Elizabeth's Bed & Breakfasts Blog

The Falkland Islands, about 300 miles east of the coast of Argentina, are one of the most remote destinations on earth. Found in the South Atlantic Ocean near the southernmost tip of South America, the Falklands are a true getaway. If you're interested in visiting, take a look at these Falkland Islands bed and breakfasts.

More Island Bed and Breakfasts:

• Caribbean B&Bs
• Bermuda B&Bs
• More Unique Getaways

Part of the Berkshires, sometimes referred to as "America's premier cultural resort," Richmond, Massachusetts, is not far from a lot of things. And if you're interested in historic accommodations, the 225-year-old Inn at Richmond is a good choice.

To read about more historic inns, sign up for our free email series about 200-year-old bed and breakfasts.

^{Photo courtesy of Inn at Richmond}

The cause of multiple chemical sensitivity is not known, but it's a problem that affects a growing number of people. Symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea are usually are triggered when someone with MCS is exposed to certain chemicals. The innkeepers at these MCS-aware B&Bs have tried to make their accommodations suitable for guests with multiple chemical sensitivity and other environmental sensitivities. Cleaning is usually done without chemicals, there are no air fresheners or scented candles, and pillows and linens are usually hypo-allergenic. If you have MCS, you should always talk to the innkeepers in some detail before making a reservation.

Thomas Shepherd Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, was originally designed to be a parsonage in 1868. Over time, it became a doctor's residence and office and then in 1983 it was converted to a bed and breakfast. Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia, and Thomas Shepherd Inn is the only bed and breakfast in town. In this interview with Thomas Shepherd Inn innkeeper Jeanne Muir, we learn about the inn's history and some of the many reasons to consider visiting Shepherdstown.

If you're traveling to New York City, consider staying at a bed and breakfast. Although many people don't realize it, Manhattan is full of wonderful inns, some tucked away in quiet neighborhoods and others right in the middle of the bustle that the Big Apple's known for. Brooklyn also has great bed and breakfasts, as do the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.

If you're thinking about opening a bed and breakfast, one of the first things you need to do is discuss it with your immediate family. Some people may consider becoming an innkeeper the ideal way of having the best of both worlds -- family and work -- but think again. If your family members aren't willing to give up or share some of their space with potential guests, you have a problem. This article is part of our series of worksheets for aspiring innkeepers.

Innkeeper Mary Jane Kretzing has some direct advice to anyone thinking about buying an old home: "Either be blessed with unlimited handyman skills or a lot of money." At Kanaga House in New Kingstown, Pennsylvania, one of the projects involved cutting a doorway through a solid stone wall. For more historic inns, sign up for our free email series about 200-year-old bed and breakfasts.

^{Photo courtesy of Kanaga House}

When Alvin and Arlene Starkman decided to retire early and build a home in Oaxaca, Mexico, they included guest quarters. When they realized that the guest quarters would be empty much of the year, they decided to open their home to the public as a B&B with just a single guest suite. The result is Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed and Breakfast, an inviting, colorful B&B with spectacular views and gracious hosts who enjoy introducing guests to the many things to see and do in Oaxaca.

More International B&Bs:

• Bermuda
• Falkland Islands
• Tuscany, Italy

^{Photo courtesy of Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed and Breakfast}

Sleeping underwater sounds like a beautiful -- and impossible -- dream. But modern architects have made this dream a reality, with a number of "underwater hotels" being planned and at least one currently accepting guests.

More Unique Bed and Breakfasts:

• Sleep Underground in Australia
• Boat and Breakfasts
• Unique B&Bs Around the World

^{Image courtesy of Jules' Undersea Lodge}

One of the best things about staying at B&Bs is that each one is unique. But almost all of today's B&Bs have on thing in common: They're run by professional, competent innkeepers. Nonetheless, some outdated myths about bed and breakfasts persist. These myths have their roots in the days before most travelers even knew what a bed and breakfast was. Today, with rare exceptions, they are simply myths. As with hotels, there are good B&Bs and bad B&Bs. With a little research you should be able to find one that fits your preferences. Here are my picks for the top myths about bed and breakfasts.