Bed and breakfast at Mallard Bay

What can I say... if you find yourself visiting this area of the North Carolina coast, do not hesitate to stay in this wonderful bed & breakfast. Starting with the gracious innkeeper, Phoebe... what a kind soul! Being our first visit to the coast, she guided us with precision to all the places within the surrounding areas. Situated in a tranquil setting, the place is impeccably clean, tastefully decorated, with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Furthermore, not only is the breakfast delectable, but the interesting conversations with Phoebe were quite fascinating. All in all, a memorable experience, and I will definitely plan to stay again.

I've stayed in many B&B's, but this was the first time I felt truly at home. Phoebe is warm, welcoming, and generous, and she knows the area well. She was full of ideas about where I might go on little day trips, and loaned me whatever I might need. Her beach umbrella is super, and it was so nice not to have to bring any equipment of my own. I loved being on the waterway, and went out in the kayak every morning. When I felt hot or tired, I could put my feet up on her air-conditioned porch. I had a restful, rejuvenating time, and left having found a new friend.

Friends gave the gift of a weekend at Mallard Bay to us and we chose to use it for our babymoon. Phoebe was helpful and warm and made a great breakfast! She helped us to find a Friday night activity (we recommend the concert series at Airlie Gardens), a good restaurant- (Beauchaine's) and even a blueberry patch (so we could put her great recipe to use). Thank you forhelping us make great memories!

This Bed and Breakfast has everything you would want. It is quiet, clean, comfortable with everything you might need; TV, WiFi, and extras. The two breakfasts that I had were delicious and the coffee excellent; blue berry pancakes with Maple Syrup for one and the other was eggs on muffins with bacon. Bacon at both breakfasts with orange juice, milk and coffee. You are on the intercoastal canal and boating is available. Highly recommended. SWH

My husband and I went to the Bed and Breakfast at Mallard Bay for our anniversary/my birthday. This was our first B&B experience and I have to say that we found the most amazing treasure in the B&B at Mallard Bay. Our stay was so relaxing and peaceful and Phoebe was the most amazing host. Her home is beautiful and the sun room that looks over the ICW is stunning. We had such an enjoyable stay, and plan to go back very soon. For you breakfast lovers you will be in for a treat with Phoebe's wonderful homemade French Toast and Pancakes. She also took into consideration the fact that I had special dietary needs. We appreciate this wonderful get away to Phoebe's home.My husband I highly recomend you experiencing this special nook. See you soon, Phoebe!

Having 2 very pleasant rooms, plus access to a sunroom with a refreshing view of the ICW and huge marsh made our week long end of the year retreat memorable. Excellent breakfasts, and appreciated her flexibility. Very quiet. Easy access to the beach, restaurants and Wilmington. We will be back and will recommend to family.

We just returned from a three day stay at the Bed and Breakfast At Mallard Bay. It's as comfortable as home but so much, much nicer with water views, delicious homemade blueberry pancakes and a gracious innkeeper. This was our second stay but hopefully NOT our last!

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Thank you so much. I enjoy having repeat guests who become friends. Phoebe

- Phoebe (innkeeper)

This was our first B&B experience so I was a little worried about whether or not it would be awkward being the only guests in someone's house. That was not the case at all with Phoebe. She was very hospitable but also gave us our space which we really appreciated since we were there to relax. She was also extremely accommodating when it came to our child. She included him in her meal planning and had many fun toys for him as well as other baby accessories it was nice to not have to bring along. You can tell she is a grandmother. Her yard is beautiful. The landscaping was very thoughtful but not overdone and the grass was the softest grass I have ever walked on. We enjoyed hanging out on the hammock and eating lunch out there too. The only negative thing I can say is I wish we had stayed a little longer.

I wanted to help my parents celebrate their 56th anniversary with a short get-away vacation at the shore. This was an ideal place to stay--a home away from home, in a lovely, restful residence and beautiful natural surroundings. The lay-out of the suite worked really well for us. Phoebe is a terrific hostess who went out of her way to make my parents (senior citizens) feel comfortable, and her home accessible. She even recommended handicap-access ramps at the beach and looked into beach wheelchair availability for us. The breakfasts she served were wonderful--we felt pampered by the quality ingredients and the beautiful presentation of each meal, and we were well-fortified for the day's excursion. This is a wonderful oasis to return to after spending time at the beach and in Wilmington. Highly, highly recommended for restorative purposes!

