B&Bs

Time to toss the latest crop of holiday cards. Half a table of them came from innkeepers who know it pays to keep in touch.

I like bed & breakfasts. Well, some of them. I don’t enjoy the kind that make you feel you’re staying with someone, and they’re always in the next room.

They all have unique character. Here are some of my favorites.

In Sedona (AZ), almost any on Hozoni will do more than nicely. They were designed and built to be B&Bs. I prefer the Alma. Great rooms, grounds and spectacular views of the red rocks. Extremely romantic setting. The snack area is fully provisioned with all manner of coffee, tea and wine. Not cheap, but in Sedona, what is?

Well, the sunset. Go up to the hill by the airport and watch it, but don’t expect to be alone. Everyone knows about Sedona sunsets. The Jeep tours of the red rocks are also worth a go.

Gravenhurst Castle presides over the Hocking Hills of central Ohio. Its creators toured Europe for design ideas. It’s secluded on a heavily wooded hilltop, surrounded by theme cottages.

I usually opt for the upper suites of the castle, with balcony views of the forested countryside. I know of others who prefer the dungeon or one of the cottages congruent with their favorite fantasies. It’s become known, so reserve well in advance.

The Murphin Ridge Inn (West Union, Ohio) is more of a BB&D, because you definitely want to do dinner there. Gourmet quality.

There’s a lodge, but I’d go the extra bucks for a cabin. The cabins are exquisite and have room-sized showers, for those who enjoy conserving water.

Close by are two large Amish stores, featuring furniture, cheese and baked goods. The furniture is high quality and not very expensive.

The heart of Ohio Amish country is north in Holmes County. There, you’ll want to stay at the Inn at Honey Run. There are four lodging options. Go for the Honeycombs. This is a handful of rooms embedded in the top of a hillside. Very secluded.

Not secluded, but completely delightful is the venerable Daniel Boone Inn in Berea, Kentucky. It’s staffed to the rafters by students from the college, so service level is high.

Berea is a center of Appalachian crafts. Stock up on unique gifts and dulcimers.

I could recommend others in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, Vevay, Indiana, the Indiana Dunes and other locations, but half the fun is finding out for yourself. Enjoy.