The Bed & Breakfast Inn at la JollaThe Inn at La Jolla was a charming and elegant experience, set in a beautifully manicured beach town with a lot of character (i.e. without making that Stepford-wives-looking sacrifice!). “The Cove” was a cordial and comfy room, with seagulls sounding off outside your window and a rosy glow streaming through the drapes first thing in the morning. This inn is larger in capacity than our typical B&B destination, but still has plenty of intimacy and opportunities to get to know guests from every which way at breakfast time. Check in is at 3 o’clock. If you’re a sushi lover and are feeling peck-ish shortly after check-in, be sure to try
Roppongi—just a couple blocks down the street. An upscale restaurant with a most welcome “happy hour” on appetizers and rolls, we were infatuated with the sushi and nearly keeled over their “Tahitian Banana” dessert.
- top -
Dreams Come True on MauiDreams Come True on Maui is the classic B&B in that you are staying in the same home in which your innkeepers reside. The extremely knowledgeable Tom Croly greeted us with a friendly “aloha!” as we pulled into the driveway. Moments later, he informed us of several interesting and nearby sites to visit. The Secret Cove, serves as the ultimate romantic spot for intimate weddings. It is so secret in fact, that you will surely miss it unless given explicit directions on how to get there (don’t forget to ask your hosts!). Just a hop and skip from the cove and you will find yourself driving through a genuine lava flow. This is an exciting, surreal and beautiful experience for those interested in witnessing a moment in the formation of the islands. If you’re adventurous, ask Tom or Denise to point you to the direction of authentic local cuisine. We were pleased (and full!) after dinner at Da Kitchen, where we scarfed down Kahlua Pork wrapped in Taro Leaves and a bowl of noodle soup. By the way, that’s Mango and Mai Tai pictured above – the resident Love Birds. Relax in the outdoor patio with these two, along with a Koi pond and a Cockatiel who also happens to be a fan of the Andy Griffith Show.
- top -
The Bacon MansionThe
Bacon Mansion is nestled in a charming, residential neighborhood in Capitol Hill. It is a short walk from a hip, bohemian stretch of nightlife. Just a five-minute drive south is the center of the city where, of course, we visited the famous
Pike Place Market, replete with flying fish, fresh flowers galore and the very first Starbuck's coffee shop. In the heart of the market, we found the "Athenia" restaurant- made famous by the flick "Sleepless in Seattle". Although it may seem touristy for this reason, it just so happens to be a fabulous deal if you're looking for a simple (and incredibly fresh) shellfish meal.
The Museum of Flight, just a 15-minute drive down the I-5, is a must-see for all history &/or aerospace buffs. And although it may not seem the case, the
Space Needle is one of the safest free standing buildings you may ever encounter. Locals boast that it will withstand a 9.0 earthquake. This IS touristy, thus why you must go! :D The
Garden Suite was a spacious room that greeted us each night with a most comfortable, hand-made bed. The hosts were kind enough to accomodate our unfortunate (MUCH too) early departure on our last day by placing fruit, tea, and homemade muffins in our room the night before.
- top -
The Swann House
Choosing our nation’s capitol as one of the locations for aloveproject, quenched not only our thirst for history, but our love of four seasons and great, diverse food. Nestled in charismatic Dupont Circle is the gorgeous mansion and our B&B choice for November,
The Swann House. Genuinely helpful and obliging, our tag team hosts Antonio and Rick served up a delicious hot breakfast in addition to the continental plus buffet (weekends). This provided sufficient energy for our high sight-seeing expectations. And at the end of the monument to memorial to museum hopping day, there were plenty of culinary delights waiting in the neighborhood. Merely one hundred paces from the front steps (yes, we counted) of the Swann House is
Rosemary’s Thyme, affordable and tasty Mediterranean dishes complete with friendly service. And just a few blocks further you will find foods that truly span the globe in Adams Morgan. The personable Swann House has smartly themed rooms and plenty of extra accomodations to make your stay plenty memorable!
- top -
Dekoven SuitesNew York city IS action. Never have we encountered anywhere else like it! However, what we found ironic were the similarities between Dekoven Suites and Dreams Come True On Maui. These two B&Bs are worlds apart in terms of location, yet extremely similar as far as their set-up. Staying with our amiable and accommodating hosts, Susan and Chalo, felt like we were visiting relatives on the east coast. The Brooklyn-based Victorian mansion provides a charmingly quiet haven to retreat to at the end of the day and is located a mere two blocks from a subway stop (that will have you in the heart of Manhattan in no time). We quickly hopped on board and took in as much of the city as is humanly possible in one long weekend. On our second day there, Susan suggested the perfect stop for chocolate lovers,
Max Brenner's. Once inside, Marco saw a side of Lisa he had never seen. With every turn of the menu, Lisa looked like a child opening a new gift at Christmas.
