As innkeepers, we always look forward to get-aways.  We are always seeing couples come to The Mill House for special get-aways. Sometimes they are celebrating a special occasion or sometimes it is just to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  Many times as I am hosting and taking care of my guests I get a little jealous that they are able to get away and have some down time.

 

Each summer we take a few days around the first part of July to celebrate our anniversary, #31 this year, and to take a mid summer break from innkeeping during our busy season.  People probably think we are pretty boring as we just enjoy having no agenda, sitting around as much as possible, doing a little treasure hunting in antique, consignment, and junk stores, and finding locally owned places to eat and enjoy a good meal.

 

Here are a few pictures of our recent trip to the metropolises of Piqua, Ohio and Van Wert, Ohio with a side day trip to Greenville, Ohio!

 

Our first stop was the “Winery at Versailles” just outside of Versailles, Ohio.  This winery was right in the middle of nowhere! But it was a lovely day so we sat on the outdoor patio and each tried a selection of 5 different wines ( that way we can each taste 10 wines )  It was all quite tasty and relaxing as well.

 

 

Our first two nights we stayed at “Caldwell House B&B’ in Piqua. This picture does not do the room justice.  The Caldwell House is a Foursquare Craftsman built in the early 1900’s.  The rooms were huge, the floors original hard wood.  This B&B has a great front porch for sitting and relaxing.  Deb and Staci the innkeepers are great hosts and serve a tasty breakfast too.  They gave us great ideas on places to go and stores to visit.  I’ll post a link to their place at the end of this entry.

 

 

Between Piqua and Greenville sits the little town of Coventry, Ohio.  Here we discovered a treasure. Bear’s Mill built in the mid 1800’s. It has been restored and you can tour the mill.  Four stories high it includes all the old mill equipment and stones as well as an art gallery.  Admission is free but you are welcome to leave them a donation.  We even saw “roller machines” that are the type of milling equipment that was used at The Mill House when it was a mill.

 

 

Here is picture of a roller machine!  I need to keep a picture of this to show my guests what they looked like!

 

 

After Bear’s Mill we visited the birthplace of  “Annie Oakley”, Greenville, Ohio.  We visited several antique shops and art galleries then had an awesome lunch at a cafe called, “Montage”.  As you can see from Ron’s expression it was really tasty!  Huge panini sandwiches, a nice variety of salads, cookies, chips and beverage.  We both had full meals and our bill was only $20.  I think we could have shared a sandwich they were so big.

 

 

Our next B&B was the “Hughes Inn” in Van Wert, Ohio.  Why Van Wert?? You might ask!  Well, we have a very sweet return guest who is office manager at an Art Gallery and center in Van Wert and we wanted to visit her.  The Hughes Inn is right down the street so why not stay close?  It is a mission style craftsman style home built in 1915 and WOW!!! it was beautiful.  The woodwork alone is worth a stay, along with the beautiful french doors throughout the home.

 

 

Our room was huge with a “fainting couch” , sitting area with TV and the largest bathroom I think I’ve ever seen!!  

 

For dinner we were recommended to go to “The Wild Hair” a BBQ Joint in Van Wert!  The owner does all the cooking and the smoking and grilling are done out back.  We both enjoyed the smoked brisket with sides…too much food but OHHHH so good!

 

 

Well thats it in a nutshell!  Who said you can’t stay in Ohio for fun??  We always enjoy staying at Bed and Breakfasts and want to promote them for others.  But of course our favorite B&B will always be our very own Mill House!!

thanks for coming along on our get away!  Don’t forget we’ll take good care of you on your get-away to The Mill House!