The Best Black-Owned Bed and Breakfasts Across the U.S.
August isn’t just the last full month of summer; it’s also Black Business Month. What better way to spend the rest of the season than by visiting one of the best Black-owned bed-and-breakfasts for a weekend getaway or a much-needed staycation? These unique homes will embrace you with flawless decor, warm you with decadent meals made from fresh local produce, and surround you with fascinating, rich history.
To help you cap off the summer right and highlight businesses that deserve recognition, we have found some spots that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. Here are some of the best Black-owned bed-and-breakfasts to visit across the United States.
The Oak Bluffs Inn
Owned by Rhonda and Erik Albert, The Oak Bluffs Inn is one of the most famous bed-and-breakfasts on Martha’s Vineyard. The inn has hosted Black celebrities such as bell hooks, Spike Lee, Samara Joy and many more. Built in 1870, the Victorian home is not only an iconic Black landmark on the island but also the perfect cozy summer stay for a quick escape.
The Captain Farris House
Located in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, The Captain Farris House is a breathtaking inn near the beaches, restaurants and attractions of Cape Cod. The home was built by a sea captain in 1845, and it has retained much of that 19th-century charm thanks to its owners, Jeff and Carol Watson, who take pride in providing their guests with a luxury stay complete with a gourmet breakfast that will make your heart sing.
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Akwaaba Mansion
The Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn is the perfect staycation for anyone looking for some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Opened in 1995 by husband and wife Glenn Pogue and Monique Greenwood (the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine), the home, built in the 1860s, features grand fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and a spacious porch where you can drink your morning coffee before starting your day.
Six Acres
In the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, sits Six Acres, a charming inn steeped in African American history. According to its website, the home was formerly owned by abolitionist Zebulon Strong, who used it as a safe house for Underground Railroad operations. Today, the bed-and-breakfast’s owner, Kristin Kitchen, wants the home to be a haven for all who walk through its doors.
The McClelland House
Owned by Choolwe Kalulu, the McClelland House in Napa County, California, is a restored Victorian home. Built in 1879, this B&B will immediately catch your eye, urging you to walk through its doors. When you do, you’ll be welcomed into a world of elegance, from the sophisticated bedroom decor to the wine-and-cheese happy hour serving up the best of Napa County’s produce. It makes for a stay you won’t ever forget.
The Mansion at Noble Lane
Another property owned by Monique Greenwood and Glenn Pogue, the Mansion at Noble Lane, is located in Bethany, Pennsylvania. The home was originally built in 1903 and has stood the test of time as a country estate. Now, the picturesque inn is a great getaway for a wellness retreat outside the city, where you can indulge in spa activities such as massages, saunas, facial treatments and adventures in the Pocono Mountains.
The Keystone Inn
Sibling trio Patrick, Stephen and Christine Campbell are the proud owners of the Keystone Inn in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. After purchasing the home in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, the family set out to give folks the perfect relaxing getaway from the stresses of daily life. Constructed in 1913, this B&B is a stunning structure that retains its beauty year-round, guaranteeing a beautiful historical stay in every season.
Wellspring Manor & Spa
Wellspring Manor & Spa in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a gorgeous boutique inn that will make you feel completely at ease. Opened in 2018 by Kevin and Lisa Brown Alexander, the B&B is surrounded by nature and offers a variety of wellness packages. If you’re looking for a place dedicated to comfort, Wellspring Manor & Spa is where you’ll find it.
Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens
Owned by husband and wife Pontheolla and Paul Abernathy, Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens is ideal for a comfortable vacation in Spartanburg, South Carolina. At this B&B, you can expect the mouthwatering smell of an authentic Southern breakfast to wake you in the morning, while cultural events hosted by the owners keep you entertained with local history throughout the day.
The Orchid Bed and Breakfast
The Orchid Bed and Breakfast in Jackson, Mississippi, is the perfect stop on a road trip journey. Owners Jason and Katrice Thompson have documented ties to the area. According to its website, Katrice’s family was among the first Black families to move into Woodhaven, a 15-minute drive from the property. Today, the home stands as a historical site on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ye Olde Manor House
Surrounded by three acres of land and well-tended gardens, Ye Olde Manor House presents the perfect opportunity to wind down after a hectic week. The property was opened in 2007 by married couple John Anderson and Karen Fulbright-Anderson after their retirement. Per their website, the owners take pride in the delicacies they prepare for their guests and have outfitted the residence with an indoor pool, fruit orchard and vegetable garden. If you’re stopping in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, this is where you’ve got to stay.
Arbor View Bed and Breakfast
Head toward Long Island and you’ll find the Arbor View Bed and Breakfast. After purchasing the house in 1998, owners Wilfred and Veda Joseph poured their love into the property and fully restored it, turning it into the fabulous inn it is today. The home provides modern comfort while retaining its 18th-century charm, making it the perfect seaside stay, with spa activities to help you ease into the vacation spirit.
The Cochrane House
If you’re an art lover, the Cochrane House was made for you. This 19th-century home in Detroit, Michigan, is overflowing with art for you to admire, and its open downstairs layout invites you to interact with your fellow guests, while your bedrooms provide all the privacy you need. Opened by sisters Roderica and Francina James in 2018, this B&B is just waiting to offer you a fantastic stay in the very center of downtown Detroit.
