What do you picture when you hear "bed-and-breakfast"? Cozy sitting rooms with fireplaces, garden grounds, four-poster beds, and floral bedspreads, right? Us, too.
The term is defined in the dictionary as "a guest house or small hotel offering sleeping accommodations and a morning meal," so it makes sense that an image of a quintessential New England inn comes to mind.
But we've found five properties across the country that may be true, authentic B&Bs, offering rates inclusive of breakfast and lodging, but couldn't be more different from the picture you'd conjure up of a traditional bed-and-breakfast.
From a California retreat that delivers breakfast via an elephant, to a Key West escape where you can be clothing-free while you're noshing on your free breakfast, here are the five most bizarre, but still awesome, B&Bs in the U.S.
SEE ALSO: 10 Charming American Bed & Breakfasts Around The US
Vision Quest Safari Bed & Breakfast; Salinas, CA
This distinctive, budget-friendly bed-and-breakfast is situated on a ranch that formerly housed wild animals used in the film industry. The eight-room property is in the process of transitioning to a wild-animal habitat, and guests are allowed to view and interact with the animals. A major attraction is the continental breakfast delivered to bungalows daily by staff — and an elephant. Guests should be aware that the bungalows are basically tents with wood floors, but they're clean and have TVs, DVD players, showers, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Decor is animal-themed and kitschy.
Out 'n' About Treehouse Treesort; Cave Junction, OR
As the name suggests, the three-pearl Out 'n' About Treehouse Treesort is a forested playground comprised of 15 tree houses in a beautiful wooded area of southern Oregon. The tree houses range in size, sleeping from two to four people, and all are rustic and simply furnished. Some have their own kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. There's also an on-site zip-line course, and other features include a common kitchen where guests can prepare basic meals, a fire pit area, and a cozy lodge where the free breakfast is served every morning.
Alexander's Guesthouse, Key West
In many ways, Alexander's Guesthouse is your typical B&B stay. It’s a quaint, historic property with a living room-style lobby, a small pool area, free breakfast served daily, bike rentals available, and 17 attractive rooms. But this LGBT-friendly inn doesn't have that formal, reserved vibe that many associate with a classic bed-and-breakfast; instead, Alexander's encourages guests to let loose (with a free happy hour) and let it all hang out (at the two clothing-optional sundecks).
See the rest of the story at Business Insider