Little did I expect a PBS TV series to make such an indelible impact on my life, but "A Chef's…read moreLife" has made palpable not only the inner workings of Vivian Howard's Chef and the Farmer, an upscale restaurant in the small North Carolina town of Kinston, but also the key local people who supply the high quality of the food being prepared. Prominent on the show is the congenial farmer Warren Brothers who along with his wife Jane decided to turn their charming home in pastoral La Grange into a B&B. Once I got wind of this, I made a reservation for a private room for my partner and myself in April, so we could frankly meet Warren and see where several of the key scenes on the series took place. What I didn't expect was the overwhelming generosity of our hosts in providing an experience that will remain parked comfortably in my memory. First, Jane was extraordinarily kind in ensuring we had a good time that she connected me with Vivian's wondrous assistant Holley. Holley took us to several places of interest in Kinston like Mother Earth Brewing, the Buy Local art gallery, and the newly refurbished O'Neil Hotel. As Jane was unfortunately out of town when we arrived, Warren took over and immediately made us feel at home. He not only took the time to stay up and chat with us after our marathon feast at Chef and The Farmer, but he asked Lillie to come over early in the morning to make her famous biscuits (photo: http://bit.ly/1G870iS). We already adored her from the series, and as it turned out, she is even funnier and warmer in person. What a treat to shoot the breeze with Warren, Lillie and Holley over those incredible biscuits and fresh over-easy eggs that came straight from the chickens at his nearby farm (photo: http://bit.ly/1aIk3w5). After breakfast, Warren guided us to his two-acre farm down the road where we watched him feed chickens and pigs and started to wash the turnips for transport (photo: http://bit.ly/1G91nnc). As for our accommodations, the 1853-restored farmhouse just felt comfortable the moment we stepped through the back porch door. Our bedroom was warm and spacious, an ideal setting for the claps of thunder we heard through the night. They certainly made sure to stock the bathroom with every amenity. We loved all the family photos and paintings on almost every wall because you really felt the love in their family. I even thought it was heartwarming to see a huge "Breakfast at Tiffany's" movie poster on the wall since I am such an Audrey Hepburn fan. How did they know (photo: http://bit.ly/1bc4k92)? Oh well, I guess that's what family is all about, and that's what Warren and Jane are genuinely all about, making their guests feel like they are part of their family. I could not recommend staying in their home highly enough if you plan to create your own "A Chef's Life" adventure or even if you simply want to take in the beauty of Eastern North Carolina. It's an experience you will never forget.

Really enjoyed our stay. Warren and Jane were very hospitable hosts. Entertaining, knowledgeable…read moreof the area. Very comfy beds. Great breakfast. Would definitely stay again.

Hubs and I went back to The Moss House recently. My review, nor the stars have changed, but…read moresometimes when I am looking through reviews of other places, I like to read the most recent in case things have changed a bit. Well, nothing has changed, except maybe it is better, although I am unsure how that is possible. Becky is truly one of the most gracious hostesses ever! Each room is just as welcoming and warm for your arrival. Your name awaits you on the door, and a piece of chocolate is calling your name from the nightstand beside the bed. Water, and other beverages are in the fridge in the foyer/hallway upstairs outside of the rooms, with any extra amenities you may want to use, such as when you forget your toothpaste, or if you want to use the iron, etc. We went in December so the house was so eloquently decorated for Christmas. Becky always accommodates any special needs or requests for breakfast, such as nut allergies and hubs and I being vegetarian since the last time I frequented the Moss House. Becky is also always equipped with local restaurant recommendations, as well as fun things to do in the area. A little extra thing that I love, The Moss House has it's own little soap in the bathroom. They leave you a little bag to take the soap that remains home with you, so (1), you are not wasting soap by leaving it and it getting thrown away, and (2) You can enjoy the herbal soap at home, because it truly smells amazing! We've now stayed in all of the rooms available and I truly love each room. I wouldn't hesitate to stay in any of them as they are all wonderfully accommodating and cozy!

I can't enough about the wonderful time I had at The Moss House. I visited Washington, NC with my…read moreboyfriend over the Memorial Day holiday and we both had a great time. Washington is a sleepy town but very pretty and peaceful. The Moss House had pleasant large rooms with modern amenities and lots of old fashioned charm. Our hosts went above and beyond to help us book dinner reservations and a sunset river cruise. They even had chocolate cupcakes to celebrate my boyfriends birthday! The rooms were very comfortable and really inviting. But the reason I will be returning? The breakfast! Both mornings the breakfast was interesting and made wonderful use of the local produce. There was plenty of fruit and local vegetables and we both indulged our sweet tooths with the pastries and sweet rolls! A fabulous find in a sleepy little town!

