In the heart of historic downtown Wilmington lies Blue Heaven Bed and Breakfast, a beautifully restored Queen Anne–style home built in 1897 by Frederick and Minnie Hashagan. The Hashagans made their residence there until 1922, and the bed and breakfast maintains many of the original details, including seven fireplaces with their original mantelpieces, moldings and stained-glass windows. The home has been restored almost to its original layout, which features a beautiful original hand-carved staircase and foyer, North Carolina heart-pine floors, 10-foot ceilings, and wainscoting and trim. The ambiance is augmented with unique accoutrement and original artwork found in local galleries and antique stores.

Each of the three suites has its own character and appeal. The Key West Room presents a relaxing milieu with decorative, hand-painted pastel walls, while the Newport Room's blue and green decor feels bright and airy. The recently renovated Sanibel Suite is spacious and open and may be rented as a large two-bedroom suite or as two private rooms. Blue Heaven is within a short stroll of downtown's amenities, including museums and attractions, the Riverwalk, shopping and dining. The bed and breakfast is kid friendly, but there is an additional charge for having more than two people per room. Call for rates, which include a hearty Southern breakfast.

Standing on a brick-paved street four blocks from the river, Camellia Cottage is a richly appointed, high-peaked Queen Anne shingle home built in 1889. Once the home of prominent Wilmington artist Henry J. MacMillan, it still houses some of his work. In fact, artwork abounds throughout Camellia Cottage, from murals on the wrap-around piazza to hand-painted fireplace tiles. Camellia Cottage offers three spacious guest rooms and one suite, each with its own character. Queen-size, antique-style beds, private baths, high-speed wireless Internet and gas-fired hearths are standard. Morning coffee is provided. A sumptuous three-course breakfast is served from 8 to 9:30 AM. The parlor is always available to guests. This charming bed and breakfast is within walking distance of many fine restaurants and shops. A short drive will take you to the beaches, Battleship North Carolina, Cameron Art Museum and North Carolina Aquarium. Discounts for long-term stays apply.

Originally built in 1950, Clarendon Inn was once the site of St. Thomas Catholic School and then St .Thomas Catholic Preschool. A few years ago it was transformed into a quaint bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown Wilmington, and it has recently come under new ownership. Each of the inn's 11 guest rooms has its own personality, but all fit within the same boutique inn feeling. The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable while remaining unpretentious. Two rooms have king-size beds, while the others have queens, and some rooms come equipped with extra sleep facilities, including a trundle bed and a sofa sleeper. Many rooms have jet tubs, and handicapped bathrooms are available in some rooms. All standard rooms are equipped with separate heating and air controls, mini refrigerators, microwaves, DVD players, cable TV, coffeemakers, ironing equipment and hairdryers. Business travelers will enjoy WiFi throughout the inn and a business center complete with computer, a conference table, a fax machine, a copier and a printer.

A continental breakfast may be enjoyed in the lobby or in your room; or on a nice day, enjoy your breakfast outside on the front or back porches. The lush patio garden and front veranda provide a quiet outdoor retreat complete with two porch swings, two seating areas and garden fountains. Situated in the middle of Wilmington's historic district, this quaint inn is within walking distance to all downtown restaurants, nightclubs and shopping. If you prefer peace and quiet, the Clarendon Inn's veranda is the perfect location for people-watching or relaxing in a beautiful location.

