2005 marks the 11th year that American Historic Inns, Inc., publisher of more than 2.5 million bed & breakfast guidebooks and companion website iLoveInns.com, has selected the Top 10 Most Romantic Bed and Breakfast and Country Inns. American Historic Inns rates each property on a variety of attributes, including a sense of place, luxurious decor, hospitality and overall romantic mystique. The Murchison House is the only property in the Southeastern United States that is included in this year�s Top 10 list.

�We are delighted and proud that the Murchison House B&B has been selected by American Historic Inns as one of the Top 10 Most Romantic Inns,� states Judith Grizzel, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. �Couples who visit often comment that Historic Wilmington and North Carolina�s Cape Fear Coast is a very romantic and charming destination. With an ocean and a historic riverfront town and nearly two dozen bed-and-breakfast inns, the possibilities for romance are endless.�

All of the inns on the Top 10 Most Romantic list are included with full descriptions and photos at www.iLoveInns.com. In addition to being listed on the website, most of the �2005 Top Most 10 Romantic Inns� are included in American Historic Inns� two publications: Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns (16th edition), and The Official Guide to American Historic Inns (9th edition). The books can be found at most book sellers or by contacting American Historic Inns, Inc. at 1-800-397-INNS.

The Murchison House (c.1876), located at 305 S. Third Street, is a dream come true for innkeepers Ron and Sherry Demas who �retired� to Historic Wilmington and North Carolina�s Cape Fear Coast to open their inn. The Charlotte, North Carolina residents spent six years carefully restoring the magnificent David Reid Murchison house, which was designed by Wilmington architect James Walker during the 1800s. Using old photographs of the house and advice from professionals, the Demases have transformed the main house into a showcase bed and breakfast inn. Elegantly furnished and decorated with period antiques, the inn offers five cozy and spacious guest rooms with rich color combinations, exquisite art treasures, and lots of amenities. First floor parlors, library, chess and dining rooms provide a place to relax and gather with friends. Surrounding the inn are beautifully landscaped grounds with fountains, waterfalls, a courtyard and Koi pond. The grand and elegant house has appeared in numerous movies and television shows and was featured on the 2002 N.C. Azalea Festival Tour of Homes, the Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour (1998 & 2003) and the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society�s 2003 Designer Showcase. According to Jennifer Engevik, public relations coordinator for American Historic Inns, the Murchison House will be featured in an upcoming edition of Elegant Bride magazine. For more information on the Murchison House, please contact the innkeepers at 910-762-6626 or visit www.murchisonhouse.com.

For more information on Historic Wilmington & North Carolina�s Cape Fear Coast and our Free Visitors Guide, please call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com.
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Media:
Cape Fear Coast CVB
Connie Nelson
Communications Manager
(910) 341-4030 ext. 20, or
(800) 222-4757
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The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau (CFCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization of New Hanover County that stimulates economic development through the promotion of travel and tourism.