Merry Christmas!

This photo looks like what is happening now in the midwest and north! Hope everyone is staying safe in the snow blizzards and that all power is restored soon.

Puffin Inn in Ogunquit, Maine

A charming country inn offering a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere on the Maine Coast. The name Puffin may refer to the fuzzy down or to the puffed out appearance of the adult's belly, however, the most outstanding feature of the Puffin is its multi-colored bill. This bird is found off the coast of Maine and ranges into the North Atlantic and western Europe. It spends its winters at sea. The Williams family, owns and operates the Puffin Inn. Since they make their home at the Inn, you can expect individual attention and special personal touches to make your stay a pleasant one. Upon arrival you are greeted by a staff member of the Puffin Inn, and personally shown to your room.

The Inn has eight bright, immaculate, comfortable rooms, all with private baths. The Carriage House, a separate building, has two large rooms (may be adjoined) each consisting of two double beds, full bath, a sitting area, and an outside deck. Once you are settled, you can plan your day's activities, whether it's sightseeing, walking along the "Famous Marginal Way", shopping in nearby boutiques, village shoppes, and outlets, beaching, antiquing or whatever delights you. In the morning, awake to aromas of a bountiful breakfast served in the cozy enclosed porch. Ride on one of Ogunquit's famous trolleys to various points of interest or take a short stroll to the center of the village.

A variety of restaurants to please all palates await you, as does our famous Maine lobster. Minutes away are golf, tennis, bicycling and horseback riding. Plan a romantic cruise at dusk along the shoreline. Explore our village including Ogunquit's famous Marginal Way, a one-mile cliff walk, and Perkins Cove. Both have unforgettable panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean - sure to be a photographer's dream.

Please note, the new innkeepers are Tim and Michele!

Recipes included in the cookbook used by permission of previous owners Lee and Maurice Williams: Apple Bread, Eggs In a Bacon Basket, Puffin Inn Strawberry Bread, Quiche Puffin, Ogunquit Eggs with Pineapple.

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This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Georgian Manor Inn in Norwalk, Ohio

A very elegant, yet warm and gracious 9000 sq. ft. stately mansion, exquisitely decorated...... Georgian Manor Inn - B&B graciously rests on 1.4 well manicured acres of Norwalk's tree lined, architecturally rich Historic West Main Street. Easy walking to historic uptown specialty shops, antiques and restaurants.

With four well appointed bed and breakfast guest rooms (all with private baths), five public rooms, two porches, two large patios and wonderful gardens, the Georgian Manor provides couples and small groups a tranquil and private escape for a romantic getaway, an anniversary, birthday, golfing getaway, a reunion of friends or other special occasion. A wonderful serene retreat for travelers visiting vacation hot spots in North Central Ohio and Lake Erie Islands Area including the popular Cedar Point Amusement Park, in Sandusky, Ohio.

Built in 1906 by a local dentist and businessman, Georgian Manor is one of several prominent homes on West Main Street where summer walking tours are provided by the local historical society. After a year of complete restoration and the addition of private host quarters and additional bathrooms, the Inn opened in November 1996 with four spacious guest rooms. A small inn with the amenities of a large first class hotel has large well appointed rooms with fine antiques and reproduction furniture, lovely Victorian and nautical artwork in plush surroundings.

Five gorgeous public rooms provide a spacious "House Atmosphere" where couples or small groups of guests can enjoy the well stocked library, mahogany paneled dining room, overstuffed sofas and fireside chairs in the living room with oak mantled fireplace, and a wicker furnished sun porch overlooking the sandstone patio, pond and stream and lavish gardens.

Outside, guests can stroll the well manicured grounds and gardens with 14 flower beds with plantings of colorful perennial and annual flowers, roses and hostas. A focal points in the rear gardens is large formal center garden divided into quarters with a brick and stoned walkways traveling from the sandstone patio directly through the center garden to the 32 foot pergola backed by large douglas fir trees. Stoned walks also circle the rear property with a few benches set in room like areas.

A Bit of History:
Georgian Manor Inn is a 27 room Georgian Revival style home. Designed by Vernon Redding of Mansfield, Ohio, the home was built in 1906 by John M. Vaughn for Dr. W. H. Merritt, a local dentist and his wife Mary Ford Merritt. In 1945 the home was sold by the Merritts. During the subsequent fifty year period, the home was owned by five different local families. In 1995 the home was purchased by Judy and Gene Denney, the present owners and inn hosts. They purchased the home with the intent of restoring the spacious house to its original stately prominence, and to be shared with guests. Now restored to its original beauty and stateliness, the inn is filled with antiques, period reproduction and fine art works. Our guests have the opportunity of stepping back in time to a by-gone era of a more relaxing and elegant period.

Innkeepers: Judy & Gene Denney

Recipes included in the cookbook and used by permission: Quiche & Strawberry French Toast.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

The White Garden Inn in Oxford, Ohio

When John and Linda Alexander opened The White Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast in 1998, the couple pledged to offer Oxford visitors more than just a lodging alternative. "I guess you can say our motto or creed is that 'you arrive as a traveler and leave as a friend'" John said. "We treat people like its their home." Linda added "It's just like staying with a friend or family."