We spent the July 4th weekend at the B&B with our 3 children, ages 3 - 15. There was something for all of us to enjoy! Phoebe, the innkeeper, is such a wonderful person with a beautiful spirit. Our 3 year old just loved it there,,,he did not want to come home! Being a grandmother, Phoebe sure does have those little ones figured out! As soon as we arrived,,,which was not until 10:00 pm, our 3 yr. old son went straight to the closet full of books & toys that Phoebe has collected over the years,,,and we practically didn't see him again until he dropped into the bed at midnight. We had a very late check-in, which Phoebe graciously accomodated, so we missed our "real" first day,,,so since there were no guests checking in on Sunday, the day we had planned to leave, Phoebe allowed us to stay later than usual check-out time so that we could enjoy ourselves a little longer that day and told us "no hurry,,,leave whatever time we'd like". We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves kayaking, fishing, socializing with her great neighbors, trips to the beach, some great dining, and shopping on the island,,,but not to forget the best of all,,,talking with Phoebe. The photos posted online do not do the B&B any justice,,,,it is a really beautiful place. We really love Phoebe's ecclectic decorating style and enjoyed looking at all of her art pieces and trinkets she has collected from places all over. We can't wait to go back!!!

We felt fortunate to find this B&B so convenient to our family living in this area. The accomodations and atmosphere were delightful. This B&B is a perfect spot for anyone looking to relax and enjoy the many various land and water attractions in the Wilmington, TopSail Beach area. Our hostess could not have more accomadating.

We thoroughly enjoyed our too-short stay with Phoebe at Mallard Bay. The house is on a beautiful, large lot with an enormous back yard large enough that we were able to fly a kite from it. The bright sunroom had great views of the adjacent waterways which we went kayaking in. Phoebe was extremely friendly and suggested a great outing for our family. She was very accommodating in allowing us to eat dinners at the house due to our infant and toddler. We look forward to returning in the near future. Many thanks!

a beautiful respite, incredibly beautiful views of the ICW and coastal birds, kayaking after breakfast and the most hospitable innkeeper you could find anywhere...phoebe is the best!

its always hard to feel at home when you are on vacation, but i felt at ease and at home immediately while staying here. Pheobe is a wonderful hostess who constantly went out of her way to make us comfortable and found ways to integrate our lives into her home. Thank you so much for a memorable stay...we can't wait to come back again!

This was our first time to stay at a bed & breakfast. Phoebe was very knowledgeable regarding area dining and services. She was a wonderful hostess. The breakfasts were amazing and the view was spectacular. The accommodations will make you feel right at home. We plan to go back again.

My boyfriend and I wanted to get away for the weekend so we decided to stay here. It was so great! It exceeded both of our expectations. Phoebe was so nice and the cooking was great. It felt like being at home. The suite was beautiful and everything was so clean. Phoebe was very helpful and able to give us tips on where to eat and what to do while we were there. We will be going back as soon as possible. Phoebe was even let in on the secret by my boyfriend that he was going to propose and helped. You will not be dissapointed if you stay here. :)

Wonderful place to stay. I love your glassed-in porch. Comfortable while watching the boats go by or counting the birds at your feeders. Thanks for another great time.

I was looking for a weekend getaway and this was the perfect place! The location, rooms, and hostess were outstanding. I plan to visit this place again!

Accommodations prestine and the breakfasts were deliciously prepared and more than one could possibly eat. The suggested restaurants were excellent plus a planned days outing that could not have turned out better. Many thanks to our hostess for a most enjoyable week-end anniversary.

Cannot say enough about Mallard Bay. The house and grounds are absolutely gorgeous, the furniture comfortable, so beautiful and carefully chosen. Our hostess, Phoebe makes you feel as if her home were yours. She is multi-talented, from the decorating of her home with such warm colors and furnishings to her ultimate gourmet breakfasts. Baked French toast with fresh blueberries and apples, breakfast pizza, PLENTY of bacon and the best coffee anywhere around. And who can forget Miss Melba - our newly found pal! Can't wait to go back again!

We had a very nice stay here. We have 2 kids--one a toddler--so I was a bit nervous but Phoebe made us very welcome. Breakfast was wonderful (Milan loved it!!!) and the weather was great too. Thanks for a lovely time!

We celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary at Mallard Bay the last weekend in May. It was a lovely B&B and Phoebe was an excellent host. Breakfast meals were so delicious and she had such a beautiful presentation with her meals. We really enjoyed our kayaking to Topsail Island and we had a wonderful dinner over at Sears Landing Grill at Surf City. Anyone would enjoy the peace and tranquility of Mallard Bay.

We just got back from our second stay at Mallard Bay. Phoebe was a gracious host and the breakfasts were wonderful. Having access to her kayaks is a real benefit. We spend several hours poking around the creeks and islands.

