A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Here in Minnesota, we know a thing or two about hospitality. That’s why there are few experiences as memorable as staying in an authentic bed & breakfast, one where you’ll feel welcomed to your home-away-from-home. Selecting a property from the Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association means you’ll find a top-quality accommodation that’s both charming and unforgettable. And chances are, there’s one within a short driving distance! Without further ado, here are the top 10 reasons to enjoy the ultimate staycation when you book your stay at a licensed Minnesota member bed & breakfast. Get ready to be enchanted by all that Minnesota has to offer!
1. Stay the night in a one-of-a-kind, historic home
One of the best parts about staying at a Minnesota member bed & breakfast is the opportunity to appreciate the fine details and craftsmanship that go into the homes. You'll avoid generic, cookie-cutter rooms and instead, find yourself immersed in magnificent settings. Whether it's a mansion, historic site, carriage house, brewery, railroad car, a round barn, log home, or a lighthouse, you'll delight in the personalities of these bed & breakfasts.
Whether you've lived in the North Star State for a few years or an entire lifetime, you've likely learned that the state is brimming with charm. Much like staying with a trusted friend, spending the night at a member bed & breakfast will make you feel right at home. Little touches like homemade scones, recommended local activities, or a warm cup of coffee in the morning are all commonplace at these delightful landmarks.
Here in Minnesota, we're blessed with incredible landmarks and fascinating sites in every region of our great state. When you book a stay at a Minnesota member bed & breakfast, you'll likely experience someplace totally new. That's because Minnesota member bed & breakfasts prefer to be off-the-beaten-path, near historic downtowns, historic neighborhoods, coffee shops, riversides, woodland ponds, wildlife, hiking and biking trails, conservatories, orchards, or Lake Superior.
Minnesota member bed & breakfasts are likely to be independently-owned and family-operated, which means the money you spend on your accommodations will go back to the community in a meaningful way: supporting a local florist for arrangements, a neighborhood kid for lawn-care, a local roaster for coffee, a local farmers market for honey and produce, a local co-op for nuts and flours, a local vineyard for wines, a local baker for artisan breads, and a local farmer for eggs, dairy, and meats...the list goes on!
Comfort, safety, and quality are all top priorities of the Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association. All member B&Bs have been inspected to ensure that they meet or exceed the standards of quality endorsed by the organization.
One of the best parts about a staycation is that you won't need to travel far, and yet you'll also feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Member bed & breakfasts make a special effort to create spaces that are peaceful and scenic, allowing you to connect to the natural landscapes around you. Whether you're sitting by a fire or enjoying a glass of wine on the front porch, your stay will be rejuvenating at every level.
7…but know that there’s also adventure just beyond your doorstep
Of course, no Minnesota getaway is complete without an adventure. Ask your innkeeper or host for some recommendations, whether it's a vigorous hiking trail, time on the water, or something else entirely. Adventure awaits!
8. Meet fellow travelers and kindhearted innkeepers
Those who travel to bed & breakfasts tend to seek extraordinary and exceptional experiences. You may find, as innkeepers have, that your fellow guest is a professional oil painter, an Antarctic traveler, an undercover cop, a foreign TV personality, a lounge singer, a Woodstock attendee, an Alaskan ferry pilot...who knows! Plus, innkeepers themselves are hospitable, friendly, and, of course, Minnesota enthusiasts.
Whether you're sitting down to a home-cooked omelet, raspberry-stuffed French toast, or caramelized bacon, you'll quickly realize why breakfast may just be the most important — and delicious — part of the day. Innkeepers are fiercely proud of their breakfasts and it shows.
Even if it's your first time staying at a Minnesota member bed & breakfast, you'll quickly feel like you've found your second home. If you experience a carved headboard, a creaky staircase, squeaky window weights, the smell of breakfast wafting into your room at a pleasantly-sized inn, you will come to realize that you are far more than a customer — you are a guest, feeling at home.
Ready to book a stay at one of these delightful destinations? Head on over to the Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association website and find one that piques your interest. And be sure to check out the Explore Minnesota website for additional itineraries and trip ideas.
