Stylish Historic Getaways of the Northeast

 

When the Milford, New Jersey covered bridge was built in 1842, the ferry house, no longer needed, was expanded to become a private residence. Chestnut Hill is now a restored Colonial neo-Italianate bed and breakfast on the banks of the Delaware River. The inn is filled with original photographs and iron mannequins dressed in Victorian clothing that belonged to the first owners.  Stay in a romantic guest room or river-view suite. Enjoy a candlelit breakfast before strolling by the ornate fountain in the lush gardens. Relax on the shaded dock and watch for eagles, herons, and kingfishers. Fine at The Milford House is recognized by Zagat as the best seafood restaurant in the state. Sip an IPA or a porter at The Ship Inn, the first brew pub in New Jersey. Visit local wineries, ride a bike through the Delaware River Valley, or explore the National Canal Museum.

 

Stir creativity in a distinguished Italianate home that was visited in the 1830s by famed author James Fenimore Cooper. The award-winning Seasons B&B is located in scenic Warrensburg, New York, where the tree-lined property sets the scene for a quiet getaway. Combining antique and modern furnishings adds a unique charm to the guest rooms and suites. Start the day with a rejuvenating breakfast on the wraparound porch. Visit during the fall months to view the vibrant fall foliage of the Adirondacks. The area offers a plethora of outdoor activities including golf, horseback riding, hiking, and historic Fort Ticonderoga.

 

James Prendergast, founder of Jamestown, New York, purchased property in 1809 to create a timber milling settlement that is now the home of The Oaks B&B Hotel. This historic inn served as a private residence and apartment building before becoming a quiet respite for travelers. Built by renowned architect Raymond Freeburg, it features exposed beams with inlaid artwork, pictorial ceramic tile, and handmade Belgian brick. Each of the guest rooms has unique furnishings and a private bath. Relax with a book on the patio or play a game of pool in the recreation room. Walk to shops and restaurants beneath a canopy of century-old oak trees along West Street. Jamestown was also home to Lucille Ball and a museum is dedicated to her legacy.

 

Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Miles Davis, Josephine Baker, and Duke Ellington were important contributors to Harlem. Sugar Hill Harlem Inn pays homage to the greats of that era. The Victorian townhouse is located in the beautiful Sugar Hill district of New York City. The entire inn was renovated in 2001 to update amenities and preserve historic details. The bed and breakfast features luxurious guest rooms with original wood floors, oriental rugs, and private bathrooms. Eco-friendly power is harvested from rooftop solar panels and non-toxic cleaning supplies are used. Wonderful breakfasts are made with organic ingredients. Take part in the musical renaissance every Sunday afternoon by walking up the street to hear an 80-year-old woman jam with street musicians as she plays the piano in her living room.

 

The Manor House Inn is one of seventeen historic properties on the National Register in the West Street Historic District of Bar Harbor, Maine. The original three-story mansion has guest rooms with Victorian wall coverings and antique furnishings. Grand accommodations are also available in the Chauffeur's Cottage, Acadia Cottage, and two private Garden Cottages. Enjoy a homemade buffet in the sunny breakfast garden and relax in the afternoon on the front porch with cookies and tea. Restaurants and shopping are just a short stroll from the inn. The trails and beaches of Acadia National Park are one mile away.

 

--Julie Dietzel-Glair