One reason to consider spending time in historic Marietta today is that it's not really on the way to anywhere else, so there's not an excess of tourist traffic. At the same time, it's less than 10 minutes away from Route 30, one of Lancaster County's major highways that leads to Amish country.
Many of the town's residents are renovation-minded folks, who bought their houses for the precise reason that work needed to be done. Several homes have been converted to bed and breakfasts, giving us all a chance to peek inside.
All of these Marietta-area inns serve a full breakfast.
B.F. Hiestand House
Marietta, Pennsylvania
This 1887 High-Queen-Anne-style Victorian home features four guest rooms, one of which provides a partial view of the Susquehanna River. My husband and I have stayed here and enjoyed the nice accommodations.
Lavender Patch
Marietta, Pennsylvania
There are three guest rooms at this child-friendly bed and breakfast, where the grounds include a pool, gazebo and gardens.
Maytown Manor
Maytown, Pennsylvania
A couple of miles from Marietta sits an 1880 Federal-style brick home that offers three guest rooms named for well-known former residents of Maytown.
Noble House
Marietta, Pennsylvania
This restored 1810 Federal-style home, which has always been used as a commercial establishment, features Victorian furnishings and two guest rooms, one suite and a private bungalow. The Nobles (Elissa and Paul) are the 10th owners of the building; Paul likes to spend time working on his Lionel model train set.
Old Fogie Farm Bed and Breakfast
Marietta, Pennsylvania
Your hosts are longtime organic farmers; the farm houses a variety of creatures, including a llama and a pot-bellied pig. Guests can participate in farm chores and then relax in the water garden swimming pond with Japanese koi or outdoor hot tub. There are two traditional B&B rooms as well as two suites with equipped kitchens and breakfast not included. Children are welcome.
Railroad House
Marietta, Pennsylvania
Not far from the Susquehanna River, which serves as Lancaster County's western border, this 1820s Victorian country inn includes a top-notch restaurant and many special packages.
Vogt Farm Bed and Breakfast
Marietta, Pennsylvania
This 26-acre farm is called home by cattle, ducks, a few cats, and longtime innkeepers Keith and Kathy Vogt. The 1868 child-friendly farmhouse contains one suite and two guest rooms.
