These Florida Bed & Breakfast Getaways Offer Romance-Inspired Lodging (2024)

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Elizabeth Pointe Lodge Bed and Breakfast

We fell in love with Amelia Island on our first visit. Miles of white sand beaches dotted with cottages and resorts outline the island situated on the Atlantic Ocean in Northeast Florida. And, the once-vibrant, Victorian seaside town of Fernandina Beach is postcard perfect with its downtown shops and restaurants and stately historic homes.

While there are traditional Victorian bed and breakfasts located in the historic district of Fernandina Beach, one bed and breakfast in the area stands out for offering a different experience. The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge Bed and Breakfast is situated on the ocean, just steps from the beach. The main home is massive, reminiscent more of New England than Florida, constructed in an 1890s Nantucket Shingle-style, with wide porches and rockers. Inside guests find well-appointed, comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including private baths with over-sized soaking tubs and complimentary Wi-Fi. A full complimentary breakfast is served in the wall-to-wall windowed sunroom with a clear view of the ocean. Complimentary beach towels, chairs and umbrellas complete your beach vacation package.

You will never get bored on Amelia Island. When you've had enough of the beach (if that's even possible) you'll want to explore what the island has to offer. Besides enjoying superb shopping and dining in Downtown Fernandina Beach, discover the area's storied history by taking a romanticcarriage ridethrough historic Fernandina Beach, cruise the Amelia River, or trace the steps of those that have gone before during a walkingghost tour. History comes alive at Amelia Island Museum of History and at Fort Clinch State Park, both with outstanding interpreters. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a variety of activities — hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, sailing, golfing, horseback riding or unique eco-tours aboard a Segway®.

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Coombs House Inn

Apalachicola is part of what is often called Florida's Forgotten Coast and is situated along Apalachicola Bay in the southern portion of Florida's Panhandle, about an hour and half drive from Panama City, and just a short drive to St. George Island and the Gulf of Mexico. The maritime city's downtown shopping district is an eclectic mix of boutiques and seafood restaurants, noted for having some of the best oysters in the nation. In fact, the area's oysters are recognized by top chefs around the country.

When James N. Coombs, a wealthy sawmill owner, had this home built in 1905, it was the grandest in the area. Unfortunately, tragedy struck just six years later when a fire destroyed the attic and roof. The family moved to the Franklin Hotel, where Mrs. Coombs died ten days later — some say of a broken heart. Mr. Coombs died three weeks after that. Family members resided in the home for five decades and then the home was boarded up and left to ruin. Fortunately, its history didn't end there and this lovingly restored home is now an award-winning inn. It has been ranked as one of the top 30 inns in the country byTravel & Leisure.

Guests of the Coombs House Inn enjoy a turn-of-the-century ambiance along with modern touches — private baths in all rooms, cable television, free WiFi access, and telephone. Other amenities include robes, Starbucks coffee and spring water in all rooms, and some rooms have massage whirlpools, mini refrigerators, and private verandas. Accommodations are available for the handicapped. Besides the complimentary full breakfast, afternoon tea and cookies are served daily.

While it would be easy to spend your days in the quiet solitude of this lovely inn, there are several things to see and do in the area. Enjoy shopping and dining downtown or perhaps a sunset sail aboard the 58-foot Apalachicola Heritage. The Inn provides bicycles and picnics for exploring this unique seaside town. They also provide umbrellas and beach chairs if you decide to visit the wonderful white sand beaches of nearby St. George Island.

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Heron House

There is no other experience like Key West where the blend of tropical climate, beautiful sunsets, rich history, and an on-the-wild-side nightlife leave you relaxed and energized all at the same time. The same could be said perhaps about Key West's Heron House, located in the heart of its historic district. Unassuming from the street, once you step through the doorway of the restored hotel you'll find a fabulous retreat featuring beautiful detailing, including stained glass and intricate woodworking. An exotic orchid collection is set amid lush landscaping with private decks and patios for those romantic moments or when you simply need quiet seclusion.

Modern amenities make yourstay even moreenjoyable — private baths, cable TV, wireless Internet service, in-house robes, complimentary poolside continental breakfast, and wine and cheese on weekend nights.

Of course, this is Key West, so you'll want to explore your surroundings — from sunset celebrations to maritime museums, Hemingway's Home to his favorite hangout, to a sloppy Joe bar and everything in between!

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Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast

Melbourne Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean, sports some of the best surfing along Florida's East Coast. Its beaches — Ocean Park, Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, and Sebastian Inlet draw locals and big talent to the surf breaks.

Portd'HiverBed and Breakfast, a unique seaside retreat, is located in Brevard's oldest beach community — Ocean Park. Its neighborhood beach with a lifeguard on duty, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables, and grills is also home to the office ofEastern Surf Magazine. Portd'Hiveris everything you would want in a romantic getaway. Beautiful, luxurious rooms that are comfortable, yet elegant, although a little pricey.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.

