Gore Orphanage - Haunted with Ghosts

HAUNTED OR LEGEND?

After each of our daughters turned 16 and began driving, one of the first places they headed for was Gore Orphanage Road here in Lorain County, just a few miles from the B & B. So, you may ask, what is so special about this particular road that teenagers would want to go there and at night no less! The story that our daughters and the locals will tell you is that there is one location on the road that is HAUNTED with the sounds of screaming ghosts! 

As the legend goes this one location on Gore Road was the site of Hope Orphanage which some say burned down on the morning of November 22, 1910 trapping the children inside and now their spirits haunt the site with their screams for help. The road was originally named Gore Rd. but the word Orphanage was added when Hope Orphanage was located there.

Now there is a movie in production about this legend of Gore Orphanage set to open in 2015! Check out the link for all the details about the movie.

 http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20140710/legend-of-gore-orphanage-inspires-new-horror-movie.

To get background for this BLOG post I typed in gore orphanage and got a wealth of websites devoted to the Gore Orphanage so if you really want to learn about the legend before the movie comes out check out some of these sites. Read about it and then you decide - is it legend or is it fact? And if it is fact, is Gore Orphanage Rd. in Vermilion, Ohio really HAUNTED?! Read about it and then let us know what you think. Real and haunted or just a legend? And if you want to see the site for yourself come and stay and we will point the way!!

http://www.vermilionohio.org/goreorphanage.html 

http://www.ghostsofohio.org/lore/ohio_lore_27.html

http://www.csicop.org/sb/show/the_gore_orphanage_hauntings/

http://www.ohiotruthhunters.org/goreorphanage.html

http://deadohio.com/tag/gore-orphanage/

http://www.hauntedhocking.com/Gore_Orphanage.htm

The International Gay Games Comes to Cleveland

Thirty-two years ago the first International Gay Games was held in San Francisco and every 4 years since has been held in cities in the US, Germany, Australia, Canada and The Netherlands. We are excited that this year, August 9 - 16, the games will be held in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio and expectations are that 9,000 athletes will participate and close to 20,000 guests, spectators, performers and volunteers will flock into the city and surrounding areas. Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast will welcome all participants and guests so come early, stay late, enjoy the games while you also enjoy a taste of history and the modern amenities at the B & B just 15 miles west of Cleveland right off of  I480/US Rt. 20.

The kick off ceremony to open the Gay Games will begin on Saturday, August 9 from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. at Quicken Loans Arena as the participants march in according to geographic locations. And just like the Olympic games there will be entertainment with spectacular production numbers, dancers, music, speeches, and the raising of the Rainbow Flag. The closing ceremony will take place on Saturday August 16 on Mall C across from the Cleveland Convention Center.

And now the Games begin! There will be competition in:
basketball, bowling, power lifting, open lake swimming, pool swimming, rowing, triathlon, tennis, volleyball, rodeo, golf, diving, cheering, 10K & 5K road race, billiards, darts, ice hockey, martial arts, rock climbing, racket ball, road racing, sailing, softball, track and field, wrestling, body building, dance, cycling, water polo, beach volleyball, ice skating, sailing, squash, flag football, soccer, table tennis, and synchronized swim. Wow! Hope I didn't miss one!

There will be lots of entertainment in the way of comedy, theater, conferences, dancing, great food, tours to local attractions and museums, cruises, and much, much more. The Festival Village will be the hub of the games where participants, family, guests, and the public can gather to meet and greet and have fun times!

So we welcome all to come to our great Cleveland area. You may come as a stranger but you will leave as a friend! We are all one human family so we will "take the flame and pass it on."
Take the Flame (3’17”) By Henry Krieger, Bill Russell, Lyricist

No Fees!

FEES, FEES, FEES!!!!! Airline fees and now more hotel fees! And these hotel fees are showering billions of dollars into the hospitality industry. Here are some of the fees you may have encountered or will encounter when you travel. Lets start with the internet fees. A charge could be per minute or per day and/or per devise! Then there are the telephone surcharges, fees to use the business center, room service delivery fees, minibar restocking fees and fees to use the minibar, parking fees, and the new one - fee to have the bell staff hold your bags before you check in or after you check out! Some hotels are automatically adding a gratuity fee to your bill. Then there can be an airport shuttle fee, an energy surcharge fee, in-room safe fee (even though you may not even use it!), a fee to send or receive packages, and the resort fee that would cover use of the pool, exercise equipment, and other amenities at the hotel.

WOW! Now that's a lot of fees! But wait! There is a better way! Stay at a B & B! At least here at Hallauer House we have FREE parking, FREE minibar, FREE internet for all devises for entire stay, FREE use of land line, FREE luggage hold, FREE send and receive packages, FREE use of printer (our business center), and FREE use of pool, sauna, exercise room, pool table, ping pong table, and board games. And we have no surcharges on anything! The price that you are quoted is the price that you will pay.

Check out our industry and when you are planning that next trip and are looking for a place to stay, remember - B & B's are the better way to stay!

Yeah Spring!

Our 2012 Spring garden pictures are now posted on Face Book so don't forget to take a look! Lots of little perennial heads are starting to pop up out of the ground, the flowering trees have been spectacular because of the exceptionally warm few weeks in March, the little stream and connected ponds are up and running, the back pavilion is lit and ready to be used, the garden night lights are back on, and the garden artifacts and statuary are slowly making their way back to their perches in the garden rooms. Now we're just waiting for May and annual pot planting time! Enjoy the pics! Let us know what  you think.

Civil War Comes to Hale Farm!

