With the Holidays behind us, we are now fully into the throes of winter. Frankly, I don’t know why I live in the Northeast because I can barely tolerate when temps fall below 50 degrees. Still, there is some benefit to these long, cold, dark days: winter getaways!
What better way to escape the doldrums of winter than to cuddle up with your Boo or a group of your closest girlfriends at a privately-owned bed and breakfast? If you’ve never stayed at a bed and breakfast, here’s what you can expect: A home-like atmosphere where only breakfast is served and the inn-keepers are on hand to ensure you are well looked after.
While you can probably locate a bed and breakfast near any major city, only a handful of them are black-owned. The following list includes black-owned bed and breakfast spots that have a at least a 4-star rating on Trip Advisor. For more options see this list provided by the African American Association of Inn Keepers.
Cap Cod, Massachusetts
Captain Farris House
This beautiful bed and breakfast is ideally located on mid Cape Cod in the historic Bass River Village of South Yarmouth. The Captain Farris House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beautifully restored, this circa 1849 Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast Inn is beautifully furnished with antiques and elegant window treatments reflecting romance and a peacefulness of an earlier time.
*Btw: The Owners are my in-laws so if you stay there tell ’em I sent ya! Book Your Stay HERE.
I cannot say enough great things about this Bed and Breakfast. Jeff and Carol warmly welcomed us at our 5:30 arrival, gave us a tour (most importantly directed us to the amazing cookies), and showed us our gorgeous and comfortable room. We enjoyed the massive, comfy bed and the relaxing Jacuzzi tub very much, not to mention everything was immaculate. They also provided us with menus from local restaurants to help us choose where to dine that night. In the morning we were served the most incredible breakfast that was not only hot and delicious, but very filling. The staff who served was were very sweet as well. Unfortunately we were only there for a short overnight visit, but this is a place that I would love to return to and will definitely recommend to anyone looking to get away for any amount of time.
New York
Akwaaba Mansion
Akwaaba is a beautifully restored 19th century mansion in the Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Only 15 minutes from Manhattan, it stands along side some of the most remarkable brownstones in the city. Enjoy refreshments under the chestnut tree in the secluded garden or unwind in the jacuzzi in your room. And indulge yourself further with a massage in the privacy of your room.
“After searching high and low for a venue that would work with multiple vendors and with a classic feel I walked into akwaaba and was awe struck. This is a gorgeous edwardian style venue with almost all original fixtures. It felt unique yet not pretentious or overdone. The size is perfect for for small intimate events like my wedding of 60 ppl. There was no need to decorate because the decor was enough. Last but not least the staff was so nice and accommodating they were so awesome that my family made friends with them. Easiest to work with in my experience. Monique is such a lovely gorgeous person and made this an easy and fun wedding for us.
We will come back for some staycation in the future! (again so sorry about the broken window) we loved you guys. If I could I would give the place 100 stars.”
South Carolina
Thee Matriarch Bed & Breakfast
This lovely 100 year-old Victorian inn is located in the heart of Orangeburg, South Carolina’s downtown. Each of the eight rooms is named for women who have touched the lives of the owners. Beautifully restored, it can accommodate events from business retreats to family reunions or even weddings.
“Thee Matriarch Bed & Breakfast was a beautiful experience for my husband and I. It’s totally worth going to with all the events and to just go and get away from everything to truly enjoy yourselves. The owners Rachelle and Fred Holmes are everything hosts should be at all places. We strongly recommend that everybody should try it, no matter the event and feel welcomed and comfy as another place to call home. We recently had the, “Jazz It Up Suite” and its beautiful and everything you would hope it would be, you won’t regret it. We are looking forward to visit there many more times for events and the other rooms. Rachelle and Fred really brought better flavor to Orangeburg that makes it a more pleasant place to visit. Please share with everyone you know!”
Virginia
Magnolia House Inn
Magnolia House Inn is a tastefully restored Queen Anne Victorian inn located in the heart of Virginia’s historic Peninsula. It is the perfect base for exploring the entire Southeastern Virginia area. Its three large guest rooms are impeccably appointed and offer the height of luxury. You’ll enjoy the full breakfast and the personal concierge service.
“We decided to come to Magnolia House Inn the night before we got there. From the second we walked in from the time we left we were treated like family. Joyce, Lankford, and Rosie were so friendly and attentive. The breakfast was delicious and the house is cozy and comfy. Will definitely go again soon!”
Wisconsin
Ye Olde Manor House
Perfect for everything from a wedding to a romantic retreat, this 8 bedroom inn offers sanctuary from you hectic life. Our indoor heated pool will rejuvenate you and our full made to order breakfast will satisfy you. Our plush gardens and outdoor spaces will transport you to serenity.
“My husband and I celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary with a stay at Ye Olde Manor House Bed and Breakfast. From the moment we were greeted by John at the front door we felt comfortable and very welcome. He gave us a tour of the entire house and premises and we were immediately impressed with the many common areas filled with treasures. There is a beautiful indoor pool you can enter through one of these areas! We have stayed at many bed and breakfasts over the years and have never been treated to a beautiful pool area. Since we were the first to check in for the evening, John showed us each of the guest rooms. They were all beautifully decorated and extremely clean.”
Have you stayed at a Bed and Breakfast? Are you willing to try any of these locations?
