My husband (Sean) and I booked it to Yellow Springs last week after a long work day. Though there was an accident, we still managed to make it to Yellow Springs in just over an hour (phew!). We had one night in Yellow Springs and we planned to jam pack it with all that this quaint town had to offer.
First stop, Yellow Springs Brewery. We pulled into the gravel lot and got all the smells from the food truck parked just outside, yum! The brewery itself is vibrant and full of energy. Their colorful logo hung above the draught spouts and my husband immediately requested a logo sticker to take back to his man cave refrigerator (of course!). We settled in and got a flight to taste all the options. We enjoyed the staff, the local gentleman sitting next to me who shared his story of how he got to Yellow Springs, and of course, the brews!
We were quickly on to our next stop, Winds Café, for dinner. We were seated at a table beside the windows that looked out onto Xenia Avenue which invited Sean and I to take in the community. Before we ordered fresh breads, house olives, and creamy butter were brought to our table.
We went on to order a Caesar salad, stuffed calamari, and the seasonal risotto. (I like to say that Sean is a Caesar Salad Connoisseur of sorts as he always must order one if there is one to be had. He was thrilled that he didn’t have to ask for anchovies, they were already included! It’s the little things…) Everything was delicious, but don’t worry, we both saved room for our next stop… Young’s Jersey Dairy.
I am all about ice cream. I love ice cream, especially if there is chocolate and peanut butter involved. We were told by several friends that we HAD TO stop at Young’s Jersey Dairy for ice cream, boy, am I happy we did! Sean went for the good ‘ol mint chocolate chip and I did the Buckeye Sundae (chocolate and peanut butter ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a homemade Buckeye… heavenly). By this point, we needed a good night’s sleep at the Hearthstone Inn in nearby Cedarville, a well-appointed clean and comfortable stay with a personal touch from the owners’ in every way. I thought this travel blessing was a sweet touch (see pictured).
The next morning, Sean headed back to Columbus and I had the opportunity to visit with one of our Unique Lodging of Ohio members, Mills Park Hotel. Talk about a hotel with personality! The property is modeled after the 19th century home of William Mills, a local settler who had helped in the development of the town’s infrastructure. Mills Park Hotel gives a modern twist to their historic roots.
The front wrap around veranda is welcoming and completely charming! Throughout the hotel there are darling paintings of CORGIS (yes, the adorable fluffy dog), a corgi carousel, and corgi stuffed animals in the gift shop! (Fun Fact: the owner of the hotel has a corgi, hence the significance. In addition, he is fantastic with woodworking. Throughout the hotel, several of the wooden pieces were handcrafted by him!) I enjoyed an excellent breakfast in Ellie’s Restaurant & Bakery (the breakfast croissant was delicious!) and then I had to bid adieu and off to work I went.
Every stop during my time in Yellow Springs is memorable and I’m looking forward to returning and staying for a while. I hope to explore the art scene and the several locally owned shops that line Xenia Ave. From what I hear, you must come during a Street Festival (I’ll have to check my calendar…).
Until Next Time,
Lauren
Off of the main lobby there is a large art exhibition room. The focal point of the space is a standing, circular, structure that has video boards around the inside, and if you stand in the middle you feel you are a part of the movement.
Walking through the hotel, I couldn’t help but to take a minute to have a seat in one of the many lounge areas. Everything is artfully placed by mixing colors, textures, lighting, and of course, pieces of art! The seating areas are inviting, and you feel there is a greater community vibe in the air.
As I walked away from my car and towards the timeless brick home, I immediately felt at ease. I opened the black iron gate to allow myself up the steps and to the brick sidewalk that wrapped around the home (the Guest House sits in the rear lawn of the beautiful 1800’s brick home where the owners reside). Speaking of the owners, I was warmly greeted by Lisa, and was so excited to have the opportunity to relax in this urban oasis.
Though I couldn’t quite keep my hard hat on, I was able to get some great photos from the property. Walking into the main lobby, I was immediately greeted with an unprecedented accent wall behind the front desk; an American flag made of wooden pallets and special lighting.
The hotel sits comfortably within the Northside District of downtown Akron. As I got out of my car, I couldn’t help but to take time and look around their immediate area. Just steps from the hotel was a pizza shop, a clay and art studio, an ultra-modern restaurant and a few other establishments I would have loved to explore.
Now this property, Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Downtown, has a little piece of my heart. Not because of its’ stunning architecture, interesting history, or timeless bourbon bar, but I worked here for a large portion of my career. It was such a pleasure to work in a historical building and interact with the guests that had visited throughout the years. I wanted to go visit and share a day with you at this hotel.
Walking into this property my eyes are always immediately drawn to the original columns that lead to a ceiling that is a work of art. What makes this property an architectural gem? It is located within the 1927 Buckeye Savings and Loans Building in the bustling Gay Street District. Remnants of the bank that once existed here showcase the property’s history and add charm to this modern aged hotel.
One of my favorite pieces in the hotel is the original blueprint of the bank which you’d find at the rear of the lobby. From the US Postal Mailbox and chute, to the clusters of security deposit boxes, to the one feature I find most unique…the breakfast buffet that is served from within the original bank vault (it is not everyday you get to see an actual vault door!).
I worked my way through the lobby and into the elevator banks. Above each elevator the engraved marble maintains the original Buckeye Savings & Loans emblem and an arched hand-painted ceiling. I enjoyed my suite, as it was spacious and had a full kitchen. Not to say, the big windows allowed a lot of natural light into the room, which I am always a sucker for. Even as I walked through the hallways, there were architectural elements around every corner, the floor I stayed on had beautiful exposed beams.
Hi, Inn Lovers! As the newbie of OHLA, this is my first contribution to the Inn Love blog, so hang with me as I share my venture into downtown Columbus to Hotel Leveque, the first Autograph Collection in Columbus, situated within the iconic Leveque Tower. Trust me, you’ll want to hear about this one!
This property’s MO is “A Beacon of Hospitality”, how fitting! From the moment I pulled up in front of the striking building I was in awe. The entryway alone is enough to take your breath away with its intricate metal working, hanging lamps, tiled flooring, painted ceilings… Oh my gosh, we haven’t even made it inside yet!
As I walked through the lobby to the super hip front desk I couldn’t help but to look up and see the stellar light fixture in a soaring atrium. I began putting the pieces together and saw the overall theme; astrology! There were seemingly subtle notes all around me including the shimmering ever-changing constellation artwork behind the front desk pods. (Forgive my picture from Christmas, I just had to include this one of the lobby, it was so beautiful! And the tree almost reached the second floor!)
Ok, Inn Lovers, the sleeping rooms are SO fun! The rooms carried on the overall theme with ultra-modern furnishings, pops of gold and yellow, and light fixtures that mimicked the fixture in the atrium. Abstract shelfing also offered unique books, gadgets, and gizmos. After all this excitement, I could not wait to see the restaurant and lounge.
First, I wanted to freshen up and the bathroom did not disappoint! Spacious with marble tiling throughout. And by spacious I mean you can fit at least 15 people in the shower alone. I would be remiss not to mention the toiletries by Cliff Original, which I later found out is a local company right here in Columbus!
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