Why We’re Opening Our Doors for Longer Stays

The Story Behind Our Extended-Stay Suites at The Inns at 8th and Main

Some decisions are made with the head, and others are made with the heart. This one involved a bit of both.

As many of you know, Dan and I have spent years pouring our hearts into The Inns at 8th and Main—restoring history, welcoming guests from around the world, and sharing our love for McConnelsville. When we first opened the doors to The Stone House and The Morris House, we had one big dream: to offer travelers a place where time slows down, coffee tastes better, and they feel like part of something special.

Over the years, that dream has come to life in the most beautiful ways—through laughter around the breakfast table, quiet evenings on the back patio under the stars, and countless stories shared with guests who quickly became friends.

But even the best stories evolve. And while our daily innkeeping rhythm has brought us more joy than we ever imagined, we’ve also come to recognize when it’s time for a gentle shift.

That’s why we’ve transformed The Maria and The Margaret into fully furnished extended-stay suites.

So… why the change?

It didn’t happen overnight. For a long time, we noticed a recurring pattern—guests would come for a weekend and say, “I wish I could stay longer.” Some actually did stay longer: past residents returning to town to care for family, traveling nurses here for a few months, or folks in transition needing a soft place to land.

We began to see how meaningful it was to offer not just a beautiful room, but a sense of stability. A place where people could breathe. Where the furniture felt familiar by the second week, where you knew which drawer the spoons were in, and where walking to the diner became a comforting routine.

Over time, it became clear: we could create something even more personal, even more intentional, for guests who needed more than a few nights of rest.

And truthfully—our own pace of life has shifted too. Running a small inn is joyful work, but it’s also demanding. This shift allows us to continue doing what we love—offering hospitality with heart—while giving ourselves the space to do it in a slower, more sustainable rhythm. We’re still here, still cooking, still keeping the lights on… just with a little more balance.

What makes these suites different?

Both The Maria and The Margaret offer charm and comfort with a boutique twist. We’ve designed them with longer stays in mind—spacious, private, and fully furnished with everything you need to feel right at home.

Each suite includes:

• Private bedroom and living area

• A functional kitchenette

• Weekly cleaning and fresh linens

• Off-street parking

• Fast Wi-Fi and all utilities

• Optional breakfast by reservation

  
  

They’re ideal for traveling professionals, folks between homes, returning locals spending time with loved ones, or anyone looking for a change of scenery without giving up the comforts of home.

And of course, location matters. These suites are nestled in the heart of McConnelsville—a town that’s easy to fall in love with.

The charm of small-town life

What we love most is how accessible everything is here. You can walk to almost everything you need—a cozy coffee shop with fresh pastries, locally owned shops full of treasures, a diner that knows your name, and even a historic opera house with weekend performances.

You can stroll along the Muskingum River, take in the historic architecture, and catch one of those golden sunsets that seem to only happen in small-town Ohio.

For someone who’s here working, relocating, or just craving simplicity, there’s peace in knowing that life is close by—walkable, warm, and welcoming.

The Stone House is still your weekend home

While The Maria and The Margaret now serve our extended-stay guests, The Stone House continues to host our beloved short-term visitors. If you’re planning a romantic weekend, a girl's trip, or a quiet getaway to recharge—we’re still offering those luxurious, well-loved rooms that make you feel like you’re staying in a chapter of a storybook.

Breakfast is still served in the historic dining room—just reserve in advance so we can set a place at the table for you. You’ll still find Dan flipping his famous eggs and me fussing over fruit parfaits. And yes, our scratch-made desserts disappear faster than we can set the table.

A deeper kind of welcome

If you’ve stayed with us before, you know that what we offer goes far beyond a room. It’s warmth, connection, and thoughtful touches that make people feel seen. It’s a welcome that feels like a hug. It’s a “we’ve got you” kind of place.

And that hasn’t changed. We’re just expanding what that looks like.

Our extended-stay suites are still rooted in that same care—just designed for people who need a little more time, a little more comfort, and a lot more quiet. We know that life takes twists and turns, and sometimes all you need is a clean, cozy space, fresh linens each week, and a community that feels familiar.

We’ve also found these suites to be a perfect fit for business travelers—especially those working in nearby towns who prefer something more personal than a chain hotel. With high-speed Wi-Fi, weekly cleaning, and quiet spaces to relax or get work done, they’ve told us again and again that it just feels like home. We even had one guest joke that he got more work done here than in his actual office.

And to our fellow creatives—writers, artists, photographers—consider this your invitation. McConnelsville and the surrounding hills are bursting with beauty. From misty morning river views to historic downtown details and light that pours through 180-year-old windows just right, this place is full of inspiration. Whether you're finishing a book, building a portfolio, or just need time to breathe and create, The Maria and The Margaret are ideal spaces to focus, reset, and soak it all in.

Come stay a while

If you or someone you know is looking for a longer stay in Southeast Ohio, we’d love to host you. Whether it’s for two weeks or a couple of months, we’re happy to help you settle in.

Just reach out—we’d be glad to tell you more, schedule a tour, or even pour a cup of coffee and chat on the patio.

Thanks for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to welcome you—or someone you love—home for a while.

With love,

Amy & Dan

The Inns at 8th and Main