American History goes down easy with a roaring fire, beer on tap, outrageously good meals and a comfy-cozy bed at night. Or while savoring rapturous water views and food for thought.
The following Historic Hotels and experiences allow you to step back in time within the halls and cabins of our nation’s builders and strivers.
Stay overnight where the spirits of those who fought in the American Revolution, fended off hostile neighbors, shipped felled trees, instituted a summer camp for intellectuals, worked on the first computers, and more, can still be felt.
Top Historic Hotels (and One Historic Ship)
Colonial Inn (1716)–Concord MA
For travelers seeking an authentic American History overnight, there’s no better place to bed down in Concord Massachusetts than Concord’s Colonial Inn and Tavern, which was standing here on the first day of the American Revolutionary War.
The oldest of the inn’s original three structures, now the front desk and gift shop, dates back to 1716. It was an arms and provisions storehouse for the local militia, most likely accessed for the “Shot Heard Around the World,” that happened less than a mile away.
Red Fox Inn and Tavern (1726)–Middleburg VA
The Red Fox Inn is one of the oldest and finest inns in the country – established in 1728. So it’s not hard to imagine Bold Faced Names like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy overnighting here during fox-hunting seasons long ago.
While the restaurant and several rooms are located right on Main Street, most guest rooms are scattered in cottages a block from the busy intersection – where you can stay quietly in lap-of-horse-country luxury.
Inn at Springfield Manor (1774)–Thurmont MD
Ten miles north of Frederick MD, this compound on a hill surrounded by farmland encompasses a Winery, Distillery, Brewery, Lavender Field, and Manor House. As such, Inn @ Springfield Manor is a wildly popular venue for weddings.
The Johnson Brothers, who owned the nearby Ironworks that turned out cannonballs and armaments for the American Revolution, built the manor in 1774. In 2015 it opened as a B&B.
Griswold Inn (1776)–Essex CT
Before the ink was dry on our Declaration of Independence, and while American’s first warship, the Oliver Cromwell was launched down the street in June 1776, the Griswold Inn, known locally as “The Griz,” welcomed its first guest.
It is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the United States, and has been in the hands of only six owners in 245 years. Rooms are beautifully redone, burnished wood floors, area rugs, four-poster beds and nautical art.
Penn-Wells Hotel (1869)–Wellsboro PA
Philadelphia Inquirer called the Penn-Wells Hotel the “Gem of the Lincoln Highway,” in the 1920’s. Tourist-friendly Wellsboro PA became a hot spot for New Yorkers. They’d take the 9:30 am bus from the Waldorf Astoria and arrive at the Penn Wells in time for dinner at 6:30pm.
Corning Glass Works, then located in town, began making Christmas Bulbs in the 1940’s. During a company dinner, in 1946, executives unveiled an American Flag made from 1,438 bulbs. It still stands in the Penn-Wells lobby.
Schooner Stephen Taber (1871)–Sails from Rockland ME
OK, so the Windjammer Stephen Taber is not a “hotel” – per se. But it is a Lodging of sorts – and a Mid-Coast Maine National Historic Landmark.
The 115 ft. schooner was built in Glen Head, Long Island NY in 1871 (“when Grant was President”). It hauled lumber and other natural resources from Maine islands to the mainland.
Owner/Captain Noah Barnes resists modern updates, like an inboard engine. Thus, The Schooner Stephen Taber is the oldest most authentic documented vessel in continuous service in the US. The experience of sailing for 5 – 7 days around these undeveloped islands, complete with onboard 5-star dining and wine pairing, is transformative.
Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua Institution (1881)–Chautauqua NY
Established in 1874, The Chautauqua Institution served as a retreat from “everyday life” for Methodist Sunday School teachers. Since then, this 9-week-long summer learning/recreational village has grown into a multi-faith lakefront resort, with fine and performing arts, classical and rock concerts, lectures by stellar politicians, scientists, academics, religious figures, and visionaries, movies, recreation, and so much more.
Stay in history at the 1881 Athenaeum Hotel. While checking in, note the room occupancy board behind the reception desk installed by light bulb inventor, Thomas Alva Edison. Edison married Mina Miller, daughter of a Chautauqua Founder, Lewis Miller. A devoted son-in-law, Edison was personally involved with the Institution.
Deerfield Inn (1884)–Historic Deerfield MA
The Deerfield Inn, first opened in late 1800’s to lodge parents of Deerfield Academy Students, continues to update and refresh rooms. All without messing with its charming Colonial atmosphere.
If you intend to explore the homes and museums of Historic Deerfield, why restrict your trip to just one day? This historic hotel is the opportune place to luxuriate overnight. Right across the street from the Visitor’s Center, you can have a leisurely breakfast and get there exactly when it opens at 9:30am.
Traditions at the Glen (1918)–Johnson City NY (near Binghamton)
Traditions was first built in 1918 as a private residence for Eliot Spalding, Treasurer of the Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory. The Kalurah Shriners purchased the estate in 1925. They built the original 9-hole golf course and turned the mansion into a Masonic clubhouse.
Subsequently, IBM acquired the building and 430 surrounding acres. The company transformed the campus into what was then referred to as the “IBM Homestead.” It served as corporate retreat, with 40 guest rooms, for employees and customers.
In fact, IBM CEO, Tom Watson Sr. hung his hat by the front door and then strode right over to customers. He’d ask their opinions and advice about new IBM products.
Hawthorne Hotel (1925)–Salem MA
Back in 1925, Salem MA required a hotel swanky enough for clients of the Hy-Grade Electric Co. (which became Sylvania). The resulting Hawthorne Hotel, built by money raised raised by Public Stock Offering, is now a member of Historic Hotels of America.
You’ll find brass chandeliers, flat screen TV’s and luxury bedding in antique-filled rooms. In the morning, soft classical music plays while you sip coffee on overstuffed lobby chairs.