This Victorian-style bed and breakfast located two miles form Miami University has found a niche in the community, leaving guests in awe of the unmatched service. "It is obvious to all who stay here that what lies within The White Garden In is warmth," lodger Brooke Rosance wrote in a guest room journal. "They say a home is a reflection of its owners- this is so true of you two, John and Linda."

The Alexander's have tried to think of everything to make their guests' visits memorable ones.
Five spacious bedrooms, all with their own private bath, extend throughout this 9,000 square foot home. Each room has a different garden theme that is accentuated with multiple antiques, hand finished wooden cabinets, patterned carpeting, as well as Linda's hand woven bedspreads and shower curtains. Names of the rooms include Autumn Rose, Butterfly, Periwinkle and Iva's Garden.

The fifth room, nearly 700 square feet, serves as a suite, featuring cathedral ceiling, working fireplace, a tub for two, ample seating and numerous windows that illuminate the immense room. This room was the temporary home of actress Geena Davis for a short period this past summer. "Our Guests named this room the Wow room, because when they walk in they always say "wow," John said. Even soft terrycloth robes for the guests are hung in each bathroom to provide maximum comfort during one's stay at the inn.

Linda rises early to begin preparing a full warm breakfast that often includes such treats as stuffed French toast, quiche, blueberry pancakes, soufflés and southwestern egg casseroles and an abundance of fresh fruit. A variety of coffees and juices also accompany the meal. All this served elegantly in a large dining room complemented by a six foot circular glass top table resting on a huge cypress tree trunk.

In stead of seeking solitude indoors, guest can take in a breath of fresh air on the Inn's wraparound verandah or gazebo that over looks many gardens scattering nearly all five acres of property. An all white garden lies directly in the backyard, which serves as the signature attraction.

So far the couple has received positive reviews form their guests because they commit to offer a close-knit relationship with their guests." Someone who stayed with us noticed that we had prints of a painting from the turn of the century and her grandmother collected the same paintings," Linda said. "Upon her next visit she brought us a stack of pictures and told me to pick a few from the collection. That's what makes us different. You wouldn't see someone staying at a Ramada or Day's Inn, giving the owners presents. It's just a different feel than typical lodging."

Innkeepers, John and Linda Alexander, have included these recipes in the cookbook: Maui French Toast, Southwest Breakfast Casserole, Blueberry Stuffed French Toast, "Cheesey" & Lemon Coffee Cake.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Shaker Inn at the Great Stone Dwelling

The History of the Enfield Shakers began in 1782, when the first Shaker Missionaries from the parent United Society of Believers in the Second Appearance of Christ at Mt. Lebanon, New York, visited Enfield. At first, local members,–"Believers"–lived in their own homes and worked their own farms. By 1793, however, because of persecution by the outside world and inadequate accommodations, the Shakers decided to pursue a secluded, communal way of life. They acquired land on the west side of Mascoma Lake and began a program of building that lasted nearly a century. The Great Stone Dwelling, built in 1837-1841, is the largest main dwelling ever built by a Shaker community. In 1997 the Enfield Shaker Museum purchased this centerpiece of the Enfield Shaker community. The following year it opened to the public as The Shaker Inn and Restaurant, simple yet elegant masterpiece of Shaker craftsmanship, this 24 room inn offers an enticing glimpse into the Shaker way of life. Furnished with historically correct Shaker style furniture, the original sleeping chambers tastefully incorporate modern comforts, including private baths.

The inn is idyllically positioned on the shores of Lake Mascoma. A short walk from the inn is a beach where guests can swim or sun. The beach also includes volleyball courts and horseshoes. Directly across Route 4A is the beginning of a 2,500-acre nature preserve owned by the state. A lovely walk up the hill leads to the Sacred Feast Ground built by the Shakers, which the Museum has restored. Further up the hill the Shakers built reservoirs and canals to supply water to their village. Some are still in use, the remains of others are visible trail side. Home to three mountains, Mount Sunapee, Mount Kearsarge and Mount Cardigan, all three mountains have clearly marked access routes and ample trails. Today, the entire Enfield Shaker Village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic Village. So when you stay with them, you are helping to preserve a living page of history.

Innkeepers: Clint Dickens & Janet Ellis (formerly Don Leavitt)

Recipe included in cookbook: Shaker Inn Chosen Vale Crab Cakes.

Used by permission of Rick Miller.

Please note: since the cookbook was published, this inn has been turned into Enfield Shaker Museum. Follow them on Facebook!

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Rosewood Country Inn in Bradford, NH

Imagine Luxurious Rooms, Antique Beds and Crisp Fires....the perfect romantic escape.
Here the suites await you, luxurious and romantic. Imagine fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and antique beds. Fine linens and country air lure you to sleep. The aroma of a gourmet breakfast awakens you in the morning.
Imagine open common rooms, with comfortable furniture and a crisp fire.

Hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing beckon on a summer's day. You want to explore country lanes, hike the state parks and discover treasures in the small towns and villages. Ponds, Lakes and streams offer swimming, fishing and old fashioned relaxation. A wide front porch….flower and herb gardens…a deck with a private hot tub. Relaxation surrounds you. In the fall, the parade of colors explodes and they are yours to savor all around the Inn. Rosewood Country Inn is located with access to many trails in the area, a perfect place to snowmobile and cross-country ski in the winter months and walk and bike in the spring, summer and fall.
A bit of history:

"Mr. & Mrs. Edward Messer opened their home in 1896 with 6 guests. Rates were $5.00-7.00 a week and references were required. As business increased buildings were enlarged and cottages were added. At one time as many as eighty-five guests could be accommodated. Entertainment was provided by a bowling alley, a dance hall, golf course, and a casino. In addition to the house, tents were provided on raised floorings set among shade trees."


