The Jonesboro Greenhouse Bed & Breakfast has a rich past.

And no one is more equipped to explain that history than owner Abb Dickson.

JOHNNY CRAWFORD/AJC STAFF (ENLARGE)
The Jonesboro Greenhouse Bed & Breakfast, built in 1879, is decorated with souvenirs from owner Abb Dickson's travels. Afternoon tea has become 'quite the event,' Dickson said.
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"I like to tell people that I am in the Looney house," Dickson joked, referring to the home's original owner, professor George C. Looney.

Dickson is a serious history buff and world traveler, so everything in the Victorian house — from the draperies to the light bulbs — has its own little story.

"I am fortunate to be only the fourth owner of this home," Dickson said. "When my partner, Chip Cleveland, and I started this project, we wanted to restore it as much as we could to its original state."

The house was built in 1879. There is even a souvenir room, which is a tradition that was popular before photography was invented.

"When people traveled before there were photographs, they would buy lots of souvenirs, and when they returned they would decorate a whole room with the things they collected," Dickson said. "They would then invite all their friends over and tell them about their journey."

The Greenhouse also has another wonderful attraction — the food.

After experiencing the breathtaking front parlors, guests enter an elegant dining room with menu choices that are a wonderful mixture of Southern tradition and creative ingenuity. The meals are served on fine china and beverages from crystal.

It is also affordable. Breakfast, lunch and dinner prices start around $12.

"We even have afternoon tea, which is a great Southern tradition and has really become quite the event," Dickson said.

Having spent many years on the road while creating his own interesting history (Dickson is the original voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy), this Jonesboro native had no doubt that he would return.

"He has Jonesboro in his heart all the time," said Beth Bailey, vice president of the Clayton County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Weddings are also a Greenhouse tradition.

Catering can be included in the wedding package, and you can use the wonderful gardens, the dining room or the glass patio overlooking the gardens.

"When I decided to get married there was no doubt as to where I would have my rehearsal dinner," Bailey said.

The bedrooms are decorated with antique furnishings and carry the "Gone With the Wind" theme. Rates range from $90-$120.

• To find out more information on the Jonesboro Greenhouse Bed & Breakfast, log on to www.jonesborogreenhouse.com or call 770-477-1084. The Greenhouse is located at 139 College St.