Are
you looking for a little rest and relaxation in a quaint setting to unwind and
enjoy the simpler pleasures in life? A stay at a bed and breakfast may be your
answer. Here are our choices for the best bed and breakfasts in the United
States.
Romantic
RiverSong Inn: Estes Park, Colorado
The
Grand Anne Bed & Breakfast: Keokuk, Iowa
Grandview
Bed and Breakfast: Astoria, Oregon
Foxes
Bed and Breakfast: Sutter Creek, California
Hoyt
House Bed and Breakfast: Amelia Island, Florida
Romantic
RiverSong Inn: Estes Park, Colorado
Located
just one and a half miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, Romantic RiverSong
Inn was built in the 1920s as a summer estate. Surrounded by formal gardens,
canals, ponds and numerous hiking trails, the 27-acre property is adjacent to
the Roosevelt National Forest on the side of Giant Track Mountain.
Romantic
and cozy, the nine guestrooms at the inn are located in the main house, carriage
house and duplex cottage. They range from elegant European decor to Colorado
mountain log-style to Southwestern-style. There are no phones or televisions, so
guests can cuddle up in a plush flannel robe provided by the inn and enjoy the
peaceful atmosphere.
For
breakfast, guests gather in the inn's semi-circular dining room where they are
served a variety of fresh baked breads, corn fritters with fresh maple syrup or
berry cobblers and Irish potato pancakes, specialties of RiverSong.
The
Grand Anne Bed & Breakfast: Keokuk, Iowa
Overlooking
the Mississippi River, the Grand Anne Bed & Breakfast was built in 1897 on
two acres in a park-like setting in southeast Iowa. The 3-story, 22-room mansion
retains its original cherry, pear, oak and bird's eye maple woodwork, as well as
a grand staircase and Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper. Furnished with estate
antiques, the house offers guests an aviation library, antique games and toys,
and several porches that provide fantastic views of the mighty Mississippi.
The
house offers four rooms with private baths and queen-size beds, a suite facing
the Mississippi River; nightly desserts, turndown service, morning coffee
delivered to each room and a full gourmet breakfast served to fit guests’
schedules.
-
Telephone: (800) 524-6310
- Rates: $75 to $125; special packages available
Grandview
Bed & Breakfast: Astoria, Oregon
Located
in the Victorian town of Astoria, Grandview offers bright, cheerful, airy
guestrooms with picturesque views of the Columbia River, garden groves and
mountains. The eight rooms and four suites each have their own decadent, antique
style, though the “gazebo room” is the most popular with its tower windows,
spaciousness and balcony view.
Each
morning, guests can indulge in a complimentary breakfast consisting of several
drink choices, fresh fruit, a variety of fresh homemade muffins and
lox and bagels.
Whether
guests wish to curl up with a book or stroll the town’s avenues, there’s
always something to do. Grandview is just minutes from the downtown area. There,
visitors can enjoy the river view or explore the many shops, antique stores,
museums and restaurants. Other activities include golf, clam-digging, beach
combing, surfing, fishing and boating, hiking or bird watching.
Foxes
Bed and Breakfast: Sutter Creek, California
Originated
in 1857 during the Gold Rush, Foxes Bed and Breakfast, formally known as “The
Brinn House,” offers seven guestrooms. Each room exudes an individual charm
and most offer a fireplace, sitting room, library, living room and bay window
overlooking the gardens.
Each
morning guests are served a full breakfast that can either be delivered to their
room or to the garden, depending on the weather. Guests select a breakfast time
and choose their menu from a variety of selections including marmalade French
toast, Barbara’s Swedish pancakes and Foxes’ special eggs.
After
breakfast, guests are urged to take in the local countryside, visit the museums,
historical parks and relive the adventures of the gold mining days. Outdoor
adventurers can enjoy the many lakes, rivers, nature walks and picnic areas
while those not wanting to wander far, can walk to antique shops, restaurants,
boutiques and art galleries from Foxes Bed & Breakfast.
Hoyt
House Bed & Breakfast: Amelia Island, Florida
Built
in 1905, Hoyt House abounds with Victorian charm and elegance. Antique
furnishings, current reproductions and custom windows adorn the house to create
a feeling of home. Each room offers
a unique, style of it’s own with such names as “Regal Blue,”
“Desert Sunset,” “Sweet Lavender” and “Country Meadow.” While every
room has a different theme, each room has a private bath, special amenities, a
telephone and television (on request).
Each
morning guests are delivered a daily newspaper before breakfast . Served in the
formal dining room, the meal includes a gourmet entrée, fresh fruit, homemade
breads and pastries, and a variety of drinks.
Hoyt
House gives guests the chance to picnic for two in the garden gazebo, relax on
the porch, go bike riding, stroll down historic Centre Street or just get some
rest.