We've been wanting to get back to this bed and breakfast, and we finally made it!…read more The porch and the breakfast alone are worth staying here, but the comfort of their rooms are an added bonus. Word of advice: Book directly through them. The 3rd party sites aren't much cheaper and don't include their amazing breakfast!

Pulling up to this impressive historic gem, the first thing that strikes you is its grandeur. It is…read moreone of the largest historic houses on the street with a gorgeous wrap around front porch with plenty of comfortable seating, It sits proudly on a slight rise overlooking this beautiful historical street. Walking into this house feels like stepping back in time. As you push open the heavy wooden door, the scent of aged wood fills the air. The wide-plank wooden floors creak underfoot, worn smooth by years of footsteps, yet beautifully maintained. The open foyer leads you to one of the many warm and comfortable seating rooms. Most importantly the main dining room is straight ahead, where you will enjoy not just breakfast, but a moment of indulgence, crafted with skill and passion by the owners themselves. The staircase which I would describe as the "The Gilded Climb" takes you to the second floor where many of the beautiful bedrooms are located, fully equipped with all of the amenities you would need. And if you like sleeping on a cloud, you're going to sleep like a baby in those beds. The Elmwood Bed & Breakfast Inn is not just a Bed & Breakfast, Richard and John run a boutique hotel. Feel free to choose the time and location for your morning coffee or tea, you can also do the same for your breakfast. The bar / lounge is also a great place to enjoy one of the many complimentary drinks offered, and for happy hour there is even more. It's not just a place to stay, it is an experience, a very fine one at that. Cheers!

I had such a relaxing stay at The White House! Robert is a very gracious host and has thought of…read moreeverything you would need for your stay including toiletries, coffee bar, fruit, breakfast items and even offered me fresh eggs from his hens. I really enjoyed having my morning coffee while sitting on the beautiful grounds there watching the chickens and Guinea hens. Room was so cozy and warm. I actually live a few minutes away but really needed some peace and quiet, I went home feeling so refreshed. I plan on doing a stay for myself a couple times a year from now on. Thank you Robert!

This place is awesome!! Owner is awesome, has so many amenities, coffee, tea, ( honey) fruit,…read moregranola bars,fresh pitcher of water waiting for us! Great kitchen and bathrooms!! We Plan to return!!

If there is any one reason to come to Washington NC, this bed and breakfast is it. Friendly…read moreservice, beautiful decor, delicious breakfast! Coming out this way from Charlotte we really didn't know what to expect since it's our first time out this way (definitely not the last). True Southern charm meets early European elegance. 10/10 would recommend :)

An elegant getaway in a sleepy beautiful waterfront town. The hostess is friendly and…read moreknowledgeable of the history and attractions in the area. The food is first class and amenities are above what one would expect. I plan to return to this gem.

In Wilson for a soccer tournament and did not want to stay at an overpriced hotel chain off the…read morehighway. Found this place and thought we'd try it out. The Shine Suite, with a queen size bed and a twin bed, was perfect for me, my husband and our 14 year old. The room was spacious and also had it's own sitting room and large bathroom. The sitting room had tons of cookbooks which I love to browse through. Nell was so sweet and friendly and made us a great breakfast at the time we requested. The price could not be beat. Only negative was the wonky shower faucet but there was plenty of hot water. It was just hard to regulate. If we're ever in the area again we'll stay here!

We had such a nice stay at the Bailey House in Elm City. Nell made everything so enjoyable. The…read morerooms were nice and clean and the breakfast was hot and fresh. We had stayed at a hotel the year before when visiting family but this year this was just so much more convenient and enjoyable. We hope to return.

Always restful, breakfast is an extremely splendid experience. Almost cheating to be that close to…read more100% of the downtown vibe of the 2nd oldest town in NC, the colonial capital of the Carolinas!

Comfortable and cozy accommodations. Fresh, well cooked breakfast. Great location to walk to New…read moreBern's attractions and local restaurants. It's got it all!

I liked this Bed and Breakfast. It was a very romantic little cottage with a cute little kitchen,…read morea beautiful bathroom, and a huge, comfortable kingsize bed in it. It was very clean and comfortable. The only complaint I have is that the breakfast accommodations were a bit sparse. The milk was frozen in the refrigerator, there was no sugar in the cupboard, but that was the only complaint I had.

Booked this place for my wedding night 8 months in advance. Called to verify a few days before my…read morewedding. Was told by Lady- "I am sorry but my husband booked someone before you and I did not know it." Me-"Your telling me someone booked this room over 8 months ago before me?" Lady- "Yes sir." BULLCRAP!!! I was never notified if that was the case. One of two things happened and I am positive I booked first. Either 1.) They did not keep up with my reservation OR (more likely) 2.) someone wanted to book it for more nights than just my 1 and they bumped me in order to get more $$$. Either way they will definitely not get my business or recommendation. Didn't even get much of an apology or offer for ANYTHING! Thanks for the ditch at the last minute before my wedding. Luckily I found another place that worked out well.

