Today’s bed-and-breakfasts put a spin on the original failed ventures known as bed of breakfasts, which involved guests sleeping on mattresses of syrupy waffles. Celebrate more pleasant accommodations with today’s Groupon to Marsh Harbour Inn on Bald Head Island. Choose between the following options:

• For $290, you get a two-night stay Sunday–Thursday through September 29, 2011 (a $590 value) and two continental breakfasts for two (a $20 value) (a $610 total value). Customers may purchase an additional Groupon for a four-night stay with this option only.
• For $290, you get a two-night stay, good for Friday and Saturday between September 30, 2011, and January 28, 2012 (a $590 value) and two continental breakfasts for two (a $20 value) (a $610 total value).

A Nantucket-inspired boutique bed-and-breakfast overlooking the marina of Bald Head Island, the haven of Marsh Harbour Inn is nestled within walking distance of the island’s beaches, restaurants, and shops. Each room, decorated in classic coastal cottage style with handcrafted Shaker-style beds and hardwood floors, induces relaxed exhalations and involuntary exclamations of complete contentedness. Queen rooms—some with covered porches, newly renovated private bathrooms, and televisions—boast views of either the island’s marshes or its harbor. Guests wake up to a buffet-style continental breakfast every morning. Each couple also gets a complimentary personal golf cart, the only transportation on the island as well as the sole means for participating in moonlight drag races.

A passenger ferry whisks vacationers to the island for $23 per adult roundtrip (not included in this Groupon). Boats leave from Southport’s Deep Point Marina on the hour and pay tribute to cousins lost in the Bermuda Triangle on the half-hour. Parking rates at the terminal range from $8 to $10 per day.