From Two Hundred Years Plus - 1771-1976
Bradford, NH in Retrospect
Researched and Written by the Bradford History and Bicentennial Committees
The Messer Family continued to operate the inn, then known as Pleasant View Farm, until 1956. In the early 1900’s, Jack London, Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Chaplan and the Gish Sisters (Lillian & Dorothy) are among the famous signatures that appeared in the guest registers.

Innkeepers: Dick & Lesley Marquis

Recipes included in the cookbook: Bradford French Toast with Raspberry Cream Sauce, Minced Meatballs, Pecan Pie Squares, Oven Apple Pancakes with Cider Sauce, Wassail Punch

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This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Waterloo Country Inn B&B in Princess Anne, Maryland

Step back to old world country charm at the Waterloo Country Inn, where Swiss owners blend many homeland touches. Built as a private residence circa 1755 by Henry Waggaman, this Georgian mansion until 1864 was owned by various prominent families, the Teackles, Riggins, Handys and Wainwrights. Then it became the county Almshouse. A graveyard holds the remains of the builder and ancestors. The earliest example in the county of a gable front main elevation, it is the only house on the Lower Shore with bold quoins on its corners. It displays glazed brick checkerboard and diamond designs. Interior woodwork is Georgian and Federal, featuring a triple flight twisted baluster staircase with every spindle hand made. On the stair are exquisite dolls, prints of Swiss cities, a butter churn and hand painted washtub. The second floor hall gives out on a terrace over the entrance.

A parlor features glowing floors beneath an Oriental carpet and antiques in azure brocade. From this welcoming room, with a 200 year old Swiss clock, we may view one dining room with shimmering chandeliers, oil paintings and working fireplace. Another dining room is to the left, and both look out on the pool and lovely countryside. Enjoy European style cooking with a Swiss touch in a romantic setting by the fireplace by order in advance.
One guest room on the main floor is handicapped accessible and features twin beds, while the Wicomico Room features a decorative fireplace with original Delft tiles, a king size bed, and antique sewing machine. On the second floor, the Monie Room offers a king size bed with tasseled canopy and a decorative fireplace. The Somerset, a two room suite, offers fireplaces, a 200 year old armoire, queen bed and bath with jacuzzi. On the third floor is The bridal suite with satin pillows on the king size bed, furry carpets and sleep sofa plus a bath with Jacuzzi. A gift shop in the old doctor's house offers the owner's floral arrangements and pottery as mementos of this gracious inn.

Taken from: http://www.mdinns.com/inns/somerset.shtml

Please note, since the writing of the cookbook, this in has closed but it is still a fascinating place to read about!

Recipes included in the cookbook and used by permission of Erwin & Theresa Kraemer: Zurich Geschnetzeltes-A Swiss Dish, Figs in Orange Sauce a la Waterloo, Carrot Cake Waterloo, Shrimp Waterloo.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Inn at Norwood in Sykesville, Maryland

The Inn at Norwood Bed & Breakfast is centrally located in the heart of Historic Sykesville, Maryland. Built in 1906 by the architect J.H. Fowble, the Inn at Norwood is a Colonial Revival home retaining much of its original charm and offers an atmosphere of warmth, tranquility, and elegance. Mr. Fowble built many of the buildings in the town of Sykesville, but he built the Inn as his family's residence. Relax on the front porch overlooking the town, or just snuggle up in the parlor next to our corn burning stove with a good book.

About the innkeepers:
Stevon and Kelly Crum & Kelly's mom Eva opened the B&B on June 2, 2001. The idea of the Bed & Breakfast came about because Kelly and Stevon in their first year of dating traveled to different Bed & Breakfast's each month for a romantic getaway. Kelly and Stevon fell in love with the concept of Bed & Breakfast's. The people they met and the food they enjoyed was fabulous. They took all the things they loved from each Bed & Breakfast and incorporated it into the Inn at Norwood. Eva was about to retire from her full time job and wanted something fun to do with her free time. She refinishes furniture, and many of the things in the house are a product of Eva's work. Stevon always wanted to re-furbish an old home. This was the perfect house. Everything needed to be redone. During your stay at the Inn, you can see the before and after pictures. It is unbelievable what it once looked like. Kelly and Stevon each have other jobs as well as running the Inn. Kelly is a Travel Agent (and would love to help you plan your next escape!), and Stevon owns a local Carpet Cleaning business. 

And Macey is the Inn's Mascot. She is a Labradoodle - half Lab half Poodle. Kelly and Stevon did a lot of research before picking the perfect B&B dog. The Labradoodle is a breed originated in Australia. She has Poodle hair (No Allergies) and a Lab personality. She is the perfect dog for the Inn, friendly and loving to everyone. Don't be surprised if Macey greets you upon arrival.

Their recipes included in the cookbook: Almost Heaven French Toast & Chocolate Chip Pound Cake.

