Stepping into a historical inn or bed & breakfast is like traveling back in time, giving a unique blend of comfort, charm, and a tangible connection to the past. These carefully preserved establishments across the United States not only provide a cozy place to rest but also serve as living museums, each with its own story to tell.
From colonial-era taverns to Victorian mansions, here are 20 of the best historical inns and B&Bs that the country has to offer.
The Kennebunk Inn, Maine
Built in 1799, The Kennebunk Inn combines Federal-style architecture with modern amenities. Its restaurant, Academe, is helmed by classically trained chefs who create innovative dishes using local ingredients.
Concord’s Colonial Inn, Massachusetts
Dating back to 1716, this inn played a role in the American Revolutionary War and is said to be haunted. Guests can dine in the same tavern that once served as a storehouse for arms and provisions for the Colonial militia.
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The Beekman Arms, New York
Established in 1766, The Beekman Arms is America’s oldest continuously operating inn. Its guest list includes George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Alexander Hamilton.
Thomas Bond House, Pennsylvania
Located in Philadelphia’s Old City, this 1769 Georgian house offers views of the Delaware River. Guests can enjoy period furnishings while being steps away from Independence Hall and other historic sites.
The Inn at Montchanin Village, Delaware
This 19th-century hamlet once housed du Pont powder mill workers and has been transformed into a luxurious inn. Each room is uniquely decorated with period antiques and modern comforts.
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The Middleton Inn, Virginia
Set in a Federal-style home built in 1840, this inn overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. Guests can enjoy afternoon wine and cheese on the porch while taking in views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Magnolia Mansion, Louisiana
This antebellum mansion in New Orleans’ Garden District dates back to 1858. Its rooms are themed after Southern belles and gentlemen, offering a true taste of Old South charm.
The Kehoe House, Georgia
Built-in 1892, this Renaissance Revival mansion in Savannah is known for its architectural details and ghostly encounters. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres in the parlor or on the verandah.
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1842 Inn, Georgia
This Greek Revival mansion in Macon features 19 antique-filled rooms and spacious parlors. Evening hospitality hours offer complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, allowing guests to socialize in true Southern style.
The Terrace Inn, Michigan
Built in 1911, this inn in Petoskey’s Bay View Association is on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests can enjoy views of Little Traverse Bay from the wraparound porch and dine on farm-to-table cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
The Inn at Irwin Gardens, Indiana
This Edwardian mansion, built in 1910, features a stunning 1.5-acre Italianate garden. Guests can explore the terraced gardens, fountains, and statuary before retiring to rooms adorned with original furnishings.
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The American Club, Wisconsin
Originally built in 1918 to house immigrant workers of the Kohler Company, this Tudor-style building is now a five-star resort. Guests can indulge in luxurious spa treatments and world-class dining while surrounded by historic charm.
The Elephant Walk Bed and Breakfast, Texas
This 1916 Crafstman-style home in Stillwater features eclectic decor inspired by the owner’s travels. Guests can relax in the meditation garden or soak in clawfoot tubs before enjoying a gourmet breakfast.
Castle Marne, Colorado
Built in 1889, this Richardsonian Romanesque castle in Denver offers Victorian elegance with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea and relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens.
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The Chateau at Oregon Caves, Oregon
This rustic 1934 lodge is located within Oregon Caves National Monument. Guests can explore the marble caves by day and enjoy cozy evenings by the six-sided fireplace in the Great Hall.
The Queen Anne Hotel, California
Once a girls’ finishing school in the 1890s, this Victorian mansion in San Francisco is now an elegant hotel. Guests might encounter the ghost of Miss Mary Lake, the school’s headmistress, who is said to tuck in guests at night.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, California
Started in 1876 as an adobe boarding house, this Riverside landmark has grown into a sprawling resort with stunning architecture. Guests can explore the many courtyards, towers, and flying buttresses that make up this unique property.
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The Wentworth Mansion, South Carolina
Built in 1886 as a private residence, this Charleston mansion now offers luxurious accommodations. Guests can climb the rooftop cupola for panoramic views of the city or indulge in spa treatments in the former stables.
The Marshall House, Georgia
Savannah’s oldest hotel, built in 1851, served as a hospital during the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics. Guests might encounter friendly ghosts while enjoying modern amenities in this beautifully restored property.
The Notchland Inn, New Hampshire
Set in an 1862 granite mansion in the White Mountains, this inn offers a perfect blend of history and nature. Guests can hike scenic trails by day and enjoy gourmet dinners by night in this secluded mountain retreat.
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Historic Charm: America’s Best Inns and Bed & Breakfasts
These historical inns and bed & breakfasts are more than just a place to sleep; they provide a journey through America’s rich past. From revolutionary-era taverns to Gilded Age mansions, each property tells a unique story of its time and place.
Whether seeking a romantic getaway, a base for historical exploration, or simply a unique lodging experience, these establishments offer a chance to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts.
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