Bed and breakfasts offer the best of both worlds: an escape from everyday life without sacrificing amenities like a freshly prepared meal in the morning. Add in a historic setting and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable getaway. Whether you’re looking for a romantic trip, a chance to pamper yourself with some time alone, or a place to connect with a friend, a historic bed and breakfast offers a respite from the ordinary.
If you’re searching for your next trip, look no further than our list of the best historic bed and breakfasts in the U.S.
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The Most Beautiful Historic Bed and Breakfasts in the U.S.
1. Anchorage 1770 in Beaufort, South Carolina
Photo: Courtesy of Visit Beaufort. Port Royal, and Sea Islands
Constructed back in 1770 in Beaufort, South Carolina, Anchorage 1770 is the oldest and largest tabby structure still in use in the country.
"Anchorage 1770 is one of the many stunning bed and breakfasts located in historic downtown Beaufort," says Robb Wells of Visit Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands. "As a destination alone, it's a wonderful place for travelers to rest and recharge, thanks in part to their sweeping water views, attention to detail in every room, and welcoming spirit from their staff."
When you stay at this welcoming B&B, you will notice the superb hospitality and top-notch individual care each guest receives. "When you stay at Anchorage 1770, you can be delighted by the small things, like champagne upon arrival and warm cookies before you lay your head down," says Wells. "You’ll also be wowed by the big things, like custom experiences on the water and a dose of history you can't find in many places today."
2. Monmouth Historic Inn in Natchez, Mississippi
Photo: Courtesy of Visit Natchez
Set in an antebellum-era mansion dating back to the early 19th century, Monmouth Historic Inn offers an oasis of luxury within a 26-acre garden. "Furnished with antiques and luxurious décor, Monmouth Historic Inn is a classic beauty that promises an unforgettable stay," says Jessica Cauthen of Visit Natchez. "Whether wandering around the stunningly manicured gardens or enjoying a meal in the award-winning restaurant, you will feel as if you’ve been transported to your very own southern oasis."
During your stay, don’t miss the chance to explore Natchez, a 300-year-old town on the Mississippi River steeped in history.
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3. The Reserve at Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Photo: Courtesy of The Reserve at Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas is both a town and a national park, making it one of the nation's most worthwhile and unique destinations. The city is home to historic bathhouses, eclectic shops, and gorgeous hiking trails. It is also home to The Reserve at Hot Springs, a lavishly decorated bed and breakfast and wedding venue so beautiful that visitors frequently gasp when they walk through the door.
No detail is overlooked: from the gorgeous hand-painted walls in the dining room to the luxuriously appointed bedrooms, each with its own unique decor. And the breakfasts are just as delicious and decadent as their surroundings. "Our goal is to connect our guests with this lavish and luxurious estate combining the charm of yesteryear with modern amenities," says owner Rhonda McMurry. "We couple that with warm, southern hospitality and extraordinary food prepared fresh each day."
The Reserve at Hot Springs is set in the W.C. Brown House, which dates back to 1890. The mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
4. The White Lace Inn in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Photo: Courtesy of White Lace Inn
Door County, Wisconsin is affectionately known as the Cape Cod of the midwest thanks to its charming small towns and 300 miles of pristine coastline along Lake Michigan. Jon Jarosh of Destination Door County says The White Lace Inn in Sturgeon Bay is one of the best historic bed and breakfasts to call this idyllic area home.
"The White Lace Inn welcomes guests in a historic 1903 Queen Anne Victorian home and features wonderful antiques and rich wallpapers and fabrics," says Jarosh. "The White Lace Inn is set amidst lush gardens, a pond, and an intimate wedding gazebo. Innkeepers Dennis and Bonnie Statz have been welcoming guests at the White Lace Inn since 1982 and have expanded over the years to now feature 18 rooms over four renovated homes on the property."
5. The Inn at Forest Oaks in Natural Bridge, Virginia
Photo: Courtesy of Steve Shires
The 215-natural bridge in Virginia’s stunning Natural Bridge State Park was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. A few miles away, you’ll find the magnificent bed and breakfast, The Inn at Forest Oaks. The manor house dates back to 1806 when it was built by Matthew Houston, a cousin of Sam Houston. The building served as a family home, store, and tavern. In the early 1900s, it was purchased by an Ohio architect who transformed the mansion to resemble a manor in the English countryside. Today, it has been converted into a luxurious, antique-filled bed and breakfast with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Co-owner Cliff DeVito takes pride in continuing the property’s long tradition of hospitality. "The Inn at Forest Oaks has been serving the weary traveler on and off for more than 200 years. It has survived the ravages of the Civil War, social upheaval, and modern society while remaining a peaceful, welcoming place.”
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6. Nagle Warren Mansion B&B in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Photo: Courtesy of Laura Grier
The Nagle Warren Mansion B&B was originally built as a private home in 1888. Located near Cheyenne’s historic gold-domed capital building, the bed and breakfast is as renowned for its food as it is for its dramatic Victorian architecture. Breakfast is a multi-course affair, while in the evening, guests partake in manor hour, where they are treated to appetizers, drinks, and stories of the mansion’s history. "Gracing Cheyenne’s society for over 132 years, visitors will take a step back in time and leave the modern world behind," says Innkeeper and chef, Jas Barbe. "This 1900’s Victorian-era time capsule features old-world services, afternoon teas, rare liquors, and world-class cuisine for a truly unique and historical experience."
