Bed and Breakfasts: 10 Etiquette Questions Answered

Connie Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania January 2, 2018April 2, 2018B&B etiquette, B&Bs, bed and breakfast, bed and breakfast etiquette, bed and breakfasts, goldmoor inn, Kingsley Inn, Kintner House Inn, market street inn, marmalade sky bed and breakfast, questions about bed and breakfasts, Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast, Seldom Scene Meadow B&B, Summers Riverview Mansion 7 Comments

I used to avoid staying in bed and breakfasts. The pictures I saw of them were lovely, but I wasn’t sure of the etiquette. Do I knock when I get there? How about every time we come and go? Will coming in late at night be a problem? Will we have to share a bathroom with other guests? (Please—no!)

Then I went on a press trip, and they assigned us to a bed and breakfast. Oh no! What to do? Everything worked out just fine that weekend. The beautifully decorated Victorian mansion included a Jacuzzi tub in every room, and we were the only guests staying there that night. Since then, bed and breakfasts have become one of our favorite types of accommodation, and we stay in them often.

If you have yet to stay at a B&B for any of the fears I had, fear no more. Here are answers to 10 questions you may have about staying in a bed and breakfast.

Who Says You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky January 1, 2014April 2, 2018Alton Hauntings Tour, Illinois attractions, Louisville Mega Cavern Zip Line, Natural Valley Ranch, Summers Riverview Mansion, Willis Tower Ledge 0 Comment

2013 was a year of learning for me, a year full of firsts. Fairly new to travel writing, having only begun to write regularly for Examiner.com in the fall of 2012, and having started my own Midwest Wanderer blog in May 2013, I went through the trials and tribulations that new technologies bring, and I’m still learning. Heavens knows I’ve made more than my share of social media blunders and I’m certain there will be more. But most of my firsts have been wonderful experiences in the exciting world of travel and travel writing. Here are some of them:

Stepped out onto the Willis Tower Ledge, with just a piece of glass between my feet and the ground 1,353 feet below, facing my fear of heights

Zip lined, underground no less, at the Louisville Mega Cavern, another challenge to my phobia

Went horseback riding at the Natural Valley Ranch, actually my second time on horseback but the first time in a downpour

Stayed in a bed and breakfast, the Summers Riverview Mansion

Experienced the paranormal (just a whiff of perfume, but it was unmistakable) on the Alton Hauntings Walking Tour

Attended a polo match at the Oak Brook Polo Club

Parasailed on the Mississippi and Kayaked on the Rock River. You’ll find out more about both this spring.

Besides all the firsts, I’ve discovered museums, theaters, shops, markets, parks, restaurants, wineries and more in small towns throughout the Midwest, many towns that I didn’t even know existed. But best of all are the people I’ve met, from tourism bureau reps and fellow travel writers to shop owners, museum curators, other travelers, so many more I’ve crossed paths with, and especially you, my readers.

I’m looking forward to more new experiences in 2014 and to sharing them with you, to help you in your search of great places to wander.

Happy New Year and safe travels.
Connie Reed
Midwest Wanderer

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Summers Riverview Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Metropolis IL: Elegant Comfort

Connie Illinois August 4, 2013April 2, 2018bed and breakfast illinois, bed and breakfast in illinois, hotels in metropolis il, Illinois bed and breakfast, metropolis bed and breakfast, Metropolis IL accommodations, metropolis il hotels, river view bed and breakfast, Southern Illinois Bed & Breakfasts, Summers Riverview Bed & Breakfast, Summers Riverview Mansion 0 Comment

Long before Metropolis, Illinois, was known as the home of Superman, the mansion graced the city. Prominent Metropolis residents built the home in 1889. In later years it served as a hospital and a retirement home. Today it is restored to sophisticated elegance and operates as the Summers Riverview Mansion bed and breakfast. We stayed at the Summers Riverview Mansion during our southern Illinois visit. It was our first stay in a bed and breakfast.