B & B My Valentine
Get swept off your feet
It’s a dream in which your true love sweeps you away to a luxurious inn, brings you a glass of wine, then hangs on your every word the next morning over a gourmet breakfast someone else prepared. No time to go out of town, you say. No problem. Wilmington boasts its share of elegant inns.
Local innkeepers said increasing numbers of couples opt for “staycations,” capturing a special night or weekend right here in Wilmington, and they have created Valentine’s Day specials to make it easy. Minimum stays vary for weekdays and weekends, so ask when making reservations. (February 14 falls on Tuesday this year).
Here’s a list to post on the refrigerator door—in case your special someone needs a subtle hint.
Graystone Inn
Description: This inn made the American Historic Inn’s list of “Top 10 Most Romantic Inns in the U.S.,”and meets the high standards for listing in the Select Registry: Distinguished Inns of North America. Built in 1905 as the “Bridgers Mansion,” the home appears in film and television shows. Some rooms have fireplaces, while all include elegant furnishings, an early morning coffee bar on the second floor and a full-served breakfast in the dining room.
Cost: Weekend room rates range from $199-$379 per night; weekdays from $169-$279. Package prices vary. Call for pricing.
Address: 100 South Third Street
Phone: (910) 763-2000
Innkeepers: Rich and Marcia Moore
The Verandas
Description: Shipyard owner, Benjamin Beery, built this exquisite 8,500-square-foot Victorian Italianate home in 1853. It features period furnishings, corner rooms, wide verandas and award-winning gardens. Snack throughout the day from the Butler’s Pantry, sip wine at five in the evening and wake each morning to a full gourmet breakfast.
Specials: On Valentine’s Day 15 years ago, the inn opened for business. Couples who were married on Valentine’s Day 15 years ago receive a free night this February 14. Those who purchase two nights get the third night free all month.
Cost: Weekend rates range from $189-$269 per night; weekdays from $169-$249.
Address: 202 Nun Street
Phone: (910) 251-2212
Innkeepers: Dennis Madsen and Charles Pennington
Front Street Inn
Description: Arched windows, maple floors and 14-foot ceilings, which are features of the original Salvation Army building, now highlight the inn’s eclectic style. Unique suites such as, the Monet and the Hemingway, come complete with robes and fresh flowers. The Sol y Sombra Bar and Breakfast Room, where healthful breakfasts appear in the morning and wine in the afternoon, illustrates the merging of styles.
Specials: Three spa packages include combinations of champagne, strawberries dipped in chocolate, massages, milled soaps and bath salts, robes or dinner gift certificates.
Cost: Weekend room rates range from $169-$239 per night; weekdays from $139-$189. Spa packages are an additional $100-$350.
Address: 215 South Front Street
Phone: (800) 336-8184 or (910) 762-6442
Innkeepers: Richard and Polly Salinetti
C. W. Worth House
Description: The longest operating inn in the historic district, this home built by a wholesale merchant in 1893, exemplifies the Queen Anne style. The inn earned a 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently receiving “excellent” ratings from guests. Amenities may include rosemary and goat cheese bread pudding at breakfast, fair trade coffee and claw foot tubs in some rooms.
Specials: With a two-night stay, receive a bottle of champagne, locally made bon bons and two tickets for the horse and carriage ride through historic Wilmington.
Cost: Rates range from $144-$184 weekends and weekdays. The Valentine Special is included in regular room rates throughout February.
Address: 412 South Third Street
Phone: (800) 340-8559 or (910) 762-8562
Innkeepers: Margi and Doug Erickson
