Hit Your Baseball Vacation Out of the Park at One of These Ace Bed and Breakfasts
Baseball season is back! There is nothing better than hearing the crack of the bat on a long warm summer night as you watch the game with some friends and share refreshments. Instead of viewing it on TV, why not get off your couch and see one of America’s favorite pastimes firsthand at one of the celebrated stadiums steeped in tradition? While you are at it, you can stay at a B&B that has just as much history as some of these treasured parks because nothing beats seeing a great win front and center, except maybe a home-run experience in hospitality.
Feel Welcome at Wrigley Field
Located in Chicago, IL, Wrigley Field is one of America’s oldest baseball stadiums – and is also one of the most unique. Known for its ivy covered walls, Wrigley has been home to the Cubs since 1916. As the site of momentous sports moments such as Babe Ruth’s called shot and Pete Rose’s 4,191st career hit, which tied him with Ty Cobb for the most hits in baseball history, Wrigley Field should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list.
Where to stay: Located 12 miles away down US-41, the Welcome Inn Manor (www.BnBFinder.com/WelcomeInnManor) is an ideal spot to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer. From Buddy Guy’s Legends, which features the finest blues experience and Cajun soul food in town, to the nearby Museum Campus that includes Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained long after the last pitch is thrown. The inn itself features a fireplace in the common area for you to enjoy your complimentary hot breakfast, free morning drop-offs anywhere in the city to get your sightseeing started and beds with handmade covers, 6 pillows and 600 thread count bed linens.
You Won’t Strike Out at Fenway Park
Home of the famous Green Monster since 1912, Fenway Park in Boston, MA is America’s oldest baseball stadium. Come see the Red Sox play and sing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” with the Fenway Faithful. From Carlton Fisk waving his famous homerun shot fair on two bad knees in the bottom of the 12th, to Sox great Ted Williams being brought out to the mound to cheers and tears during the 70th All-Star Game, there is no shortage of great moments in Boston lore that you can relive here.
Where to stay: Standing in stark contrast to the busy streets of Boston, the Hawthorne Inn Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/Hawthorne) provides visitors with an intimate country escape, while being situated only 30 minutes from the park. From the gorgeous antique furnishings, to the free Wi-Fi, to the complimentary breakfast and welcoming coffee/tea tray at check-in, innkeepers Gregory and Marilyn spare no expense at making their guests feel as welcome as possible.
Put it in Play at Camden Yards
Considered to be one of the most gorgeous fields in all of baseball, Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD has been the centerpiece to some of baseball’s most famous moments. It was at this stadium that Cal Ripken Jr.’s impressive streak of 2,632 consecutive games came to an end and Ken Griffey Jr. hit the nearby B&O Warehouse with a mammoth 465-foot shot during the 1993 Home Run Derby.
Where to stay: A short 13-minute drive east of Camden Yards will lead you directly to the Blue Door on Baltimore Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/BlueDoor), a historic row house near the Inner Harbor. Take in the view of Baltimore and the harbor from your private balcony, or soak in your own luxury bath which includes a claw-foot soaking tub for the ultimate de-stressing experience. Weekdays feature a continental breakfast with a made-to-order specialties menu, while breakfast on weekends includes a three-course grand meal and early-morning coffee with continental selections.
Bring Your Glove to Busch Stadium
Although its history is short, Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO has seen plenty of memorable moments. Its inaugural season in 2006 saw the hometown Cardinals beat the Detroit Tigers in 5 games to win the World Series (what a way to open a new home!). This was soon followed up by another World Series win in 2011. Sandwiched between these two events was when newly elected President Barack Obama threw out the first pitch of the 2009 All-Star Game. This modern baseball marvel has already made its mark on baseball history forever.
Where to stay: The Lodge at Grant’s Trail (www.BnBFinder.com/GrantsTrail), located 12 minutes south via 1-55 S, is a quiet, rustic log cabin retreat perfect for any guests looking for a soothing getaway. Guestrooms are complete with fireplaces, full bathrooms and are uniquely decorated with their own special detailing. Situated 10 minutes from Downtown St. Louis, The Lodge at Grant’s Trail offers a variety of activities for travelers who can take advantage of the city’s shopping and fine dining. Being so close to the St. Louis Riverfront gives guests a chance to partake in a number of outdoor adventures as well.
Sleep Safe and Sound Near Safeco Field
The Mariners have been known to bring in some of the best talent baseball has ever seen into their home at Safeco Field in Seattle, WA. From watching Ichiro break the 84-year-old single season hits record of 258 on October 1, 2004, to Felix Hernandez’s Perfect Game on August 15, 2012, Safeco has had its fair share of young and gifted ballplayers grace its diamond.
Where to stay: A seven-minute drive from Safeco Field, the Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/SleepingBulldog) is a modern inn that offers amenities such as flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers and iHome radios. A microwave and free popcorn are also available to guests who would like to stay in after a day at the ballpark. Innkeeper Korby Kencayd knows the Seattle area very well, as he is a retired transit operator, and can offer his wealth of knowledge about the region to any guest looking to plan an Emerald City excursion.
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About The Author: Matt LoDolce is as an Account Executive for BnBFinder.com, one of the world’s most comprehensive B&B directories. You can read more about B&Bs and travel at the BnBFinder blog. Follow along on Twitter at @BnBFinder, Facebook, Pinterest and Google+.
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Image Source: Wikimedia Commons, BnBFinder.com
