Need a historic getaway? PA is home to 3 of the best B&Bs in the country, Newsweek says
As summer vacations wrap up, you still might find yourself in need of a relaxing getaway with autumn approaching. Three recently acclaimed Pennsylvania bed-and-breakfast lodges might just do the trick.
Newsweek recently unveiled a list of the 10 best historic B&Bs across the country featuring two options in Pennsylvania. The publication compiled and released its list by rounding up nominees with the help of travel experts and leaving it to readers to vote for the best options across the U.S.
Pennsylvania is the only state with three B&Bs represented on Newsweek’s Reader’s Choice list. Michigan, with two honorees, is the only other state with multiple destinations inside the top 10.
Here’s what you need to know about Pennsylvania’s acclaimed B&Bs, plus a look at the top-voted honorees from across the country.
Kane Manor Inn
Located in McKean County in north-central Pennsylvania, Kane Manor Inn checked in as the No. 4 historic B&B in the country, according to Newsweek voters. The Georgian Revival-style manor, built in 1896, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places for nearly four decades.
“This beautiful B&B offers accommodations atop the Allegheny Plateau with outstanding views of the national forest and countryside,” Newsweek wrote online.
The Kane Manor Inn features 15 decorated rooms with different themes, ranging from gardens and summer ambiance to Cape Cod and antiques. All guest rooms located within the mansion feature at least one queen-sized bed, air conditioning, cable television, private bathrooms and other amenities.
Other rooms are available in the inn’s guest house located across the street. These rooms were recently named to reflect nearby landmarks, such as Allegheny and Kinzua, with the latter referencing Kinzua Bridge State Park. Kane Manor Inn sits on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest.
To book a room or inquire about pricing, call 814-837-6522 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., the inn’s website says. You can also email the inn at kmi@kanemanorinn.com.
Historic Smithton Inn
This historic destination checked in as the No. 6 B&B in the country, according to Newsweek readers. The Historic Smithton Inn, located in Ephrata in Lancaster County, has operated as a B&B for decades and features a storied history.
“A beautiful colonial house built in 1763, the Historic Smithton Inn is now home to a bed and breakfast in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country,” Newsweek wrote. “Take a turn around the lovely garden before indulging in a delicious home-cooked breakfast each morning.”
This B&B features nine guest rooms and suites, each with unique themes and decorations. These rooms offer private bathrooms, sitting areas and desks and other amenities, including fireplaces or jetted bathtubs. One room, the Tailor’s Cottage, is suitable for guests traveling with pets.
According to the Historic Smithton Inn, the property has received plenty of renovations and upgrades over the last 15 years, including lengthy restoration projects and the conversion of a living room into a wine bar, plus expanded parking and a backyard fire pit. More modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, “robust and reliable” Wi-Fi and charging stations for electric vehicles.
The Historic Smithton Inn’s breakfast menu features cinnamon apple French toast, sausage and cheese frittatas, Italian quiches, fresh baked goods and homemade granola, among other offerings. Select offerings are available by request for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, according to the B&B’s website. According to the B&B’s website, many of its ingredients come from local farms and markets in the Lancaster area.
You can book a room at the Smithton and learn more about its offerings by visiting historicsmithtoninn.com or calling 717-733-6094. A quick glance at the B&B’s online scheduling tool shows most weekends in the near future are booked solid, but some rooms are available during the week for as low as around $140 per night.
The Thomas Bond House Bed-and-Breakfast
Found within Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, this four-story home now functions as a B&B just three blocks from Independence Hall. The home ranks as the No. 10 B&B in the country, according to Newsweek’s poll.
“Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, the Thomas Bond House, a beautifully restored example of Georgian Revival architecture, places guests in easy proximity to this city’s old-town attractions,” Newsweek wrote.
The Thomas Bond House features 12 guest rooms, each restored and decorated with “exquisite Federalist period furniture,” according to the B&B’s website. Some of the rooms’ namesakes include John Adams and William Penn.
Due to “the historic nature of the inn,” the Thomas Bond House does not accommodate children younger than 10, according to its website.
Visit thomasbondhousebandb.com or call 1-800-845-2663. Though most rooms are booked solid through the next few weekends, weekday rates start at around $200 per night, according to the B&B’s online scheduling tool.
The Thomas Bond House joined the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 1968. Its namesake, Dr. Thomas Bond, built the original parts of the residence in 1769. Though he worked as a surgeon and trustee for what would become the University of Pennsylvania, Bond is perhaps best known for helping establish the first public hospital in the U.S. alongside Benjamin Franklin.
The best historical bed-and-breakfasts
Here’s a brief look at the top 10 historical B&Bs across the country, according to Newsweek and its readers:
- Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Ludington, Mich.
- The Inn at Houmas House in Darrow, La.
- Laurium Manor Inn in Lauirum, Mich.
- Kane Manor Inn in Kane, Pa.
- Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast in Bardstown, Ky.
- Historic Smithton Inn in Ephrata, Pa.
- Captain Farris House in South Yarmouth, Mass.
- Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn in Denver, Colo.
- Dunleith Historic Inn in Natchez, Mo.
- Thomas Bond House Bed and Breakfast in Philadelphia, Pa.
You can read the full list online by visiting newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-historical-bb.
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