Culinary tradition is one of the most powerful expressions of Black culture. We all have, or know someone in the family, who has a special recipe created or passed down from previous generations.
These recipes are often coveted and rarely shared with others outside of special occasions. However, some Black-owned bed-and-breakfast owners are especially gracious. They are going beyond hospitality and offering their sought-after dishes to their guests. These recipes invite guests to savor exceptional cuisine along with the stories and history behind each bite.
Whether it’s a cake a grandmother made for special occasions or a creation that combines two dishes people love, like Red Velvet pancakes, the following Black-owned stays offer an unforgettable experience, one plate at a time.
Captain Farris House – Yarmouth, Maine
Carol and Jeff Watson have owned Captain Farris House since 2016. Built in 1845 by a wealthy sea captain, the home has been restored to offer modern, luxurious amenities within its distinct Revival-style architecture. The Watsons acquired the property in 2016 and are the fourth owners. The duo is bringing their passion for hospitality to the forefront, including with the meals they serve to guests.
Their most requested dishes, Apple Pie Pancakes, Crème Brulee French Toast, and Belgian Waffles with strawberries and fresh cream, are all items these two love cooking at home. They decided to share these culinary creations with guests when the bed-and-breakfast is open for the season, from March to November.
Oaks Bed and Breakfast – Various Locations, Maryland
Sharon Jackson Wilder and Quinton Wilder treat Oaks Bed and Breakfast guests quite literally like family. Since opening their first location in Bethesda on Dec. 1, 2020, the duo has shared treasured recipes passed down from their families.
Both Sharon and Quinton come from a lineage of chefs and caterers. “Chef Quinton” will host test kitchens for family and friends who will try his latest recipe before the dishes are served to guests. The next time you try their Egg Nog French Toast, or Sweet Potato or Red Velvet Pancakes, know it’s family-approved.
You have three ways to try the coveted breakfast. Sharon and Quinton opened a second bed-and-breakfast location in Annapolis in December 2023 and their third in Cabin John, Maryland, earlier this month.
The Orchid – Jackson, Mississippi
There’s a sweet family tradition that Jason Thompson and his wife, Katice Powell-Thompson, are sharing with guests at their bed and breakfast, The Orchid, in Jackson, Mississippi. Growing up, Jason’s grandmother would prepare her famous cream cheese pound cake. It was a special treat for him and his family. Now, he’s making his grandmother’s pound cake for guests celebrating their birthdays.
“We get guests from all over the world, and pound cake is not something people have regularly,” he tells Travel Noire. “We want to celebrate people by celebrating the culture of the South.”
The McClelland House Bed & Breakfast – Napa Valley, California
The McClelland House is the only Black-owned bed-and-breakfast in Napa Valley. It’s a charming, cozy Victorian home that sets the tone for the comfort you rarely find in the region: soul food.
Owner Choolwe Kalulu has created the “Soul Brunch Movement” and regularly hosts a “Soul Food Sunday” brunch where people can taste the mouthwatering flavors of Black Americans in the South. One dish that keeps people coming back is Chef Trina Scott’s Creole shrimp and grits!
Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast – Charlotte, North Carolina
When you want an authentic taste of the Caribbean, look no further than Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast. Innkeeper Cheryl Watkins’s grandmother inspires the tropical hideaway in Southeast Charlotte.
Watkins’s grandmother is from the Dominican Republic, while Watkins’s roots are in Aruba, St. Maarten, and Anguilla. She brings an authentic island experience to each dish she serves, reflecting the islands’ Creole fusion.
In authentic Caribbean culture, the first course of breakfast is usually a decadent fresh fruit plate, while the second course is a seafood entrée. For the third course, expect a decadent tropical dessert that everyone can enjoy.
