Bed and Breakfasts - Find Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates and B&B Lodging

2006 commemorates 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. Throughout 2006 many events have been scheduled to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Historic National Road. 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 1410 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 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".

Stone Soup Inn

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. 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.

Greenleaf House

Awake refreshed for the longest stretch of road and fullest day of exploring: destination Greenleaf House in Columbus, Ohio. 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.

Bonnie Dwaine Bed & Breakfast

On the fifth day you'll continue to the Wheeling, W VA area and stay at Bonnie Dwaine Bed & Breakfast 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.

The Quiet House B&B with Cottages

Heading to Farmington, PA and The Quiet House B&B with Cottages 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.

Stonebow Inn

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 Stonebow Inn. 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.

Abacrombie Fine Food and Accommodations

This itinerary leaves off in Baltimore, MD where there are many fine Baltimore Bed & Breakfast Accommodations such as Abacrombie Fine Food and Accommodations 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 in the historic Federal Hill neighborhood.

Featured Inn Discounts:

Mention the Historic National Road Tour when making your reservation and receive a special discount at the following Featured Inns:

Martin Ranch in Effingham, IL - Save 10%
Greenleaf House in Columbus, OH - Save 15%

Other Events Commemorating the Bicentennial of the Historic National Road:

June 15-July 31: “Along the National Road” – a major photo exhibit. City of Englewood, Ohio Government Center. Grand-opening lecture by Sylvia Miller, National Road Historian, Friday, June 23rd.

September 18-28: Historic National Road Antique Car Tour. Antique car owners will have the opportunity to drive the entire Historic National Road from the famous Eads Bridge over the Mississippi River in East St. Louis to Cumberland, Maryland, where the historic commission started building the road with federal funds in the early 19th Century!

May 30-June3, 2007: Yard Sale Days! Annual yard sale along 824 miles of the National Road.