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This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Cornerstone Mansion Inn in Omaha, Nebraska

The Cornerstone Mansion, historically known as the "Offutt House," is a focal point of Omaha's historic Gold Coast District, popular with the wealthy at the turn of the century. No expense was spared when prominent Omahans Charles and Bertha Offutt built the 10,200 square foot home in 1894.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Trust. A Landmark of the City of Omaha. The Mansion began serving as a Bed and Breakfast in the mid 1980s. Today, Innkeepers Mark O'Leary and Julie Mierau invite guests to enjoy our surroundings, reminiscent of a bygone era. Guests have a choice of seven guest rooms, each has a private bath, four are suites, and all are distinctively different in decor. All guest rooms include

A bit more history:

The Offutt mansion was completed in 1894 as a wedding gift from Casper and Anna Yost to their only daughter Bertha. Bertha Yost wed Charles Offutt in 1892 in Omaha. The Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska was named for their son Jarvis, a pilot killed in World War I. The home was built by world famous architect Henry Ives Cobb. The home is a two and one-half story 17 room mansion located in Omaha's Historic Gold Coast area. The mansion features Gothic Revival architecture with a symmetrical facade, steeply pitched tomato red slate roof and impressive front entrance. The interior of the mansion is equally impressive with a 'Cuban Mahogany' library with a pink onyx fireplace, black walnut dining room, and quarter-sawn oak
entry and grand staircase. The home was built with gas/electric ornate fixtures and wall sconces that still grace this glorious mansion.

Innkeepers Mark O'Leary and Julie Mierau
Recipes included in the cookbook: Puffy Egg Casserole, Banana Bread French Toast, Raspberry Cream Cheese Muffins, Amish Friendship Bread.

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This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Plantation House B&B in Elgin, Nebraska

The Plantation House B&B offers a wonderful place to visit:

Mrs. Butler's Room... elegant in red, black and gold, has some of her original mahogany furniture and a queen bed. The large private bath with its unusually long bathtub and two sinks is just a few steps down the hall. Fluffy robes are provided for the trip.

The Mirror Room... has a built-in oak dresser with mirrors on three sides and a matching oak wardrobe near the queen size bed. The attached bath has the original tile, sink and tub (with an added hand-held shower). Adjoining this bath is the new Whirlpool Room with a large "corner tub-for-two". A door to the hallway allows this room to be accessible to all of our guests, with a system of locks to make it completely private for "just the two of you". We have chosen to make an extra charge for the use of this room rather than raising the rooms rates. We think you'll want to take advantage of this relaxing spot where you are surrounded by pastel hydrangeas. Fluffy terry robes are provided in each room. 

Since the writing of the cookbook, there are new Innkeepers: Leonard and Judith Orlowski. The recipe included in the cookbook and used by permission of former innkeepers Kyle & Deb Warren: Peppered Cheese Wheel

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Hidden Valley Guest Ranch in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Hidden Valley Guest Ranch is secluded high on a mountainside in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas . Our log cabins provide a rustic, romantic retreat with a unique spirituality. These luxury log cabins offer wrap-around scenery of the natural countryside from every window. There is a "heartsong" being sung at Hidden Valley; you can hear it in the melody of the rainwater rushing over the limestone bluffs and sense its presence in the canopy of trees overhead. The scent of honeysuckle in spring, and wood smoke in winter will entice you, as you bend close to the earth and rinse your fingers in the icy, spring-fed waters that made this region famous.

Getaway from the calenders, clocks and come to a place where time seems to stop and worries fade. Hidden Valley Guest Ranch specializes in curing the "rush hour burnout". Whether it's cuddling under beautiful quilts and luxurious bed linens while watching a romantic movie or relaxing on the front porch to the symphony of natural night sounds, your stay will be a tranquil and memorable one.

The innkeepers, Karen & David Schneider have been dreaming of being associated with Hidden Valley Guest Ranch since they came for a trail ride and Karen volunteered to help with the trail rides, so she could live out her dream. She had always said that if the ranch manager’s position became open, it was HER’S. In May of 2009 the ranch managers (Jordan and Tandy Maxfield) retired and she was here at the ranch as soon as she heard that her dream was now a reality. The timing was perfect as her mother passed away, as she had been caring for her and it left a BIG void in her life.

Innkeepers: Karen & David Schneider

Recipes included in the cookbook: Cinnamon Nuts, Hidden Valley Ranch Chili, Goldie Hawn's Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Cliff Cottage Inn B&B in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Cliff Cottage, built in the 1880s and now lovingly restored and refurbished, is one of the inn's five elegant homes...the jewel of Cliff Cottage Inn in this Victorian artist colony, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The inn comprises three homes featuring luxury suites and two individual historic cottages all by themselves.

Cliff Cottage Inn specializes in romantic and vacation getaways, honeymoons and elopement weddings, anniversary celebrations and ladies' shopping sprees and is the only B&B right in the very heart of the Historic Downtown of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Celebrating more than a decade of continuous operation under the same innkeeper, this is the only inn with an elf who delivers a full-gourmet hot breakfast right to your door! Southern Living Magazine said, "Cliff Cottage Inn's breakfasts are definitely not to be missed!" and you can enjoy them on your private balcony or deck, or even decadently in your jammies!