- top -
Star Gazers Inn & ObservatoryOwner/innkeeper Doreen Wiggins, displays a pride of ownership that is second to none and ensures that no detail is too small. This starry B&B sits on an acre of land that will soon be recognized as a backyard habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. And wildlife truly abounds. Accompanying your scrumptious hot breakfast is a medley of squirrels, chipmunks, and an endless hodgepodge of beautiful birds just outside the window. The star theme is consistent throughout the premises and goes way beyond the name of your room. On the weekends, a professional star guide leads you thru a tour of our solar system up to the outer edges of our universe (and other concepts that we are still trying to wrap our brains around!). This special treat culminates in a visit to the Stargazer’s very own observatory! Romantically appointed rooms, an inviting heated saline pool and a generous library of movies and games is just the tip of the amenities iceberg. If that weren’t enough, on the ceiling and when you go to bed--you will find the night sky (you’ll just have to go to see what we’re talking about)! During our stay we were fortunate to join our host and fellow guests in a murder mystery party and (“censored”), played by Marco, is not guilty no matter what the circumstantial evidence says! Check out Mambo Café just down the street for a delicious dinner and, last but not least, do yourself a favor and visit this exceptionally all-inclusive bed and breakfast. Just be sure to book more than one night!
- top -
Cricketwood Country B&BIf you thought it wasn’t possible for a house to be “nestled” on a 10-acre lot, you haven’t visited Cricketwood Country Bed & Breakfast in Bend, OR. We were fortunate enough to be the first guests of the season to sit outside for breakfast and gaze upon this peaceful land. Gracious and down-to-earth hosts, Tracy and Jim have a beautiful back story (conveniently included on a DVD in each room) that will have you laughing and crying before it’s over and give you a new appreciation for this blessed B&B. Be sure to throw a few Frisbees with the adorable resident Border Collie “Lola”, and don’t even think about coming home before seeing the majestic Deschutes River (every angle we saw of it looked like it could have been on the cover of “Field and Stream” magazine!). There are endless activities here for the outdoorsy types. Furthermore, (we admit!) we were pleasantly surprised by the decent variety of dining options downtown. Speaking of food, don’t commit the rookie mistake of ordering more than one entrée per person at Cricketwood; you won’t be able to get out of your chair after your super tasty, custom breakfasts of gigantic proportions!
- top -
The Village Inn Bed & BreakfastThe Village Inn B&B and the greater Atlanta area personifies a great deal of history, character and a generous helping of southern hospitality (the kind we’ve only read about in books and seen in the movies!). Amidst the ultra charming southern drawls, we relearned many an American history lesson. The inn itself is a fabulous house built in 1820 and spared from Civil War flames. We LOVED the creaky, uneven floors and the ample functional porches complete with swings! Ashley is a skilled and unobtrusive host who will have a delicious, hot breakfast as well as a good story or two ready for you in the morning. Check out the
Flying Biscuit in nearby Candler Park; we were swooning over those fried green tomatoes & “side of love” cakes.
- top -
The Bissell HouseThe Bissell House is quite possibly the most aesthetically pleasing bed and breakfast we have been to yet on this journey! Somehow finding a good balance amidst “comfy”, “elegant” and “historical”, this B&B is complete with the kind of hospitality (the innkeepers are sisters!) that you would expect from this caliber site. The location is ideal for two reasons. First of all, it’s in our own backyard, so we can tell you from personal experience that there is no lack of first-class restaurants and delectable mom ‘n pop eateries within a few miles radius. Going beyond one’s appetite, South Pasadena is also the ultimate hub for a visit to the mountains, the beach, and, of course, the entertainment capital of the world (without actually staying in the midst of it- which can be a bit chaotic). The tub in the Garden room is gorgeous and inviting. Loose leaf teas along with other gourmet treats abound and are available 24/7. Indulge yourself at this beautiful B&B!
- top -
A Teton TreehouseBeautiful wilderness surrounds A Teton Treehouse—just minutes from Jackson, WY. The city dwellers that we are actually had trouble falling asleep the first night due to a lack of noise polluting the air! Critters abound in this town and the hundreds of miles surrounding it; it is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Denny and Sally are expert guides and skillful hosts who, as a bonus, will make sure you get a healthy and hardy breakfast before trekking out to the nearby stunning Grand Tetons area and of course, the incomparable Yellowstone National park.. The Mountain Chickadee was a cozy, romantic room with a beautiful bay window view…perfect for a good read!
- top -
Little Tree B&B
Nestled in the striking northern New Mexico area is the enchanting Little Tree B&B. After traveling to over a dozen locations all over the country, we felt there was little left to be impressed by. Well, we were wrong. The Little Tree embraces all those qualities we had hoped to experience on this journey and more. Imagine a typical B&B with every element magically upgraded: organic “good for you” products, breakfasts that will exceed your expectations (and rival your favorite breakfast spot!), genuinely conversant and considerate hosts, and well thought-out/appointed rooms that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are welcoming as soon as you step thru the door (Feng-shui at it’s best!). If by some baffling chance the brilliant starry skies don’t enthrall and delight you, everything else about the Little Tree will.
