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Elegant & Romantic Getaways Along the Seaway Trail

In this information over-loaded, hurry up and wait world we all seem destined to endure, we owe it to ourselves (and the ones we love) to get away from it all every so often. “Plan a great date,” recommends psychologist Dr. Joy Brown to those who call her syndicated radio show for advice on how to put the spark back into their relationships. Whatever the occasion, the bed and breakfasts and country inns along the Seaway Trail are just what the doctor ordered. Private, quiet, luxurious and unique, they provide the perfect setting for retreating from the busy world. So, ask him or her to free up a weekend, get a baby-sitter and relax at one (or more) of these romantic Seaway Trail getaways.

The William Seward Inn: The romantic charm of the William Seward Inn in southern Chautauqua County is sure to please all who stay here. Period antiques and oriental rugs adorn the former home of Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State. Situated on a hillside just outside Westfield, visitors are treated to a majestic view of Lake Erie five miles to the west. Breakfast includes fresh fruits, muffins, and a choice of several mouth watering entrees such as Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Tarragon and Four Cheeses. Dinners are served by reservation only Wednesday through Sunday at a prix fixe from an inspired menu that changes seasonally. Ask about their Murder Mystery, International Food & Wine, and Women's Escape weekends as well as other special occasions. During your visit enjoy local wineries, antique shops, several miles of hiking trails, xc skiing, and world-renowned Chautauqua Institution. Debbie and Jim Dahlberg, William Seward Inn, 6645 South Portage Road, Westfield, NY 800-338-4151.

Brookside Manor: A red brick Gothic Victorian mansion circa 1875 is the setting for the Brookside Manor Bed & Breakfast just outside Fredonia, NY. The spacious grounds are a mix of woods, rolling lawn, gardens and a quiet, secluded picnic spot by the spring-fed brook. Andrea spent several years as a catering chef and her breakfasts are worthy of the lovely surroundings: seasonal fruits, cranberry scones, fruited pancakes, and entrees such as the house specialty, Belgian waffles. Brookside Manor is just minutes from the refurbished historic Fredonia Opera House, wineries, antiques and Lake Erie. It's just six miles to Lily Dale, the famous spiritualist community at Cassadaga Lakes. Andrea Andrews and Dale Mirth, Brookside Manor B&B, 3728 Route 83, Fredonia, NY 14063, 800-929-7599.

Beau Fleuve B&B: In a city of prestigious architecture, enjoy the romance of downy beds and sumptuous breakfasts by candlelight within a grand Aesthetic Movement (Stick Style) house featuring the gracious hospitality for which the Victorians were noted. Guests of the Beau Fleuve Bed & Breakfast, in the heart of Buffalo's Linwood Preservation District, often note the home's quiet and comfortable strength. A full breakfast is served in the dining room with elegant style. Composed fruit plates and fresh baked goods lead the way to an ever-changing selection of hot entrees such as raspberry almond pancakes, frittatas or eggs Benedict. Enjoy world-class architecture, galleries, museums, theatre, music, festivals, and professional sports that Buffalo has to offer. Or ask about the scenic route to Niagara Falls or the Roycroft Campus. Ramona and Rik Whitaker, Beau Fleuve B&B, 242 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209, 716-882-6116.

Park Place B&B: Imagine finding a bed and breakfast in a quiet neighborhood of Niagara Falls whose owner is an award-winning pastry chef! Add to this the fact that the turn of the century Craftsman-style house is the former residence of the inventive Dr. James Marshall, founder of Union Carbide. Louise and Tom Yots purchased this home in 1993 and restored it to its early 20th century original beauty, complete with Steuben glass chandeliers, natural wood interior throughout and a private elevator to the third floor. A Chickering grand piano awaits guests' nimble fingers. The Park Place Bed & Breakfast is within easy walking distance of restaurants, attractions (notably the American and Horseshoe Falls) and the Rainbow Bridge to Canada. Relax in the afternoon with tea and Louise's irresistible goodies. Your hosts will happily assist you with sightseeing, reservations for cultural events, charter fishing excursions, or whatever suits your fancy. Lifelong residents of Niagara Falls, they are well versed in the region's best kept secrets. Louise and Tom Yots, Park Place Bed & Breakfast, 740 Park Place, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, 716-282-4626, 800-510-4626.

Cameo Inns: The Cameo Inn, just outside Lewiston, NY is a stately Queen Anne Victorian home with exquisite furnishings and a majestic view of the Niagara River. Period antiques and family heirlooms create an ambience reminiscent of days gone by. Just north on the Seaway Trail is its sister inn, Cameo Manor North, an English manor house on three lovely acres. Enjoy fireplaces in the Great Room and library, a solarium or the outdoor terrace. Carolyn and Greg Fisher have lovingly restored the inns to the last detail, resulting in two very unique inns that are the epitome of relaxed grace and charm. Just a few of the ever-changing choices for breakfast include “Greg's Eggs,” crepes Benedict and German oven pancakes. Among the sites in the area are Old Fort Niagara, ArtPark, Niagara Falls, or the charming shops of Lewiston. Carolyn and Greg Fisher, Cameo Manor North, 3881 Lower River Road, Youngstown, NY 14174 and Cameo Inn, 4710 Lower River Road, Lewiston, NY 14092, 716-745-3034.

