Two North Carolina Bed & Breakfasts Earn Title of Best in the U.S.

Bed and breakfasts come in all shapes and sizes, each offering something special. From cozy cottages to modern getaways, every B&B has its own unique vibe. With so many options, there’s a perfect bed and breakfast for everyone’s taste.

USA Today’s 10Best has compiled a collection of the best bed and breakfasts across the United States. They had a group of experts put forward the nominees. Then their editors narrowed it down to the final ones. From there, readers got to have their say and vote on the ultimate winners.

The list features a range of bed and breakfasts from diverse places like Chicago, Illinois; Chestertown, Maryland; and West Bend, Wisconsin. Notably, two North Carolina bed and breakfasts secured positions on the top ten list. Leading the pack is the C.W. Worth House Bed & Breakfast in Wilmington, a Queen Anne-style inn with a cozy feel, offering just seven rooms. Guests are treated to a farm-to-table breakfast each morning, and the inn’s convenient location allows easy access to downtown and the Wilmington Riverwalk.

Further down the list is the Historic Magnolia House in Greensboro. According to the B&B’s website, renowned musicians, including Tina Turner, James Brown, and Ray Charles have lodged at this establishment. Its four guest rooms also have décor reminiscent of these famous past guests. On weekends they feature a brunch service from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and their dinner menu pays homage to the ’50s and ’60s. Interestingly, the Historic Magnolia House holds significance as one of the few remaining operational sites in the state that was once part of the Green Book network. The Green Book, originally known as The Negro Motorist Green Book and later as The Negro Travelers’ Green Book, was a travel guide for African Americans published from 1936 to 1966.

Check out the full list of best bed and breakfasts in the nation here.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it’s probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you’re on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here’s a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.