Monday, January 26, 2009

Lincoln Bedroom Booked? Try These "White House" Vacations Instead

By Jane Leisteiner

If you would like to enjoy the fanfare surrounding the inauguration of President Obama, but are pretty sure that an invitation to stay at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is not headed for your mailbox, don't fret. There are plenty of other unique "White Houses," that will be happy to take you in and pamper you. Here are some of the choices.

Located in the southern Appalachian mountains in Ducktown, Tenn., the White House Bed and Breakfast offers plenty of country comfort and historic ambiance. There are three guest rooms, each with its own private bath. The innkeepers, who have been welcoming guests for more than 16 years, prepare a hearty country breakfast each morning for their guests. Their restored Victorian gem is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as is the entire village of Ducktown. The area is famous for its copper mining, as well as for its abundance of outdoor activities. There are three TVA lakes nearby, as well as the Ocoee River, offering boating, fishing, whitewater rafting and much more.

A wraparound veranda and a stained-glass window featuring a lone star and the state of Texas are among the unique architectural features you will find at the Texas White House in Fort Worth. The early 20th-century home is just five minutes from downtown Fort Worth, and close to shops, restaurants, museums and other area attractions. Each of the guest rooms has been decorated individually, and boasts either a whirlpool or clawfoot tub. A full, gourmet breakfast is served each morning, as well as afternoon snacks. You can even book a relaxing, in-room massage.

Port Jefferson, a charming village on the north shore of Long Island, is the location of yet another presidential bed and breakfast. The White House on High Street includes three elegant guest rooms, each named in honor of a famous first lady. The Jacqueline Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt suites include both a fireplace and whirlpool tub. The Edith Wilson Suite includes a king bed and a unique little fireplace. The innkeepers serve a gourmet breakfast each morning, and offer plenty of amenities. The game room offers a pool table, puzzles and board games as well as a computer for guest use. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the inn, as well. The grounds boast gardens, a heated swimming pool and a 12-person hot tub.

To find out more about these unique inns, go to iLoveInns.com. This website is the perfect source for bed and breakfast enthusiasts, offering detailed listings, including maps and photographs, to more than 19,000 unique country inns, B&Bs and boutique hotels. Easy-to-print gift certificates also are available on the website, a perfect gift solution. Thousands of lodgings participate in the gift certificate program, so it's never been easier to treat a friend or family member to a relaxing B&B getaway.

In addition, iLoveInns also offers a special guidebook, "Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns." This excellent travel reference includes a buy-one-night-get-one-night-free certificate that can be used at any one of the 1,400 inns or B&Bs listed. The guide lists properties in all 50 states, as well as in Canada. With all of the recent economic woes, this is an excellent way to enjoy a special getaway without all of the expense. - 16492

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