Front Street Inn greets guests with a natural, understated ambiance and Bohemian charm. The inn features original art, hand-painted 14-foot high walls, maple floors and exposed brick. The 12 rooms and suites are named and decorated according to their inspirations, such as Claude Monet, Pearl S. Buck, Rudyard Kipling and Georgia O'Keeffe. They are beautifully appointed with every amenity a traveler would love, including private baths, waffle-weave robes, hand-milled soaps, fresh flowers, wet bars, TVs, CD/DVD players, dataports and wireless high-speed Internet access. Some suites have large spa tubs, multi-jet showers and fireplaces; the Hemingway Suite also has a private balcony. The European breakfast, served buffet-style all morning, offers a variety of healthful (or sinful) selections. Always you'll find coffee, fresh fruit, cold cuts, cheese, croissants, biscotti and muffins. Room service is available. The Sol y Sombra Bar, with its famous handmade cork bar, offers juices, waters, sodas, beer, wine, champagne and snacks. The game room and fitness area in the lower level are wonderful for small groups, family gatherings or informal business meetings. Polly and Richard Salinetti, along with their staff, will assist you with anything from restaurant reservations to special requests (how about hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, in-house massage, flowers or champagne?). They also offer spa and romance packages. The inn occupies the renovated Salvation Army building, the first in the Carolinas, built in 1923. It is up the hill from Chandler's Wharf and the Riverwalk with picturesque views from the second-floor balconies. Convenient off-street parking is provided. Children 13 years and older are welcome, and pets are accommodated on a very limited basis.

The Hoge-Wood House offers three upstairs guest rooms with private bathrooms. Each room has cable TV, DVD players, iPod docking stations and wireless Internet. The inn also has a refrigerator stocked with beverages. The Hoge-Wood House is casual, comfortable and relaxed. You’ll find fresh flowers and art throughout, and the downstairs parlor is cozy and inviting. The library has a large selection of books, DVDs, CDs, LP records, reel-to-reel tapes, puzzles and games for you to enjoy. The inn’s proprietors, Page & Larry Tootoo (pronounced toe-toe), emphasize flexibility in their service. Page is a Registered Nurse who can easily accommodate special dietary needs. Full breakfasts are beautifully served on classic library tables. Tip: Larry makes great pecan waffles, shrimp & grits, and eggs anyway you like. Page makes homemade syrups, jams and breads. Coffee lovers will appreciate the Kona coffee brewed daily. Guest rooms are named for the Tootoo’s children. Katherine’s room offers a king-size iron bed, and the bath has a large walk-in shower. Leilani’s octagon-shaped room features a king-size cherry sleigh bed, and the bath has a Jacuzzi tub with shower. Gabriel and Joshua’s room offers a queen-size oak mission bed and a bath with tub and shower. Bicycles, fishing poles and a six-person, deck-side hot tub are available for guest use. The Hoge-Wood House is within walking distance of the Riverwalk and downtown attractions, and it is one of the few bed and breakfasts in Wilmington that offers off-street parking.

At the elegant Rosehill Inn, you can step into the past while still enjoying all of today's modern amenities. Located in the heart of Wilmington's downtown Historic District, this faithfully restored classic Greek Revival home, built in 1848, provides a luxurious yet comfortable getaway. The inn is tastefully adorned with oriental rugs, beautiful fireplaces with hand-detailed mantles and period antiques. It features a magnificent pulpit staircase with quarter-sawn white oak banisters, original inlaid oak floors, and egg and dart moldings. While appearing quite formal, this first-class bed and breakfast inn is genuinely warm and welcoming, as are its hosts, Tricia, Bob and Sean.

Each of the six quiet guest rooms has a private en suite bath, fireplace (non-working), period writing desk, cable TV, wireless Internet and spa bathrobes. Decorated in deep, rich colors, these rooms provide an unforgettable visual experience. The Heritage Room boasts a New Orleans–style iron gate bed. The spacious Wedgwood Room, with its country setting and king-sized bed, is bright and cheery, decorated in a yellow and blue color scheme. The Regency Room features an elaborate iron bed and bathroom with inviting whirlpool tub. The Carolina and Tea Rose rooms have bay windows with cozy sitting areas.

Early morning coffee and tea service start your day, followed by a full breakfast served in the spacious dining room, which boasts an impressive 17-foot dining table and crystal chandelier. Breakfast includes such delights as baked apple-peach French toast, banana-pecan pancakes, "Governor's" egg casserole, country sausages and a colorful fresh fruit plate. The home's large wraparound porch is ideal for reading or relaxing. The Rosehill Inn's convenient location, only three blocks from the Cape Fear River, is a short romantic stroll to popular gourmet restaurants, charming shops and the Riverwalk. According to Southern Living magazine, "This is no ordinary B&B; a stay at the Rosehill Inn is an experience not soon to be forgotten."

