classic_inns_inspiration

A fake watercolor made from a photo I took the other evening.

88/365

Day 5 of my fantasy NC vacation.

Driving from Cary to Corolla and sightsee along the 4 hour way. I would have to stop at the Great Dismal Swamp and see the Visitors Center, and try to take in as much as time allowed. I hear there is great BBQ in along the way, so we’d have to stop for lunch.

I’d love to stay at the Corolla Village Inn which is recently built and has 12 suites. The photos are from both Instagram and Facebook, but I don’t know if they really capture the serenity of a quiet, tucked away inn like this. They are about 1/3 mile away from the beach and 1/4 mile away from the sound, just a stroll down a sandy road. It sounds perfect!

They have a light continental breakfast of yogurt, granola, cereals, etc., and offer beach chairs and a few beach umbrellas to rent.

And of course if I were with my husband, the kayaks would be on the car and we’d take them out to paddle around and see if we could see the wild ponies!

Enjoy!

87/365

Short and sweet post today: on my 4th day of my imaginary vacation to North Carolina, I would love to catch up with my cousins and former neighbors in Cary.

I would stay at the Hamilton Scot Inn. Wow, what a gorgeous home! The home and it’s details have interesting stories, such as the parquet floor is a copy of the flooring in Monticello. There are more interesting stories of the home, and I would love to see the home in person one day!

Enjoy the photos, they are all from the inn’s Facebook account.

Day 86 in total, but day 3 of my virtual vacation to North Carolina! I know, for first time readers that sounds a little confusing.

On my third night of faux vacay, I would drive to the Hickory area, and try to see a furniture factory outlet, or if is a weekend, I would try to see some real NASCAR local races at the Hickory Motor Speedway. I want to visit Old Salem too, and am glad this is a virtual plan, because I don’t know if I can really for more in!

For the night, I would go a tad bit east of Hickory to Conover to stay at the Sweet Tea Bed & Breakfast. The B&B’s location seems like such an sweet, authentic NC town experience. And I love the look of the inn, just perfectly pretty and comfortable! And the breakfasts look great too!!

Most of the photos are from the inns Instagram account, but a few are from guests, and their Instagram accounts are on their photos. Enjoy!

Day 85 of 365 days of B&Bs, inns, lodges and other family owned lodging!

Join me for day 2 of me a pretend trip to North Carolina!

Day two my fantasy vacay is staying overnight at the bed and breakfast in Waynesville, NC. I would try to take in as much of the Blue Ridge Parkway between the two inns and maybe stop in Little Switzerland for pulled pork and see a gem mine.

The reason I chose is because the inn and property are beautiful. Look at that beautiful Library Suite bathroom, the suite must be gorgeous! But the clincher is that the owners seem like they could guide me to beautiful hikes and waterfalls in the area. I am not a hiker, but I would like to see some of those iconic never ending mountain vistas.

And even if the weather is poor, the views from the back patio are still gorgeous!

These photos are from the inn’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. Enjoy!

Day 84 of 365 starts a new tack! I am going on a virtual North Carolina vacation, and you’re coming with me. Seven or more days, one B&B per day in the various parts of North Carolina! Thanks to Maria Boivin for the inspiration!

Todays is Day 1 of my imaginary vacay with my husband or daughter. I would drive to Inn at Little Pond Farm in western North Carolina, which is a ten hour drive. I think we would simply relax and enjoy the property, take a stroll around the pond, enjoy a glass of wine on the porch and dinner at the inn. I imagine the ultimate luxury: just going to bed, and having a deep, restful sleep, with a beautiful breakfast the next morning. I think the first day of vacation is all about shifting into a lower, slower gear, and this peaceful, elegant inn is just the place to do that!

Enjoy the photos, they are from the inn’s Instagram account!

Day 83!

Here’s a work in progress that I can’t wait to watch via Instagram (source of all photos, of course!)

This is the in Garner, NC. The owner has documented their progress in restoring and updating the future inn. And, of course there are before-and-after photos! Yay! Now I am invested in watching the rest of the progress!! I hope you will cheer them on too. (Honestly, this is one reason I admire innkeepers: I couldn’t manage a historic renovation along with starting a business! 😲 That takes fortitude!)

Day 82 of 365 posts about dreamy B&Bs. And , which helps me to concentrate on sharing B&B/inns west of the Mississippi River.

