Have you enjoyed staying at a B&B? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation—the concept of travelers lodging in private residences while traversing the country—is a fun, familial way to connect with others.
We visit six lodgings across the country that happen to be owned by Black proprietors. These are hospitable, contemporary gems that are great for road-tripping with the family or indulging in a staycation with your girls. Prices subject to change.
Gardens, Gourmet Meals, and Glamping in a Red Caboose
Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens, Spartanburg, South Carolina
Explore: “Come experience how we put the art in SpARTanburg” is the motto of this sophisticated oasis of the South. A vibrant arts district comprised of world-class galleries and performance venues stages everything from ballet and opera to vanguard street performers and good old-fashioned rock’ n’ roll. The Glendale Shoals Preserve and Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve are two of many scenic lands where you can engage your inner adventurer. Enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking, or a walk along the woodland trails, soaking up the quietude of the natural world. And there’s no shortage of food options from classic Southern comfort to an array of international culinary delights.
About: Pontheolla and Paul Abernathy breathed new life and vitality into the Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens, which opened in 2013. The four-acre estate offers a serene escape with its beautiful gardens, historic ambiance, and rich legacy. Its heritage connects to descendants of U.S. President Grover Cleveland, who served two non-consecutive terms, and Moses Cleaveland, who founded Cleveland, Ohio. The 1947 Southern Railway caboose, transformed into a stand-alone suite with a private deck, adds to the inn’s charm. Making it a one-of-a-kind destination that beautifully blends history and comfort.
Guest review: "Clevedale Inn and Gardens deserve to be known by all southern travelers who appreciate the finer things in life: gorgeous gardens, a handsomely and thoughtfully renovated mansion, terrific wine tasting and best of all, the company of our hosts." – Jim C.
Rates: - $189 to $346 per night includes Southern-style breakfast and afternoon libations.
Bucolic Sophistication in the Midwest
Ye Olde Manor House Bed and Breakfast, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Explore: Located 40 miles southeast of Milwaukee and two hours northwest of Chicago, in the Lake Geneva region. The area abounds with year-round recreation, including winter ice skating and snowshoeing. It also boasts beaches, music festivals, breweries and wineries, among other fare. Must-experience venues include complimentary wine tasting at the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery, a family-owned and operated farm offering fruit wines, handcrafted on-site, from May to December. The Elkhorn flea market, operational four times yearly, features 500 vendors selling an array of vintage antiques and collectibles.
About: Ye Olde Manor House is a boutique bed and breakfast with eight ensuite guest rooms.
The property is owned and operated by partners in life and business, Karen Fulbright-Anderson and John M. Anderson. It features an indoor heated swimming pool and sundry indoor and outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. It is a perfect spot for vacations, romantic getaways, intimate weddings, family reunions, and retreats, where guests can relax, renew, and rejuvenate.
Guest review: "Ye Olde Manor House is a sparkling gem. The gourmet breakfast, elegant yet comfortable furnishings, peaceful setting and attention to detail provided by the hosts make this B&B a wonderful place to stay." – Joy H
Rates: $215 - $360 per night, including a gourmet breakfast each morning, where special dietary preferences are considered upon request.
Wellness Hub and Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Oakland
B-Love’s Guest House, Oakland, CA
Explore: This distinctive African American community, situated along the East Bay, has a rich culture and significant history, planted during the Second Great Migration. Activists, artists, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs found freedom and opportunity in the Golden State that eluded them in the South. A visit to the city would be incomplete without a stop by the Black Panther mini museum to learn about the role of women in the liberation movement, or a trek to the Redwood Regional Forest, within minutes of downtown. Of course, you can’t leave without sampling homestyle Southern cooking at Everett and Jones Barbeque and Lois the Pie Queen. These iconic restaurants have, individually, served their community for over 50 years!
About: Simple elegance and positive energy permeate curator Traci Bartlow’s boutique hotel, the “B” in B-Love’s Guest House, located in a renovated historic Victorian home in West Oakland. Drawing on her family’s farming heritage, Bartlow has created a splendorous urban garden for guests to relax, rejuvenate, and commune with nature.
Guest review: "B-Love’s is my favorite place to stay in Oakland. It’s a true oasis of down-to-earth California hospitality, where you’re always sure to meet interesting folks. And you can unwind and relax in the beautiful garden. Highly recommend!" - Anjana Vakil
Rates: $125 - $175 per night.
