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An Impressive Bed and Breakfast Guest Register

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Written by Jane Leisteiner

Friday, 06 June 2008

by JaneLeisteiner

Lovers of nature and each other, Clark Gable and his wife, Carole Lombard, chose the Gold Mountain Manor for their romantic Honeymoon. Just a few hours drive from Hollywood, this Big Bear bed and breakfast has been an idyllic getaway for the rich and famous for years.

For those of us who frequent bed and breakfasts or country inns, the myriad of statesmen, writers, actors and other adorned personalities who once visited these places is one of many characteristics that makes the experience so unique.

For instance, guests staying at the opulent John Rutledge House Inn in Charleston, S.C., may proclaim not only that George Washington once dined there, but that first drafts of the U.S. Constitution were drawn up in the mansion's ballroom. The home's builder, John Rutledge, was no slouch himself in the context of American history. Rutledge, was not only a writer and signer of the Constitution, he also served as South Carolina's first governor and a Supreme Court justice. A stay at Rutledge's home is to experience a little piece of American history.

Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt both enjoyed a stayed at the Vichy Hot Springs Resort & Inn in Ukiah, Calif. The guest list also boasts famed writers such a Robert Lewis Stevenson, Mark Twain and Jack London. Today's guests stay in newer lodging, but can still soak in the same soothing mineral waters as presidents, writers and other famous folk have enjoy for more than 150 years.

It's not surprising that many an artist visited Hacienda del Sol, an 1810 adobe home located in Taos, N.M. Among the famous guests were Georgia O'Keefe, who painted here, and D.H. Lawrence. The home is a restful place, set among huge cottonwoods, blue spruce and Ponderosa pines, with an uninterrupted view of the mountains across 95,000 acres of Native American lands.

Named for a Civil War Veteran and four-term congressman, The Colonel Taylor Inn B&B and Gift Shop, has quite a list of historical guests. Its namesake is notable, as well. The Colonel fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg against General Lee, but advised his superior General Ambrose Burnside against the attack. Unfortunately, Taylor was correct and the Union troops suffered terrible losses during the attack. After the war, Taylor built this gracious home where he later hosted several presidents, such as William McKinley, James Garfield and Rutherford Hayes.

With its picturesque location and period dcor, history truly comes to life at The General Lewis, an 1834 Federal-style home now serving as a relaxing bed and breakfast. Among the notable guest book signers are Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. An authentic 19th-century stagecoach rests under an arbor, still looking as though it is ready to transport guests to hot springs on the James River.

Many of these historic hotels, bed & breakfasts and country inns would be worthy of interest and historic recognition even without the famous guests. But it's always nice for travelers to reminisce their journeys with the knowledge that George Washington did indeed once sleep here.

About the Author:

Jane Leisteiner has visited scores of B&Bs and loves writing about them. For more information on South Carolina bed and breakfast inns or Ohio bed and breakfasts, check out the American Historic Inns website.

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