By: Sherifat A. Mohammed 

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As the new year begins, many of us are getting back in the groove–work, family, bills and rewind and start the process all over again. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to make time to recharge, rest and relax or if you plan on saving money this year but still want a vacation, how about trying a bed and breakfast.  

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What are Bed and Breakfasts?

Bed and Breakfasts, also known as B&Bs, are a charming and intimate alternative to large hotels, offering travelers a blend of personalized service, unique accommodations, and a home-cooked start to their day. While B&Bs as we know them today have gained popularity in recent decades, their origins date back centuries and are deeply rooted in the tradition of hospitality.

The modern concept of a B&B emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in Europe and the United States. In Britain, the term “bed and breakfast” became popular in the 1920s and 1930s as private homeowners began renting out spare rooms to travelers seeking affordable accommodations. The economic hardships of the Great Depression also led many families to open their homes to generate extra income.

After World War II, the concept of the B&B gained popularity as post-war economic recovery spurred leisure travel. Europe, especially the United Kingdom, saw an increase in small family-run establishments catering to tourists. The idea soon spread to the United States, where similar lodgings offered travelers a homey alternative to motels and hotels.

The 1980s and 1990s marked a significant transformation for B&Bs. With the rise of leisure travel and the desire for unique experiences, B&Bs became more than just a budget-friendly option. Many began to offer luxurious accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, and themed interiors to attract a growing market of discerning travelers.

Organizations and directories dedicated to B&Bs also emerged during this time, making it easier for travelers to find and book stays. The rise of the internet in the late 1990s revolutionized the industry, allowing s

Today, B&Bs are a global phenomenon, catering to travelers seeking everything from rustic charm to high-end luxury. The industry has diversified, with options ranging from cozy countryside cottages to urban boutique inns. Many modern B&Bs emphasize unique experiences, such as historical settings, farm-to-table meals, and personalized service.

The advent of platforms like Airbnb has further expanded the concept, enabling homeowners worldwide to offer bed-and-breakfast-style stays. Traditional B&Bs maintain a distinction with their focus on professional service and curated experiences.

Here are three B&Bs that you should consider trying: 

1). The Peach House- Atlanta, GA 

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The Peach House Bed & Breakfast, built in 1901, offers the perfect blend of old world charm with modern amenities and is located in Inman Park. This B&B is one of the few black-owned in the country. The Peach House has beautiful common areas and comfortably furnished, spacious guest rooms. You can expect a contactless breakfast and your favorite snack anytime. They have been accepting guests since 2006 and they are also family run.

2). Urban Oasis Bed and Breakfast- Atlanta, GA 

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According to their website this B&B is “a delightful combination of old and new, the Urban Oasis was originally a cotton sorting mill dating back to 1950.”  The building was bought in 1998 and converted into work lofts.  The Bed and Breakfast is also located in  Inman Park and the Old Fourth Ward, within walking distance of great restaurants, bars, shops, and parks.  The Urban Oasis utilizes the  Atlanta Beltline Eastside trail as their backdrop.

The Urban Oasis can accommodate up to eight guests. There is a suite with a bed and bath upstairs and a sitting room with large flat-screen tv and desk area downstairs. There is another room upstairs with its own connected bath, and there is an easily accessible room downstairs in a private hall with a semi-private bath across the hall. The rooms are all decked out with comfy queen-sized beds with fabulous linens. Everyone raves about how pampered they feel and how well they sleep when they stay at the Urban Oasis.

3). Stockbridge Lakes bed and Breakfast- Stockbridge, GA 

This B&B is located less than 30-minutes south of Atlanta, in Stockbridge, GA. They boost about being far enough away from the hustle and bustle that you can relax and unwind in your own time. You can enjoy a stroll among their landscaped gardens or relax in an inviting front parlor with a tranquil sleeping porch. 

You can commemorate a special occasion, or host a private business meeting and/or retreat. Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast is also a wedding venue. Their elegant bed and breakfast features 3 beautiful rooms on main level and 1 one-bedroom apartment-style retreat on lower level, which all have a private bath, modern feel and southern charm balanced throughout with chic room-specific decor.  They also provide fresh home-cooked and locally sourced southern-style breakfast or beautiful breakfast baskets perfect for in-room or outdoor dining. You can also enjoy their 24 hour hospitality area with complimentary afternoon snacks and refreshing beverages. 

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B&Bs have carved out a unique niche in the lodging industry, offering guests not just a place to stay, but an experience to remember. Whichever one you decide to relax at, it will be worth it.

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