News Summary

After a full day, bed-and-breakfast inns beckon

By Pamela Ferris-Olson

Contributing Writer

Need a break from the kids? Want a romantic getaway? Or simply just need to get away?

A bed-and-breakfast may be a perfect antidote. A little planning can turn an overnight into a weekend adventure.

We've compiled a full day's itinerary with B&B, fun activities nearby even a restaurant for dinner. All three B&Bs are less than an hour from downtown Dayton.

So go ahead. Pack a suitcase. And head out for a little R&R within a short drive of Dayton.

Sweet Springs Farm

Location: 2249 Piqua-Troy Road, Staunton Twp. near Troy.
Phone: (937) 902-0421 or (937) 335-0194.
Web address: www.sweetspringsfarmbb.com
Travel time from Dayton: 30 minutes.
Number of guest rooms: Three.
Hosts: Nike and Jane Nihiser.
Things to do nearby: Ride the Troy Bike Trail along the Great Miami River or visit the Waco Museum and Aviation Learning Center.
Local restaurants: LaPiazza for Italian food, Taggarts on the Square for American fare.
Amenities: Set at the end of a tree-lined lane, this circa 1836 Greek Revival-style home has preserved much of the original woodwork and country charm. The house once belonged to Asa Coleman, Miami County's first doctor.

The White Garden Inn

Location: 6194 Brown Road, Oxford.
Phone: (800) 324-4925.
Web address: http://www.whitegardeninn.com/www.whitegardeninn.com
Travel time from Dayton: 45 minutes.
Number of guest rooms: Five.
Hosts: John and Linda Alexander.
Things to do nearby: Visit Miami University or bike, horseback ride, boat or play a round of golf at the 2,200 acre Hueston Woods State Park.
Local restaurants: Kona for American fare with vegetarian features, High Street Grill for steak and chops.
Amenities: An all-white garden surrounds a gazebo. A variety of other gardens can be enjoyed from a wraparound veranda. A garden theme is continued inside the guest rooms in this 9,000-square-foot home.

Great Stone Castle

Location: 429 N. Ohio Avenue, Sidney.
Phone: (937) 498-4728.
Web address: www.greatstonecastle.com
Travel time from Dayton: 30 minutes.
Number of guest rooms: Four.
Hosts: Frederick and Victoria Keller.
Things to do nearby: Go north to Wapakoneta or south to Tipp City for antique shopping. During the summer there is usually at least one small community that hosts a festival.
Local restaurants: Tooney P. Wiggins, an American bistro; the Spot, a diner in existence for more than 100 year,s features homemade pies.
Amenities: The building constructed of Bedford, Ind., limestone is on the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition to its castle-like appearance, guests can feel like royalty by taking advantage of the full spa services that are available.