Tillman's Fairhaven Inn: For three generations the Tillman Family has served wonderful meals at the Tillman's Village Inn & Restaurant in Albion's historic Cobblestone district. Fortunately for travelers, the Tillmans have acquired the 1829 Fairhaven Inn next door to the restaurant and will open year round for guests beginning this summer. Lovely antiques furnish the guest rooms, each with its private bath. Although breakfast is not included at the Fairhaven, coffee makers are supplied and restaurants are nearby. The Inn's unique gift shop is a stroll to the barn through lovely gardens. Dinner at Tillman's Restaurant is a regional tradition, and the historic Cobblestone Complex Museum is next door. Mark Tillman, Tillman's Fairhaven Inn, Routes 104 West & 98, Albion, NY 14411, 716-589-9151.

Dartmouth House B&B: The Dartmouth House is a luxurious, quiet, urban getaway in the culturally and architecturally-rich Park Avenue neighborhood of Rochester. Your sparkling day begins with a six-course candlelit “Breakfast Extraordinaire,” each course served on a seemingly endless collection of Depression glassware. The day we spoke to her, Ellie had served a fresh squeezed juice medley, poached pears, steaming applesauce bread with flavored butters, pfanne kuchen, mango Italian ice and her award-winning raspberry fudge truffle bar. Your hosts—a retired principal and college professor—will fill you in on the region's “must dos,” many of which are within walking distance: George Eastman House, Strong Museum, Memorial Art Gallery, High Falls, and others. Elinor and William Klein, Dartmouth House Bed & Breakfast, 215 Dartmouth St, Rochester, NY 14607, 716-271-7872.

Genesee Country Inn: Country Inns Magazine writes, “A world unto itself...the Genesee Country Inn is a gray stone, storybook cottage in an idyllic setting near an old millpond where Hans Christian Anderson might have felt at home. The Inn's interior compliments the storybook exterior and emphasizes the best of another time with antique furniture and sturdy reproductions, muted colonial colors.” Tea and assorted refreshments are served each afternoon. Enjoy full gourmet breakfasts such as omelettes du jour or fruited waffles overlooking seven acres of millponds, waterfalls, gardens and woodlands. As the morning mist rises from the pond you are magically transported to a romantic Southern bayou. All this plus trout fishing, dining specials and evening romance packages. Who could wish for more? The Inn is less than a mile from one of the finest historic museums anywhere—Genesee Country Village Museum and 20 minutes from everything the great city of Rochester has to offer. Glenda Barcklow, Genesee Country Inn, 948 George Street, Mumford, NY, 716-538-2500.

Carriage House Inn: Sitting on the water's edge in Sodus Point, New York is the historic Victorian Carriage House Inn. This Bed & Breakfast serves up a warm and friendly breakfast on the sunny porch with its cozy tables and easy conversation. Nearer the shore on the same grounds is the stone carriage house of yesteryear—transformed by its owners into four charming rooms perfect for couples or families. Enjoy the area's marinas, sailing, farm markets and the numerous antique shops that bring collectors from far and near. Don't miss the Sodus Bay Historical Lighthouse & Museum (right next door), Sunday concerts on the lighthouse lawn, the spectacular Chimney Bluffs, and gorgeous sunsets as you walk the shoreline. Vivian and Jim DenDecker, Carriage House Inn Bed & Breakfast, 8375 Wickham Boulevard, Sodus Point, NY 14555, 315-483-2100.

Dobson House B&B: Innkeepers Barbara and Mark Boyle welcome travelers from far and near to their 1829 native limestone Dobson House Bed & Breakfast in Henderson, NY, just a stone's throw from Lake Ontario. Choose one of the sun-filled porches or the main dining room for your full gourmet breakfast. The Dobson House has handsome, elegant rooms each with its own very special furnishings. If sailing is your love, day or evening sails from Henderson Harbor can be arranged for guests. Come year round and enjoy every season of the Dobson House Bed & Breakfast's 26 beautiful, rural acres. It's been said that Henderson Harbor produces some the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. Come see for yourself. Barbara and Mark Boyle, The Dobson House B&B, 12035 CR 123, Henderson, NY 13650, 800-295-8905.

