OHLA Staff Picks for Spring Break

Hello InnLovers –

It’s that time of year again, we are just coming out of the deep freeze that is winter for the Ohio region, college classes halt for a week, and everyone wants to cross state lines…You guessed it – we are talking about SPRING BREAK!

We are doing something a little different for this blog post. You are going to hear a little from each of us at the OHLA office about our favorite places to travel for the infamous week-long vacation. We have got a little bit of everything for you. Some like the beach, some like the sights, some go for the food, but we can all agree it is just nice to get away from the everyday. (Don’t get us wrong, we love Ohio, but…)

Here it is, without further ado – the places you need to see on spring break, according to the OHLA staff:

Lauren’s Pick – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

“Cabo San Lucas is one of those places that the photos just don’t do it justice. Once you break through the neighborhoods, you are exposed to the desert terrain of sand and cacti and as the car twists through the hills you get to a point where you see the crystal blue water peek through a valley… and just like that, you sink into the beauty of Cabo. I’ve been to various parts of Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, etc.) and each of these cities are covered with lush green plants, bright flowers and trees. Cabo is unique in comparison and is simply stunning.

We stayed at the stunning Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. The level of service is unmatched. During our visit we went on a catamaran to the famous Stone Arch at Land’s End (highly recommend!), snorkeled and explored the fabulous & restaurants that are offered.”

Michele’s Pick – Washington, DC (Metro Area)

“During spring break season DC does not offer the swimming weather that the southern half of our country does, but it does offer history, sites that will take your breath away, and food that will keep you coming back.

One of my favorite sights in the area has to be Iwo Jima Memorial. There is just something about the feeling of reverence and awe that the memorial inspires, especially when you see it lit up at night. If you are the area during the summer months I would also recommend the U.S Marine’s Sunset Parade which usually happens in the shadows of the memorial Tuesday evenings June-August. The parade is comprised of musical performances of the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Platoon. It really is something to see.

If historical sites are not your thing, consider seeing the Washington Nationals play south of the city adjacent to the Navy Yard. This venue is huge with many places to eat. If the game does not interest you the food definitely will. My personal go to for food at Nats Park is the one and only Shake Shack (who needs a hot dog when you can get a burger and milkshake, am I right?). A few other enjoyable sites if you have the time to see them are the National Zoo, National Mall, and the Smithsonian.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, DC gives you many opportunities to “stop and smell the flowers,” especially if the cherry blossoms are in bloom!”

Cindy’s Pick – Boulder, CO

“Recently, I visited Boulder, Colorado to visit Erin, my daughter and Brad, her husband! I love visiting Boulder, it’s small enough to walk lots of places in town. I’ve been there for most seasons, winter was a favorite, as I like the snow. We drove up to the mountains and went dog sled riding. Hiking is a must all round Boulder, the scenery is so different from Ohio.

There’s great dining in Boulder on and near the Pearl Street Mall. A couple favorites are Mountain Sun, small craft brewer; Illegal Pete’s Pearl St. Mall, a great Mexican place, and a very unique Nepalese restaurant. Not to mention, Lucille’s is a must for a delicious breakfast. If you are in the area, you have to go once to the Celestial Seasonings Tea Company –  tour the peppermint room! There are many fun casual places to eat in Boulder, but the best is roof top dining with a view of the Flatirons.

A treat this past summer was getting out of town and seeing a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Lady Antebellum. Such a beautiful and unique venue. A few other memorable stops we made were visiting Pike’s Peak, a bucket list item, and the Sand Dunes National Park. We chose a hot day – 101 degrees.”

Halle’s Pick – Charleston, SC

“My pick for Spring Break (or frankly, any time of year) is Charleston, SC. Charleston is one of my all time favorite places in the world and it’s right here — a (long) day drive or short, inexpensive flight away.

I lived in Charleston for a summer, so perhaps there is a special place for it in my heart, but I truly believe in the magic of southern hospitality and if you haven’t been, it needs to go on your bucket list.

If you haven’t stayed in Charleston before I highly recommend you ditch the beach and opt for an historic inn or Hotel in downtown Charleston. The brick streets and Southern porches are too charming to pass up. Downtown Charleston is only a ten minute drive from beautiful beaches like the Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, so the good news is you can stay downtown and soak up the historic charm and you can spend a day or two at the beach – The Best of Both Worlds!