A bit about the history: The cottage was designed by one of the Victorian period's most illustrious architects, Charles Locke Eastlake (1836-1906), a British art critic, Secretary of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and Secretary of the British Fine Arts Commission. Eastlake was also a furniture designer and in his book, Hints on Household Taste in Furniture, Upholstery and other Details (1868), he advocated a return to simple, straight-line designs inspired by country work, executed in oak and various fruitwoods. He also advocated that a single, cohesive style dominate the home rather than a hodgepodge of influences. In 1872 he re-published his book in the United States, where it became a decorating bible and planted the seeds of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America. He was commissioned by Sears to design their very first kit home sold in their catalogue and Cliff Cottage is just that...a Sears' kit home, built in 1881. It is a National Historic Registry house and is also honored by inclusion in the State of Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. The cottage property has a lovely age-old cave many spelunkers have explored and which the innkeeper has turned into a wine cellar as it maintains 52 degrees year-round, perfect for storing vino.

Innkeeper: Sandra CH Smith (for her personal story, click here)
Recipes included in the cookbook: Lemon Grass Fragrant Chicken, Chicken Montmorency, Southern Chocolate Pecan Tarts, Chocolate Shorbread, Seafood Naomi, Chocolate-Cinnamon Mousse.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Candlewick Inn, LLC, in Woodstock, Virginia

The Candlewick Inn, LLC is a beautifully restored Pre-Civil War home that sits amidst the historical riches of picturesque Shenandoah County. You can step back in time to a quaint setting of "Alpine" beauty in the historic town of Woodstock.

Here is what awaits you:

Welcome to our 19th Century country home bed and breakfast, built before the Civil War, is fully restored right down to the antique furnishings. Relax and enjoy a romantic evening or two. The Candlewick Inn, LLC has four guest rooms with private baths and sitting areas updated with central air-conditioning. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in our formal dining room. Homemade jam and bread are the "house specialty" to complement your full breakfast. Five o'clock tea or lemonade is served on the veranda. View the mountains from our porch and listen to the church chimes from the porch swing. Graceful country gardens awaits your arrival with its many sitting areas. Our traditional parlor provides entertainment with a player piano for you to enjoy, too. Candlewick Inn, LLC is located in the heart of the historic district of Woodstock. Walk to quaint antique shops, restaurants, or to the movie theater.Nearby Local attractions include: quaint towns, historic battlefields, museums, antiquing, caverns, covered bridges, farmers' markets, vineyards and a relaxing setting within the Massanutten Mountains bordered by the Shenandoah River.

Innkeepers: Sharon and Dennis Pike

Two of their recipes included in the cookbook: Streusel Coffee Cake, Banana Nut Bread.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Schramm House B&B in Burlington, Iowa

The Schramm House Bed & Breakfast is situated at the top of Heritage Hill in the heart of the historical district. Snake Alley, "the crookedest street in the world" according to Ripley's Believe It or Not, is just one block east.

The Mississippi River is six blocks away from this restored 1860's Victorian. Burlington, called the City of Steeples, is an architectural masterpiece on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi.
There are parks, historical points of interest, antique and specialty shops, restaurants, and many more points of interest within walking distance. Whether eagle watching on the river or browsing in the historic downtown, you will be enchanted with Burlington's charm and friendliness.

The History:
The J.S. Schramm House was built in the 1860's by John Siegmund Schramm, founder of the Schramm Department Store. The brick first floor with clapboard siding on the second floor, distinguishes this Queen Anne Victorian from the other homes in the area. Vertical board and batten adorn the gable ends. Bargeboards decorate the gable ends and the tower, which also boasts two plaster suns. The home was originally built as a multi-generational home and later in response to a housing shortage, became an apartment house. In 1990, restoration was begun to return the home to a single family residence.

The Schramm House Bed & Breakfast offers four guest rooms, each with a private bath. Two parlors, a library, formal dining room and porches are available for guest use. For your comfort, the house has central air-conditioning. The Schramm House Bed & Breakfast has four fireplaces, a restored tin ceiling, antique furnishings, and a study/office for guest use. Other architectural features include magnificent oak woodwork and wainscoting, two exterior porches, oak & walnut parquet floors, and floor length windows.

Innkeepers: Sandra & Bruce Morrison

Some of their recipes: Baked Apple Pancake, Sweet Dream Bars, Potato Leek Tart.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Blue Belle Inn B&B, St. Ansgar, Iowa

Welcome to Victorian Elegance at the Blue Belle Inn Bed & Breakfast in St. Ansgar, Iowa, "The Best little Hometown in Iowa", the Blue Belle Inn Bed and Breakfast awaits you! Rediscover the romance of the 1890's while enjoying the comfort and convenience of the new millennium in one of six distinctively decorated guest rooms.

Built in 1896, the interior of this Queen Anne Victorian is highlighted by fireplaces, wood floors, tin ceilings with ornate moldings, and eight foot maple pocket doors. Leaded glass, stained glass and crystal chandeliers set in bay and curved windows pockets create a shimmering interplay of light and color. A gleaming maple banister winds to the second floor and opens onto a balcony overlooking sprawling maple trees, flowers and a fish pond. Candlelit, lace-covered tables, heirloom china and festive foodstuffs featuring German, English, French Italian, Scandinavian or American Country cuisines provide an unforgettable dining experience for weekend guests and local patrons alike.

