WANDER ABOUT BOOKS: The Aerie Bed and Breakfast:

NOTE: I've decided to try a new theme post for this blog. Occasionally, I'll post about a place I've traveled, the book I read while I was away and rate my stay. This is my first post for WANDER ABOUT BOOKS.

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The Aerie Bed & Breakfast, Guesthouse, New Bern, NC - Stock Image

Title: First Time Bed & Breakfast

Book of Choice: Sinful Empire (Mount Trilogy #3) by Meghan March

Place of Stay: The Aerie Bed & Breakfast, New Bern, North Carolina
Time of Year: Winter

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars!

The Story...
The Aerie Bed and Breakfast is a quaint and charming little B&B centered in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina. I grew up in the country parts of Pamlico County, which is about a twenty minute drive from the city of New Bern. After marrying, I lived and worked in New Bern before moving to where I currently reside. But in all my life, even though I wanted to, I never had an occasion where staying at one of the several historic B&B’s in town, was a consideration.

But this past holiday season, I got a chance to check this experience off my bucket list.

My mother holds a yearly after-Christmas party at her house, which is about two hours from where I live and instead of coming home late that Saturday night from the party, my husband surprised me with a night at The Aerie!

   

Images of The Aerie, taken by poster

Image taken from The Aerie FB page

I was skeptical at first. Though I always wanted to try a B&B and I like experiencing new things, I’ve often heard the close quarters of a B&B can be less than accommodating. I mean, a B&B is usually remodeled from an older, larger house. So essentially, you’re staying in someone's house, right?

I’m a quiet and private person who can often be called anti-social. I think most book readers are to some degree, preferring to socialize with their favorite characters instead of the world around them. We can sequester ourselves away and be comfortable with only ourselves and a good book for hours at a time. I can also occasionally become anxious at the thought of socializing with people I don’t know, especially in close quarters such as a B&B.

However, I had nothing to worry about because the experience was like a slice of heaven and the people we did interact with, were considerate, kind and a pleasure to talk with.

My husband booked the King George III Suite, a victorian style stateroom on the second floor of the enchanting little guest house across the street from the main Aerie house. We arrived about four in the afternoon to check in. Upon arriving, I was immediately captivated with the elegance and character of the historic 1882 building. I’ve always loved downtown New Bern. They take great pride in their history, restoring buildings to their original splendor with modern upgrades to keep with the times. The Aerie is just one of many buildings that has kept that old world charm from the time in which it was built.

Unfortunately, after checking in, we immediately left, unable to fully explore until our return because we needed to be at my parents house to help set up for the party. 

After a fun filled night with family, we headed back to the B&B and that was my first official look at everything. The main Aerie house sports the dining area, sitting area, gift shop, check in desk and other guest rooms, however, as I said, we stayed in the converted guest house across the street. The back of the guest house has a quiet, outdoor seating area with tables and chairs hidden away behind shrubbery and growing vines next to a small arbor'ed path, where you can sit during the day and read, socialize or enjoy the enchanting ambiance. However, it’s winter here and that wasn’t an option at the time. Too cold!

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Winter and cold air can be bitterly cold by the water....

but definitely beautiful!

This gorgeous photo was taken just a couple of days after our stay!

 

The Aerie in Winter (Image pulled from FB page)

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Entering through the back door of the guest house, there was a space with several tables set up for a conference or meeting room and a small kitchen to the side, allowing visitors free coffee, soda and water. Moving ahead, there was an enticing sitting area with large, plush furniture to allow guests time to unwind outside of their rooms.

The Aerie Guesthouse (Image taken by poster)

Stepping up the creaky stairs to the second floor (it was built in 1882! So of course the floors are creaky!), there are two rooms for guests with a stairwell leading up to what I assume is another guest room or storage room on a third floor. As I stated, we stayed in the King George III Suite on the second floor, which was pleasantly decked out in antique furniture, ornate, heavy curtains and a plush, comfortable queen bed high enough off the floor I almost needed a step ladder to climb in ... and I’m a tall gal!

The Aerie, Stock Image

The Aerie, Stock Image

In the bathroom, there was a relaxing shower with a modern day massage shower rack offering several levels of spray for your preferred delight. But what I loved most was the spa tub! I’m sure they didn’t have jacuzzi tubs back in 1882, but I’m profoundly glad they offered one here in the twentieth century because trust me, that bath was a welcome treat after such a long day and one I took full advantage of. I filled it with steaming, scented water and enjoyed a second read through of Sinful Empire (Mount Trilogy #3) by Meghan March for a good forty-five minutes before I reluctantly got out.

The Aerie, Stock Image

There were guests in the room next door, but we heard very little activity from them, so the walls were well insulated and though the floors creaked a bit, it didn’t bother us at all.

After a warm and cozy night's sleep on one of the most relaxing beds I’ve ever slept in, we indulged in a stylish and tasty breakfast. The Aerie served a portion of peach crumble as a precursor to our meal which was delicious. For the main course, I had the cranberry pancakes with sausage and fruit. My husband had the sun dried omelet with fruit and an english muffin and blackberry jam.

The place setting was elegant on lace tablecloths laden with fine china, silver cutlery and wine goblets for juice and water. The room was in soft colors with heavy, damask jacquard window treatments and beautifully crafted antique furniture.

The owners, Keith and Dina, who recently purchased The Aerie, were very kind and accommodating. Keith spoke to all the dining guests, making sure we were well taken care of, but didn’t hover, which was great for this anti-social gal. There was separate seating as well as one large seating table, allowing those who didn’t want to interact, the ability to eat quietly, while those who did want to socialize, the opportunity to sit together and converse. The limited staff at the B&B were pleasant, professional and concerned with our needs. The Aerie itself was clean, refreshing and a wonderful introduction to a first time bed and breakfast’er like myself. If they are all like this one, I’ll be doing this more often, for sure!

After breakfast, we decided to check out and in the guest shop, purchase two of the clay mugs with The Aerie logo on them they get custom made. Then we were off, taking the morning to visit a town that I spent a lot of time living in but never really explored.

The Aerie was truly a wonderful place to visit and a place I’m eager to go back and stay again.

If you’re ever in the New Bern area and need a place to stay for a night or two, check them out. I hope your stay was a fun as ours.

The Aerie, Main House, New Bern, NC - Stock Image

Links:
The Aerie - https://aerienc.com/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/TheAerieNC/

Because it is winter and the foliage is dead, I used stock images pulled from The Aerie website. Stock images used in this story were posted with owners permission.

Below are some pictures of the waterfront area which is about two blocks from The Aerie! I loved the downtown waterfront. It's so peaceful. I've spent many days there reading and writing. The view is gorgeous!

(Waterfront, New Bern, NC - Image taken by poster)

(Waterfront, New Bern, NC - Image taken by poster)

(Waterfront, New Bern, NC - Image taken by poster)

(Waterfront, New Bern, NC - Image taken by poster)

(Waterfront, New Bern, NC - Image taken by poster)

(Waterfront, New Bern, NC - Image taken by Craves the Angst)

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