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The Inn at Honey Run

June 11th, 2012    •  by Andy    •   3 Comments »

Sometimes you just happen to be at the right place at the right time.

While helping to show around some travel writers, we were making idle time chit chat with an accompanying publicist and mentioned that we were planning to go to Canton to check out a new food tour business there. The publicist mentioned that she also represented an inn close to Canton and asked if we’d like to stay at it. A couple of phone calls later, it was done.

We’re glad it was, as it was a truly enjoyable experience. The setting was absolutely beautiful, with the main lodge and restaurant (called Tarragon) tucked into a ravine, a fascinating set of rooms called ‘the honeycomb’ built into the side of a hill, and a few cottages scattered about among the woods higher up yet.

places to stay in Amish country

We arrived just in time to catch a late lunch at Tarragon, and ordered the pan fried pork cutlet and the ‘signature’ ham loaf with honey mustard sauce. And – nice touch – prior to receiving them, a plate of crudites with a lovely and conspicuously freshly made dip arrived. The pork was cooked perfectly, and the accompanying spaetzle and mushroom/shallot sauce worked wonderfully. This was an unqualified hit. The ham loaf was also satisfying, in its own comfort foody way. Both, it should be noted, nod to the German/Amish traditions of the area, and both were generous portions.

where to eat in amish country

Our seating, next to a huge window, felt as though it was among the canopy of the trees outside. Desserts – an upside down apple pie and a strawberry rhubarb bread pudding – arrived. Both were exceptional, and the bread pudding was the first I’ve had to taste of a season other than winter.

Inns to visit in Ohio

Satisfied upon finishing our meal, we were graciously permitted to check into our cottage early. If an inn with truly good food was surprise #1 (and we’re kicking ourselves for not being able to see what they do for dinner), then the cottage was surprise #2.

Cottages and ‘rusticity’ go hand in hand, and often that means needlepoint homilies, knobbly Adirondack furnishings, and a deficit of amenities. There’s a place for that, no doubt, but it’s generally not our preference. And, happily, that wasn’t what we found.

Instead, Honey Run’s ‘Cardinal’ cottage looked for all the world like a 2 bedroom upscale hotel suite wrapped up in a cottage sited among the trees. A deck extended off of the voluminous and beautifully decorated great room, and held what I’d guess to be an 8 person hot tub (that we regrettably didn’t get the chance to try). Rusticity amounted to siting and architecture, all else was tastefully contemporary without seeming out of place. The attention to detail was exhaustive and appreciated, and wifi access in what felt to be the middle of nowhere was of tremendous benefit to us on our semi-working mini-vacation.

inn at honey run ohio

Overall, we found Honey Run to be impressive both in conception and operation. When bloggers like ourselves are offered freebies like this, there’s an obvious sense of obligation to write about the experience. We were relieved to no end to be able to sincerely find the experience to be as enjoyable as it was, and to be able to write about it in positive terms independent of any sense of obligation.

Simply put, I couldn’t imagine a better place in Ohio for a relaxing weekend retreat, especially if your plans include spending time in Amish country. For more info, see the Inn at Honey Run website.

The Inn at Honey Run generously provided our overnight stay and lunch. All opinions remain our own.


3 Comments to “The Inn at Honey Run”

  1. Very cool! Julia and I have been talking about staying there for some time. Talk about a pleasant surprise to see someone posting about it!

    The fact that the food looks delicious is an added plus!

  2. Bill Inglis
    June 16, 2012

    I first stayed at Honey Run when it was still owned and operated by the founder. I led several bike tours there and it was always a hit. I’ve taken my wife there numerous times and we love it. Since I started going there, it’s had three different owner/operators. Each loved and respected the Inn, the surroundings, the area, and the guests. Each developed and kept a staff that shared these values. And, miracle of miracles, it got better each year. It is the perfect place to go if you want to spend some time touring the Amish country, or shopping for Amish furniture, or bicycling (it can be very vigorous), or simply lazing around reading. We’ve been there in every season for a weekend off, a mid-week break, a tour, and so on. As this article indicates, the current restaurant is excellent, and the Inn itself (and all of its different kinds of facilities/rooms) can not be surpassed. If you need a recharge, do yourself a favor and stay a night or two at the Inn.

  3. Cindy Hartsook
    June 19, 2012

    We have stayed both in the Inn and the Honeycomb rooms and enjoyed them both. The service has always been gracious and the food outstanding. My rainbow trout was the best I have ever had. My husband, Doug, and I would highly recommend a stay at the Inn. You will come away refreshed in so many ways and look forward to your next visit.

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