Scotland

They are renowned for the excellence and uniqueness of their cuisine … and now some of the best Bed and Breakfast inns in the U.S.A. are inviting guests to learn their cooking secrets. Here are some wonderful places where you can dine, recline, and learn to make food that is sublime!

NEW ORLEANS

When you think of food towns, New Orleans tops the list of yummy destinations. Travelers can enjoy all the history, romance and food of The Big Easy at the House of Bayou Road Inn. The posh guest rooms are furnished with antiques and many offer Jacuzzi tubs and perhaps a fireplace. In the mornings, a full plantation breakfast is served and on weekends, the inn offers a champagne brunch. The two-acre grounds, which are just a few blocks from the French Quarter, feature a swimming pool and hot tub. In addition to all these amenities, the innkeepers offer a full schedule of cooking classes. Spend a day or even a week learning the tips and techniques that make New Orleans cuisine some of the world’s best.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Surrounded by three acres of grounds dotted with trees and gardens, Abingdon Manor, is perfect spot for a romantic Southern getaway. Nestled in the historic district of Florence, South Carolina, the inn features romantic guest rooms with period dcor and has earned Four Diamonds for both the accommodations and the cuisine. The full breakfasts feature locally grown foods, and the evening meal is a gourmet six-course prix-fixe delight. Best of all, the innkeepers offer cooking classes throughout the year, led by Abingdon’s own chefs. After a day of eating and cooking, settle down in your guest room with a champagne and chocolate turndown service and enjoy sweet culinary dreams.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

For nearly 25 years, the Bernerhof Inn in Glen, New Hampshire, has been host to the Taste of the Mountains Cooking School. Twice each year, foodies flock to this picturesque site to spend a weekend learning some of the historic inn’s delectable recipes. The lessons range from how to prepare a Sunday brunch to the delicate art of fish cookery. In addition to the classes, the inn has its own German-style restaurant, an intimate pub and the CyBear Lounge, where guests can snack and check their email at the same time. Rooms are cozy with country furnishings and quilt-topped beds, and the inn is close to ski areas, fishing, golfing and much more.

PENNSYLVANIA

If you are looking to combine cooking and traveling on your next vacation, look no further than the Golden Pheasant Inn in Erwinna, Pa. The historic inn’s renown restaurant has a full menu of French cuisine, from savory pate or escargot as appetizers to entrees such rack of lamb or roasted pheasant. Sunday brunch also is served. Several evening cooking classes are available throughout the year, taught by the inn’s own French chef, Michel Faure. The popular demonstrations include tasting and two glasses of locally made wines. The inn also offers six well-appointed rooms, designed by innkeeper Barbara Faure. The romantic cottage suite is an ideal spot for those celebrating a special occasion.

SONOMA, CA

Ramekins’ Bed & Breakfast Inn in Sonoma, California is a bit different: Rather than offering a cooking school within a B&B, this is a B&B that is housed within a cooking school! All six rooms feature luxurious comfy beds and tasteful appointments; perfect for relaxing in after a busy day in the kitchens below. Speaking of cooking, Ramekins’ classes (available in groups, one-on-one, or online) are held in two teaching kitchens. The first is a fully-equipped, 36-seat culinary demonstration kitchen-theater with mirrors and television monitors for easy viewing. The second is a complete restaurant kitchen used for full-participation hands-on classes. The International Association of Culinary Professionals recognized Ramekins’ teaching excellence with the IACP’s 2005 “School of the Year” award. Add a B&B and Ramekins’ location in California’s wine country, and the result is vacation perfection.