The Green Heron B&B: The Green Heron Bed & Breakfast, built in 1842, is in the quaint lakeside village of Three Mile Bay on Lake Ontario's famous eastern shore. The three-story grey, plum and sea mist inn, widow's walk and cupola, have been lovingly restored by the Miller family and now welcomes guests from many lands. While the expansive lawn affords the visitor a fabulous view of Lake Ontario, the Green Heron's magnificent flying staircase is a striking entrance to the inn. Canadian travelers will find it a convenient retreat when crossing by ferry from Kingston to Cape Vincent. Biking (it's 8 miles to Cape Vincent), sailing, birding, hiking and sightseeing are among guests' chosen activities. You may reach the inn by car or by boat. The Millers, Green Heron Bed & Breakfast, 8686 Depot Street, Three Mile Bay, NY 13693, 315-649-2567.

Island Boat House B&B: Step back in time to the gracious and romantic era of verandas, croquet, fresh lemonade and canvas swings. This is Occident, a private island that is home to the Island Boat House Bed and Breakfast. Start the morning with a canoe ride to Rock Island Lighthouse and return for a full platter of ten fresh fruits and blueberry pancakes or cinnamon French toast with local maple syrup. Enjoy the freighters in the main St. Lawrence shipping channel and return after a busy sightseeing day to relax on the private boathouse deck. Bring your own boat or the two-minute boat ride to and from the mainland will be provided. Phyllis Gardner, Island Boat House Bed & Breakfast, Occident Is, Fishers Landing, NY 13641, 800-686-6056 or 315-686-2272.

Hart House Inn B&B: Plan a romantic getaway or your wedding at the majestic Hart House Inn in the 1000 Islands, a very special bed and breakfast with elegant and delicious candlelit gourmet breakfasts. Your hosts offer luxurious accommodations—from decorator linens, hand-painted murals and cozy fireplaces to private whirlpool baths with Italian ceramic tile. Not only is the Hart House itself the epitome of romance, but innkeeper-minister Dudley Danielson can perform the ceremony of your dreams in the new wedding chapel. The Hart House, located on Wellesley Island—adjacent to the picturesque and challenging 1000 Islands Golf Club and on the shores on the St. Lawrence River—is easily accessible by car via I-81 equi-distant from Canada or the US mainland. Enjoy all the sites and attractions the world-famous 1000 Islands region has to offer such as romantic Boldt Castle, boat tours, the Antique Boat Museum, shore dinners, and more. Kathy and Dudley Danielson, The Hart House, 21979 Club Road, Wellesley Island, NY 13640, 888-481-LOVE or 315-482-LOVE.

The Danforth House B&B: Linda Caza has a talented eye for combining rich, beautiful colors, big florals and classic white wicker. The result is the relaxed serenity of a truly comfortable old home. The Danforth House Bed & Breakfast offers four beautifully appointed rooms with antiques and heirlooms worthy of a collector. Nestled in downtown Massena, this is a great choice for business overnights and carefree summer weekends—close to the Eisenhower Locks, the Power Dam and St. Lawrence Seaway. Be sure to take the short trip to Ogdensburg to visit the world-class Frederic Remington Art Gallery or hop over the bridge to Canada for a day of sightseeing. Linda Caza, Danforth House Bed & Breakfast, 27 Orvis Street, Massena, NY 13662, 315-769-3177.

Grape Arbor B&B: In Pennsylvania's fragrant wine country you'll find the charming town of North East, quaint shops and the Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast, which actually occupies two lovely old homes. Here guests have the unique pleasure of literally “climbing into bed”—up a few steps—to reach a luxurious four-poster bed. Each of the eight suites is furnished with fine antiques and lovely art. Breakfast is a culinary delight often including quiche du jour, fruited stuffed waffles, and gourmet coffees. Consigned art and antiques throughout the two inns may even be purchased. Ask about Grape Arbor's special weekends, catered wine tastings, makeovers, gourmet cooking classes and bike rentals. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, antiquing and enjoying the beauty of Lake Erie. Kathleen and Robert Mazza, Susan and Donald Moore, innkeepers, Joy Northrup, manager, Grape Arbor Inn, 51-55 East Main Street, North East, PA 16428, 814-725-5522.

We hope your stay will be both relaxing and exhilarating and that your visit to the Seaway Trail will bring the two of you a little closer together.

Inquire before you go:

Bed & breakfasts, country inns and accommodations in general vary greatly. To ensure your comfort, ask ahead of time about such things as:

• Room size, room location, and bed size.

• Amenities such as fireplaces, jacuzzis, view, etc.

• Private versus shared baths & their locations.

• Breakfasts. They vary greatly—from continental to full haute cuisine by candlelight!

• Are children and pets accepted?

• Discuss allergy or dietary concerns in advance.

• Smoking vs. non-smoking rooms & premises.

• Check-in and check-out times.

• Handicapped accessibility.

• Restaurants, events and activities nearby.

• Clothing recommendations; plus any other items you might not think of bringing.

For information about these and other accommodations along the Seaway Trail, see our Member Listing. There are many lovely destinations from which to choose.