Name our Coffee House/ Restaurant

Putting our naming contest on hold for the moment so we can set up the contest through Facebook combined with this Blog - will need help with this one! Big prize for the winning Namer - weekend at Lyons Twin Mansions or how about A Month of Breakfasts PLUS your picture at the Twin Mansion proclaiming you the guru! There will be a panel of judges to study the suggested names . . what a fascinating task. Fun that you will be so creative to come up with a name that expresses our function and attitude. So start brainstorming, playing with the Thesaurus, turning phrases, toying with turns of phrases and get ready to enter the contest. Should be next week by the time I can get this pulled together to combine FB & Blog! Lets keep in touch! Miss Pat

LTM expanding to add Coffee House serving bfst, brunch, lunch

We are looking for an enthusiastic entrepreneur with a huge personality and plenty of BOH restaurant experience to help us expand to a Coffee House serving breakfast, brunch, lunch: 365, 6 am - 2 pm. Maybe we don't need a "chef" bur an experienced 1st cook ready to branch out on their own, is enthusiastic about seasonal, organics, local products, heart healthy while resting on mid-west classics and comfort foods.

Our goal is to lease our Twin Mansion to a motivated individual willing to invest time & expertise to develop an innovative menu, manage staff & inventory to create & maintain a successful business. Available immediately, seats aprox. 60 plus Al Fresco. Off street parking, liquor license. Incubator environment fosters success. Guaranteed income from opening day.

Some thoughts: Free Wi-Fi, great coffee, major newspapers. Belgian Waffle station surrounded by fresh fruits & crispy nuts made before your eyes - golden craters ready to fill @ fruit or syrup. On-he-spot omelets filled with fresh veggies & cheeses. Grilled portabella filled with soft scrambled eggs topped with cheese sauce & broiled, crispy O"Brien hash browns on the side.

We're the All Natural Cure for a rocky relationship

Over-worked? Stressed out? Sick of the bickering? Kids driving you crazy? RX: Spend the weekend at Lyons Twin Mansions! Guaranteed to contribute to your overall well being. So pick up the phone and call 1-800-78-GUEST to arrange for the perfect room in the perfect place. We are just what the doctor ordered. Take two nights, and call me in the morning. Cheaper than a marriage counselor and lots more fun.

Things a little rocky at home? Invest your tax return here!

Sometimes work, stress and even our families create anguish and conflict between couples. Often the only way out of that downward spiral is to get out of town. Leave the kids with grandma, take the dog to the kennel, lock the door and head to Fort Scott. Cheaper than a marriage counselor and a lot more fun!

Lyons Twin Mansions B&B is a haven for sweethearts and lovers. This is just the place to relax and get in sync with one another. Uninterupted time together to mend, touch, reassure and pledge your love once again. We offer all the ingredients for mending a rocky relationship: Couples' Massage, a picnic delivered to your room, a fire in the fireplace, 6'x4' whirlpool tubs, king beds. Breakfast in bed is the icing on the cake . . consider late checkout. Call 1-800-78-GUEST and your life is much better already!

Web 2.0 moved into our 1870's home

And we are telling everyone we know! From our website to Facebook look for Lyons Twin Mansions and Pat Lyons and Nate Lyons and all of our Fort Scott businesses. A great afternoon with Andy Stanton from Fort Hays University took our group along the route to communicate a new way. Courtland Hotel, Buffalo Grill, J&W Sports, After Effects Beauty Salon, Seth Tucker Construction, Sunshine Boutique, life+style, Courtland Aveda Day Spa and many others posted to facebook, became friends and dared to Twitter! The sky is the limit now! Be our friend too. Be a fan of Lyons Twin Mansions today!

