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A Seat at the Table for Everyone: How We Welcome Guests with Food Intolerances & Allergies at The Inns at 8th and Main

  • Amy Smith
  • Apr 7
  • 4 min read

Updated: 4 hours ago

When we first opened the doors to The Inns at 8th and Main, our mission was simple: make every guest feel like family.


A plate of gluten-free pancakes with blueberries and two fried fresh farm eggs.
Gluten-Free Pancakes With Warm Blueberries & Farm Fresh Eggs

That hasn’t changed. But what has changed is how many of us—myself included—are living with food allergies and intolerances. These days, more of our guests arrive with dietary needs and preferences, and we’re not just okay with that—we’re prepared for it.

And here's the twist: your favorite innkeeper (hi, it’s me—Amy!) is now part of the dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-conscious club. Life handed me a new food journey, and you know what? It’s made our breakfasts better than ever.


Creating a Food-Safe, Cozy Experience


We know that food isn’t just fuel—it’s part of the experience. From the smell of fresh coffee in the dining room to the warm muffins waiting for you in the morning, breakfast at our Inn sets the tone for your whole day.


But for guests with celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or other dietary needs, that experience can come with worry. Will there be something safe to eat? Will they need to bring their own food? Will they feel left out?


The answer here is no, no, and absolutely not.


Whether you're avoiding gluten, steering clear of dairy, watching your sugar, or managing multiple food sensitivities, you’re in good hands here at our allergy-friendly bed and breakfast in McConnelsville, Ohio.


Gluten-Free Breakfast? You Got It.


As someone who is now eating gluten-free myself, I’ve become a bit of a pancake detective. I’ve tested almond flour, oat flour, gluten-free blends—you name it. And yes, we’ve found a few winning recipes that have earned a permanent spot on our breakfast menu.


Whether it’s banana pancakes, crustless quiches, or a simple fruit and egg plate with our house-made breakfast hash, we serve gluten-free options that are nourishing and indulgent.


Dairy-Free and Delicious


Living dairy-free doesn’t mean living flavor-free. We’ve got oat milk, almond milk, and dairy-free creamers on hand. You’ll find buttery spreads (without the dairy), coconut milk yogurt, and even dairy-free chocolate chips in our cookies and muffins if you’re lucky enough to visit on a baking day.


From dairy-free French toast made with almond milk and a hint of cinnamon to our savory roasted vegetable hash with eggs from local farms, we create satisfying dishes that are safe and delicious.


Sugar-Conscious, Still Satisfying


Reducing sugar has been a personal choice for me lately, and it’s opened my eyes to just how many delicious things you can make without that extra sweetness. We offer breakfast options that are naturally low in sugar—think eggs with avocado, chia seed pudding, and unsweetened yogurt with fresh berries and nuts.


We even use monk fruit and maple syrup as gentle sweeteners in some of our recipes. If you're mindful of sugar intake, just let us know—we’re happy to accommodate.


Your Safety Is Our Priority


We’re not a commercial kitchen, but we do take every precaution we can when guests share their dietary restrictions. We ask in advance (during booking or through our pre-arrival emails) so we can shop thoughtfully, prep with care, and avoid any major allergens you may be sensitive to.


Have a severe allergy or cross-contamination concern? Let us know—we’ll be honest about what we can safely provide, and we’ll always offer refrigerator space if you’d prefer to bring your own trusted items.


Our Personal Connection


Having to eat this way myself has changed the way I look at our breakfast table. I know how it feels to show up somewhere and hope you’re not “being a bother.” I know how exhausting it can be to explain your food needs over and over again.


That’s why we just build it into the plan here. You don’t have to ask twice. You don’t have to feel like an inconvenience. You’re just part of the Inn Crowd, and we’re happy to serve you the way we do everyone else—with heart, care, and a side of really good coffee.


Sample Menu Ideas


Here’s just a peek at what a day might look like at our allergy-friendly inn:


  • Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free Breakfast Board: Scrambled farm-fresh eggs, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado slices, fresh berries, and gluten-free toast with vegan butter.

  • Low-Sugar Morning Treat: Coconut chia pudding topped with nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

  • Baked Oatmeal (DF/GF/Low Sugar): Made with almond milk, bananas, and a touch of maple—perfect for cozy mornings.

  • Savory Saturday Hash: Potatoes, spinach, bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein—topped with a fried egg or left plant-based.


Come Just As You Are


Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian—or none of the above—we’ve got a plate for you. We’re not here to judge your choices or make things complicated. We’re here to make your stay feel like home.


So if you’re Googling something like “food allergy friendly lodging near The Wilds” or “gluten-free bed and breakfast in southeast Ohio,” you’ve found us.


How to Let Us Know


When you book your stay, you’ll be asked about your preferences. That’s your chance to tell us anything we need to know—food restrictions, arrival times, favorite coffee flavors… we take it all in and plan accordingly.


And yes, if you’ve got a hankering for cookies and milk at bedtime (dairy-free or otherwise), that can be arranged too. 😉


Closing Thought: We See You. We Feed You. We Welcome You.


At The Inns at 8th and Main, we believe everyone deserves to start their day with a meal that’s made with care. We’ve built our business on hospitality with heart—and that means nourishing every guest, no matter their needs.


Come visit. Bring your food allergies, your intolerances, your preferences, and your cravings. We’re ready—and breakfast is served.


Till Next Time,


Amy-Your Favorite Innkeeper & Club Member

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