Great Inn Getaways from Cleveland by Doris Larson | Cleveland Books | Gray & Company, Publishers | Guide and Gift Books about Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and Ohio.

Description

Looking for a real change of scenery? Good news: you don't have to travel far. Try any of these 58 great destinations (all just a short drive from Cleveland) for a refreshingly unique getaway.

No boring chain hotels here, no cookie-cutter motels; these places have true character.

You'll find a fanciful Renaissance castle with 30 miles of hiking trails on a 1,100-acre estate; a National Landmark inn amid a historic Arts & Crafts community; a chic and sleek modern boutique hotel in a renovated downtown warehouse; a family farm that lets kids sample traditional farm life; trademark American Victorian hotels with wide, rocking-chair–lined verandas; and much more. There are wonderful options for all moods and seasons.

In addition to deluxe accommodations, you'll find adventurous menus, exotic decor, breathtaking vistas, and old-fashioned hospitality.

Each getaway includes plenty of nearby activities—theater, shopping, museums, hiking, dining, tours, and more.

Let this book be your personal guide to dozens of truly satisfying nearby getaways. Spend less time looking, more time relaxing!

Chapters include: Grand Old Hotels, Historic Inns, Lake Erie Stays, Amish Stays, Spas, Castles & Historic Villages, Family Stays, College Towns, and City Stays.

By the author of Bed & Breakfast Getaways from Cleveland.

Book Excerpt:

Hotel Lakeside

Lakeside . . . The Chautauqua on Lake Erie

Summer visitors have been finding their way to the Hotel Lakeside, a grand old hotel situated on the Marblehead Peninsula, since 1875. Built to accommodate those who came to the early Methodist camp meetings at Lakeside, the hotel offers a wraparound screened porch with a spectacular view of Lake Erie. The porch, lined with rocking chairs and baskets of ferns, is the perfect place to read on a sultry summer afternoon or to linger in the evening to watch the sunset on the lake.

Filled with antiques and groupings of white wicker, the hotel's lobby introduces the authentic lodging experience that awaits. Victorian gems like a walnut hall tree, a Victrola, marble-top tables, and a parlor organ are some of the items given by the Friends of the Hotel Lakeside. Lace curtains at the windows, hanging flower baskets, and carpet in a fruit motif with a burgundy and green background continue the Victorian ambience. I learned as I was registering that the marble counter and the office desk are original to the hotel.

Guest rooms with a lake view are the first to be taken, so reservations are a good idea. A spacious corner room on the third floor looks out to Lake Erie. Furnished with two walnut double beds and matching chest, the room is papered in an exotic bird pattern with a floral background and a border of anaglypta lincrusta. The Friends of the Hotel Lakeside also provided an eye-catching item in this room: a glass-fronted curio cabinet housing a collection of decorative elephants. Another oft-requested room features a burl walnut bedroom set with a beautifully detailed headboard, two marble-top chests, and a pier mirror. Recently renovated rooms boast Laura Ashley wallpaper, pristine white woodwork, and private . . . [ Read More Free Samples ]

Table of Contents

• Preface
• How to Use This Book
• Grand Old Hotels and Inns
• Historic Inns
• Castles and Villages
• Spa Stays
• Amish Stays
• Family Stays
• Lake Erie Stays
• College Town Stays
• City Inns
• Indexes

Reviews

Think of author Doris Larson as the 'Inspector 12' of travel--and know that only meritorious accommodations garnered a listing in her guidebook . . . This guide's a pleasure to use . . . the means to a refreshing and pleasurable end. — The WIne Buzz

A delightful read, chock full of information. Even if you can't get away right now, it will give you plenty of ideas for future trips. — Currents

A great source to consult when planning a weekend. — North Coast Sports

Professional traveler writer Doris Larson has taken all the guesswork out of finding that special place to spend the night, as well as things to see and do in the area. — Record Courier

About Doris Larson

Doris Larson is a professional travel journalist who has written numerous articles on accommodations and destinations. Her work has appeared in Inn Traveler, Arrington's Bed & Breakfast Journal, Inns & Retreats, Ohio Magazine, Northern Ohio Live, Cleveland Magazine, Country Living, and many others. She served on the panel of guidebook writers and editors responsible for selecting the "54 Great American Inns" for the April 1999 National Geographic Traveler. She personally visited every inn reviewed in this book. She lives in Kent, Ohio. More About Doris Larson

Contains References to:

American Victorian hotels, Amish Country, Castles, Cincinnati Hotels, Classic Inns, Cleveland Travel, College Towns, Family Vacations, Grand Old Hotels, Historic Villages, Lakes Erie Hotels, Michigan Hotels, Ohio Beaches, Ohio Food, Ohio Getaways, Ohio Spas, Ohio Vacations, Pittsburgh Hotels, Renaissance Castle