Curl up in a corner with a good book or explore St. Ansgar's unique Victorian, antique and country stores, tea room, and bridal theatre. Rent a canoe from a local purveyor and float down the Cedar River or bring your bicycle and take a scenic countryside ride. Hunting, cross country skiing, golfing, fishing and hiking are favorite local pastimes. Events at the Inn include concerts, murder mysteries, horse-drawn sleigh rides, quilting, cooking, craft workshops, and various other good times throughout the year.

Innkeeper: Sherrie Hansen

These recipes you will find in the cookbook and used by permission of  Sherrie Hansen: Pasta Carbonnara, Herb-Scented Tomato Soup, Apple Streusel Bread Pudding, Swiss Chocolate Raspberry Torte

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This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

1823 Historic Rose Hill Inn, Kentucky

Welcome to Rose Hill Inn, one of Kentucky's finest bed and breakfasts, only 15 minutes west of Lexington, Kentucky, in Versailles. Built in 1823, the historic home has been wonderfully renovated, but features of the original mansion are preserved and enhanced. The parlor, library, front porch, and 3 acres of grounds are all for your enjoyment.

Near to horse farms, Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park, we are a frequent choice for honeymoons, romantic weekends and getaways, family reunions, etc. Rose Hill Inn was just voted as Kentucky's BEST Bed and Breakfast by readers of Kentucky Monthly magazine for the second year in a row!! Voted as #2 "Best Breakfast in the Southeast" and in the top 3% of all bed and breakfasts in North America by readers of Inn Traveler magazine for 2006
January 2006 article in Southern Living!

History of the Rose Hill Inn:
"Hill was built about 1823 as the residence of Dr. William Terrell, by Henry Crittenden. Henry Crittenden was the brother of John Crittenden, one the governors of Kentucky in the 1840's. Henry’s son became the governor of the State of Missouri. They were a political family, raised here in Woodford County in a log cabin, which is preserved by the Historical Society.

The home was originally called "Rose Hill", and is the oldest home in the Historical District. The original structure was a federal style home, but many changes occurred in the 1880's to make it as it appears today. We have found dated signatures under the wallpaper, which were photographed and traced, from many of the past residents of the house.

The first occupants were the Terrell family, who originated in Virginia and moved to Kentucky in 1807. They were a large slave owing family. It is reported that both North and South occupied the grounds during the Civil War. Blood stains, which were discovered when the floors were refinished, testify to the use of the home as a hospital for the wounded. We have a cabinet which contains our collectible artifacts found on the property.

After the Civil War the house was rented to the principal of a girls school, and some of the students actually resided here as well. In 1877 the home was purchased as a wedding gift for Lucie Graddy by her parents. She married E. M. Wallace, a local lawyer and is responsible for turning the house from a 1.5 story federal design to a full 2 story gothic-style home. Lucie Wallace then deeded the home to Dr. George Gregory for $1 because of his excellent care for her in her later years. His family took possession in 1945.

It first became a bed and breakfast in 1992 after much refurbishing by Mark and Kathy Miller. Sharon Amberg and Emiel Domis purchased the Inn in 1996, did some more remodeling and updating. The Inn has been updated annually. The current innkeepers Alder and Gill Blackburn became owners in 2007 and plan to run the Inn without making too many changes to its Victorian appearance and ambiance.

Innkeepers: Alder & Gill Blackburn.
These recipes you will find in the cookbook and used by permission of the former innkeeper Sharon Amberg: Chile Rellenos Egg Casserole, Banana Filled French Toast, Baked Eggs in Ham Crisps, Apple Pannekoeken.

Follow them on Facebook!

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Photo Album on Facebook!

I just posted a photo album on Facebook!! These are from the B&B inns featured in my cookbook; I only put a few. Since I live in the south, I put more southern ones. But I posted a link back to here so people can see photos and a review of all the inns.
http://www.facebook.com/claudia.givens
How fun is that?!?

I also recently joined some cookbook and recipe groups on yahoo. You can go to yahoo groups and find quite a variety. There's a lot of recipe swapping going on!

As requests come in, I'll also add the links from the inns featured in my cookbook in the Favorite Links section. Sort of an exchange. The first one came in today from the Holden House 1902 in Colorado. Look in the link section and click on it to visit. You've just got to take a look at the photos they've posted. Beautiful inn with beautiful scenery!

Historic Maple Hill Manor in Springfield, KY

Rediscover Historical Elegancefrom an Era of Refined Romance and Southern Charm Thomas McElroy built this beautiful Greek Revival Plantation Home on nearly 600 acres and presented it as a Wedding Gift to his young bride, Sarah Maxwell. Lavished with numerous architectural features, it is accented with Italianate detail, spans over 7,000 sq. ft., with 14' ceilings, 12' doorways, 9' windows, 13 original rooms - most are 20' x 20' with some even larger, and a grand cherry floating spiral staircase.
(Photo above is the Abraham Lincoln Library room.)

Its colorful past includes stories of an Antebellum Plantation, use as a Civil War Hospital, the Childhood Home to Phil Simms - former NY Giants Quarterback and Super Bowl XXI's MVP, a popular Dinner Hall, and Children's Home.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and considered a Kentucky Landmark Home. This working farm is stately set on 14 tranquil acres in the heart of Kentucky's scenic Bluegrass Region (an hour southeast of Louisville and an hour southwest of Lexington), and the home is considered one of the best preserved Antebellum Homes in the Commonwealth. Its tranquil, country setting is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills of bluegrass with a 3,000 acre race horse farm on one side and 300 acre cattle and tobacco farm on the other - a beautiful and restful place to seek refuge and enjoy the country fresh air.