History, Innovation, and the Arts: Hallmarks of “The Motor City”
Cochrane House Luxury Historic Inn, Detroit, Michigan
Explore: A visit to Detroit is incomplete without a trip to the Hitsville, U.S.A. museum, where the magic of Motown was born. Or a stop by the Henry Ford museum, commemorating the industrialist who revolutionized the car industry by utilizing an assembly process that made automobiles affordable for the masses. A great way to enjoy the city, known for its innovation and immigration, is riding the free “People Mover.” A light rail train that services the airport, mid-town, and bustling downtown business district. You mustn't return home without visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the most significant art collections in the country. Among the gems you’ll find is the work of Diego Rivera, one of the most influential muralists and painters of the 20th century. His frescoes reflect the labor force, the pervasive optimism of the Industrial Revolution, and the city’s multiculturalism.
About: The Cochrane House Luxury Inn, founded in 2018, offers a home away from home in Detroit’s historic Brush Park. Founder sisters Roderica and Francina James elevate luxury, comfort, and style in an atmosphere that exudes the warmth of their childhood, nurtured by their mother. And guests are treated to a homemade breakfast daily. The inn is an adult luxury stay that welcomes local, national, and international travelers. The rooms, decorated with captivating art and artifacts, celebrate the city’s vibrant African American history.
Guest review: "This is a luxurious stay for anyone attending an event downtown and is within walking distance of all the major venues. We attended The Who concert, which was a blast, and returned to lodgings within minutes. Yet, it’s located on a quiet, peaceful street with a private parking lot. Rica and Cina greeted us warmly with a delicious charcuterie board. Our suite resembled a room out of a fashion magazine with beautiful décor and extra touches. This is a unique property that will not disappoint." – Kazoodog
Rates: $255 - $475 per night, dependent on amenities and room selection.
Urbane, European Elegance Wedded to Hometown Hospitality
La Maison, Houston, Texas
Explore: The “city with no limits” accurately describes the scope of diversions in this bustling urban center. The “always free” Miller Outdoor Theater is a community gathering space unrivaled in the United States. It hosts an array of cultural arts performances for every taste. A trek to Houston is incomplete without a visit to the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. Prominent landmarks include the Urban Harvest Farmers Market, nearby Galveston Isle, and the NASA Johnson Space Center. There is an excess of pleasures to partake of in this vast metropolis.
About: La Maison in Midtown is a unique joint venture between business partners Genora Boykins and Sharon Owens. This “escape in the city” opened in 2015 and continues to thrive because of the personal touches and attentiveness to each guest’s stay, which keeps guests coming back. The ambiance, amenities, and convenient location are the magnets. “We seek to exceed our guests’ expectations and treat everyone as if they were family, because to us, for the duration of their stay, they are,” says Boykins.
Guest review: "We had never been to Houston and routed our travel through the city on our return trip from New Zealand to the United Kingdom. This centrally located gem allowed us to explore the city easily. Nothing is reasonably central in Houston: it is so big! However, LMiM was handily placed. The team was gracious, friendly, and helpful, and the breakfast was freshly made and novel each day." – Stuchfield
Rates: $179 to $329 per night.
A Jewel in the Crescent City
Hubbard Inn, New Orleans, LA
Located uptown in New Orleans’ Garden District, the Hubbard mansion is an elegant new construction built in 2000. The mansion is modeled in the historic Greek revival architecture style, popularized during the 19th century. The interior is tastefully curated and furnished with exquisite period antiques and heirlooms, chosen by the late Rose Hubbard, who designed this dream destination, which her husband, Mr. Don, and manager Miss Sheila carry on. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning guest, Mr. Don says, “Come On if You’re Coming and If You’re Coming, Come On!
Explore: A rich tapestry of culture, history, and distinctive cuisine distinguish this northernmost "Caribbean" city, which birthed jazz and brass bands. You can’t say you’ve been to New Orleans without visiting Vieux Carré, the French Quarter neighborhood, or attending a jam session at historic Preservation Hall. Streetcars, a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River, or a walking tour of the Garden District are among the many scenic activities to enjoy in the Big Easy.
Guest review: "The accommodations are excellent, every detail curated, and immaculate—well-kept, delicately lived-in rooms with ample space to relax amongst the French-inspired decor. I was in heaven. The best part was the hospitality of Mr. Don, the owner, a New Orleans treasure of encyclopedic knowledge, and Miss Sheila, the manager, whose charm and warmth were familial." - Rai
Rates: $169 - $395 per night.
Have you enjoyed staying at a B&B? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
