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Most Historic Ohio Bed and Breakfast Inns

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Written by Jane Leisteiner

Saturday, 03 May 2008

by JaneLeisteiner

Bed and Breakfasts are not just a great place for comfort and cuisine, they often provide a glimpse into the past. For those traveling to the Buckeye State, here is a sample of Ohio's most historic inns and bed and breakfasts.

Civil War

Guests enjoy a mix of old and new at The Hallauer House in Oberlin. The home's rich Civil War-era history is evident in each of the guest rooms and common areas. Rooms are decorated with Civil War artifacts, such as swords and uniforms. The most interesting bit of history is a hidden opening in the floor that covers a dirt alcove, presumably used as a hiding place for slaves traveling along the Underground Railroad. Ask about the inn's History Buff Package, which includes a historical discussion from innkeeper Joe Woodward, a Civil War book, and tickets to the Oberlin Heritage Center. In addition to the amenities of the past, guests enjoy use of the inn's swimming pool, Internet access, and Spa with a Jacuzzi and sauna.

The 1830s Bailey House in Georgetown, is one of the town's oldest structures and has remained virtual unchanged since its completion in 1832. Young Ulysses S. Grant's boyhood home is just a half block away, and before he was a general and president, he visited the Bailey family frequently. If fact, upon hearing that the Bailey's son, Bart, was leaving West Point, young Ulysses immediately lobbied to claim his friend's spot at the school. The rest, as they say, is history. The bed and breakfast includes three antique-filled guest rooms, and the home is located a short drive from Brown County's famous covered bridges and quilt barns.

Still Standing: Springboro's Oldest Home

Listed in the National Register and built in 1815, the Wright House Bed and Breakfast is the oldest home in Springboro and was built for the town's founder. The home also served as part of the Underground Railroad. The historic dcor features items such as a player piano and pump organ. Guest rooms are decorated with antiques, and one guest bath includes an antique clawfoot tub.

Two Hundred Years of Hospitality

Perhaps the oldest well-preserved historic inn is the Golden Lamb, circa 1803. The inn's restaurant is located in the original part of the building while 18 guest rooms are found throughout the property in various additions made up till the mid-17th Century. 12 presidents of the United States, including John Quincy Adams and Martin Van Buren have visited the inn as well as writers Charles Dickens, Daniel Webster and Mark Twain.

Travel Back in Time

Built as a stagecoach stop along a route from Buffalo to Cleveland, Rider's 1812 Inn has served a variety of guests to the Painesville area. Among them are runaway slaves seeking refuge along the Underground Railroad and soldiers returning home at the end of the Civil War. In the 1920s, the inn was even used as a speakeasy. The inn's dining room, named for the original owner's third wife, still serves up authentic 19th-century recipes.

About the Author:

Jane Leisteiner is an expert on B&Bs and travel. For further information on Ohio bed and breakfast inns or going to a bed and breakfast in general, go to the American Historic Inns website.