Voices from the Quilts: a Festival all of March, 2010

The full month of March is filled with the thrill of Quilts here in historic Fort Scott. From vintage to contemporary nothing speaks of family and history like our quilts -- sharing the stories of our families from one generation to the next. Family quilts, art quilts, quilts as clothing displayed in downtown shops and Victorian Homes on National Avenue. Civil War quilts will be on display at the Fort on weekends and by special request any time for guilds and groups, 620.223.0310

Drive around Fort Scott each day of March to experience the age old tradition "The Airing of the Quilts" Like colorful flags draped over the Bannister, on the clothes lines, draped over balconies & fences! Quilts are everywhere capturing a breath of fresh air and sunshine beckoning the coming Spring.

Grand Finale is March 26, 27, & 28 with quilt expert and guest speaker Terry Thompson, hands-on quilting demos and an indoor Shop Hop. Stay with us and meet Ms. Thompson at breakfast! Call today to reserve this special opportunity.

Winter perspective from our Canadian friend Sharon

"Sitting up here and watching how Americans deal with cold and snow is a hoot. I open CNN and watch oranges freezing, turtles freezing, iguanas dropping out of trees, and buses sitting immobile, with icicles hanging from them, while journalists issue dire warnings to the public. Then I switch to a Quebec channel. The reporter has a frilly white tuque on her head, a matching scarf around her throat, visible air flows from her mouth as she gaily informs us how cold and white and wonderful the weather is, while a skidoo races across a field, behind her. Same weather, different attitude. Some of you guys are such wimps! (though maybe not in the Midwest.)
Me, I sit here working while snow falls gently outside my window. Branches from a friend's Christmas tree sit in a glass, next to my cup of pens. I have a miniature fountain running on my desk. Ever since I left your place I've pined for a fountain, and just before Christmas, I got one. I also mix vanilla and nutmeg into my yogurt. I've been doing it since I came home, last April.
Enjoy the snow. I do.

Sharon "

Fine dining is even finer when your table overlooks a National Park!

The Buffalo Grill - a treasure in Fort Scott! Lar & I are absolutely passionate about this remarkable restaurant boasting the menu of an All American Bistro! As many of you know, Lar's steaks are fantastic, aged and hand cut then cooked to perfection - we just never ordered steaks out. Then along came The Buffalo Grill. Well, Chef Vincent & Chef Logan should wear a crown! Lar's hat is off to the dynamic duo: their Rockin' Ribeye will bring tears of appreciation to your eyes!

I think you will really enjoy the monthly newsletter, too. This month has a recipe for brining your turkey -- Lyons family will try it this year! Send an email chef.thebuffalogrill@gmail.com and request the Fall Menu, as well - it is worth a drive to Fort Scott just to savor a Buffalo Grill steak!! Salmon, snapper, lamb, shrimp, chops, bison and try the Crabcakes -they rival my Aunt Hazie's! Be sure to tell them Miss Pat sent you!

Make it an enchanted evening and Sleep in Fort Scott right here with us!

On the new Fall menu is a Porterhouse steak that Lar & I will soon share with granddaughter Addison - with an appetizer, a couple of sides & salads it will suit the three of us to a tee! Check it out on the new menu. Get in the car . . we are not far away!! And while you are here experience our Red Hot Bed for dessert! Well, actually, sample Chef Logan's Carrot Cake first, the slip into our Red Hot Bed! Sweet Dreams!

“Warm ‘er up, boys!" Take our RED HOT BED for a test drive: - silky red sheets, rose petals, Red Hots & Hershey kisses and packets for Hot Cocoa & Popcorn are all complimentary with your November stay. But you have to ask for it!

Look what’s tucked between the sheets: Santa's Cozy Toes Christmas Stocking! What the dickens is SANTA doing at the Twin Mansions this early? That jolly ol' elf has left you a red fur, hot little foot warmer to cuddle up with tonight then take home as a gift! Talk about a Warm Fuzzy!! But you have to ask for it!

Rekindle the passion at Lyons Twin Mansions in November.
Call 1-800-78-Guest and take your RED HOT BED for a joy ride!

Budget meets Luxury right here!

