The holidays are hassles for some, but it is possible to get away where Yuletide actually means a comfortable old house, a glowing fireplace, eggnog and cookies. We're not talking Grandma's here, but maybe the next best thing--a cozy bed & breakfast. As on every previous holiday, the people at www.bedandbreakfast.com have teamed up with their partners in dozens of lodgings across the country to offer holiday overnight specials, or, for those who don't need to spend the night, tours of the houses. Nightly rates are as low as $99. The tours start from just $10.
West Coast
In historic Port Townsend WA, eight local innkeepers showcase their historic homes, decked out for the season, and serve refreshments on December 6, 2002, 5 to 7:30. Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under. You can get more information at 360/385-7911 or www.ptguide.com.
Down on the Mendocino Coast in California, there's the 14th annual Candlelight Inn Tour on December 11-13, 2002, from 4 to 8 featuring open houses at 33 inns from Albion to Little River to Mendocino, with refreshments and decorations at each. Tickets are $15, with proceeds benefiting Big Brother/Big Sisters and The Children's Fund. You can book a three-night stay during the tour at the Fensalden Inn in Albion for $99 a night (normally $125 to $225), including two free tour tickets. Info at 800/959-3850 or www.fensalden.com
Eleven inns of El Dorado County (Gold Country) in California open their doors for tours on December 7 and 8, 2002, from 1 to 5, with different features at each, including wine tasting, live music, art shows, plus refreshments and decorations. Tickets are $15 for both days. Info at 877/BNB-INNS or www.innlover.com.
Midwest
You can tour historic inns of Duluth MN and have a holiday "High Tea" on December 8 from 12:30 to 3 or 3:30 to 6. Live music, period costumes and a five-course 'high tea". Tickets are $26.50 each. Info 218/724-6405 or www.duluthbandb.com.
In Mountain View AR, the Wildflower B&B On the Square has a Musical Holiday package in this "Folk Music Capital of the World." A special concert will be held on Dec. 22,. 2002. "Caroling in the Caverns" and a hoedown are included in a two-night package costing $219 per couple. Info at 800/591-4879 or www.wildflowerbb.com.
In Logan OH you can learn to bake cookies and decorate your house at the Cedar Falls Inn on December 4, 5, or 11, 2002. Classes from 11 to 2, $29 per person including lunch. Info at 800/65-FALLS or www.innatcedarfalls.com.
South
Consider Amelia Island in Florida, which has its annual B&B Christmas Tour on December 7 and 8, 2002, from 1 to 5. There are ten inns on the tour, which costs $15. Storytellers and carolers dressed in Dickens-era costumes entertain visitors. More info at www.ameliaislandinns.com.
At St. Augustine the Holiday Tour of Historic B&B Inns takes place on December 8, 2002, from 2 to 6. There are 26 inns involved, and tickets are $15, which also gets you a holiday book (recipes, tour map, calendars) and benefit the local Police Athletic League. Many innkeepers will be dressed in Victorian costume, and there will be local sweets and savories. Contact www.staugustineinns.com.
Northeast
Holiday tours of B&Bs are also available in the Berkshires in Lee on December 8, 2002, from noon to 4, tickets $15, five inns. Call 413/243-1824 or go online to www.leelodging.org.
White Mountains NH, December 7 and 8, 2002, from 11 to 5, cookie tour of 18 inns, $20. Contact 603/356-9460 or www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com.
On December 7, 14 and 28 from 5:30 to 8:30, candlelight tours of 20 homes, inns and churches will be going on in Cape May NJ. Look out for strolling musicians, home-baked items, warm beverages and heated trolley shuttles. Adults $22, children (3-12) $11. Contact 800/275-4278 or www.capemaymac.org.
In Spring Lake NJ, the tour is on December 7, 2002, from 1 to 5. There are 14 inns participating, and tickets run $25. Visit www.seacrestbythesea.com or phone 800/803-9031.
You can tour nine B&Bs on Long Island's North Fork and enjoy local wine tastings on December 7, 2002, from 2 to 6. Tickets $25, contact www.northfork.com, phone 631/734-2053.
In Historic Gettysburg PA, a house tour is being offered on December 14, 2002, from noon to 5, with seven inns, contact www.gettysburgbedandbreakfast.com, phone 800/864-3464.
For information about B&B inns, look at www.bedandbreakfast.com, where you can also buy gift certificates for stocking stuffers.
