Twenty-four inns, beds and breakfast, and boutique hotels across the country are banding together to encourage travelers to go it alone, fill their tanks, and seize the season. Some of the participating inns are in the Midwest, including Minnesota, Missouri, and Michigan.
“If this year has taught us anything, it’s that happiness is a choice,” said Al Heminger, owner of the Huron House Bed and Breakfast and The Hotel Saugatuck, both in Michigan. “Now is the time to write your own story – and make it beautiful, because it certainly will be memorable.”
Across the U.S., as the pandemic continues to affect everyday life, small businesses, like the independent lodging industry, has felt the financial impact.
This new promotion aims to forge a connection with regional travelers, offer a respite from being stuck at home, and provide a safe place where they can create a joyful impression of their holiday – using only one tank of gas, round trip.
Every inn participating in the A Very Drivable Holiday campaign is offering a free gift to guests who check-in between Dec. 1-31. These gifts include everything from complimentary glasses of wine with keepsake glasses to homemade holiday cookies, kettle corn, honey, and bath bombs. Every morning, seasonal breakfasts will have an added holiday twist, too. All properties will prominently feature holiday décor.
Midwest inns & B&Bs participating in this holiday campaign
As soon as I read the press release, I crossed my fingers and hoped there was a Hallmark movie-worthy inn in Nebraska that was participating. Alas, no. But, there are a few that are drivable from Omaha, plus a few that might be closer to some of my more distant readers.
I have the properties listed from the places closest to Omaha to the furthest.
1. Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast and Adventure
Where: Wabasha, Minn.
Distance from Omaha: 385 miles
What: A complimentary drink each night for holiday guests at the Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast and Adventure; as well as complimentary homemade bath/shower bombs, to use or keep as a memento.
Add on various experiences for a fee, like a to-go snack for a visit to the National Eagle Center, a ride on the LARK Toys carousel, or hoppy hour at the Back Alley Brewing Co. (the inn’s onsite brewpub) complete with pizza and ice cream for two.
2. Tuxedo Park STL Bed & Breakfast Inn
Where: Webster Groves, Mo.
Distance from Omaha: 425 miles
What: A complimentary glass of wine and holiday sugar cookies greet holiday guests at the Tuxedo Park STL Bed & Breakfast Inn. Originally a non-denominational meeting place in the 1890s, the inn has restored the sanctuary look and feel, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Architectural walking tours leave from just outside the property. Neighborhood homes light up the streets with their vast holiday trimmings. Add on packages include bedtime snacks and a personal holiday happy hour platter with choices from an extensive list.
3. A G Thomson House Bed and Breakfast
Where: Duluth, Minn.
Distance from Omaha: 530 miles
What: Complimentary cookies, cider and hot chocolate are waiting for holiday guests at the AG Thomson House. Add on a Bubbly Breakfast Delivery for a nominal fee.
4. The Hotel Saugatuck
Where: Saugatuck, Mich.
Distance from Omaha: 590 miles
What: Holiday guests will enjoy complimentary in-room evening dessert at The Hotel Saugatuck. Located on Michigan’s Arts Coast, guests will want to explore the many art galleries that dot the town. Add on many different shared experiences in the comfort of your luxurious room, like chocolate-dipped strawberries and Prosecco.
5. The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast of Ludington
Where: Ludington, Mich.
Distance from Omaha: 690 miles
What: Holiday guests will be gifted a half dozen freshly-baked holiday cookies upon arrival at The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast of Ludington. Add on the Christmas & Cocoa Moment for a small fee. It includes a creamy hot-cocoa mix with peppermint and marshmallows, half a dozen chocolates, two handmade keepsake pottery mugs, and an artisan holiday soy candle.
6. Huron House Bed and Breakfast
Where: Oscoda, Mich.
Distance from Omaha: 845 miles
What: A complimentary evening dessert is offered at the Huron House Bed and Breakfast. Add on a two-hour private star-gazing igloo experience for an additional fee as well as various in-room experiences, like champagne, blooms, and more.
Cozy Inns, B & Bs Near Omaha
I think the drives to some of the B&Bs mentioned above (OK, all of them) is a bit too much for me. So, I checked some of the bed and breakfasts closer to Omaha to see if they had anything special planned.
Bakers Bed & Breakfast
Where: Blair, Neb.
Distance from Omaha: 30 miles
What: There isn’t a special holiday offering, though I hear you can always expect tasty oatmeal cookies waiting for you in your room at Bakers. There are some add-ons you can arrange for including a charcuterie tray, flowers, or a birthday celebration.
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast
Where: Nebraska City, Neb.
Distance from Omaha: 45 miles
What: Whispering Pines seems to have a special package for everything, so I’m surprised I didn’t find a holiday option. Still, they offer a celebration package, with wine and an assortment of food to go with it. It looks like a great add-on to a getaway.
Plan the whole weekend: Read 10+ Best Things To Do In Nebraska City.
The Oakwood Inn
Where: Spirit Lake, Iowa
Distance from Omaha: 210 miles
What: While I’ll always think of the Okoboji as a summer destination, there are B&Bs like The Oakwood Inn open year-round. The Oakwood Inn usually has a Christmas Tea event every Friday in December. While they are by reservation only, those beautiful decorations stay up for the whole season.
Note: I’m not sure if these are planned for 2020, and if they are, what the restrictions are.
