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.

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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.

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!