YOUR PERFECT WEDDING FOR UNDER $5,000
includes Twin Mansions for 2 full days
PLUS
2 nights Bed & Breakfast for family & friends

Magnificent Twin Mansions:
Expansive double parlors each with ornate decorative fireplaces
Fireplace with massive mirror and mantle banked with candles
Library for cocktails: cash or open bar
Magnificent Black Walnut staircase for a Grand Entrance & classic Family Photos
Foyer trimmed in black walnut with massive double doors iced with beveled leaded glass.
Big front Porch with massive black iron chandelier, porch fans, up to 4 wrought iron

tables each with four chairs
Brides’ Hall upstairs with Dressing Room, Private Bath & Balcony:

Private & spacious with a mirrored velvet pedestal for a 360 view of your gown.

Well lit makeup mirrors and dressing tables.
Library for cash or open bar seating for 9 and 2 plasma televisions
Outdoor covered pergola
Outdoor gazebo and a fish pond with waterfall
Complimentary use of our equipment, tables, chairs & accessories:
· 32 taupe padded chairs
· 12 red padded chairs
· 3 sets of candelabra stocked with dripless candles
· 6 six-foot folding tables
· 1840’s ornate oak table seats up to 14
· 32 white damask napkins & matching table runners
· Caterer’s kitchen with private entrance for staging, four burner stove with oven,

refrigerator/freezer
· 85 inch projection screen, projector w/built-in DVD/CDA player, 2.1 Dolby digital

surround sound with subwoofer, computer input port
· Sound system throughout ground floor with 200 disc CD player and wireless microphone
· Sun room with pool table and two TV’s

Bed and Breakfast two nights for family & friends:
Private Cottage PLUS 7 unique guest rooms all with private bath, king or queen beds, including a full 2-course breakfast for all. Sleeps up to 26 guests maximum occupancy. Additional charge per guest over double occupancy in each room (16 guests)

Catering, bar, decorating & flowers are up to you. Simplify and save – let the majestic grandeur of the Mansions’ Italianate architecture, elegant Victorian finery and bountiful gardens set the stage. What you save with us you can spend on your future together!

Halloween Weekend is all TREATS for guests at Lyons Twin Mansions!!

On Friday October 30 is a Rockin' Halloween Party at the Liberty Theater and we have FREE Tickets for our B&B guests!! Baloney Ponyz rock out for hours starting at 8:00! Tickets are valued at $20 each! Plan to arrive early to enjoy the beautifully restored theatre and incredible hospitality from the staff!


Make reservations for Saturday October 31 Halloween Night and we will treat you to two tickets on Fort Scott's Believe-It-Or-Not Ghost Tours. Tickets are limited so call soon!!

This offer is good only for guest rooms rented at our regular published rate and may not be combined with other special offers.

Plan to try one of Fort Scott's newest restaurants while you are here! Both Raciti's Italian and The Buffalo Grill just opened this summer to the delight of Fort Scott and our guests!

The Buffalo Grill is an all American bistro with Chef's Vincent & Logan in the kitchen. Those boys really cook!! Great steaks - aged and handcut, pasta, fish, punctuated with unique specials -- Paradise for Foodies! Lar & I are proud to tell you The Buffalo Grill has won our hearts and our tummies!

Nothing touches your soul like genuine Italian fare, freshly prepared and served with style. Tommy grew up cooking with his folks and today delights us all with his classic Italian delights. Raciti will surprise you with incredible desserts handmade the old-fashioned way.

Fall Foliage is at it's peak this week!

When you call for reservations ask for the Fall Foliage Journey to historic Fort Scott, Kansas! Wind your way to the Twin Mansions surrounded by brilliant vistas of red, yellow & orange. Something sings to us in October unlike any other time of year, calling us outside to soak up the sun while playing in the leaves. Join us on three acres with lots of leaves to pile high then jump right in the middle like kids.

"Budget vs. Luxury"

Two free Trolley Tickets to “See It All” & a “Take Home”
Bag of Twin Mansions legendary homemade Granola with your Friday or Saturday night stay!
(May not be combined with any other promotions or discounts)

Use promotion code: BLOGGER when you call or email to receive this special gift!