- top -
Swanntown InnWarm and welcoming, the SwanTown Inn Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home base for your southern Washington adventures. Nathan and Casey are the inn’s convivial couple/hosts who will make sure you are comfortable and well-informed during your stay. Conveniently situated near the state capitol, great restaurants, and beautiful walks to boot (how many temperate rain-forests do you live next to?), this historical B&B is a lovely place to rest (particularly in the Jacuzzi bath-equipped “Astoria” room!) in between your excursions. Do not pass up the opportunity to have lunch or dinner at Sorrentos in downtown Olympia…quite possibly the most “Italian” meal we have ever experienced in the states!
- top -
Big Bear B&B
Cozy, quiet, and no lack of knick-knacks describes Big Bear B&B in Anchorage. Carol will accomodate just about any breakfast time and make sure you get a home-cooked meal (complete with yummy local products) before you head out to your Alaskan adventures. The amenities are plentiful and the Grizzly room displays a very creative use of space! Beauty and awe inspiring scenes are truly endless in this northern-most region of our country. Never, ever go to Alaska with just "one long weekend"! You will regret not having more time to explore this glorious and remarkable state.
- top -
Windward B&B
Kristen and Jesse host this lovely B&B nestled in the ultra charming town of Camden, Maine. Schooners, heavenly shellfish dishes, historical houses and the gorgeous coastline are just some of the few reasons to visit this delightful throw back in time. The Windrose suite is a particularly romantic room complete with fresh flowers, clawfoot tub and decidedly, thee most comfortable bed we have experienced yet on this venture! Kristen and Jesse make your stay easy and relaxed with your very own breakfast menu to peruse each morning and their willingness to make suggestions for activities, reservations for dinner, or just to chat about the history of the town. Ask to throw the ball around with the adorably sweet "Moxie" (the resident Labradoodle). Camden is evidence of a phenomenon no one ever talks about: "northern hospitality"! And we are so glad to have experienced it!
- top -
Victorian Ladies
The Victorian Ladies Bed and Breakfast is conveniently situated in breezy Newport, RI. Although we did not have the opportunity to meet the resident West Highland Terrier (he was on vacation with his owners), our own little Westie pup was more than welcome into one of the pet-friendly rooms. With our own private entrance (complete with a peaceful Koi pond along the walkway) and ample breakfast each morning, we felt right at home! We really enjoyed every angle of the Atlantic ocean, the historical sites (Marco still won’t admit to seeing a ghost by an old lighthouse), and ultimately, the friendly service at the Victorian Ladies!
- top -
Hansen House Mansion
The Hansen House is a gorgeous space along a tree lined street and mere steps away from some of the best dining experiences (remember how much we love to eat)! Wake up to the morning light streaming through antique shutters in the Architect's Quarters. Walk down the super creaky stairs (we love stairs that "talk" and make it virtually impossible to sneak around!) and out the door to be greeted by fine dining, local favorites (do not miss the opportunity for breakfast at "Nookies" just across the street), and legendary entertainment ("Second City" shows only a block away!). Your gracious host, Fran Ramer, will give you plenty of insight and suggestions for your stay while in the Windy City. We adored Chicago and the people who reside there and are already planning another trip..."just because"!
- top -
The Turret House
The Turret House is the oldest establishment we have stayed in the state of California. Innkeepers/owners, Brian and Jeff, have paid much attention to all the details of this lovely B&B while adding their own exquisite style. As a bonus, Waldo and Winston (the charming resident bulldogs) are the consummate hosts to all guests (human and canine alike)! We happened upon two notable dining experiences while in Long Beach which, couldn’t be more different in terms of cuisine, but share some fundamental similarities. Be sure to stop for dinner at George’s Greek Cafe and breakfast or lunch at Chuck’s Coffee Shop (home of the weasel). Not only will you be personally greeted by both George and Chuck at their respective establishments, you will be treated to a delicious meal made fresh on the premises! There is so much to see and do in Long Beach, but not to worry; the Provincetown room welcomes you back with a breezy veranda, quaint claw foot tub and every satellite channel on the planet. You will be pleased with all the “extras” and the genuine, comfortable atmosphere of the Turret House + surrounding Long Beach community!
- top -
At Journey's End B&B
John and Ellen (your hosts) exhibit the kind of down-home, comfy style of hospitality that inspired our little B&B venture to begin with! It was sheer coincidence that our last B&B visit for our "loveproject" would be a location with the most apropos name! Journey's End B&B is a wonderful home in a wonderful little town (and incidentally, the oldest city in America!). Admittedly, we were surprised by the amount of activities, historic sites and brilliant array of architecture to visit in this charming city. As is almost always the case, our long weekend wasn't nearly long enough to see it all. The house is a clean and comfortable environment, complete with a motivating breakfast and PLENTY of great suggestions from your innkeepers. Btw, there are tons of fabulous eats in St. Augustine! Trust your hosts' recommendations! We stayed in the Safari room which has a private veranda and a most inviting bed. The weather and season were perfectly picturesque. Thank you so very much, Ellen & John, for helping us end our journeys on such a positive note. We will definitely be returning!
- top -
