Our Favorite Historical Inns to Visit this Fall!

by Katy Mendenhall. Photo Courtesy of Boston Business Times

How about a little fall vacation? Hoping in the car and driving to a quaint, historic inn for the weekend sounds perfect! I have researched and come up with some beautiful pieces of history that you can stay in today. After all, inns and B&Bs are a great alternative to the more expensive hotel chains. They offer a more personal experience and usually have compelling stories to share.
 
Here are 5 places I believe will inspire you, and hopefully even turn you onto staying in a historic inn during your travels!
 

Cliffside Inn – Newport, Rhode Island

 
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Photo courtesy of Cliffside Inn

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Photo courtesy of Cliffside Inn

 
Cliffside Inn is a stately Victorian mansion set right next to the sea in the historic district of Newport, Rhode Island. Inside you will find immaculately kept rooms and common areas. It’s a treasure box of elegant antiques, and vibrant design.
 
 

Simsbury 1820 House – Simsbury, Connecticut

 
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Photo courtesy of Simsbury 1820 House

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Photo courtesy of Simsbury 1820 House

 
Connecticut is full of small town charm, and equally full of great inns / B&Bs. I picked the Simsbury 1820 House because it is a short drive from the Hartford airport but feels like you couldn’t be further from the hustle and bustle of city life. Simsbury has a rich sense of historic preservation and offers some truly amazing building for all us history buffs!
 
 

The Mary Prentiss Inn – Cambridge, Massachusetts

 
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Photo courtesy of The Mary Prentiss Inn

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Photo courtesy of The Mary Prentiss Inn

 
This inn is one of my personal favorites. Whenever I visit Boston, I make it a point to stay in Cambridge. Although it’s just a stones throw across the Charles River, it strikes the perfect balance of character-rich small town with a metropolitan vibe. The Mary Prentiss Inn with its interesting architecture pulls you in to lovely and cozy interior.
 
 

Stonehouse Manor – Phippsburg, Maine

 
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Photo courtesy of Katy Mendenhall

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Photo courtesy of Katy Mendenhall

 
Built in 1896, the Stonehouse Manor sits back in the woods off a quiet road in Phippsburg Maine. The large stone and wood house looks like something from a fairytale. During the summer the windows in the rooms are open to let in the breeze and fresh linens can be seen drying on a line outside. My favorite parts of staying in the home were the beautiful pond off the backyard and the sound of the ocean through the trees. So peaceful. More photos here.
 
 

Hob Knob Inn – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

 
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Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

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Photo courtesy of Hob Knob Inn

 
Ah, Martha’s Vineyard. Who said it’s only for the summer? With an inn like this, I’d stay all year! If you want a little luxury with modern amenities, you will love the Hob Knob. Located in the popular Edgartown, you can grab a bike from the inn and go exploring!
 
 
 
 
 
Katy_MendenhallAUTHOR KATY MENDENHALL
Katy has spent the last six years living in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While she appreciates being spoiled by the endless mountain views, she truly longs to settle down in a quaint New England town. The ultimate dream involves an eighteenth century house set in the hills of Connecticut, or a hydrangea-lined, pine-shingled cottage on the Cape. In the meantime, she and her boyfriend John are enjoying the adventures of owning their first home together along with their two dogs. With a minimal approach to design, Katy carefully fills the house with only things she finds useful or beautiful. However, the occasional northeastern theme creeps in. Whether it be Nantucket inspired bedding, or the hand painted nautical flags she picked up while visiting Kennebunkport. Besides swooning over interior design, Katy enjoys sharing her passion for home design through writing on her blog. She is certified to teach yoga and loves cinema. She recently worked as the assistant to the creator of the Chattanooga Film Festival. She and John are actively taking steps to make the big move up North and find their perfect home!

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