“Luxury is not about money. It is about how you live your life.”
CNN 8/26/08

The morning I heard those words I knew the bold path Lyons Twin Mansions would take to address the needs of our treasured guests. We have declared for years, we will “treat you like royalty.” We have lived up to that high standard, never compromising your needs or your dreams. “The Economy” won’t keep us from fulfilling that promise nor prevent you from enjoying leisure travel in the manner to which you have become accustomed.

Nate & I have been talking about how we could help you and help ourselves as surplus dollars poured into the gas tank and rising costs put our budgets in a real squeak they call an “economic crisis.” These past months we have noticed our leisure travelers curb their stay to just one night when it was always two nights, planning just one getaway rather than the usual two or three.
“Luxury is not about money. It is about how you live your life.” Powerful and poignant – moving us to offer this special gift. Our pledge keeps your budget balanced. A magical night at the Twin Mansions is certain to sweeten your disposition!

May joy and affection keep you close company all year through!

Miss Pat at home in historic Fort Scott, Kansas

We are GOING GREEN: PRE-cycle, RE-cycle, FREE-cycle

Lyons Twin Mansions proudly announce our commitment to
PRE-cycle, RE-cycle and FREE-cycle!

And don’t worry, we will be ever mindful of the gentle courtesies to which you have become accustomed when visiting our home. So we will continue to be kind to you as we take steps each day to be kinder to our environment.
With my sister Jane as our inspiration, logistics guide and cheerleader, we are seriously under-taking steps to pre-cycle AND recycle. As we evaluated what we could do to reduce our “footprint” we were surprised and delighted to find we had already made some big steps. As we support our pledge and implement a commitment to this process, we watch carefully for ways we may meet the needs of our guests yet lessen our impact on the earth.

Almost all of our light bulbs are energy efficient. I am still holding on tightly to the 3-way bulbs at your bedside.

A 250-gallon tank at each Mansion collects rainwater to fill the pond, water the plants & gardens. 2007
This isn’t a new idea however, the Twin Mansions have the original built in guttering on the rooftops that since 1872 have carefully collected every precious drop of rain water and channeled it to the cistern for the families.

Have a high efficiency washer & dryer and have replaced two hot water tanks with instant demand hot water source. 2007

Added earth-friendly, botanically based Arbonne products for body & hair to every guest room. Providing bath gel, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner in large sizes with pumps kissing goodbye to that myriad of little plastic bottles! 2006

Packing our Glorious Granola in reusable, air-tight glass containers and offering our granola in bulk for refills! 2009

Choosing cleaning and laundry supplies that are certified non-toxic and earth friendly. 2009

Feeding our leftover fruit & vegetable matter to our local egg supplier’s chickens! Talk about recycling!! Beautiful healthy farm grown chickens produce beautiful healthy farm fresh eggs. 2009

Composting for our gardens and hopefully for yours, too. We figure with the production we have there may be considerably more compost than we need and look forward to sharing with you. BYOBucket! 2009

We recycle paper, aluminum & glass – we hope you do too!

FROSTBITE got you down? Warm things up at our place!!

February 1 through February 12, 2009: 30% off our regular room rates!

You MUST mention our Blog or receiving a Frostbite email.

$99 rooms through January 31, 2009! Call today or Reserve Online

BUDGET vs LUXURY: Lyons Twin Mansions WIN!
Corporate Rates for ALL through January 31, 2009!
$89 single, $99 double any night, any room
Our BUDGET vs LUXURY rates apply to your overnight stay during this time only
Stay on budget & still find pleasure in your lives. Even in the most troubling of economic times it is human nature to reach for the essential pleasures in our lives, seeking the fundamental fountain where we may drink and quench our needs. . . . Experience the Magic of Lyons Twin Mansions where you begin to restore and heal, feel renewed optimism and energy. We provide the fundamentals:
A perfect place – your personal sanctuary
· Really good food – freshly made with nature’s best ingredients
· Uninterrupted time: for Couples or for Personal Renovation
· Soothing hands of massage and spa therapies in ParadiseNo-nonsense, realistic pricing allowing guilt-free enjoyment

TREND 2009: Play to Win!

