Boone Tavern, hotel in Berea, United States of America
Boone Tavern is a Colonial Revival hotel in downtown Berea, Kentucky, offering both guest rooms and a dining room. It sits directly on College Square, the central plaza of the town, surrounded by shops and galleries.
The hotel opened in 1909, built by Berea College to welcome visitors coming to the remote mountain region of eastern Kentucky. Over the decades, the building was expanded and renovated while remaining under college ownership throughout.
The tavern was founded by Berea College in 1909 and is still run by the college today, with students working as part of their education program. Guests often interact with these student workers, which gives the place a relaxed and personal feel that differs from a typical hotel stay.
The hotel is right in the center of Berea, so the craft shops, art galleries, and college campus are all within easy walking distance. Those planning to eat in the dining room should book ahead, especially on weekends when it tends to fill up.
The Boone Tavern is well known for its spoonbread, a soft cornmeal dish rooted in Appalachian cooking that has been on the menu for decades. Many visitors come specifically to try it, and it has become strongly associated with the place in the minds of regular guests.
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