Finding the perfect home-away-from-home can make your next travel experience truly special. Whatever your taste, from classic to quirky, extravagant or airy, you might be surprised to discover that your perfect home-away-from-home is actually a Bed and Breakfast!
The Classic: American Bed & Breakfasts find their origin in early Westward travel, as settlers and their families making a long journey sought safe and warm places to spend their nights. Many B&Bs preserve the early American and Victorian origins of the industry through their furnishings and décor, ensconcing guests in their lively colors, intricate woodwork, and indulgent textures. If you want to try a classic Bed & Breakfast, consider the First Street Garden Inn in Ann Arbor. Stained glass and elegant, colorful Victorian draperies make this B&B stand out. There is also an Art Deco suite, whose deeper colors, gilded lines, and beautiful furnishings could set you immediately at ease. Or, if you prefer to keep it simple and sweet, check out some of the area's other B&B offerings like Casa Del Sol (Ann Arbor), Davies House Inn Georgetown (Ann Arbor), Cadgwith Too (Ann Arbor), or Hartman House (Saline).
The Quirky: Bed & Breakfasts aren't simply another major hotel chain, and many hosts go to great and entertaining lengths to remind you. For example, at the Library Bed & Breakfast, you're sure to have a memorable time at one of the inn's literary breakfasts or one of its themed rooms, such as the Tiny Room, which is stocked full of miniature-sized books! Another local institution is the eye-catching and goofy Ann Arbor Bed & Breakfast, which sits right at the top of central campus with its cadre of seasonal inflatables watching over the city. A stay at the Ann Arbor Bed & Breakfast is something you certainly must do at least once. For a quirky concept you can take home with you, grab your girlfriends and book travel time at Gotta Scrap Inn in Manchester. This remarkable inn features luxurious furnishings, a spa package, and an all-inclusive scrapbooking experience to immortalize your memories of the perfect weekend. Don't know how scrapbooking works? No worries—the hosts offer complimentary classes as well as a well-stocked supply room.
The Extravagant: If you're going to travel, sometimes it feels right to go all-out. Among the area's flashiest lodges is the Stone Chalet (Ann Arbor), a recently renovated gem that doubles as an event center because of its size and exquisite loveliness. Between the main house, the carriage house, and the parsonage, you have your pick of gorgeous accommodations, all featuring bits of the inn's iconic stone. Also in the Ann Arbor area is the Burnt Toast Inn (pictured above), a downtown beauty featuring thoughtful and lovely garden spaces, organic, locally-made and -sourced food, and an array of art, sculpture, and colors to nurture creativity and refresh the mind. Just a short drive away lies the iconic Chelsea House, a downtown Chelsea fixture, a beautiful escape, and yet walking distance to everything. Relax, surrounded by greenery on the cozy porch, and watch the hustle and bustle of historic downtown Chelsea unfold around you. Lush, but unfussy, the Chelsea House is a Victorian retreat certain to please.
The Airy: If you perfect travel experience involves space of your own and a deep breath of fresh air, Avalyn Garden (Ann Arbor), built in 1920 and refurbished in 2005, has what you're looking for. Each room has a clean, minimal appeal, perfect for uncluttering your mind and settling in. Lastly, Baxter House (Ann Arbor) mixes Modern and Craftsman architecture for a structured clean interior. Sunrise and Sunset rooms allow you to structure your stay around the most meaningful part of your day. The Kerrytown location is the perfect place to experience the best of what Ann Arbor has to offer. With the sunlight pouring into the windowss, however, you might just decide to stay in and write a novel. You may never want to leave!
Experience Washtenaw County through the eyes of the folks who live here. We hope your next travel experience will be an opportunity for community connection, no matter what your flavor!
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