First, let me confess that I know there are times when you just want simplicity, uniformity, normalcy and predictability. I get that. I really do. During our recent packing/moving/legal-paper-signing days, Steve and I stayed in a hotel for two nights. Yes, gasp, in CHAIN hotels. In both cases, we were dog-tired and just needed a comfortable, anonymous, place to stay. We were in no shape to be social. We just needed a good night’s sleep.

But, that was the exception. Generally, when we travel, we are there for the EXPERIENCE.  We WANT to find unexpected pleasures, and we WANT to meet the locals. We enjoy the quirks and the perks of bed and breakfast inns. In our opinion, we’d rather just stay home if we’re not going to learn, see, taste and feel something new. Does that make sense?  You are certainly welcome to voice your own opinion on the subject and your reasons for differing.  One I can think of right off the bat would be handicap accessibility. Most B & B’s don’t have elevators, and their architecture doesn’t lend itself to wheelchairs, etc. I understand that completely. But, if you are physically able, I urge you to be a curious, adventure collector. And, B & B’s can be a great place to try that mentality.

Are you going to be in the Seattle area in the future? Maybe a few days before or after an Alaskan cruise? The rest of the blog post will be very photo-heavy as I introduce you to a wonderful inn we found a ferry ride away from Seattle — Old Consulate Inn.  You can read some of the details in my articles for Trip101.com and MilesGeek.com, but here are more photos that might tempt you even further.

First let’s look at the views on the outside.

Entrance gate to Old Consulate Inn in Port Townsend, WA.

So many great places to sit and soak up the view.

The clock tower in the county courthouse across the street from the inn.

A view of Puget Sound from the wraparound porch.

More beautiful flowers.

A meticulously-landscaped yard.

Gazebo in the side yard with great views of the water.

Now, take a look at the rooms inside.

The front entry parlor inside the front door.

Notice the period wallpaper and furniture in this guest room.

A fun surprise on the front door.

An honor I didn’t expect but found to be true. 🙂

Another fun surprise hanging on our doorknob before bedtime every night.

Fresh fudge in a small basket attached to the guest room doorknob.

And, the star of the show??  BREAKFAST!!!

Innkeeper Cindy Madsen is also the breakfast chef who plans and prepares the scrumptious 3-course breakfasts served at 9:00 a.m. every morning.

A menu of the next morning’s breakfast.

Innkeeper Nathan Barnett, lover of history and the fine arts.

Grilled oranges with a sherry cake.

Eggs Benedict, a typical Sunday morning breakfast.

Lots of china, crystal and silver.

Fresh fruit with homemade muffins.

Egg blossoms with sausage.

Cherries Romania with pecans.

Check the inn’s website or book your stay on Booking.com.