An eight-time AAA Four Diamond award-winning bed and breakfast, The Verandas is magnificently appointed with antiques and high-quality American, French and English reproduction furniture, original artwork and creative lighting. Owners Chuck Pennington and Dennis Madsen worked magic to restore the burned-out mansion, which was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Benjamin Beery, and the result is a stunning inn with the look and feel of a luxurious European boutique hotel.

The 8,500-square-foot home has a fascinating history as well. At various times it was a military hospital, apartment house, hotel, lodge hall, a refuge for vagrants, boarding house, warehouse and a convent. Four large verandas give guests choice views of the charming gardens, historic neighborhood, downtown Wilmington and tree-lined streets. Spacious, tastefully decorated common areas invite guests to linger over complimentary wine in the evening, perhaps while listening to music played on a restored melodeon, or reading one of the intriguing coffee-table books. With a nod to modern travelers' needs, wireless Internet access is available throughout.

Each of the eight large corner guest rooms is different in character, and every one has a top-of-the-line mattress, hand-ironed sheets and cases, luxurious robes, candies and many extra special touches. Private, marble-floored bathrooms have soaking tubs, showers, custom-made soaps, lotions and shampoo. TVs with cable are discreetly hidden. Rooms also have telephones, individual climate controls and writing areas. In the morning, French-pressed coffee and the same tea served at the White House accompany a homemade, four-course gourmet breakfast, which is served in the formal dining room with its exquisite crystal chandelier.

After 12 years of hosting celebrities and the public, The Verandas continues to receive awards and accolades. Besides the AAA Four Diamond, they were recently awarded the People's Choice Award and "The Best Place to Get on With Your Life!" by Travellady Magazine. The Verandas is also a member of the exclusive Select Registry.

The Verandas stands within walking distance of the Riverwalk, Chandler's Wharf, fine restaurants and theaters, so don't think it's a place just for out-of-town visitors, tourists and corporate travelers. The Verandas is a place to consider when you're planning a special celebration, or when you just want to escape from the world for a couple of days. They also offer an attractive corporate program for single business travelers. Chuck and Dennis are gracious, accommodating hosts who will do everything possible to ensure a relaxing, enjoyable retreat.

The hosts at C. W. Worth House guarantee to provide a relaxing atmosphere for a memorable getaway. Here you can enjoy peace and tranquility and have plenty of space to do, or not do, whatever you choose.

Built in 1893, C. W. Worth House is a unique example of nineteenth-century English Queen Anne style and sixteenth-century French chateaux. This turreted house features a wide front veranda and elegant interior, which includes the original paneled foyer, antiques, a formal parlor with a Victorian-era pump organ and a comfortable study. A television/VCR is available in the study and in the third-floor sitting room. The seven guest rooms are spacious, and beds include four-poster king and antique queen-size. Each guest room has a private bath, sitting area, ceiling fan, desk and telephone. Ask about the Azalea Room with its separate sitting room or the Hibiscus Room with its whirlpool bath and sitting area nestled in the corner turret. The entire house has central air conditioning.

A full gourmet breakfast, served in the formal dining room, includes special blend coffee, tea, juice, muffins and fresh fruit as a first course. The entree may be eggs Florentine, artichoke/mushroom quiche or a baked banana-pecan pancake. A convenience for guests is a refrigerator on each floor, stocked with beverages and snacks. Outside, beautiful gardens highlighted with shade trees and brick walkways, a goldfish pond and a relaxing waterfall invite guests to linger a while. C. W. Worth House is a nonsmoking inn. Children age 12 and older are welcome. Gift certificates, specials and packages are available.

When in Wilmington on business, you will find all the conveniences needed at C. W. Worth House and a safe, quiet environment as well. Corporate rates are available Sunday through Thursday. Fax and copier services are offered in addition to high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the inn. A desktop computer with Internet access is located in the third-floor sitting room.