Tips and Suggestions

A Country Inn generally serves both breakfast and dinner and may have a restaurant associated with it. Many have been in operation for years; some, since the 18th century. Although primarily found on the East Coast, a few Country Inns are in other regions of the nation.

A Bed & Breakfast facility's primary focus is lodging. It can have from three to 20 rooms or more. The innkeepers usually live on the premises. Breakfast is the only meal served and can be a full-course gourmet breakfast, or a simple serve-yourself buffet. Many B&B owners pride themselves on their culinary skills.

As with Country Inns, many B&Bs specialize in providing historic, romantic or gracious atmosphere with amenities such as canopied beds, fireplaces, spa tubs, afternoon tea in the library and scenic views.

Some give great attention to recapturing a specific historic period, such as the Victorian or Colonial eras. Many display antiques and other furnishings from family collections.

A Homestay is a room available in a private home. It may be an elegant stone mansion in the best part of town or a charming country farm. Homestays have one to three guest rooms. Because homestays are often operated as a hobby type business and open and close frequently, only a very few unique properties are included in our publications and directories.