Meadows Inn is located in New Bern, North Carolina, and owned by Linda Cooper. In an interview with B&B Consulting, Linda tells us about her local area and her inn. Lastly, she even shares advice to those considering innkeeping as a profession.
Meadows Inn History
Croatan Suite
The Meadows Inn was built as a private residence in 1847 by John Alexander Meadows. Mr. Meadows had a ship repair business and a bird guano business. Linda always knew that guano was used for fertilizer, but the Marines from Cherry Point told her it was also used for ammunition.
Meadows Inn remained a private home until 1980, when three couples bought the building and renovated it to be New Bern’s first Bed and Breakfast Inn. At that time, it was named King’s Arms, but later changed to the Meadows Inn in honor of the original owner.
Meadows Inn Rooms
Palace Suite
Linda and her guests love the spacious rooms with high ceilings and huge windows that bring in light. The inn has new flooring and new linens. She enjoys changing the decor, so there is always something new to see.
The Croatan Suite
The Croatan Suite is named for the Croatan National Forest (located in Havelock, NC). Croatan Forest is a unique place to relax and enjoy nature with over 159,885 acres of forest, rivers and inland lakes. This first-floor suite offers a king-sized bed, fireplace and private bath.
The Neuse River Suite
The Neuse River is an important part of New Bern. Neuse River provides excellent boating, sailing and fishing. First Floor Neuse River Suite features a Queen size four poster bed, fireplace, and a private bath.
The Spaight Suite & The Stanly Suite
A cozy suite on the second floor, the Spaight Suite offers a tranquil place to relax. The suite features gentle blue walls, a cherry wood King bed and private bath. Across the hall is the Stanly Suite, which features a queen sized four poster bed, desk and private bath.
The Palace Suite
The Palace Suite is named for New Bern’s Tyron Palace. Tryon Palace was the official residence of the British governors of North Carolina from 1770 – 1775. During that time, the palace was often the center of state occasions and royal hospitality. The Palace Suite is a large room with a king-sized bed, elegant linens and private bath.
The Governor’s Suite
Governor’s Suite is named for Governor Richard Caswell, the first (and fifth) governor of North Carolina. An important historical figure in New Bern, Governor Caswell commanded the right wing of Governor William Tryon’s forces at Alamance. Guests enjoy the luxurious king bed with elegant linens as well as the large private bath with double sinks.
The Bern Bear Suite
The Bern Bear Suite pays tribute to the founding of New Bern. Founded by Swiss Baron Christoph DeGraffenried, New Bern was named after Bern, the capital of Switzerland. This spacious, private suite includes the entire third floor with two large bedrooms and private bath. Specifically, The Mama Bear room features a queen sized four poster bed, while the Papa Bear room features two mahogany double beds.
Meadows Inn Guests
Guests of Meadows Inn love the location and the B&B. Linda is happy to report that she has lots of returning guests. New Bern, North Carolina is an ideal place to visit during any time in the year.
Guests Visit From Multiple Countries
Linda says they have guests from all over the USA. However, she was pleasantly surprised at the number of guests from other countries, including: Austria, France, Germany, Singapore, Spain, and Switzerland.
Breakfast for Guests
Gourmet Breakfasts
Linda loves to feed people, and her guests love to eat. Her Blueberry Cobbler is a guest favorite. Moreover, she is in the process of putting together a Meadows Inn recipe and history book to share with her guests.
Homemade breakfast entrées will vary daily, and can accommodate gluten free & vegetarian dietary restrictions and/or allergies, etc. In addition, Home Baked Pastries & Breads are always baked fresh in their kitchen.
Meadows Inn Hosts Private Weddings
Weddings at the Meadows Inn are intimate events. For instance, one interesting story is that they are hosting a wedding for a couple whose father/stepmother (2020) and stepsister (2021) were also married at the Inn! Really a family affair!
The Local New Bern Area
New Bern, North Carolina
New Bern is such a great place to live and visit. Linda says there’s tons of history, a vibrant art scene, and great restaurants! She also loves that the inn is so close to the water. In fact, the Neuse and Trent Rivers are less than a half a block from the front door.
Everyone is so nice. Guests comment on that all the time. New Bern has events all year. Summer is the most popular, but Spring is lovely, and Fall is perfect weather. New Bern is an active town with lots to do.
Guests at Meadows Inn enjoy many activities, depending on the time of year and their interest. For example, for history buffs, there’s the New Bern Trolley Tour, Tryon Palace, and the North Carolina History Museum. In addition, the outdoors types love to use the Neuse and Trent rivers for paddle-boarding, kayaking, and boating.
New Bern has many exceptional restaurants and places to shop, with something for everyone. Antique shopping is also popular. Moreover, a wonderful art scene with “ArtWalk” happens on the second Friday of each month.
The Meadows Inn Team
Spaight Suite
Linda said she has the BEST team! They are like a family. Kia is their lead housekeeper; Judy serves breakfast and keeps the coffee coming! Amie shares the cooking with Linda. The previous owners had lovely established gardens that Linda is diligently working to maintain.
As a small business owner, Linda likes to support other local businesses. New Bern has a local farmers market every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. The farmer’s market sells not only fresh produce and plants, but also work from local artisans and their crafts. Local potter Daryl Melton handcrafted the Meadows Inn coffee cups. They serve only (local) Nautical Star coffee.
Wisdom from Innkeeper Linda
Bear Suite Master
This is actually Linda’s first inn. In fact, she heard about Rob Sales (who represented the buyer) through her realtor named Kimberly Wynn. Linda knew Rob and his wife Jane had owned a B&B, so she appreciated that Rob had firsthand experience.
She loves meeting new people and hearing about their travels and life stories. Interestingly, when asked if there were any surprises she experienced as an innkeeper, Linda responded, “I knew I would enjoy being an Innkeeper but I was surprised to see how much I enjoy it!”
In closing, Linda’s advice to people considering innkeeping as a profession was something she read that resonated with her. This one tidbit has always summed up innkeeping to her. “It’s like getting ready and having a party every day!” Thus, what could be more fun!