This is the breathtaking Lodge at Red River Ranch in southern Utah, near the Capital Reef National Park.

From the classic Frederick Re*****on bronze and Navajos woven rugs mounted above the fireplace, to the landscape outside with the red cliffs and pinyon pines, to the fish-filled river, this entire property is like something out of a movie.

This beautiful place would definitely take a spot on my dream B&B list! All photos are from their page, which is filled with great images!

Enjoy!

Day 81 of 365 posts about B&Bs, inns, ranches and other independent lodging businesses.

Todays B&B is Harbour Cottage Inn on Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. The inn looks both restful and invigorating, traditional and updated, lovely and fun! The new owners have had the inn about a year and a half, and they’ve created a really special place!

I hope these ten photos capture the special spirit of the B&B. They are all from the inn’s Instagram account. Please check them out!

Day 80 of my attempt to post 365 B&Bs, inns and other small independent hotels, resorts, etc,

Here’s the lovely Stonecroft Country Inn near Mystic, Ct. This historic 10 room inn is comprised of two buildings: the four room original 1807 building, and a six room barn. I love the mix of formal, traditional rooms and the barn rooms, in which you can see the posts and structure.

Through the course of this project, I can’t help but think which member of my family would like each room, and I have to say my daughter would love the green and floral room. And my husband would love the barn rooms. I would gladly take any, depending on my travel buddy.

Enjoy the photos, they are from the inns Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Day 79/365 (apparently not consecutive days, but still aiming for 365 posts) of my dream list of American B&Bs, inns or family run/occupied hotels, ranches and more!

Today’s post is the stunning The Lady Mary Inn in North Berwick, ME. A gorgeous Victorian, bought by a new owners in the last 1.5 - 2 years or so. It seems that some renovations are in progress, not that it looks like the house needs it, the details are beautifully preserved.

You know I love some good before and after reno photos, so I can’t wait to follow this one! I love the home and it’s updates, the breakfasts look amazing, the owners look like they are enjoying their new adventure.

Berwick, ME. is a short drive from Maines’s Ogunquit beach, but also close to the country. Sounds perfect to me!

This inn is definitely on my dream list! All photos are from their Instagram account. Enjoy!

Day 78 of my fantasy B&B vacation list!

Good Medicine Lodge in Whitefish Montana, very close to Glacier National Park. I love their style, the rooms look so inviting, and the food on their Instagram (source of all pics below) looks so amazing!! And I always amazed when families with younger kids run inns. I can hardly get breakfast made for us, much less guests every day. 🍳 They are an inspiration!

Enjoy!

Day 77!

Innsbruck Inn at Stowe has been renovated over this past summer! I love how it turned out. I am glad they kept a part of their retro-Austrian decor, but cleaned everything up!

Check out some before and after photos, and more from their Instagram account.

Day 76!

The Darius Inn Two sisters run a B&B on Block Island, which is off the coast of RI. I love the rooms’ wild colors, patterns and textures. I can’t help but think if the Fauves ran a seaside B&B, this would be it!

Enjoy the photos. They are all from the inn’s Instagram account, along with so many other fun image

Day 75!

This isn’t your typical Bed and Breakfast, but it does the same thing: owners created a very specific environment, welcome paying guests, provide guidance on how to enjoy that environment, enjoy sleeping over, enjoy breakfast, the exceptional property and amenities. The only difference is that this is a yurt camp!

I love, love, love Treebones Resort in Big Sur. Ca. And if I find myself in Northern California, I will try my best to spend a night or two. Their ability to create community, provide amazing food, drink and hospitality while teaching people about sustainability is pretty darn impressive!

My husband and I stayed at the now closed Maho Bay Camp for part of our honeymoon, and the Sugar Mill Hotel in Tortola for the first part. The lessons about sustainable building practices, lowering our environmental impact, and just enjoying the company of interesting people in an unusual and beautiful location was truly life changing.

I am so glad that Treebones Resort exists, and that it also provides lessons on sustainable living, while opening up their home to others so they can relax, enjoy nature and what looks like very high quality food, drink and experiences!

As always, the photos are from Treebones Resort’s Instagram account! Photos 5 & 6 are 6 are of the treehouse. Enjoy!

