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2006 commemorated the 200-year anniversary of the Historic National Road, “America’s First Interstate”. In the early 19th Century, young America faced one of its first circulation challenges: how to link the people and cities along the Eastern seaboard to those on the frontiers west of the Allegheny Mountains. Conceived by George Washington, the road became a reality during Thomas Jefferson's administration in 1806. Today, the Historic National Road is a symbol of our nation's past, present and future and a focal point of the region's culture, history and tradition. Our Bed & Breakfast Tour lets you experience 200 years of history and wake up someplace special at one of our featured inns.
Though we have given an itinerary, you can start your Bed & Breakfast Tour anywhere along the route. Browse, explore history, shop and drive at your leisure, then wake up at one of BnBFinder.com's fabulous featured inns.
From St. Louis it is approximately 100 miles down the Historic National Road to Effingham, Illinois. For a meal before you arrive at the Martin Ranch, the innkeepers recommend Niemergs Steak House on W. Fayette Avenue. This favorite among Effingham locals has become the most popular restaurant in town. After a full day of exploring, you'll find just the comfort and hospitality you are craving at Martin Ranch (www.bnbfinder.com/MartinRanch) in Effingham. This fully operational ranch has a French Country style bed & breakfast home located on 100 beautiful acres. They offer all amenities that you would expect at a quality hotel and a kitchen that says, "welcome".
When it’s time to bid Innkeepers Newlin & Donna Martin good-bye, you may head to Indianapolis, IN where you'll be the guests at Stone Soup Inn (www.bnbfinder.com/StoneSoup). This family-owned-and-operated inn boasts the best in tradition of warm hospitality and personal service. Enjoy luxury accommodations and casually elegant dining. For those needing a boost of rejuvenation for the rest of their tour, spa services can be arranged with advance notice.
German Village Guesthouse
Awake refreshed for the longest stretch of road and fullest day of exploring: destination German Village Guesthouse (www.bnbfinder.com/GermanVillage). Located in the historic German Village of downtown Columbus, Ohio, the boutique hotel is convenient to restaurants, shops and galleries. Along the route is Indiana's famous Antique Alley (from Richmond to Knightstown), the birthplace of the original yard sale along the National Road in 2004, now boasting more than 900 antique dealers. The area is choc full of activities to enjoy. In Richmond, try lunch at Little Sheba's, where the locals eat. You'll find fabulous deli sandwiches in an atmosphere of an old historic grocery store with wood floors and tin ceilings.
On the fifth day you'll continue to the Wheeling, WV area and stay at Bonnie Dwaine Bed & Breakfast (www.bnbfinder.com/BonnieDwaine) in Glendale. Here you’ll enjoy Victorian style elegance joined with the convenience of modern amenities. Unique touches such as a candlelight gourmet breakfast are just some of the treats awaiting you.
Heading to Farmington, PA and the Quiet House B&B with Cottages (www.bnbfinder.com/QuietHouse) be sure to visit the many pottery shops along the way. History enthusiasts will not want to miss Fort Necessity and the historic sites in the quaint town of Hopwood. Have lunch at Caileighs Restaurant in Uniontown. For those looking to add some splash to their tour, ask the innkeepers for recommendations on where to go white water rafting, canoeing or kayaking.
Keep your eyes peeled for antique shops in Keyser's Ridge, MD before reaching Grantsville. While in Grantsville, have lunch at Penn Alps Restaurant & Craft Shop. This fun restaurant was founded by Mennonite women as a not-for-profit to support their Artisan Village. (If you’re lucky enough to be here Saturday nights enjoy the music at Penn Alps at 7:30PM). In Grantsville you’ll be the guests of The Stonebow Inn (www.bnbfinder.com/Stonebow). The inn offers a variety of stylish accommodations - from Victorian elegance in the restored 1870 Elliott House to rustic chic in the Blue Heron and Kingfisher cottages to European flare in the suites of the River House.
The segment of US 40 from Grantsville to Baltimore can take up to 6 hours to drive if you stay on the Historic National Road. Alternate routes would include Interstate 68, also a scenic byway, or Interstate 70. If you do decide to take the highway to speed your trip don’t be tempted to leave the National Road until you’ve passed Little Orleans. Between Grantsville and Little Orleans there are beautiful winding roads with rolling hills offering some of the most pristine scenery.
This itinerary leaves off in Baltimore, MD where there are many fine Baltimore Bed & Breakfast Accommodations such as Abacrombie Fine Food and Accommodations (www.bnbfinder.com/Abacrombie) offering elegant lodging and fine dining in the heart of Baltimore’s Cultural Center and near the Inner Harbor or at Scarborough Fair B&B (www.bnbfinder.com/Scarborough) in the historic Federal Hill neighborhood.
Total Estimated Distance: 854 miles
Estimated City to City Milage:
Saint Louis to Effingham: 106 miles
Effingham to Indianapolis: 150 miles
Indianapolis to Columbus: 177 miles
Columbus to Glen Dale: 133 miles
Glen Dale to Farmington: 95 miles
Farmington to Grantsville: 30 miles
Grantsville to Baltimore: 163 miles
Additional Places to Stay:
Napoleon's Retreat Bed & Breakfast Inn (Saint Louis, MO)
A Park Avenue Mansion... A Bed & Breakfast Inn (Saint Louis, MO)
Casa Magnolia Bed and Breakfast (Saint Louis, MO)
Old Northside Bed and Breakfast (Indianapolis, IN)
Renata's Bed & Breakfast (Indianapolis, IN)
Ivy House Bed and Breakfast (Fortville, IN)
Alexandra's B&B (London, OH)
Colonel Taylor Inn B&B and Gift Shop (Cambridge, OH)
Pine Lakes Lodge B&B Resort & Conference Center (Salesville, OH)
Georgian Pillars B & B (Barnesville, OH)
Inne at Watson's Choice Bed and Breakfast (Uniontown, PA)
Hartzell House Bed and Breakfast (Addison, PA)
Stoney Creek Farm (Boonsboro, MD)
Wayside Inn (Ellicott City, MD)
Pintita (Baltimore, MD)