I am told that Millersburg, OH, may be the Bed and Breakfast capital of the U.S. based on the number of reviews we received. I decided to visit one of the most popular inns, The Barn B&B, and check it out myself. Located in the heart of the Ohio Amish country, this beautiful “barn” offers lovely accommodations and many special amenities.
Now I must tell you that our visit coincided with Hurricane Ike’s route through the mid-west and we were without power at the inn from about 7 p.m. that evening up until the time we left. As of this writing, the inn is still without power.
I understand why guests find this inn and the innkeeper to be so special. After booking, I received a note from owner and innkeeper Loretta Coblentz, informing me that since we would be there on a Sunday evening and with the exception of only a sports grill, area restaurants are closed. She offered to make reservations for us to “Raid The Kitchen” at The Inn at Honey Run, a neighboring full service inn whose chef prepares an informal Sunday evening buffet only for their guests and guests of The Barn. Reservations are required in advance. Loretta also recommended taking a tour of the area through Amish Culture Tours. Owner LaVonne Dubois is very knowledgeable and her tours are excellent. We enjoyed visiting historic Millersburg and Berlin. Holmes County is the highest rural tourist area in the state and second highest tourist area overall.
If you enjoy shopping, there is plenty in the area. From the antique malls to the Amish farm stands. The Longaberger Basket Homestead is about 40 miles away and if you are collector or want to be, you will enjoy visiting and touring. Loretta is a quilter and displays many of her quilts, several which are award winners. She can point you in the right direction for supplies or the finished product as well as help you plan your day’s activities. She and her husband Paul are extremely knowledgeable about the area and the Amish and Mennonite cultures.
Although there was still no power in the morning it was transparent at the breakfast table. The promised, bountiful, farm breakfast was awaiting us as we entered the Great Room. Hot coffee, tea, juices and fruit cups on one table, poached pears with pecans and mint “stalks” along with cinnamon buns and a baked oatmeal dish with yogurt and fresh fruit (to die for) set out on another table. Then there was the entrée, fluffy scrambled eggs made with cream, a Southwestern potato hash and local sausage. All we could say was WOW! After breakfast my husband stood up at the table and said to Loretta, “You showed us how to gracefully overcome adversity. Thank you.” I could not have put it better myself.
Loretta and her husband Paul are delightful hosts and the many positive reviews posted about The Barn B&B are definitely deserved. You will enjoy your stay as we did ours.
To read more about our “blackout activities,” read my full report on the BedandBreakfast.com Message boards in the Ohio forum: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/communities.aspx