Montfort Hall, originally owned by William Montfort Boylan and changing hands several times since…read morehas been fully restored into one gorgeous boutique hotel and event space. The centerpiece of the house's interior is a rotunda supported by four Corinthian columns and lit by a stained glass window located on the roof. Walking into the foyer you cant help but embrace the timeless grace, where every corner whispers of history and a bygone era. There is a quiet serenity to the space, as if time slows just a little bit inside. The modern touch added to the old renovated mansion does come with a bit of a sharp, sterile elegance of a modern mansion. The Parlor is a great place to enjoy a delicious craft cocktail and even better, ADULTS ONLY! There are also many other lovely seating arrangements throughout the property, including outdoors, and a few even come with fire pits. Regardless of your intentions for visiting the Heights House, I am quite confident there will be no disappointments, unless they have a private event. Cheers!

The first thing to say about this is that you will be massively impressed at every turn with the…read morejob they have done in restoration, renovation, and design. Everything is lovely and though it is all modern and sleek, it still feels fitting for the original era of the house. The cocktail area takes up most of the main floor, with a stand-up bar just off the entryway with a few tables and then a larger lounging area with sofas and chairs just beyond. The drinks are exceptionally good, and the spirits menu is creative. They also offer a few small plates. There is plenty of paved parking immediately next to the hotel for guests only, so that is not a hassle as it can be at some B&B/inn-type establishments. At check-in, you are offered a complimentary glass of sparkling wine to set the tone. The rooms are comfortable, but I will say that the entry-level ones are quite small (which is apparent on the website), but for the rates charged there isn't even a place to sit and read a book other than the bed. There's one small, delicate wicker chair that would be for tying shoes or whatever, but not lounging. The bed is luxuriously dressed, and there is drawer space and a minifridge, but no closet -- hanging items can go on hooks by the door out in the open. The bathroom is spacious enough, with a broad sink and elegant tilework. The lighting fixtures throughout are nifty. I found the breakfast sort of average for this type of place. I came later on, so perhaps there is more earlier, but there were a few pastries, some hard-boiled eggs, and fruit when I arrived. There's also a fancy coffee-drink contraption, but those aren't my thing so I left that alone. It's a very easy walk across the Boylan Bridge and down a couple of blocks to the area of the Dillon with several restaurants, and the performing arts center is not far beyond that. Location-wise, there's plenty that's walkable but also more an easy drive away.

I kind of hate to do this review because I would rather keep the existence of this little gem to…read moremyself, but I have to give credit where it is due. This place is the best. I am a Pirate alum and we recently went back to Greenville for a visit. Chris, the owner, is a great guy. He responds extremely fast via email, is kind and helpful, and he didn't require a credit card to hold the room, just a phone number. He was outside doing some landscaping when we arrived - the place looked great, both inside and out. There is off-street parking available to guests, which is nice. We stayed on the 3rd floor in the Chancellor's Suite and loved it. Very roomy and well worth the extra $20/night! The housekeeper, Bilma, made a delicious breakfast in the mornings and was kind and accommodating when we kept asking for more juice. They also leave cookies out each night for the guests. There are additional rooms downstairs for guests to dine & relax, as well as a screened in porch. Every single thing was clean & welcoming. The proximity to downtown & campus is unbeatable - you can walk anywhere. We will definitely stay here again. We loved it!

The 5th Street Inn is completely serene and adorable. The location is right near the campus, but…read moresomehow manages to remain a quiet getaway. When the house was made into a B&B a couple of years ago, they did a wonderful job of keeping the modern updates consistent with the period of the house. When we first arrived, we were greeted by a friendly guy named Sean who showed us around the common spaces and brought us to our room. I felt at home immediately. We were encouraged to nibble on any snacks left out for guests and to help ourselves to any wine or beverages that might be out. The room was gorgeous and received tons of light through the two windows. There was a tv with a dvd player, but limited channels (that didn't really matter as we spent a lot of time on the screened-in porch reading or enjoying a glass of wine). Breakfast was out for guests the next morning and included a delicious quiche, fresh fruit, yogurt with granola, and orange juice. All in all, I felt welcome, but no one on staff hovered around; indeed, the food seemed to magically appear and the dirty dishes magically disappear! The last thing I will mention is how great the shower was. I know, this is an odd thing to bring up, but for a house of its age, the water pressure was great and the towels were slightly fluffier than regular hotel towels. I urge everyone going to Greenville for the weekend (or longer!) to consider the 5th Street Inn. I am already planning my next visit back!