. Still today the best part of being in this home is when we hear the laughter that comes when the house is full. We believe a home can bring people together for shared experiences. A home is meant to be lived in and shared with friends, family and the community. Banks Bed and Breakfast is certainly at its best when others fill the rooms with love and joy.
We look forward to being able to serve you in the future, gathering for more days of laughter, fellowship and community within our walls. Thank you for a meaningful year and here is hope for a great and joyous 2026!
Mary
