Whew! It’s was a rough winter in Northwest Ohio. One that will go down in the record books with over 80 inches of snow and many days with sub zero temperatures and even lower wind chills! But that didn’t seem to keep our guests from staying with us. We had one of our best winter seasons yet and we were thrilled that our guests arrived even during snow storms. This winter we all seemed to have a touch of cabin fever and a stay at The Mill House seemed to be the cure!
With warmer weather arriving, flowers and leaves appearing, ice cream shops opening, and people escaping their homes, The Mill House and the village of Grand Rapids is getting busy preparing for the busy summer season. If you’re thinking of staying with us this summer, make sure you check out our website availability calendar to choose the perfect date and room. We are booking our weekends quickly. There are a few openings here and there for May weekends, and June weekends are booking quickly as well. If you can come during the week, you will have more of a selection of dates and room availability. But whether you choose a weeknight or weekend, you can be sure to experience the hospitality we love to give to our guests!
After making a reservation, be sure to ask us about all the wonderful things to do and see close to Grand Rapids. We have plenty to do within walking distance or just a few minutes drive. Here a just a few suggestions:
Take a quick drive over the river and down the road to Parson’s County Line Farm. Our friends, Sharon and Steve, invite visitors to visit their farm. With baby lambs, sheep, a lama named Faith, and chickens, along with Sharon’s famous store filled with unique furniture, glass ware, linens, old tools, and “Knick Knacks” ( as her husband, Steve, calls them- she’ll kill me for saying that), you are sure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and sounds of the farm. They also have a rotation of flea, farmer’s market, and food vendors to round out the experience. Pet their famous quadruplet baby lambs, shop, and have a picnic lunch.
If you love the water and spending a lazy day enjoying the river, check out River Lures, the place to rent your canoe or kayak. Chris Martin, the owner, has everything you need to paddle down the Maumee River at reasonable prices. He will drop you off and pick you up at the end of your journey. He also sells fishing licenses and bait and would be happy to answer any questions whether you are an experienced or beginning fisherman.
After a long day of paddling your canoe, you may take a quick rest in your cozy Mill House guest room then head down to La Roe’s restaurant for dinner on his beautiful patio. We can even make a reservation for you ahead of time so you are sure to get the perfect table overlooking the river and blooming perennial garden.
Of course a visit to The Mill House must include a ride on “The Volunteer”. Located just across the river in Providence Metro Park is the famous Ludwig Mill with our beautiful canal boat. You can enjoy a ride on the mule drawn boat hosted by guides dressed in period costumes. You’ll not only have fun, but you’ll learn the history of the canal era and tour a working historical grist mill. You might be lucky enough to talk to Willy Ludwig, historian and ancestor of the family who started the mill. The boat is handicap accessible and fun for all ages.
That should just about fill up a few days in Grand Rapids. Squeeze in a little shopping time in our Front Street shops, wake up to a fresh cup of coffee and a morning stroll on the tow path behind the inn, have breakfast on the patio and make lots of memories. Visit our website, www.themillhouse.com and click on the attractions link for more information about these and many other places of interest near Grand Rapids. We are always happy to answer any questions and help you plan your trip. Give us a call and come experience our Mill House and our beautiful town soon.
