Category Archives: Miscellaneous

If you’re interested in owning a Country Inn or Bed and Breakfast, chances are you’re already looking to provide an incredible and unique guest experience with great rooms, service and food. What can you do to stand out and get people talking about your establishment though? A great way to really shine through word-of-mouth advertising is to get creative with the local community. Go beyond handing out directions and pamphlets to your guests by forming real relationships with other unique businesses in the area. Embrace the culture of the area by offering pre-planned activity ideas and deals. Above all, don’t forget to bring the locals in the door. Other than by offering a free or discounted stay as a prize at raffles, in periodicals, over radio contests or through other competitions, how can you get the neighbors to experience what you offer? 

• Food and Drink

Maybe your property is a potential exclusive restaurant or tavern. Amazing food for guests is a big box to check for a successful Inn or B&B, but can you take this to the next level? If you have some extra room in your dining area you could bring in some extra business during slower lodging times by making a few tables available by reservation to the public. An outdoor patio could be added or transformed into al fresco dining. Maybe add in a bar and a few stools. What better way to show off your offerings than to invite folks in to get a sneak preview of the experience. A local couple that has had a memorable dinner may recommend your establishment time and again to friends or family coming to visit. 

• Cultural Events

Look for opportunities to link in with the existing culture. If you have a great book store maybe you can co-host book-signing and reading events and put up the author for the night. You could use your space as a gallery for local artists and put on a wine and cheese tasting for the public. Work with a local booking agent to host intimate music gatherings for the community. What local events happen in your area? Larger festivals may be obvious, but there are likely many small events as well that may not get any press. Get to know the people who plan and work these events as there may be opportunities for discounts on referrals back and forth or other mutually beneficial arrangements.

• Weddings

Weddings are always a huge potential opportunity and forming relationships with local wedding planners is sure to pay off. If you have the space to host the wedding ceremony there is enormous exposure for potential future guests. You may also become the anniversary destination for the happy couple for years to come. Regardless, you should get listed on local wedding webpages as lodging for out-of-towners.

• Fun Local Activities

 Travelers always appreciate the knowledgeable local guide, but can you take this to the next level? A recommendation for a favorite hiking spot could be complemented by a backpack filled with the perfect picnic provisions. A hill nearby could become a way to offer a loaner sled when it snows with hot chocolate and s’mores afterwards. If there is great bird-watching in the area then have spare binoculars on hand. Form a relationship with the bait and tackle store if fishing is a big draw.

• Complementary Businesses

Is there an excellent winery or brewery nearby? You could offer a package that includes a few of their products pre-stocked in the room and a special tour of their facility. They may be able to reciprocate by highlighting your service to their guests in need of a place to stay. If your area has an amazing Chocolatier or Confectionery, consider a Willy Wonka style package. Arrange a discount with a local creamery or ice cream/frozen yogurt stand in the summer months 

• Business Services

Larger businesses and chains often are looking to do business lunches or strategy planning retreats. Do you have the space to host these? Maybe you could set up a screen and projector to transform a dining room into a temporary conference room where you could easily provide lunch. Travelers from the corporate headquarters and other locations will have built in lodging.

• In Closing

Most importantly, spend time in the community and patronize the other local businesses to get to know what they offer and how you could support each other. Be a good neighbor and champion for the area and it will likely support you in return!

The U.S. has many charming and fascinating historic towns to visit – the perfect plan whether you’re heading off on a romantic weekend getaway, a fun and educational family trip, or a relaxing girls’ trip. Whether you want to stay local or explore a new part of the country, every region has something to offer, with unique country inns that reflect the personality of the surrounding area! Check out our suggestions for some of the top country inns and bed & breakfasts to book for your next trip to these fantastic historic destinations!

The Best Destinations and Inns in the Northeast

Lexington, Massachusetts – This is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history! Lexington is the location where the Revolutionary War started in 1775 – AKA the “shot heard ‘round the world.” 

Check out these country inns near Lexington, Massachusetts:

• The Inn at Hastings Park
• The North Bridge Inn
• The Sherman Guest Home

Mystic, Connecticut – This town is full of sea breezes fitting for its rich nautical history dating back to the 1700s. You can learn all about the shipbuilding industry that brought this town to life at the Mystic Seaport Museum and at the historic boats docked at the port.

