City: Cincinnati, OH

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (937) 544-2263, (877) 687-7446

Address: 750 Murphin Ridge Road

Description: An hour’s drive from downtown Cincinnati, the Murphin Ridge Inn is one of our very favorite bed-and-breakfasts in the region. Why? It’s perfect in almost every respect. The 1820 Virginia-style brick farmhouse and adjoining guesthouse are adroitly managed by innkeepers Sherry and Darryl McKenney. Its location, on the edge of the Appalachian foothills in Adams County and surrounded by 140 acres of countryside, allows plenty of opportunities for either leisurely strolls or serious hiking. In addition to wooded trails, the bountiful recreation amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and even a charming croquet court. There’s a fire pit where guests delight in the stars and conversation. Location alone, however, doesn’t account for Murphin Ridge’s popularity. The dining experience is unparalleled, as the inn’s chef prepares regional American specialties (dinners are available, though only breakfast is included in the overnight price). The kitchen will even pack a picnic lunch for hikers. The 10 guest rooms are somewhat spartan, though lovingly furnished in custom wood furniture built by the area’s best-known craftsman, David T. Smith. Each room features a private bath, while some include cathedral ceilings, porches, or fireplaces. Nine forest cabins have also been added to the complex.Nearby is the historic Serpent Mound as well as the intriguing Amish community and bountiful shopping experiences (see the Adams County listing in the Day Trips chapter). The inn’s diners reap the benefits of seasonal garden produce harvested from two vegetable gardens as well as an herb garden.