Your Perfect 90-Minute Escape: Why Columbus Area Travelers Love Small-Town Weekends
- Amy Smith
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
There’s a moment every Columbus traveler knows well—
By Amy Smith | The Inns at 8th and Main | McConnelsville, Ohio
that feeling when the week has been loud, the schedule has been full, and you look at each other and say…
“We just need to get away for a night.”
But planning a full vacation feels overwhelming. A plane ticket? Too much. Driving hours? Not appealing. A downtown hotel? Still too busy.
That’s when a quiet small-town escape suddenly feels like the perfect answer.
And for many Columbus guests, that answer is just 90 minutes away at The Inns at 8th & Main.
Just Far Enough to Feel Like a Getaway…
Close Enough to Be Completely Stress-Free
There’s something magical about the 90-minute mark. It’s close enough that you don’t have to plan, pack heavily, or take time off.
But it’s far enough that the air feels different, the streets slow down, and your shoulders soften the moment you arrive.
Most Columbus couples arrive saying the same thing:
“We didn’t realize how much we needed this.”
What Columbus Travelers Tell Us They Crave Most
And what they love is surprisingly simple:
✔ Quiet mornings with real coffee and no rush
Morning light through old glass windows.Time to breathe without checking a calendar.
✔ A boutique room that feels cared for, not corporate
Thoughtful touches.Warm textures.Spaces with stories.
✔ A breakfast made just for them
Gourmet, homemade, and served with heart.Diet-friendly accommodations that make guests feel seen and welcomed.
✔ A walkable downtown that feels safe and charming
No traffic. No parking garages.Just peaceful streets and historic architecture.
✔ A getaway that feels intentional—not overwhelming
You can do a lot…or you can do absolutely nothing. Both feel perfect here.
The Inns at 8th & Main Experience
Our inn is known for something Columbus guests rarely find:
A place that feels like home—but better.
The Stone House and Morris House blend:
180 years of history
Boutique comfort
Personal hospitality
Slow moments
It’s where anniversaries are quietly celebrated, birthdays feel meaningful, and long-overdue conversations finally have space to unfold.
And soon, Columbus travelers will have a brand-new way to experience McConnelsville:
The Lavender House on Liberty, a curated vacation home by The Inns at 8th & Main. Overlooking peaceful lavender fields and designed with the same intention, comfort, and boutique charm as our historic inns, this private two-bedroom home will offer guests a quiet first-floor stay, beautiful views, and the perfect blend of small-town simplicity and elevated style. It’s a place made for longer visits, slow mornings, and travelers who want the privacy of a home with the heart of an inn experience.
Breakfast That Feels Like a Treat, Not a Task
Columbus guests often tell us they didn’t expect breakfast to be such a highlight.
But at the Inn, breakfast is not a buffet line. It’s not rushed. And it’s not one-size-fits-all.
It’s homemade. It’s crafted with intention. And it always begins with a little “something sweet,” because every morning deserves a soft start.
Things to Do (If You Want To)
You can fill your time—or simply let it unfold.
Nearby favorites include:
Old Bridge Brewing Company — local craft beer + easy atmosphere
Twin City Opera House — ghost hunts, music, and unexpected charm
Small-town cafés and shops
Scenic walks along the river
Drives that follow the Muskingum hills and bend into old Ohio beauty
Most Columbus guests return saying:
“We didn’t do much… and it was perfect.”
Why Columbus Travelers Come Back Again and Again
Because here, you don’t have to perform. You don’t have to plan .You don’t have to hurry.
You just get to be. And sometimes, that’s the most healing kind of getaway there is.
Ready for Your 90-Minute Escape?
If you’re craving a quiet, meaningful weekend away—one that feels simple, restorative, and close to home.
The Inns at 8th & Main is waiting to welcome you.
Explore our rooms → Suites
Check availability → Book Direct
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is The Inns at 8th & Main from Columbus?
We’re an easy 90-minute drive, making us perfect for last-minute escapes, romantic weekends, or quick resets that don’t require planning or time off.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you’re coming straight from work in Columbus, just let us know — we’re happy to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Do you accommodate dietary needs at breakfast?
Yes. We happily prepare gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sugar options with advance notice. As someone with dietary needs myself, I understand how important this is.
Is McConnelsville walkable?
Very. Once you arrive, you can stroll to local shops, cafés, the Opera House, Old Bridge Brewing Company, and scenic river overlooks right from our front door.
Can we book the entire inn or stay in a private vacation home?
Absolutely. For extended stays or added privacy, our new Lavender House on Liberty offers a curated two-bedroom vacation home experience overlooking peaceful lavender fields.