If I could recommend a perfect evening in downtown Charleston I would suggest grabbing a AAA guidebook and doing a walking tour of Charleston’s historic homes and buildings. Stop by at a number of open-air places for a glass of wine or cocktail to break up the walking. Finish off the evening at one of the best Lowcountry fine dining restaurants one could find – like Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B) or High Cotton. If you’re interested in trying something a little different, stop by Kaminsky’s – the dessert bar of Charleston. Patrons can select from a number of decadent desserts or dessert cocktails. Don’t let the line outside scare you off, it’s worth the wait! No trip to Charleston, or review from me, would be complete without brunch. Make sure to try some of those famous southern biscuits and a mimosa or two before you head out of town. There are SO many places to choose from, you cannot go wrong, but Husk is definitely at the top of my list.

Planning to eat and charm your way through Charleston, sometime soon? I want to hear about it!”

Joe’s Pick – American Southwest

“The desert Southwest has always been among my favorite places to get away. There is great beauty across our country, but there is something about the vibrant desert landscapes that is uniquely American. For Spring Break fun, the Las Vegas region provides some of the best opportunities for fun, exploration and natural beauty. Many people say the casino and nightlife of Vegas aren’t for them. But to me, the best parts of Las Vegas are outside the city.

Even during a short stay, you can plan wisely and take advantage of amazing opportunities a short drive away. Valley of Fire State Park is stunning in its scope and amazing color. Anyone who thinks desert landscapes are boring is in for a very nice surprise. Drivable and walkable, Valley of Fire makes any trip to Vegas something much more than expected. Also nearby are Lake Mead National Recreation Area, historic Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area, and crisp cooler air on Mt. Charleston. If you plan right, and have a little luck, you might also catch some exciting acrobatics over the desert from cutting-edge aircraft flying out of Nellis Air Force Base outside of the city. When you’ve had enough adventure, get your R&R poolside. Consider some of the great off-strip properties which are affordable and even more convenient for exploring outside of town, such as Green Valley Ranch and its sister property Red Rock Resort.

Although Las Vegas has some of America’s greatest hotel & resort properties, don’t be fooled into thinking it is all about windowless rooms designed to take your money.  Get outside and see some of the greatest landscape America has to offer.”

Well there you have it, the OHLA picks for spring break. Now the question is, which of these are YOU going to pick?

 

Thank you for traveling with us!

-OHLA Staff

Lauren Stazen, Director of Membership
Michele Marcinick, Communications and Events Coordinator
Cindy Sams, Director of Operations
Halle Markwas, Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships
Joe Savarise, Executive Director

Get Lost at The White Oak Inn

Driving along a winding two-lane road, up and down hills and curves, through wooded valleys and then you arrive at The White Oak Inn tucked away in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country.The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

Some days I just want to disconnect, get away from it all, ‘lose’ my phone and be still. If you are looking for that kind of day, look no further than The White Oak Inn. We had the opportunity to host our Unique Lodging of Ohio (ULO) Council Meeting here and what a great visit it was! A special thank you to Yvonne & Ian Martin, the owners for such warm hospitality!The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

Our meeting of 7 fit perfectly in the quaint room off the main living area. The living room is so cozy with homemade cookies on the coffee table in front of a stone fireplace. The Main House is over 100 years old and offers seven beautifully appointed guest rooms with private baths. On the grounds, there is also the Guest House and two Log Cabins.

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

 

The Guest House was formerly the chicken barn (Yes, a chicken barn. No, not what you are thinking!) that is split into three spacious rooms all with a fireplace and vaulted ceilings. The doors to these rooms have beautifully crafted door frames that add such a sweet touch.

Two Log Cabins sit adjacent to the Guest House and across from the Main House. These cottages act as a romantic hideaway for two complete with a wood-burning fireplace and a two-person whirlpool bath tubs. These cabins are just the right amount of seclusion to make the escape.

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OHOur lunch was delicious and the desserts… OH! The desserts. Our lunch was quite a spread of homemade curried zucchini soup (Must. Get. Recipe.), scones, croissants and an assortment of salads. The decadent desserts featured were turtle walnut brownies and shortbread. Both were delicious but I think my ultimate favorite was the shortbread.

I cannot wrap up this post without introducing you to Dougal. Dougal, the owner’s sweet black lab essentially serves as the one-dog welcoming committee. He loves to get a good back scratch, stay by your feet and is always there to lend a hand in case you may drop a crumb.

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

I will certainly need to return to disconnect in a cozy cabin, sink into a hot bubble bath and eat my weight in shortbread. There is just something to be said about getting lost.

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH