B&B's in Ohio
 

We are looking for suggestions for a B&B in the central ohio area for the weekend of March 19th. It needs to be a relaxing place, with some good restuarants and shopping...small town atmosphere. I will be leaving from Columbus. <BR>

Brian - Small town atmosphere, central Ohio - sounds like Amish country to me. Cities like Sugarcreek, Berlin, Wilmot, Charm, come to mind. If you're thinking Amish country, most places (shopping/restaurants) are closed on Sunday's. <BR> <BR>My husband & I have stayed numerous times over the years at a B&B (Victorian themed, 4 room house) in Wilmot called Hasseman House. It's part of the Amish Door properties (www.amishdoor.com)and we've found it to be very relaxing. The current innkeepers are very friendly and welcoming to their guests. <BR> <BR>I've also heard the Historic Overholt House in Wooser, OH is nice, although I don't have 1st hand info on that. <BR> <BR>Have fun wherever you wind up.

We stayed at the Countryview Inn in Charm, OH, in the exact heart of the most Amish part of Ohio. This is a quality establishment. Expect a sermon with your excellent breakfast. Charm, OH is beautiful beyond words, as is the neighboring Kidron. If you like to bike, this place has many level dirt roads that go by the beautiful Amish farms.

Kent's right about the 'charming' Countryview Inn in Charm, OH. If Charm has a 'downtown' area, this would be just on the outskirts. Assuming you have room for lunch or dinner after Countryview's hardy breakfast, stop in at the Homestead Restaurant. They've recently remodled and have added some seating. Don't be put off if there's a line out the door as the food is definitely worth the wait. If you have room for dessert, suggest you savor the German Chocolate Pie. Charm is just far enough away from the 'main' shopping area of Amish Country (just about anything along RT 39), that is seems quiet compared to Berlin, Sugarcreek and numerous other towns. <BR> <BR>Another good restaurant is Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek OH, which I believe is being remodeled again. <BR> <BR>If you enjoy antique stores, these seem to be springing up in numerous Amish towns - some are in converted barns using kerosene for power. Have found some very unusual things at great prices. <BR> <BR>Have heard the The Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg and The Millersburg Hotel are nice places to stay. We've stayed at the Bigham House in Millersburg (current host is a gentleman from Britain), which is also very nice, although the breakfast was somewhat disappointing. <BR> <BR>Have fun!!

Mmmmmmmm. The Homestead Restaurant. I'd forgotten about that place. I'm going to HAVE to get back there. They have a full Amish menu, but what I remember most is their simple, family style fried chicken dinner. That was the best fried chicken I ever had. I can not figure out how they made it taste like that. The only thing I could think of is that they slowly pan fried it in plain butter. I think they have a couple of rooms to let at the Homestead, also. <BR> <BR>I don't know if it's still in print, but there is a fine guidebook to that area called "Back Roads and Buggy Trails."

Kent - "Back Roads and Buggy Trails" is still in print, and you're right when you said it was a great guidebook to the local area. <BR> <BR>Ever tried the Turkey with all the trimmings at the Homestead? It's their Saturday daily special and is just out of this world. Two things I especially like about the Homestead is (1)there are usually quite a few Amish eating there and (2)it's a small enough restaurant so it doesn't have that 'dining hall' atmosphere some of the bigger, albeit good food, places have .. i.e. it's quieter and cozier than others. The service is always first rate, fast and courteous. <BR> <BR>Although we were just there a couple weeks ago, can't wait to get back !!