Bed & breakfasts are making a comeback, and here are some of the best towns to find them

By Noreen Kompanik, TravelPulse

Owners of bed and breakfasts, the immensely popular trend of the 1980s and 1990s, faced a decline in interest among vacationers for a while in the 2000s.

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Perhaps it was because of the shared bath concept or the hotels and resorts popping up on the accommodation scene with their myriad amenities and benefits that made these once-coveted places less alluring to the traveler. Or perhaps, just a shift in travel trends.

Beds and breakfasts, however, have shaken off their dusty image and they’re back in a big way. Yes, you can still stay in stately historic mansions, former schoolhouses and old mills. But some of the trendiest properties are also featuring themed rooms, designer furniture and on-site activities such as wine and cheese pairing, afternoon tea, cooking classes, ski lessons or helping out on the property’s farm.

As a true bed and breakfast aficionado, I enjoy the affordability, personalized service, unique settings, romantic getaway opportunities, complimentary social hours and quiet, relaxed atmospheres.

Here are some of the destinations in the U.S. to enjoy your first (or next) bed and breakfast experience.

Cape May, New Jersey

This charming seaside town located at the southern tip of New Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches, Victorian architecture and relaxed coastal vibe, a blend of small-town America and old-world elegance.

Cape May is also renowned for its impressive selection of bed and breakfasts. Guests will find everything from colonial revival homes with wraparound porches and Victorian treasures to boutique offerings with eclectic design elements.

Fernandina Beach, Florida

The Addison B&B on Amelia Island, Florida. The island features the 13-mile-long Fernandina Beach. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

Located on Amelia Island in northeast Florida, Fernandina Beach offers 13 miles of pristine beaches, a rich history, a range of outdoor and water activities, a historic, quaint downtown, scenic beauty and a welcoming community.

Victorian architecture is a standout here, reflected in its many cozy bed and breakfasts that blend historic elegance with modern comforts. But you’ll also find Italianate, old Florida and New England designs as well.

Most homes are owned and operated by local families who also live on-property. And expect to enjoy gourmet breakfasts with that warm Southern hospitality the island is known for.

Charleston, South Carolina

Horse and carriage rides are a familiar sight throughout historic Charleston, South Carolina. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

This captivating coastal city seamlessly blends a rich, fascinating history, vibrant culture and true Southern charm.

Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. renowned for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets and the Charleston City Market, established in the 1790s with Gullah artisans still creating handcrafted sweetgrass baskets in the marketplace.

The city’s historic district features iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row, the Battery promenade, and antebellum mansions which is why staying in the historic district is a must. Staying in a historic bed and breakfast sets the stage for the ideal getaway, and there are so many amazing options to choose from.

Dahlonega, Georgia

If you’re looking for a charming mountain town destination, think Stars Hollow or Hallmark perfection), Dahlonega, located in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, delivers with charming bed and breakfasts that feel like a warm Southern hug.

The site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush in 1828, Dahlonega offers stays that range from historic homes near its storybook downtown to vineyard-view cottages snugged among the vines. And just venturing out a bit, you’ll find hiking trails and waterfalls, fishing and kayaking opportunities, wine tasting rooms, leaf-peeping in the fall, and an adorable downtown historic square.

Pacific Grove, California

For a small town, Pacific Grove, California, sports a good number of delightful Victorian bed and breakfasts, each providing a unique blend of historic charm, coastal beauty and personalized hospitality. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

Nestled between Monterey and Pebble Beach, this picturesque coastal town on the Monterey Peninsula is famous for its Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, where thousands of these magnificent insects migrate each fall and winter.

Lovers Point Park is a popular spot for picnicking, kayaking and catching the sunrise, being one of the few places on the West Coast where you can see the sun rise over the ocean.

For a small town, Pacific Grove sports a delightful selection of Victorian bed and breakfasts, each providing a unique blend of historic charm, coastal beauty and personalized hospitality.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, Fredericksburg still proudly celebrates its heritage with events like Oktoberfest and Maifest.

The gem in Texas Hill Country blends wine country flair with Southern hospitality and offers a historic main street with boutique shops, art galleries, bakeries beer gardens and cozy cafes. From mid-March through April, the hills are blanketed with vibrant wildflowers, the most notable, the bluebonnets.

Fredericksburg offers a diverse array of bed and breakfasts. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a rustic escape or a luxury stay, you’ll find one to suit your preferences.

Savannah, Georgia

The city of Savannah is like a dreamy blend of Southern elegance, spooky legends, moss-draped oaks and rich American history — all wrapped up in a walkable, artsy and totally photogenic package. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a storybook (or a movie set), Savannah is your spot.

Georgia’s first city, founded in 1733, was laid out in a grid of 22 beautiful public squares, each with fountains, statues and towering oaks. Historic mansions, inns and bed and breakfasts surround these picturesque squares, offering a multitude of places to stay. Bed and breakfasts are our favorites, and depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll find everything from Revival mansions with courtyards and Victorian inns with antique furnishings to haunted places (if you dare)!

Newport, Rhode Island

Bannister’s Wharf Newport, Rhode Island, known as the“ sailing capital of the world,” also has many B&Bs to choose from. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

Known as the “sailing capital of the world,” Newport has deep yachting roots and regularly hosts international sailing regattas. The coastal treasure sports a rich maritime history, legendary Gilded-age mansions and seaside charm that makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Newport’s downtown waterfront is cobblestoned and full of boutiques, seafood restaurants, art galleries and colonial architecture. Bed and breakfasts here are uniquely arrayed, reflecting the character of the home, whether on the waterfront overlooking Narraganset Bay or on historic streets in town.

St. Augustine, Florida

As the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city, St. Augustine is a city draped in layers of history and cultural richness.

The city’s allure as a beautiful destination is woven from a rich tapestry of historical charm, architectural elegance, and natural beauty. The city’s cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial architecture transport visitors to a bygone era, creating a sense of timelessness that is both enchanting and unique.

St. Augustine has many lodging options for visitors, but the most popular choices are its bed and breakfasts, located in Old Town or in a beach or waterfront setting.