City: Cincinnati, OH

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (513) 932-5065

Address: 27 South Broadway

Description: This beautiful historic country inn is the oldest public lodging in Ohio. In fact, it was founded in 1803 only a few months after Ohio became a state. In 1815 a two-story federal-style brick building replaced the original log tavern and today serves as the lobby and part of the second floor of the four-story restaurant and inn.The inn became nationally famous in the 19th century when it hosted famous literary figures and politicians of the day. Its heyday came during the days of coach travel, when many drivers and travelers who couldn’t read were simply told to stop at the sign of the Golden Lamb. One of the travelers—who surely could read—was Mark Twain. He stayed here as he rehearsed for a performance at the Lebanon Opera House. Charles Dickens also stayed here during a tour of the United States in 1842. Presidents William Henry Harrison and Ulysses S. Grant stayed here, too.Today, presidents tend to choose more modern establishments. But there’s still plenty to love in the 18 rooms that make up the Golden Lamb Inn, especially for antiques lovers. Rooms, each of which is named after a famous guest from the past, double as museum displays until rented, showcasing the Golden Lamb’s collection of Shaker furniture and Currier and Ives prints. In fact, the inn is listed as a Shaker museum—one of the few museums you also can sleep in.You can’t buy the antiques in the rooms, but plenty are available for sale at the many antiques stores along Broadway in Lebanon or in Waynesville, which is less than 10 minutes away. The gift shop at the Golden Lamb is also a popular place for its collection of reproduction antique merchandise. Fine dining is always nearby too. The Golden Lamb is probably best known these days as a fine restaurant that attracts diners from throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas. There is, of course, no pool, no exercise room, and no refrigerator in the room. And it probably goes without saying that they don’t want pets gnawing on the antiques.