Day 74 fantasy BnBs/inns in the USA

Todays B&B is Pitcher Inn in Warren, Vt. Lovely, classic, warm and inviting. The inns walls are unique because they have so many rooms with custom painted wall murals. I’d love to go and see them in person!

All photos are from the inns Instagram account. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! Day 73

All photos are the property of the inns titled in the post. I hope you enjoy ten Christmas trees on Christmas Day!

If I could post every B&B’s holiday decor, I would! I love the way each B&B/inn had their own styles, and approaches to decorating!

Day 72!

Today’s Bed and breakfast is The Cottage Inn of Mackinac. Each room is adorably decorated in different themes, and the innkeeper and staff look like great fun! The home is sparkling clean

The photos are from their Instagram account. I hope you enjoy it!

Day 71: just a confession and questions about it. I’d love to hear everyone’s answers or suggestions!

Day 70!

I know the aesthetic that I post, and often admire, may seem an antithesis to this B&B’s style, but I LOVE this B&B! I love everything about it! What a combo: Austrian chalet + heavy metal + snow boards + people who love their job + gorgeous dog = the Grunberg Haus in Duxbury, Vt. All photos are from their Instagram account.

Day 69 into one year of daily B&B and inns!

Todays lodging is Gibson’s Inn of Annapolis, right outside the gates of the USNA, and around ego ally from O’Briens Oyster Bar and Seafood Tavern.

The inn has a new owner as of January last year, and is currently going through some renovations. The inn consists of three buildings on in the middle of downtown. And the renovations are updating the historic buildings, but balancing the old and new. Take a look: (all photos are from their Instagram account)

My dream list continues…day 68 into one year of beautiful B&B, inns, guest houses, dude ranches, etc.

Todays Victorian eye-candy B&B is Ivy Lodge Bed and Breakfast Newport RI. It is grand and cozy at the same time: a very rare combination.

Most photos are from their page, but the sign photo with is from their Instagram account.

Day 67 into one year of B&Bs, inns and lodges!

Look at this serene, elegant, and newly renovated Fairville Inn, in the equally elegant Brandywine Valley town of Chadds Ford, PA.

All photos are from their Instagram account. Enjoy the serenity….

Day 66 of my one year dream B&B list!

In a world of ridiculous busyness and sensory overload, todays B&B is an oasis of calm. Southmoreland on the Plaza in Kansas City, MO.

I truly love a very disciplined color palette, and this is perfect: all of the bedrooms are a light grey and white, with thoughtful color accents to add interest. There are 12 rooms, and I’d love to see them all one day! And that gorgeous porch swing….dreamy!

All of the photos are from the inn’s Facebook account. I hope you enjoy!

Day 66!

Todays inn is an historic hotel, the Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, Mt. The history of the building is interesting, and the renovation of the spaces is perfect: very elegant and just a little rustic here and there. There are 29 rooms. It is owned by a family business. It is the complete package: history, great stories, a beautiful renovation, lovely service and so much more.

All photos are credited to their Instagram account.

Day 65 of 365 daily posts of my dream B&Bs, inns and other owner-occupied lodgings.

Todays lovely find is in Mendacino, CA., and it is a warm, welcoming and sweet bed and breakfast called Seagull Inn Bed and Breakfast.

I’d love to see more photos of their rooms. The gardens are lush, the town and surrounding area is stunning, and the breakfasts are organic. And their Instagram account, the source of all the photos below, is lovely! Check it out.

Day 64! Only 301 more to go!

This is quite a find: Guild House Hotel In Philadelphia! Amazing design, amazing history, wit, wisdom and quite a few lessons in women’s history merge in maximalist style! And a heck of a renovation too; and they’ve only been open for about one year!

Check it out. All photos are from their Instagram account.

Day 63!

The The Aerie Bed and Breakfast in New Bern, NC. Recently renovated, these folks are on tops of their wall covering game! And have a good sense of humor, as I chuckled at the “beer…because you can’t drink bacon” post cracked me up!

Enjoy the photos, from their social media accounts!

Day 62 (a day late 😬) of 365 days of beautiful B&Bs, inns and other independent, owner-occupier lodgings.

Todays post is in one of my favorite cities! This is the Bayfront Marin House in St. Augustine. They are waterfront in the historic part of town, with other buildings around their main house. I was in St. Augustine for a wedding probably 10-12 years ago and hope to return soon. I would love to stay here in a room with coquina walls! So very historic!!

