Limestone House Bed & Breakfast, Florence, AL: Where Henry Ford Slept

Two guestrooms named for 1921 visitors

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford came from Chicago to Florence in 1921 via private train and chose to spend the night with Colonel Ashcraft at Limestone House. The two guestrooms are named for these famous visitors and are decorated in ways that pay homage to these men. The Henry Ford Guestroom, for example, incorporates several Oriental items because he was known to have had a tie to Japan and the Far East. The Thomas Edison Guestroom is actually a two-room suite with an adjoining sitting room. It is decorated in soft teal accents that include a needlework pillow with an old phonograph. Both have private baths with steam showers and heated towel racks. They also have queen-size beds and 800-thread-count sheets, along with fireplaces, Direct TV and free Wi-Fi.

In addition to Ford and Edison, Limestone House has hosted movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Kris Kristofferson. The Maloneys are sure to find other famous names in their guest register in the coming years. It’s just that kind of special, unique place.

Betty's three-course breakfast is not to be missed

Mouths salivate when Betty describes her favorite breakfast to prepare. It is an Italian feast fit to be slowly savored. The first course is a mixed berry fruit smoothie, topped with whipped cream and sliced almonds. The second course consists of baked Italian eggs and ham with gnocchi in marinara sauce, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping in olive oil and Italian herbs. The third course, also known as dessert, is Betty’s own creation - Italian cream pancakes topped with cream cheese icing, whipped cream, coconut and pecans and then drizzled with maple syrup. And that’s just ONE of several sumptuous morning menus she prepares for her guests.

Nearby area restaurants, shopping and events

The Mahoneys prepare guests for the possibility that they might hear lions roaring in the wee hours of the morning. The mascots for the University of North Alabama are lions named Leo and UNA. They are housed only a couple of blocks away in a multi-million dollar lion habitat on the UNA campus. You’ll have to admit that would be quite a wake-up call. Definitely something to “write home about.” The University of North Alabama hosts many sporting events as well as concerts, plays, and lectures. Limestone House is a perfect place for guests attending such events.

This B & B is also a short walk to Downtown Florence where you can find plenty of shops and restaurants for the afternoon and evening hours or after that amazing breakfast the next morning. Look for the flagship store of Billy Reid and restaurants such as Odette, Dish, Ricatoni’s, and City Hardware. Are you craving an ice cream cone? Head to Trowbridge’s, another place with a long history.

Downtown Florence has a monthly music, art, dining and shopping special event called First Friday from March to December each year. That would be an ideal time to stay at Limestone House.