We arrived early for check in at the Wedgwood Historic Inn and decided to walk around the small town of New Hope, taking pictures of what reminded me of San Francisco in the late sixties.

Everyone was friendly and the town was open and warm. We had dinner at a nice restaurant right on the canal and then returned to the B&B to the Lavender room. Our room had a private bath, two ceiling fans, an air conditioner, working desk, telephone and sitting areas. Done in period antiques, the room boasted a wonderfully comfortable queen size bed - complete with lavender sheets! In the sitting area were chocolate mints and tiny glasses for sampling Carl's secret recipe almond liqueur.

Taking pictures at the three Inns that make up the Wedgwood Collection of Historic Inns proved quite a challenge in the short time we had to enjoy the inn. Carl and Dinie got in on the start of the new force in the industry in New Hope and have helped 100 plus new innkeepers into the business. Carl told us they are both the oldest and youngest innkeepers in New Hope - oldest because they have been here the longest and youngest in age.

Their professional staff took great care of us and made us feel at home. One of the oldest, continuously run B&B's in the country has brought out the best in both owners. The Aaron Burr House is where Aaron Burr stayed while waiting for things to cool down after his famous gun battle. The Wedgwood Historic Inn became their first inn in New Hope, followed by the home next door that they purchased...the Umpleby House.

Awaiting guests, at the Wedgwood are refreshments on arrival, daily chambermaid and evening turndown service, parlors with fireplaces, books & games, concierge service, pool and tennis club privileges, and ample off-street parking. With a location so close to Philadelphia, PA and Trenton, NJ, the Wedgwood Inns are the perfect spot for the traveling business person. Also available is a completely handicap accessible room.

Even though the inns are great for the business traveler (and we saw a lot of white shirts and ties early in the morning!), the wonderful artists village of New Hope is just a minute's walk away. Chock full of antique and gift shops, cafes and restaurants, a live theater that was featuring a production of Guys and Dolls during our visit, and some quite unusual little shops, the river community founded in 1681 was a shopper's delight! The charming and eclectic layout of the village with its hidden gardens, greenery and winding narrow alleys and streets was also reminiscent of the older sections of Charleston, SC.

Carl is an author of How to Start & Run Your Own Bed & Breakfast Inn and is willing to help anyone wanting to enter the business. He conducts seminars at various Innkeeper Association meetings, including those sponsored by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII).

Dinie is the artist in the family and samples of her work abound. Ask her to show you around the three inns and point out some of the unusual artwork.

Breakfast was served in the newly renovated breakfast room, that includes lots of big windows and French doors overlooking the gardens and gazebos. It started with coffee, orange juice, cereal and orange Lipton Tea. Then we were brought a fruit crisp of apples, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, pears and oats with brown sugar. Quite an unusual dish for us and very tasty! Next came fresh homemade croissants still hot and crispy from the oven and pumpkin raisin bread.

After a delightful and all too short stay, it was time for us to move on. With so much to do in the area and so many things to see, we didn't get much of a chance to work, but thoroughly enjoyed our stay and talking with the knowledgeable and personable innkeepers.

Be sure to stop by the website at: Wedgwood Collection of Historic Inns and consider their wonderful inns for your next business or pleasure trip to the area. When you make your reservations, tell them Cruising America said "HI!"