Check out these country inns near Mystic, Connecticut:

• Stonecroft Country Inn
• Mermaid Inn of Mystic
• Captain Grant’s 1754

Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Portsmouth truly brings colonial history to life, and a walk through the downtown area feels like a step back in time! Conveniently located for weekend trips, Portsmouth is just an hour north of Boston. The town has many museums (including a 10-acre outdoor history museum) that showcase its unique history dating back to its founding in 1623! 

Check out these country inns near Portsmouth, New Hampshire:

• The Water Street Inn
• Lamie’s Inn
• The Victoria Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Best Destinations and Inns in the South/Southeast

Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Gatlinburg is a great historic town for outdoor lovers, as it sits at the gateway to the majestic Smoky Mountains National Park. This town is a lovely mountain resort on the historic Indian Gap Trail used by Cherokee hunters for centuries. 

Check out these country inns near Gatlinburg, Tennessee:

• Inn on the Creek
• White Oak Manor Bed and Breakfast
• Casa del Sol Bed and Breakfast

Natchitoches, Louisiana – This unique town is the oldest settlement in Louisiana and the oldest European settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches draws in tourists with its postcard-ready historic buildings and fantastic Christmas festival. 

Check out these country inns near Natchitoches, Louisiana:

• Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast
• Sweet Cane Inn
• Andrew Morris House Bed and Breakfast

Oak Ridge, Tennessee – A relatively young historic town, Oak Ridge is also called Atomic City and Secret City because of its role as the birthplace of the atomic bomb. The town was established as part of the Manhattan Project in 1942, secretly built from scratch in the middle of nowhere. 

Check out these country inns near Oak Ridge, Tennessee:

• Whitestone Inn
• Windmill Inn Bed and Breakfast
• Blue Waters Mountain Lodge

Williamsburg, Virginia – This historic town was the capital of the Virginia colony in 1699. Today, the colonial town’s historic area looks just like it used to, with historic reenactments at the shops and stalls! 

Check out these country inns Williamsburg, Virginia:

• Cedars of Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast
• Colonial Capital Bed and Breakfast
• The Williamsburg Manor Bed and Breakfast

The Best Destinations and Inns in the West/Midwest

Jacksonville, Oregon – This gold rush town was founded in the mid-1800s at the base of the Siskiyou Mountains. Not long after, the town was abandoned when the new railroad bypassed it in the 1880s. Since then, the town has been frozen in time, ready for you to experience the Gold Rush!

Check out these country inns near Jacksonville, Oregon:

• Jacksonville’s Magnolia Inn
• McCully House Inn
• Hummingbird Estate

Temecula, California – Temecula became a booming Western town in the late 1800s, with cattle ranches and granite mines dotting the landscape. Today, it’s a great way to experience the architecture and history of the Old West!

Check out these country inns near Temecula, California:

• The Vine House Bed and Breakfast
• The Inn at Europa Village
• Inn at Churon Winery

Traverse City, Michigan – When this town was founded in 1852, it could only be reached by water. Today, you can take the road or a boat to reach Traverse City to explore its long and exciting history! Just outside of town, don’t miss the picturesque Mission Point Lighthouse. 

Check out these country inns near Traverse City, Michigan:

• Wellington Inn
• Country Hermitage Bed and Breakfast
• Aberdeen Stone Cottage

You are going on vacation and are beginning to research the perfect place to stay. You may become overwhelmed by the number of options and types of hotels/inns there are. We are here to help. Below we will review what makes a Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast and Country Inn different from each other so you can decide which is perfect for you and begin your search of finding the perfect vacation accommodations.  Continue reading

The holiday season seems to race by at breakneck speed. This year treat yourself to a relaxed and fun filled holiday season by spending time at one of these charming country inns.  Continue reading

Summer is almost over and now that folks are traveling again you may be thinking of an end of season get away. Many things have changed over the last year and a half and one of them is that people are craving more intimate and personal experiences. For an end of summer  excursion, you may want to avoid the large chain hotels for something smaller, cozier and more personal. A stay in a boutique hotel or in an Airbnb are perfect options. There are some differences and the one you choose will come down to personality and the type of experience you are craving. Continue reading

“We’ll stop by the store,” he’d say. That was a generic term for one of the handful of stores I routinely visited. The reasons were many or few and far between, other than to possibly drop in just to see who else was there. When the door was opened a bell usually rang. Walking in, you most likely found the owner or a designated family member was usually working the register or re-stocking. Continue reading