Be careful, somewhat wary, ever thrifty, just a bit cautious
but . . . .
stay confident,
keep your attitude focused on success
and
PLAY to WIN!

FIRST CHILL IN THE AIR? We've got you covered!

Snuggle up with someone you love or create a personal indulgence all by yourself. Chilly nights, a good book, silky sheets topped with soft warm blankets, your favorite movies on a big schreen . . . Lyons Twin Mansions are are purely for pleasure. We have ingredients guaranteed to warm things up . . . just add Chocolate to complete this luscious indulgence.

ANY NIGHT ** ANY ROOM in December 2008 and January 2009 just $89 single/$99 double!
Call right away for this breathtaking deal!!

Luxury is not about money. It is about how you live your life.

When I heard those words on CNN, I knew the bold path Lyons Twin Mansions would take to address the needs of our treasured guests. We have declared for years, we will “treat you like royalty.” And we have lived up to that high standard, never compromising your needs or your dreams. “The economy” won’t keep us from fulfilling that promise nor prevent you from enjoying leisure travel in the manner to which you have become accustomed.


Nate & I had been talking about how we could help you and help ourselves as our surplus dollars poured into the gas tank and rising costs put our budgets in a real squeak/tight economic pinch. We have noticed our leisure travelers curb their stay to just one night when it was always two nights, planning just one visit this year rather than the usual two or three getaways.



Over coffee we talked about that powerful statement I had heard on CNN this morning. How could we apply that philosophy to have a positive result for all? “Luxury is not about money. It is about how you live your life.” CNN 8/26/08 Powerful and poignant – moving us to launch this daring promise.

Bold Audacious Brave Daring Cheeky Enterprising
Courageous Heroic Confident Risky Innovative

Call it what you will, it is a powerful gift!

Corporate Rates for ALL! $89 single, $99 double
Make reservations for any days in November 2008, December 2008
through January 2009
Offer is good any day of the week or weekend in these three months only.

Even in the most troubling of economic times it is human nature to reach for the essential pleasures in our lives. I remember my grandmother telling me that even in the Great Depression she and her friends would pinch pennies so they could go to the movies! In that bleakest of times the escape into another world was welcome! We seek the fundamental fountain where we may drink and quench our needs. . . We lay salve on the burn, you begin to restore and heal, feel renewed optimism and energy at Lyons Twin Mansions.

We’ll provide the fundamentals:

• A perfect place – your personal sanctuary


• Really good food – freshly made with nature’s best ingredients


• Uninterrupted time together


• Soothing hands of massage in Paradise


• No-nonsense, realistic pricing allowing guilt-free enjoyment


• All balanced with the warmth and hospitality that complete that Twin Mansions magic.

Taste of Fort Scott: Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

Saturday, September 20, 2008, beginning 6:00 in the evening at Liberty Theatre
Join us for this exciting tradition in Fort Scott – a myriad of foods & drinks, friends & festivities, live & silent auction. Martha Scott has all the details 620-223-1844

Taste of Fort Scott is almost here – we have food from local restaurants and caterers to tempt your taste buds – we have spirits to get you in the party mood – and if that’s not enough – we have auction items to suit everyone’s taste, including – Bourbon County Pub Crawl for 20 – 3 Holiday Trolley Tours for 12 – Romantic Evening for Two – Jewelry – Gift Baskets – Party Buckets – Antiques and Collectibles – Bar B Q sauces – Beer Signs – Flower arrangements – Large bottle of “Gnarly Head” wine, and several Gift Certificates.

So call the Chamber office 1-800-245-FORT to purchase your tickets for a great time in Downtown Fort Scott – See you there!!!!