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Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast

As the state's first Florida inland settlement, Micanopy (pronounced mick-can-oh'-pee) is often called "the little town that time forgot." It's a charming place, located in North Central Florida near Gainesville, where historic buildings line the streets and antiques and collectibles are plentiful. For over 30 years, one of Florida's most popular fall festivals is held in Micanopy during October each year.

Stately Herlong Mansion was initially built as a two-story cracker-style home, but early in the twentieth century, it was remodeled into the grand Greek Revival mansion that stands today. As a bed and breakfast, it features 10 guest rooms with private baths, a carriage house, and a cottage. Each room is uniquely designed and appointed with its own amenities. Guests will enjoy the perennial gardens and the views of the boulevard from the wide verandas. Guests may request special services, such as in-room massages or private five-course candlelight dinners. The home is also available for weddings and receptions.

When you're not enjoying the views from the verandas, you'll want to browse the numerous antique shops in town or enjoy live entertainment and some of the best catfish with crispy hush puppies atThe Yearling. In nearby Cross Creek findMarjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, where you can tour the famous author's simple house. Rawlings wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel,"The Yearling"on its front porch.

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Grandview Bed & Breakfast

About 40 minutes north of Orlando, is Mount Dora. A quaint little town known for its shopping — some say the best antique shopping in Florida. Its charming downtown is an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Just outside of town is Renninger's Twin Markets — one is a flea market and the other is for antiques and collectibles.

Historically known as the William Watt House, the Grandview Bed & Breakfast is teaming with character. The home was built in 1906 and still has the original windmill on site. The inn features many modern updates as well. Private bathrooms are attached to each of the five guest rooms, TV, free Wi-Fi, and central air are also standard. The Grandview also boasts a large saltwater pool, daily aerial yoga classes, and all-natural bath products.

The Grandview is located in the historic district of Mount Dora, within two blocks of the downtown. There are several narrated tours of the town that are perfect for getting to know the area. TheMount Dora Trolleyoffers 50-minute tours exploring the town's historic neighborhoods, a narrated round-trip train ride aboard the Inland Lakes Railway or spend the day on the chain of lakes surrounding Mount Dora aboard The Captain Doolittle, a luxury pontoon cruiser that offers food during the tour.

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Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast

Weirsdale is just southeast of Ocala, the heart of Florida's horse country. Enjoy sights unlike any place else in Florida — horses grazing contentedly amid gently rolling hills, towering oaks, and miles of white wooden fences that frame grand Thoroughbred horse farms.

The Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast is on the Marion County historic register as the Thomas B. Snook House. Situated at the top of a hill the home overlooks acres of land that once was a thriving citrus grove. The bed and breakfast has been featured in"Irresistible Overnights in Florida"and named one of Florida's "10 Cozy B&B's" by thePalm Beach Post.

The rooms are bright and interestingly decorated and the little yellow Victorian cottage would make the perfect honeymoon suite. Amenities include private baths, elegant breakfast, snacks, cable TV, wireless Internet, and a solar-heated swimming pool. Whirlpools are available in select locations.

Nearby you will find a handful of museums — Florida Carriage Museum, Appleton Museum of Art, Don Garlits Drag Racing & Antique Car Museums among others. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences at Ocala National Forest, Silver River State Park or hiking the Florida Greenway Trail. Of course, let's not forget one of Florida's oldest attractions,Silver Springs, where you can take a glass-bottomed boat ride.

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Casa de Suenos Bed & Breakfast

St. Augustine, America's oldest city, isFlorida's historic treasure. An ongoing effort to preserve and restore many historical structures from each of the centuries has included a seventeenth-century fortress, eighteenth-century buildings and sprawling giant architectural structures from thenineteenth-century when Henry Flagler launched the "Gilded Age" of hotels and railroads.

The city is full of relaxing bed & breakfasts that are perfect for a romantic weekend for two. Built in the early 1900s, as a private residence, Casa de Suenos stands out for its perfect location and Spanish charm. The inn has been masterfully renovated to with modern amenities, but guests still feel the history when they're inside. The inn's seven rooms are all distinct in design but offer private baths, guest robes, fresh flowers, and ceiling fans. Some rooms also offer private balconies and jetted garden tubs. A hearty buffet breakfast is included as well.

The central location of Casa de Suenos makes it just a short walk from many Old City attractions like Flagler College, Potter's Wax Museum, and the colonial quarter. For those wanting to venture outside of the Old City and enjoy some seaside relaxation, St. Augustine Beach is just across the Bridge of Lions right near the inn.