Holidays have you harried already? Then take a page or two out of "Great
Inn Getaways from Cleveland" (Gray & Co., Publishers, $14.95), the
new book by Kent author Doris Larson. From quaint Victorian mansions to artsy-craftsy
bed-&-breakfasts and luxury hotels sporting state-of-the-art spas, Larson
has a weekend tailor-made for you. Here are three of her favorites.
For couples: Celebrate the season at the 201-year-old Golden Lamb in Lebanon,
Ohio, where Christmas is observed every day during the month of December — except
the 25th. Choose from one of three themed holiday dinners, including a hearty
meal of German fare; a Charles Dickens repast of Christmas goose and a pudding
Bob Cratchit would love; and a feast of Virginia ham, turkey and cherry pie
patterned after the kind of meal served at Mount Vernon in George Washington's
day. Before turning in for the night in one of the 18 antiques-filled guestrooms,
Larson recommends rekindling romance by taking a horsedrawn carriage ride around
town. The Golden Lamb, 27 S. Broadway, Lebanon; (513) 932-5065; www.goldenlamb.com
For singles: Although Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada, is known for
its summer Shaw Festival of plays, the 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post
is a favorite year-round retreat. Melt the stresses of the day away by indulging
in a mud wrap or hot stone massage in one of 12 "treatment rooms"
decorated to resemble such exotic ports-of-call as Egypt, Turkey, Mexico and
Greece. "While there, be sure to take a dip in the outdoor hot-spring pool
with cascading waterfall," Larson says. Pillar and Post, 48 John St., Niagara-on-the
Lake, Ontario, Canada; 1-888-669-5566; www.vintageinns.com
For families: It's a history lesson the kids are sure to remember. Named by
Midwest Living magazine as "one of the Midwest's best historic vacation
sites," Roscoe Village, located in the canal-era town of Coshocton, is
aglow during the annual candle-lighting ceremony that takes place on the first
three Saturdays in December. "It's a Christmas-card scene come to life
with lights in every window, a 35-foot Christmas tree, strolling carolers, cookies
and hot mulled cider," Larson enthuses. While there, she suggests staying
at the Inn at Roscoe Village, which exudes charming Shaker style, right down
to the folk art on the walls and subdued hues of blue, cream and green in the
51 guest rooms, 13 of which have king-sized, four-poster beds. Inn at Roscoe
Village, 200 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton; Call 1-800-237-7397; www.roscoevillage.com |
