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A Nebraska Bed and Breakfast Story
by Phil Cochran

The story of Bed and Breakfasts in Nebraska is an example of a perfect synergy of entrepreneurship and the preservation of Nebraska's heritage. Many B&B owners start with the love they have for a particular home or building, typically in some small town, and begin to look at the “building” (or house), as more than just a building. Many of the state's Bed and Breakfasts are located in large homes which were built by pioneer businessmen or the founders of the towns where they are. If not, they may have a history of being hotels or even blacksmith's shops. They are each a unique part of the “pioneer spirit” that still lives here. Most are located in rural areas, because that is the nature of Nebraska.

The sense of freedom of owning a small business is a powerful motivator, and an innate sense of sharing and hospitality complete the package for getting into this business. Many B&B owners find that it is not as simple as they thought it would be, nor as easy, but mostly, the experience of meeting new people and starting new friendships are the strongest reasons to venture into this industry.

Many B&B's are not fancy. Most have some historical interest, but not all. Some are started because the small community in which they are located no longer has a hotel or motel. Some might be located near a large church, which once had a large membership, but with a dwindling population may be the only form of overnight hospitality for weddings and funerals at the church. Some are started to become a second income for the owner. Each exists for a unique reason and each is as unique physically as it is historically.

More and more travelers are tiring of so-called “cookie cutter” motels and hotels in favor of experiencing first-hand the delights of Bed and Breakfasts.

Nebraska, with it's central location in the U.S., enjoys being host to many travelers that are just passing through, a stop “along the way”. The use of the Internet has allowed the promotion of these small businesses to compete with the giants of the hospitality industry. Bed and Breakfasts are a niche industry, but a growing “niche” it is. More people want to touch America as they travel, and there is no better way to do that than to stay in a Nebraska B&B.

Many B&B owners join an association such as the Nebraska Association of Bed and Breakfasts to share the expense of a national Internet presence as well as the benefit of appearance in a printed directory. These Associations develop strategies that are unique to our state. In doing this, members acquire the sense they are not alone and have other associates facing the same problems. Groups such as these afford strength in numbers which allows these small businesses to promote their industry as well as their own property, and continually renews the excitement through ideas shared by the members. To the last one, these B&B owners love their properties, their place in our history and they love sharing it with strangers.

Phil Cochran is the Communications Director and Internet Liaison for the Nebraska Association of Bed and Breakfasts (NABB). Learn more about the Association and their members at www.NABB1.com.

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