No matter which part of Ohio you visit, whether on business or just a romantic weekend getaway, there's a bed and breakfast for just about everyone here in the Buckeye State.
Ohio is the known as "the heart of it all," which is why so many travelers pass through the Buckeye state every year. Whether you're coming to visit Ohio or just making it a stop on your way to somewhere else, why not try something a little different when you're looking for accommodations?
Instead of staying at one of the big chain motels, where the rooms are all the same and guests become faceless numbers, think about staying in one of Ohio's many high-quality bed-and-breakfasts.
If you're traveling through the Northwest corner of the state, perhaps visiting the theme parks of Sandusky or the retro-sixties charm of the Lake Erie Islands, think about staying at the Bashful Mermaid in Port Clinton. Romance blossoms at this quiet inn on the shores of Lake Erie, and each of the four luxurious guest rooms features something a bit different than the next.
The Island Goddess room has a private balcony and separate sitting area, and the Admiral Oak room is loaded with antiques, including a magnificent claw-footed bathtub. After you've indulged yourself with breakfast, served every morning at nine, head to Port Clinton for a day of shopping.
If something a bit more historic is your preference, nearby Sandusky is the home of Wagner's 1844 Inn, an Italianate antique-filled home which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Wagner's three guest rooms are spacious and each has a private bath. Breakfast is continental and then some, with baked goodies and fresh fruit. Best of all, Wagner's is just two short blocks from the Sandusky Bay, and in walking distance of the historic downtown shopping area, the Follett House Museum, Washington Park, and the Carousel Museum.
For those headed to the Northeast corner of Ohio, the Barrister's End Bed & Breakfast is located in Wooster, the heart of Amish country. Built in 1897 by a prosperous businessman, the house began undergoing its restoration nearly a century later when it was purchased by the current owners. The largest of the Barrister's five rooms is an exercise in Victorian opulence, and features hardwood floors and an attached bath with claw-foot tub. Four smaller, but still lavish, guest rooms complement the house, and are all decorated with vintage furnishings. The Barrister's End is conveniently located near the College of Wooster, the Ohio Light Opera, and several art galleries, shops and churches.
Along the Western Reserve, the Inn of Chagrin Falls welcomes visitors year-round with its old-world elegance. Once a private residence, the Inn now features fifteen guest rooms, individually decorated to reflect the charm of the Victorian elegance. Restored fountains and quiet English gardens make the grounds themselves part of the romantic experience of the Inn at Chagrin Falls. The adjacent Gamekeeper's Taverne offers traditional British pub fare, such as steak and chicken, as well as more exotic dishes like elk and ostrich.
Columbus visitors have their choice of a number of fine bread-and-breakfast accommodations, but one of the best-known is the Harrison House, located near the campus of the Ohio State University. This Queen Anne-style inn features four tastefully-decorated guest rooms, each with a private bath, as well as a guest parlor for socializing. Built in 1890, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is just minutes from Columbus landmarks such as German Village, COSI, the University District, and the Battelle Memorial Institute.
For those trying to avoid staying in a major city, consider Delaware's Welcome Home Bed and Breakfast, just twenty minutes outside of Columbus. This farmhouse-style inn is situated on six wooded acres. Guests can relax out on the covered porch and watch the wildlife as deer, raccoon, and several species of wild birds in a serene country environment. Welcome Home offers four different guest rooms, decorated in antiques, and the large dining room allows guests to mingle and socialize during mealtimes. There's a walking path on the property, and guests are just a few minutes by car from the Columbus Zoo, Wyandot Lake, the Olentangy Indian Caverns, and the world-famous Muirfield Golf Course.
Southeastern Ohio is the site of some of the state's most spectacular scenery, particularly once the leaves begin to turn every fall. Take advantage of the view, and check out the Pine Lakes Lodge near Cambridge. This incredible log home sits on over 500 acres, and the panoramic view from the top of the hill is simply spectacular. In addition to the lodge's three fireplaces, the 24-foot cathedral ceilings and hand-hewn beams make this bed and breakfast a truly remarkable destination.
Amenities at Pine Lakes include a hot tub, concierge service, a stocked pond and horseback riding, and even a petting zoo. Special packages are available for honeymooners or couples who just want to rekindle the sparks. Five western-themed guest rooms as well as a primitive cabin are available for reservations, and in addition to breakfast, candlelight dinners are served for guests who stay in the thousand-square-foot bridal suite.
The Hocking Hills region is always a popular destination, and Ravenswood Castle in New Plymouth is one of Ohio's most unusual bed and breakfasts. This fully functional castle features suits of armor, tapestries, and friendly, costumed staff. In addition to the rooms in the castle, several small cabins are available for rental, and guests are encouraged to dine in the main hall on a medieval feast fit for royalty. Walking trails meander through the property, and it's not uncommon to see deer ambling across the wooded paths as you hike.
Head west towards Cincinnati, and you'll have the opportunity to stay in one of Ohio's most beautiful historic homes. Hamilton's Rossville Inn is a pre-Civil War mansion complete with restored gardens with gazebo, a parlor, and billiard room. Located near the campus of Miami University, the Rossville Inn is just moments from the Argosy Casino, King's Island, and several theaters and museums.
Dayton boasts its own historic B&B, in My Grandfather's Garden. This National Register of Historic Places home was built in the 1850's in Dayton's oldest neighborhood. Two private suites include their own bathrooms and feather beds. Sit on one of the wrap-around porches and enjoy this quiet, tree-lined residential district, or relax in the solarium or the private limestone courtyard. My Grandfather's Garden is conveniently located near the Dayton Convention Center, the Air Force Museum, the Victoria Theater and Riverscape.
So next time you come to Ohio, skip all the chaos of booking a typical hotel room. No matter which part of the state you plan to stay in, Ohio has a bed and breakfast that's just waiting for you.