And looking at their stunning Instagram account, the source for all of these photos, makes me want to visit again! I’d love to investigate the city more!

Day 61 of 365 daily posts about B&Bs, inns and more.

This is Old Edwards Inn and Spa, in Highlands, NC. It is the definition of understated elegance. I hope you enjoy the photo, two are from their Facebook account and the rest are from their Instagram account. Pure perfection.

Day 60!

Todays post for is Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in Idaho. These photos are from their Instagram account. Please take a look, their property and surrounding area is in Northern Idaho, and is worth the time to see it. The ranch and family are both treasures! The family that owns the property has lived there for 100 years.

Day 59 into one year of daily posts about B&Bs, inns, and other small hotels and lodges.

Todays post is so close to me, only about 1.5 hour away, and yet I’ve never heard of it! I find this intriguing! The Golden Pheasant Inn is on the Delaware River canal path on the Pennsylvania side, in Erwinna, Pa. Naturally, all photos are from their Instagram account.

I am also intrigued by the fact that the inn is closed on Mondays and Tuesday nights. I admire that discipline to ensure time off of work in the hospitality industry. 💪🏻

Enjoy this little gem; four elegant rooms, and clearly renovated baths are very special find!

Day 58 into a year of daily posts about B&Bs, inns, small family hotels and ranches, all in the US

Today is and our magnificent inn is the , in Northern California coast. The rugged and beautiful 2000 acre landscape, the rugged and elegant structure, the food, spa, and more create something really special. It is casual yet sublime. I hope you enjoy this magnificent inn.

All photos are from the The Inn at Newport Ranch’s Instagram account. Their page is pretty great too!

Day 57 into a year of daily posts about my fantasy B&B, inns, boutique hotel list!

Today’s luxurious lodging is the Bentwood Inn near Jackson Hole, WY. The log cabin structure is fairly new; the trees taken down in the 1988 fire in Yellowstone. The inn hosts workshops with a National Geographic wildlife photographer! Definitely an opportunity of a lifetime!

I hope these ten photos captures the beauty of their four acre property, the gorgeous log cabin and their view of the Tetons, and more. I just saw this today and it has moved to near the top of my fantasy list!

56 of 365 daily posts about inns, guest houses and B&Bs I find beautiful, interesting, intriguing, or otherwise compelling.

Todays B&B is The Hygrade Inn, in Emporium, Pa. I love seeing the changes the innkeepers have made to the home. The homes eclectic style, such as reusing an antique radio for a bathroom sink, adds to the sense of history and fun! The location is perfect for getting away from it all: north central PA. I’d love to go on a clear evening to get out of town and see the stars! Enjoy the photos, all from the inn’s Instagram account.

55/365

I am in awe! Look at this property! 🌵 🌅 🐴

Photos are from the stunning Tanque Verde Ranch’s Instagram account.

Day 54 of 365 daily posts about interesting/elegant/charming/historic or brand-spanking-new beds and breakfasts, inns, independent inns, and other family owned lodging.

Todays post is The Mackinac House, on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Enjoy the saturated colors and fun patterns! I love all of it!

Day 53 and . I admit to being so East Coast focused that I am using this hashtag to make me consciously seek out beautiful B&Bs west of the Mississippi River.

Todays stunning find is The Reserve at Hot Springs, in Hot Springs, AR. This is a very special place! Enjoy the photos. They are from the hotel’s Instagram account, except for the second one, which comes from their website. I just thought the room was so pretty!

Day 52 into one year of daily B&B posts, also independently owned hotels, family owned dude ranches, lodges and country or city inns.

Calling all dog lovers! I found your home away from home! This is The Park on Main, a dog friendly 24 room bed and breakfast in Highlands, NC. I love the proper but droll gentleman’s styling, with classic furniture and charming dog themed artwork. I love a good sense of humor in decor and this is just delightful! The king of the castle is Mr. Picked, a black Scottish terrier. I would visit to see him and the great design!

All pics from the inns Instagram account.

Day 52 of one year of daily posts about fabulous B&Bs, inns and family run hotels, lodges, and dude ranches.

Todays post is the Pheasant Run Farm Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster, Pa. The structure is so very interesting. I think it was an old stone barn. I would go there just to see it. I love the dining room: the rugs, the chairs, everything!

Enjoy the photos, they are from the inns Instagram account.