June 27, 2003 -- One favored stereotype about Bed and Breakfast inns isthat they are just for romantic interludes like honeymoons and anniversaries. But they can also begreat fun for families looking for a unique way to spend part of the summer holidays.Nobody isbetter at this than the members of Bedandbreakfast.com, which offers a whole bunchof neat places to stay, play and relax across the country. Prices range from as low as $74 a nightfor a family of four (two adults and two children; based on a five-night stay), or from $125 for aone-night stopover. Here a few samples:
That $74 offers refers to the Gardens B&B in Ocean City, New Jersey, where therate for a five-night stay (for home-schooled children and their parents) is $371. That's for twoadults and two children under 12, and they get accommodations, a nature tour, along with a visitto a water treatment plant, a landfill recycling plant, a newspaper plant and a local bakery. June andSeptember only. Phone 609/399-0800 or visit www.nvo.com/innthegardens/homeschool.
For $125 a night, any two adults can stay with up to two children in a cozy room atChristopher's B&B in Bellevue. Kentucky. Ohio's largest water sports complex is justacross the border, with over 40 rides and attractions. The price includes tickets to the park for thetwo adults, the room, and breakfast. Kid's park admission is extra ($7 each). Phone 888/585-7085 or visit www.christophersbb.com.
For $259, you can book a two-night stay at the Wildflower B&B on the Square inMountain View, Arkansas. The package covers two persons getting two nights lodging, breakfasteach morning and afternoon snacks, music at John Taylor's Barn and dinner at an arearestaurant, Blanchard Spring Caverns admission and two Wildflower mugs. There's a $55charger for each additional person. Phone 870/269-4383 or visit www.wildflowerbb.com.
A family will pay from $175 per night at the Roosevelt in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, andthe price includes lodging, breakfast and beverages, as well as snacks. This is a formerschoolhouse, but the three R's now stand for Relaxing, Re-connecting and Roses (the nameRoosevelt means "Rose field" in Dutch). It's nicely situated on a lake and near the Hiawatha biketrail. Contact them at 800/290-3358 or visit www.therooseveltinn.com.
Rates for many other B&B's, some as low as those already mentioned, with others rangingfrom $190 per family per night up to nearly $400, are available on the organization's website,www.bedandbreakfast.com.