Ohio bed and breakfast inns range from charming lakeside retreats to stylish Victorian townhouses. The Buckeye State is filled with scenic beauty, vibrant cities, and a rich history. Staying in an Ohio bed and breakfast is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the character and history of this diverse state.
Lake Erie Islands
The islands just offshore from Sandusky, in Central Ohio, are a Midwest summer playground. Ferries, hydrofoils, and myriad private powerboats and sailboats connect the coast with South Bass, Middle Bass, and Kelly's Island. The largest island, South Bass, features a lively harbor, interesting antique store, a historic winery, and the Perry Monument, which is a tribute to the US Lake Erie victory over the British during the War of 1812.
A bed and breakfast is a natural place to stay on this quaint island. Representative of these delightful inns include:
- Drake's Getaway Inn - This quaint bed and breakfast is located on South Bass Island in the village of Put-in-Bay. As there is no bridge to the island, guests must travel by ferry, private boat or airplane. The inn is located just two blocks away from the harbor, where there are many shopping, dining and nightlife options. The modern, wood-shingled inn features six large bedrooms, each with a private bath. Common facilities include a large lawn and a TV/recreation room with an honor bar and snacks. A full country-style breakfast is served each morning.
- House on Huntington Lane - Located on Kelleys Island, this bed and breakfast is located in a beautifully renovated 1902 home. The facility offers four guest rooms, each with a private bath and television connected to DirectTV, as well as free wireless Internet access. Bicycles are available for guests to use throughout their stay. A deluxe continental breakfast is served daily.
Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio includes the bustling and cultural hub of Cleveland as well as the scenic and historic Lake Erie wine trail along the northeast coast of Lake Erie. Bed and breakfasts here reflect the region's diversity. Among them are:
- Fitzgerald's Irish Inn - This 1937 French Tudor Inn sits at the gateway of the Lake Erie Wine Trail, within a short drive of 16 wineries. The Inn features four well-appointed bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, cable television and wireless Internet access. Relaxation packages that include on-site massages are available, as are romantic getaway and regional tour packages. Common areas include a sitting room with a television and a large gathering room with a fireplace. A full traditional Irish breakfast is served on weekends and holidays and a continental breakfast is served during the week.
- Stone Gables - Conveniently located in the historic Ohio City section of Cleveland, Stone Gables offers five comfortable guest rooms in a beautifully restored historic home that dates back to 1883. Each guest room has its own private bathroom and satellite television set, as well as free wireless Internet access. The inn is less than one mile from downtown Cleveland, and is within easy walking distance of many dining establishments and the West Side Market. Guests can enjoy daily gourmet breakfasts featuring items like dark chocolate waffles, carrot cake waffles and banana foster French toast.
Central Ohio
Columbus, in the center of Ohio, is home to the state's government, Ohio State University, and two of the state's most charming "re-claimed" neighborhoods: German Village and Victorian Village. Staying here is like taking a trip back in time. Consider the following options:
- German Village Guest House - This elegant three-bedroom brick German townhouse in Columbus features relaxed luxury accommodations complete with complementary WiFi access, private baths, in-room cable TV and DVD players, and direct-dial telephones with voicemail. The inn is located in the heart of some of the city's most trendy restaurants, shopping, and nightlife as well as a short hop away from the city center.
- Neil Avenue Bed and Breakfast - Located in the heart of the Victorian Village area of Columbus, this charming bed and breakfast is housed in a beautiful two-story home that dates back to 1893. The inn makes a lovely home base for a relaxing grown-up getaway, as children are not allowed. There are three private guest rooms, each with private bath access, and a fourth room that cannot be booked independently, but can be added to one of the other rooms. There are no televisions in guest rooms, but there is an upstairs parlor where guests can watch TV, DVDs, surf the Internet or borrow a book to read. An organic breakfast is served daily.
Staying in an Ohio Bed and Breakfast
Ohio bed and breakfast inns offer a wide variety of locations, amenities, and facilities. Choosing the right accommodations requires a little research. Check with the Ohio Bed and Breakfast Association and Ohio Bed and Breakfast Online to get additional useful information about the many different Ohio inns.