We had such a wonderful time! We never expected to find such a peaceful hideaway. The suite was immaculate and very cozy. Leisurely hours spent just looking at the water from the sunroom. We cant say enough about Phoebe. She is such a gracious and engaging hostess and what a chef! The blueberry pancakes were divine!! We loved it so much we are already planning a return trip and hope to make this our "peaceful journey" for years to come. Thanks again Phoebe.

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Thanks so much for enjoying the rainy day in the sunroom with good books. Nice way to get a restful weekend.

- Phoebe (innkeeper)

we got married in topsail and used this as our wedding night away from the crowd. what a delightful experience!!! your place was very inviting and comfortable and very very clean!!! Your hospitalilty made our stay as great as it was. The food was incredible and we did take advantage of using the kayacks in the moring what a treat!! You don't get that at any other bed and breakfast! You made our wedding night very memorable! thank you so much !!!

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thank you so much for this wonderful review. I am so glad it worked out well for your wedding and wedding night. Hope you will come back to see me.

- Phoebe (innkeeper)

As an older couple, my husband and I celebrated our first anniversity at Phoebe's home and we could not have made a better choice. She was absolutely the most gracious hostess we could have asked for. Her home is beautiful and she made us feel more like family than paying guests in her home. She shared her knowledge of the area with us so we were able to have a terrific time just roaming around. We are already planning another few days with her.

We stayed at the bed and breakfast while visiting friends at the nearby marina. Phoebe is a great hostess and made delicious breakfast. The home was very neat and well kept. Overall, a very pleasant stay.

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Thank you for your review. I hope you will come again to visit during better boating weather. Phoebe

- Phoebe Hood (innkeeper)

Mallard Bay's accomodations were wonderful. The moon was full and Phobe made sure I watched it rise over the water. The sunrise was incredible. I wish I could have stayed longer and I intend to go back. I have food allergies and Phobe was great about helping me eat the foods that I needed. Highly recommend you try this little piece of paradise!

We really had a wonderful time here! Phoebe was very hospitable and tended to our needs. She was very helpful in making dinner reservations for us. We really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. We definitely will be going back! Thanks for everything, Phoebe!

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Thanks so much. You were really fun guests and I enjoyed sharing part of your anniversary with you both.

- Phoebe Hood (innkeeper)

We had such a wonderful, relaxing weekend with Phoebe. She is such a lovely person. It rained most of the weekend, so we had lots of time to decompress. I just love the sun room! Phoebe, thanks for everything.

Expected a nice room - got a beautiful sleeping room and a sitting room equipped with a couch, wing back chair, CD player, TV and WiFi. Phoebe keeps her charming home immaculate. The apple/blueberry french toast in the morning was superb. My wife is the coffee expert, and she rates Phoebe's as among the best she ever gotten at a B&B. It's along way from New York to Hampstead, but we intend to return for a longer stay and will highly recommend to our children and their spouses that stay here when they travel anywhere near here.

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Thank you so much: that was a great review. I do hope you come back sometime. Phoebe

- Phoebe Hood (innkeeper)

We arrived around early evening on 12/29 and slept in the east facing bedroom so the morning sun was glistening on the water like diamonds as we opened our eyes. Pat allowed us to luxuriate and leisurely come down for what turned out to be brunch of scrumptious French toast, potatoes, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit..cantaloupe, mango, grapes, grapefruit..juice..the meal was lush and abundant as well as delicious. Pat was interesting to talk with and we met the red tailed hawk that lives there as well as the very friendly and well behaved dogs. It was a lovely environment and one I would love to share with the rest of my family as well next time. Highly recommended! Beautiful artwork every where..lovely furnishings, great books to explore and stunning natural beauty all around outside. One suggestion would be a door at the top of the stairs for more privacy for the guests..otherwise 5 star all the way!

the only reason we gave it a ok was because we were expecting a private suite with no access to the main part of the house. Because this was our first anniversary, we probably would not have booked it if we had known that we would not have full privacy. It all worked out though because of the circumstances with our host. The house and view were great and it was very clean and cozy. It was also a great deal!

Wow. I was not expecting a secret nook tucked away on the waterway to be my escape for the weekend. Mallard Bay is brimming with peace, tranquility, and an amazing energy that fills you back up. Practicing yoga on the deck, kayaking through Salt Marsh Channels, and eating the best breakfast are just a few of the treasures I discovered in this North Wilmington town.

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Thank you very much. That is a terrific review. Phoebe

- Phoebe Hood (innkeeper)