Banks Bed and Breakfast is a small town stay near big city attractions. Garner, North Carolina’s only bed and breakfast, Banks B & B, provides a casual, luxury stay located minutes from Raleigh. Banks Bed and Breakfast is the only 1897 historic stay located on North Carolina’s first paved highway. Our goal is to be authentic to our history and community, and to provide you with a place of comfort within our walls.

Standing proudly in the heart of downtown Garner since the 1890s, the historic Banks House is more than a landmark — it’s a story brought to life. In 1897, Dr. Braxton Banks, Garner’s very first physician purchased the home and transformed it to the Queen Anne style able to serve both his growing family and his medical practice. Over the decades, the home continued to evolve. Detached buildings, including the original kitchen, were thoughtfully connected, and new spaces were added as each generation shaped the house to meet their needs. Dr. Banks added upstairs sleeping quarters and a welcoming downstairs waiting room where townspeople once gathered for care and conversation. The rooms have now been restored and updated to include en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and modern amenities.  The result is a warm, character-filled residence that reflects the rich history and heart of Garner.

Discover a relaxing way to stay by enjoying the historic library where the collection includes titles from the 1800’s. The library stands today in much the same way it did through the years as the family collection of books ranges from the 1800’s to the 2000’s. The library includes family bibles, medical books, law books, and a wide range of literature. In the most gentle manner guests are encouraged to peruse the collection for an experience like no other. Also available is a modern readers section holding fiction, non-fiction, naturalist and informational titles. Even if you have to make your stay a work visit, the library provides a great setting for reading, writing and if time allows, even a little chess.

Once a larger family farm, the Banks House now sits on almost two acres of land offering a little bit of nature to balance the home’s grand demeanor. If you are looking to relax outside, three porches offer a shady place to relax. So whether you want to rock, glide or perch on the stoop there is a place where you can sit and take in the surroundings. When you want to explore a bit of beauty, the gardens surrounding the home almost always have something in bloom. Depending on the season you could see the blooms of Deciduous Magnolias, Daffodils, Redbuds, Irises, Butterfly Weed, Camellias, Petunias, Azaleas, False Indigo and considerably more.  Ready for a light trail adventure? The Banks Bed and Breakfast’s wooded trail sends you through vintage trees with strategically placed seating for rest or meditation. Just head to the archway at the bottom of our parking area. Continue through the woods to the adjoining baseball field and you will soon find the Hilliard Creek Trailhead which follows a 1.7 mile wooded creek located in the Garner Recreation Park.

Today, Banks Bed & Breakfast proudly carries on a legacy as Garner’s premier destination for overnight stays, intimate events, and special celebrations. Whether you are here for the night, attending an event, or gathered for a special family celebration we are here to host. In addition to overnight rooms, our parlor can be rented for a variety of activities. We have been proud to be the host site for birthdays, bridal and baby showers, business meetings, tea events, community celebrations, family celebrations and holiday gatherings. The parlor provides a more intimate environment for smaller groups wanting a special setting. Be sure to ask us how we can support your next family gathering.

A short drive to Raleigh gives guests easy access to state museums, the North Carolina State Farmers Market and a wide restaurant selection.  Guests enjoy the charm of a small-town retreat with easy access to big-city excitement. Banks Bed and Breakfast is only about five miles to much of what Raleigh has to offer including  Red Hat Amphitheater and Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek where the variety of concerts offered makes sure there is something for everyone.  Be sure you check into our smaller but mighty local venues for music right here in Garner from Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music  to Downtown Garner’s free concert series .

Once you have made your plans for all that you want to take in, remember Banks Bed and Breakfast is here to serve your rest and relaxation time. Our four beautifully appointed unique guest rooms each with private en-suite baths are available for overnight stays Wednesday through Saturday nights. Each room offers a little different size and visual experience as no two rooms are the same. If you are looking for a little more luxury we suggest The Eve. The Eve provides you with a king sized bed, a view of downtown Garner and couch for seated relaxation but the best part of this room can be found in the spa en-suite. The Eve en-suite includes a large tiled shower and a separate large free standing antique tub for long soaks much appreciated by tired bodies. The Miranda is our smallest suite but still perfect for weekend get-a-ways with a queen sized bed, walk in shower, and a great view of downtown Garner. The Laura is a spacious room with a queen sized bed, couch area, desk area and an en-suite with a tub/shower combination. The Laura is the perfect place to support guests needing desk space for work or daily journaling. If stairs are not easily managed we recommend The Libby Mae, our only downstairs room. The Libby Mae has a king sized bed and a supporting en-suite with a zero entry shower and additional support bars. The Libby Mae is a beautiful room designed to make your stay easy to access in a visually appealing space.  For your comfort all of our rooms contain bathing amenities, hair dryers, luxurious bathrobes, sound machines, movable fans, free wireless internet and smart televisions. Need something?  Let us know as we keep a small stock of additional necessities and may have just what you need on hand.

Our amenities are sourced to make your stay enjoyable and we are always searching for ways to support our local vendors. You will find locally made hand soap by Moon and Back  and enjoy each morning being served locally roasted coffee from Full Bloom. Every stay includes tasty afternoon treats baked in our kitchen and a hearty breakfast to make your visit as memorable as the home itself.  Our rooms provide you the comforts of home while you enjoy North Carolina experiences in Garner, Raleigh and the entire Wake County community. Let us know where your interests lay so we can help you plan the best experiences our area provides.  Banks Bed and Breakfast proudly looks forward to handing you the key to your room.