7/1/2008
By Sunny McClellan Morton
Not everyone's American ancestors lived in a house. Catch some shut-eye in one of these unusual historical lodgings.
Not everyone's American ancestors lived in a house. Catch some shut-eye in one of these unusual historical lodgings.
• Do you have American Indians or pioneers in your past? The
AYH Ranch Hostel <
www.vashonhostel.com>
on Vashon Island off Washington's shore offers adventurous folks a
chance to rest in reconstructed canvas tepees or authentic covered
wagons. One wagon once hauled ammunition at Fort Lewis; another carried
grain.
• Seafaring great-uncle? Stay at the 1873 East Brother Light Station <www.ebls.org>,
perched on an island (accessible only by boat) in the straits between
San Francisco and San Pablo bays. Guests stay in the lighthouse itself
or the adjacent fog-signal building, and can enjoy gourmet meals and
island tours.
• Black sheep in the family? At the Jailhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast <www.jailhouseinn.com>
in Preston, Minn., you can spend a night behind bars in an old jail.
Rooms feature queen-size beds and whirlpool tubs, and friendly
“wardens” serve up gourmet breakfasts — not exactly your typical night
in the slammer.