Places to Sleep Around

My anticipation had left me in a cold sweat… With so many to choose from, would I be able to select the one with charm, comfort, hospitality, friendliness, and up-to date plumbing! After twenty-five plus years of tenting and moteling, I have just discovered the world of bed and breakfasts!

Upon my first search I became enamored with the fact that these charming and unique establishments are found in all walks and ways of life; from city to rural, contemporary to historic, lakes and rivers to mountain retreats, from sea to shining sea! God Bless America!

My first thought was to look close to home for a bed and breakfast - you know, to avoid the high cost of gas and the time involved in travel. “Save a little, stay longer!” has always been my motto!

I was amazed with the number of bed and breakfasts that are not only close, but the variety of bed and breakfasts that are available! Within a few miles of home I found many private homes, some historical, others country, many urban, and even several that were rural - all with 2 to 8 guest rooms and with private baths! The homeowners of these elegant homes share stories of the past and present, the historical significance of their home, a personal history and perspective of the area, provide a scrumptious full breakfast, and bid you farewell after a day or two of wonderful hospitality.

I also found close to my home several bed and breakfast country inns. These inns, larger than the homes, have 9 or more suites, but they provide more privacy, a few more features such as double whirlpools and fireplaces, a bottle of wine or champagne, and yet also offer personal hospitality! Most of these country inns offered a continental breakfast, with several claiming to have a bountiful extended continental breakfast - and included in the price! Works for me!

My next investigation took me to luxury lodges and boutique accommodations. These beautiful properties are magnificent and have many of the amenities a luxurious resort might offer: a restaurant and bar on premise, spa services, airport shuttle, complimentary wine or champagne, chocolates, etc. Although the luxury lodge appeared absolutely lavish, I decided I was in need of a holiday with greater personal contact. I continued my investigation.

I became enthralled with the concept of farm stays and even boat stays! With the farm stay you share the home with the owner and, with some preplanning, you can make arrangements with the family to acquire some down to earth home and farm skills on your visit! …from stenciling and basket weaving to canning and quilting, …from harvesting to shoeing, …from milking to cheese making! Can you imagine? Me neither! Interesting, yes, …but not for me! I thought I was taking a vacation away from this!

But, that boat and breakfast idea sounds intriguing! There seem to be several options available for this unique lodging: the entire boat to yourself, one of several cabins to choose from, and a boat which remains docked or cruises. Unfortunately, I live in the Midwest and it appears that the boat and breakfast is only available on the East or West Coast. I am, therefore, definitely adding this to my “To Do List in the Future!”

My journey through bed and breakfast land has brought me a world of information from which to happily choose! I can go contemporary or historic, close or far away, secluded or public, near water or in the desert, or even green! With the plethora of information I now possess and the assistance of our state bed and breakfast association, I will now make a much wiser decision of where to pitch my next tent…NOT!!