Monique Greenwood, former editor-in-chief for Essence magazine, opened the first Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inn in Brooklyn almost 25 years ago. Just a 15-minute subway ride from Manhattan, this B&B is an 1860s landmark mansion with 14-foot ceilings and ornate fireplaces, blending antiques and Afrocentric elegance. Guests can choose between four guest rooms with private baths, some with double Jacuzzis. A secluded garden, glassed-in porch, shaded courtyard, and a personal concierge to arrange tours are just a few amenities available to guests.