Murder Mystery Events at Maple Hill Manor are SENSATIONAL!
For over 15 years, Maple Hill Manor has hosted Murder Mystery Events - an adult evening of mystery, intrigue, and delicious food - not to mention, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT & FUN! Enjoy a hilarious game, an elegant Gourmet Dinner, and the comforts of a wonderful historic home. You'll wonder when you last laughed so much or had so much fun! Simply, invite 8-20 of your closest friends or family members for a truly unique group social at Maple Hill Manor. We'll help you coordinate your party by providing the place, invitations, list of characters, suggested costume ideas, a dinner menu, and deluxe B&B Accommodations. We even take care of all the preparations, cooking, and cleaning - it's just that easy. We do all the work . . . you enjoy all the fun!

Innkeepers: Todd Allen and Tyler Horton

Some of their recipes: Springfield Coffee Cake, Egg Casserole, Harvest Day Soup, Breakfast Delight.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Did I Tell You My Story??

I love baking, trying new recipes and scouring cookbooks for something new to try. Awhile back I started an online magazine for women and decided to have a recipe section. In my search for recipes to use I kept coming across a recipe site: bbonline.com. As I continued I started spending more time reading about the B&B inns while I was reviewing their recipes. The idea came to me to put together a cookbook about B&B inns and their recipes. I began contacting inns from all over the US to see who would like to be included in the cookbook…I wanted at least 2 from each state. It wasn’t long before recipes, stories and photos began being emailed to me. Some even sent me their own cookbooks!

I learned how to put it together electronically and save it to a disk and send it off to a publisher. The photo on the front came from the Grace Hill Inn in Tennessee from the top veranda and is absolutely beautiful. The stories that came in were fascinating…some told the history of the inn and some told their own personal story of how they became an innkeeper. And the recipes are what they serve their guests...who keep coming back for more!

I had a wonderful time working on it and still have contact with the inns. Once it was published I went around town to see how to set up book signings. I did quite a few of those and was also on local TV preparing a recipe from the cookbook to help promote it and the upcoming book signing. I learned how to do a press release and sent it out to every newspaper within the vicinity of the inns included in the cookbook, some cities had two newspapers (that was quite an undertaking). The latest promotion I’ve done is to set up this blog and discuss the inns and recipes and include photos. The cookbook has been reviewed and that is included in this blog. All in all, it has been quite an exciting endeavor.

Includes the recipes I've used in my catering service: yummy "Melt in your mouth" brownies, moist lemon cake, rich chocolate cake, mini cheesecakes, plus many more. This cookbook makes a great one for your own collection or a great gift even if they don't cook...it's a great travel guide to inns!

Ant Street Inn Bed and Breakfast in Brenham, TX

The Ant Street Inn Bed and Breakfast offers the finest in deep south hospitality, warmth, and elegance of a first class boutique hotel. Centrally located in Brenham, TX between Houston and Austin, the Ant Street Inn is an inviting destination for a relaxing overnight stay while traveling for business or pleasure.

Relax in rocking chairs on the back veranda overlooking the courtyard garden, enjoy some of the many shops and restaurants in the historic Ant Street District or dine in the Inn at the Capital Grill with your favorite beer or wine. A scrumptious breakfast is included in the Capital Grill.
The friendly people at the Ant Street Inn Bed & Breakfast promise to make your stay a comfortable and enjoyable one and can help you plan a special event.

While in Washington County, tour Blue Bell Creameries, select vintage plants at the Antique Rose Emporium, walk through acres of seasonal flowers at Ellison's Greenhouses, or pet the miniature horses at the Monastery of St. Clare. History is relived at the Brenham Heritage Museum, the Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, and at the Giddings-Wilkin House Museum.
Shops and restaurants are a short stroll from the inn's front door. The Pleasant Hill Winery is just a mile South of town, and the Unity Theatre has 4 main stage plays per year next door to the Inn.
The George Bush Presidential Library is half an hour away and Festival-Institute at Round Top is outstanding. Just South of Round top a few miles is The Jersey Barnyard, a dairy offering cheese made on the farm and home to Belle, the Blue Bell cow. Liendo Plantation, built in 1853 in Hempstead, is available for tours.

Innkeepers: Tommy & Pam Traylor.

Try some of Pam's delicious recipes: Southwest Egg Bake, Strawberry Popovers w/Romanoff Sauce, B&B Apple Struedel, Butterscotch Carmel Coffee Cake.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

A Beckmann Inn and Carriage House in San Antonio

The wonderful wrap-around porch warmly welcomes guests to the main house and to the gracious experience of Victorian hospitality in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The white wicker furniture in our sun porch invites our guests to relax and enjoy their "welcome tea" along with complementary butter cookies. It is the perfect place to rest and catch your breath after a busy day exploring the city of San Antonio and all the festivities on the Riverwalk.

The Carriage House lodging is adjacent to the main house and was built around the turn of the century. It has been completely renovated, featuring shuttered windows with flower-filled window boxes, gardens, balcony and patio areas, and has two rooms for our guest's accommodations.

