Lesbian-Owned Bed and Breakfasts

You can go east and find some unusual bed and breakfasts owned by lesbians featuring lush countrysides and private retreats.

Provincetown, Mass. is the most popular, of course, but there are others.

Some well-known gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) vacation spots like Rehoboth Beach and Key West are supported well by the lesbian community because they are women-owned.

There is the Highlands Inn in Bethelem, NH, which is the only lesbian-exclusive resort known to be very well operated. Filled with antiques and pet-friendly, it is dubbed a lesbian paradise and offers discounts each season. The 54-foot pool opens in early May and if you stay five or more nights you get reduced theatre tickets for the Weathervane Theatre. Or, if you go in the fall to see the famous foliage, you can get discounts in September and November though not October. There are free concerts offered, too and the 16th Annual Murder Mystery Weekend is Oct. 26-28 where the guests play suspects and victims.

For reservations, call 877-LES-B-INN.

Over in Boston, check out the Charles Street Inn, one of the town's fanciest and lushest small hotels in the center of royal Beacon Hill, a brief walk from Boston Common and close to boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The clientele is a mix of gay and straight and the rooms are known for the Victorian elegance in this luxurious bed and breakfast located at 94 Charles Street. The place was voted Best of Boston 2003 and 2005 by Boston Magazine. The nine guest rooms are named after famous Beacon Hill residents who made contributions to the arts.

For more information, call 877-772-8900.

The old house known as the Fairbanks Inn in Provincetown, dates back to 1776 and on cool days enjoy the parlor paper with 18th-century wallpaper and cozy up by the fireplace. The historical, romantic budget B & B has great views, and caters to a hip crowd and is near award-winning restaurants. Skiers will enjoy this atmosphere at this meticulously restored colonial inn that is one of America's most distinguished homes that is a 200-year-old colonial mansion.

"The Fairbanks Inn has to be the best place to stay in Provincetown," said Kerry Markey who stayed there.

Located at 90 Bradford Street, the phone number is 508-487-0386.

The Inn at Cook Street, also in Provincetown, is known for its guestrooms in an 1836 Greek Revival house where author Michael Cunningham wrote A Home at the End of the World. Decorated with antiques, contemporary pieces, flat-screen TVs, rich linens, and handy reading lights, the inn is owned by Lisa Feistel and Doreen Birdsell. The location is 7 Cook Street and they may be reached at 508-487-3894.

In Saratoga, NY lies Saratoga Farmstead nestled in a sophisticated, college town in a rambling late-18th century farmhouse and ran by Mariana DiToro and Rosemary Jensen. Located two-and-a-half miles from Saratoga Springs, it is in a different world so to speak. After renvoations, the kitchen/sunroom was moved to the center of the the house. You can get your exercise on the newly formed walking trails and there's plenty to do nearby from shopping to museums as well as enjoying the small cafes. Much of the breakfast you will eat at this B & B is produced from the property's organic garden. Lounge in the hammocks, enjoy the garden, or rest on the covered porches or open decks. This inn is known for its high ceilings and plenty of windows and the innkeepers have over 25 years of experience in hospitality and food service.

The bed and breakfast is located at 41 Locust Grove Road and may be phoned at 518-587-2074.