The Comforts of Home When You're Away from Home
While there is nothing new about people renting out an extra room to an overnight visitor, B&Bs have been a big industry in the U.S. for only about the last thirty years. This came about partly because before the 1980s, there were no reservations service organizations. These are organizations that promote and recommend businesses that have paid a membership fee and been “vetted” by the organization. This gave people more confidence when choosing a B&B and a way to find a list of recommended establishments in the area they wished to stay.
Today, thanks to the internet, you can find B&Bs that fit your price range, location of interest and even your personality. You can choose from a pampered, romantic stay in wine country to a spell on a working ranch, or take the kids on a farm stay. Many B&Bs are historic buildings kept in the style of the time period, but with modern amenities. Usually breakfast is included in the price and often cooked by the host.
You can go as far away as Europe or sometimes as close as your own home town. The Kansas Bed and Breakfast Association has online listings with prices, descriptions, amenities and links to the websites of most B&Bs listed. From there, you can often view the rooms and make reservations. Many establishments will cater to weddings, scrapbook parties, family reunions and other gatherings.
You don't have to go to France or even California to stay in the heart of wine country. Try the Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn and Riverbluff Cottages in Hermann, Missouri. You can choose from a suite in the Inn or in one of the Riverbluff Cottages. Both offer magnificent views and luxurious amenities including jacuzzis in every suite that make this a perfect place for a romantic getaway. A recent visitor says, "It was more personal than a big hotel and they paid more attention to details. It was nice and we plan to go back."
Resources -
The Complete Guide to Bed & BreakfastsThe Complete Idiots Guide to Girlfriend GetawaysPicture credits
http://www.tearose.net/http://www.southmoreland.com/http://www.wildhorsecanyonbnb.com/