All of our bed and breakfast guest rooms are very spacious and feature very ornately carved, queen-sized, high-back, Victorian beds, colorful floral designer furnishings, private bathrooms, lush terry robes, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, televisions, phones, guest refrigerators, comfortable armchairs, and desks. Our guests also have hair dryers and ironing boards. And we personally take care of all our guests and their needs, so that while they are here at our bed and breakfast, they have "the warm and gracious hospitality" we are known for. We want our lodging guests to have the best time possible while they are in San Antonio!

Our Bed and Breakfast Inn is located in San Antonio's beautiful King William historic district, the "hidden treasure", the perfect location for enjoying San Antonio at its very best whether it is for business or leisure travel. The King William historic district has eight great restaurants: The Guenther House, the Blue Star Brewing Co., El Mirador, La Focaccia, Rosario's, China Latina, The Mad Hatter, and Azuca. It's always nice to come back after a busy day to freshen up and be able to walk to one of our neighborhood restaurants.

Innkeeper: Lisa Cantu

Proprietors: Paula & Charles Stallcup

Recipes included: Blintz Souffle with Blueberry topping, Southern Cornbread & Egg Casserole, Country Sausage Skillet, Sticky Caramel Buns.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

Clements Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Smyrna, Delaware

The Clements Mansion B&B, located in the center of historic Smyrna, is Delaware's newest and largest B&B. Construction on the Mansion began in 1862 for Mr. J.R. Clements, a prosperous businessman and landowner, and reportedly took 10 years to complete. Over the last 140 years, the Mansion has served as a private residence, doctor's office, apartment building, and stained glass business. The Mansion was purchased by the present owners in July 1999. The owners envisioned restoring the three story Victorian style Mansion to a state that was reminiscent of when the original Clements family inhabited the home. This was an ambitious plan consuming two years of extensive repairs and renovations. The entire inside of the home was renovated, repainted and wallpapered. The Mansion's exterior was extensively repaired and repainted. All 66 wooden shutters (ranging in height from 4' - 8') were removed and over 100 years of paint was stripped from the surface. The shutters were then shellacked, primed and repainted. The Mansion has six guestrooms that can accommodate two adults, including a caretaker's room. Four of the guestrooms feature a private bath while three guestrooms have a shared bath. The honeymoon suite has a full tub and a queen-sized bed. The Mansion is furnished with period antiques. The Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, represents one of the finest examples of Italianate styled architecture in this area. On the first floor is a large parlor, library and dining room and the five guest bedrooms are located on the second and third floors. An intricately wooden spiral stairway at the front foyer ascends through the three floors of the Mansion to the cupola where guests can view the countryside. Large rooms, high ceilings with ornate plaster moldings and hardwood floors reflect the rich
luxury of the times.

Innkeepers: Dan & Darlene Areana, Jane Zak

Try Dan's recipes: Chocolate "No Name Cake", Cinnamon Baked French Toast, Morning Glory Muffins.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.

An Inn by the Bay in Lewes, Delaware

Imagine yourself relaxing on one of our wicker porches feeling the bay breezes as you leave your worries behind. The main room of the Inn was built in the late 1800’s and was originally part of a Dutch settlement. Now a bright and comfortable beach Inn with 7 rooms of fine furnishings, the Inn is within walking distance of all that Lewes has to offer.

From our Inn you can walk or bicycle less than ½ mile to the quaint main streets of old historic Lewes, Delaware taking in the charming boutiques, antique shops and local gourmet restaurants and coffee shops. Within a half square mile you will find the Historic District as well as museums and many of Lewes’ older preserved homes.

You are also steps away from our quiet sandy beaches and beautiful bay views. Lewes is situated where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet at Cape Henlopen. The Inn itself is one block from the Lewes Beach and within a mile of Cape Henlopen State Park where you will find miles of beautiful beaches, nature trails, and bird sanctuaries that are part of this preserve.

At the Inn we begin each day with a full hot breakfast, including fruit, juice, and home-baked goods which you can enjoy on our front porch or side deck while you browse the morning paper or begin people watching as they head down to the beach or into town. In the late afternoon we will provide tea, coffee or other chilled refreshments in addition to a light snack.

Our Inn is the perfect beach getaway, but also a great place for a small business retreat, or family get-together. We do encourage whole house rentals and can accommodate small groups with specialized needs. We are open year round and can make any holiday a memorable event.

On a historical note:
The city of Lewes was founded in 1631 by Dutch settlers from Hoorn, Holland. They came here to develop a whaling industry, but since there weren't any whales, they started to develop a fishing industry. The city of Lewes was named by William Penn and was named after the city where his mother-in-law was born in Sussex, England. The main house of An Inn by the Bay was originally built on the beach in 1840 and used as a boarding house for fishermen. The addition was built in 1997. I believe the March, 2002 issue of Money magazine wrote a small article about Lewes as being one of the 10 best places in the country to vacation. We're a 70 minute ferry ride from Cape May, NJ. Lewes is a 110 mile trip east from Washington, DC, and a 110 mile trip south from Philadelphia, and 200 miles south of New York City.

Innkeepers: Andy Herrick and Bob Moyer.

Be sure to try Andy & Bob's recipes: Baked French Toast, Quick Breakfast Egg Custard.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.