The Union cavalry, decked out in official uniforms, began their march through the streets of the village on their way to prepare for the battle that was drawing near. The horses seemed anxious but the soldiers appeared calm and ready to engage the enemy.



On the opposite side of the road the Confederate foot soldiers were also making their preparations for battle. They appeared more 'ragtag,' wearing makeshift clothes put together to make somewhat of an official uniform.

While the soldiers march and prepare for battle the two Confederate officers make plans for bringing in the canon. (Our guest, Doug Taylor in the white hat and long coat is the Lt. Colonel of the Confederate regiment and is in charge of the company canon.)

The battle began with gunfire in the distant woods and soon escalated into the open field. The lines were drawn with the Confederate and Union troops standing opp     opposite each other and firing on command.



The Union cavalry soon arrived from the neighboring woods where they had been grouping and swooped down to attack the Confederate infantry, sending the foot soldiers scattering in all directions.


The battle intensified with horses and men scurrying in all directions and

more smoke began to fill the air.

                                                   But wait!!! All is not lost with the Confederates as the Lt. Colonel and his troops brought in the big canon and began blasting rounds at the Union line, forcing the foot soldiers and the cavalry to scatter. Perhaps the tide would turn and the Confederates would get the upper hand.

The Confederate canon brigade keeps firing.

And the canon smoke soon fills the field with smoke, sending some of it into the air to form smoke ring signals, as if calling out to someone to send reinforcements.

The field is now so thick with smoke from the canon that soldiers could not identify who was on what side, Union or Confederate.

                                                   But the Union cavalry soon regroups and in one final charge they are able    to overpower the Confederate canon and claim the victory.

Back in the village, the Union army celebrated its victory as the fife and drum corp played for all to hear. The battle ended and camp life got back to normal.

                                                          Our guests, Doug and Debbie, invited us to be their guests at the evening Civil War reenactors dinner which the women prepared while the men were involved in battle. And a fabulous meal it was! Jambalaya fit for a king along with fresh baked corn bread made in the authentic Hope oven and cobbler to top every thing off! We had seconds and needless to say, we did not leave hungry!  Reenactors must be authentic down to every detail so when you attend one, you will see life as it was really lived in the 1860's.

This was, by far, the best Civil War reenactment that we have attended and because, for the next 4 years, our country will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of this war, we would highly recommend that you make plans to attend a reenactment next summer or the next 3 summers. There will be a huge reenactment at Gettysburg in July of 2013. Doug and Debbie will definitely be there. And we want to thank Doug and Debbie for the great time we had in August at Hale Farm! They will be there next year so make your plans now for next August. One more great thing to do in Northeast Ohio!!!! 

                                                      

Debbie Kopnitsky at the stove!! Great meal Debbie! Thanks so much!                                                      

Candle Glow

Baby, it's cold outside! The snow is on the ground and the cold breeze is blowing, but inside Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast, the candles are lit and the air is warm!

When guests come down to breakfast this holiday season, they are greeted not only with an elegant table set with Lenox china, sterling silver, cloth napkins, white poinsettas, and delicious food, but also with a warm glow from candles both big and small, fat and thin, and arranged in varying heights on the 1830 mahognany buffet. Snaking through the candle stacks is a string of white lights in silver lace holders, holding hands with silver beads, glittery blue ribbon, and white velvety poinsettas. The candle glow is warm as it invites you to come in, smell the aromas, and enjoy the freshly prepared breakfast cuisine. So please come in! It's time to come to the table!

And just a reminder about our Gift Card Packages, (see link for details), a truly memorable gift that says you care enough to give the very best.

And don't forget to pamper yourself a little bit this holiday season! You can still "Bid Your Own Room Rate" (see the link for details) until Dec. 22. Come and shop at the quaint stores in Oberlin, have dinner at one of our great restaurants, and then warm up in front of the fire at the B & B! When you come down for breakfast in the morning, the candles will be glowing for you!

Be sure to check back to the Blog or our Website for January's specials.

We hope to see you soon before the candles burn out!

Last night we attended the gala dinner event in Columbus for the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association in the hopes that we, as one of the three finalists, would be chosen as the 2010 Ohio B & B of the Year. Alas, it was not to be. We did not come in as Number 1. That honor went to the Garden Gate Getaway in Millersburg, Ohio in the heart of Amish country. Our congratulations to them! They had over 300 reviews compared to our 50 over 8 years. Pretty impressive!

SO I GUESS WE ARE EITHER THE 2ND OR 3RD BEST B & B IN OHIO FOR 2010! YEAH!!!!!And that's not bad considering all the B & B's in Ohio! And since no runners up were announced by OH&LA we will declare ourselves as the runner up at #2!

Following you will find the answers to the required questions presented to us by the OH&LA. We hope you enjoy reading what we have to offer and what we have done for the community. And then we hope you give us a call. Come and stay and let us know how 1830 Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast can become # 1!

How long has this B&B been in operation? __8 _Years__

How many rooms does this B&B have? 2 Regular Rooms and 1 Two-room Suite__

How long has this B&B been an OH&LA member? 1 Year___

Describe this B&B and list any improvements or renovations made in the past year.

The presence of a dry cistern, a cellar hiding place with a cut out in a floor board in the room above it, all support the assumption that this circa 1830 house, which is now a 3 room Civil War themed B & B, was a stop on the Underground Railroad. To carry out the Civil War theme, the two regular rooms are named the Union and Confederate Rooms and each has on display the appropriate authentic sword and pistol and a reproduction uniform which were donated to us by a past guest. The two-room suite is named the Mason/Dixon Suite after the dividing line of the Civil War and it has approximately 560 square feet of space for guests to enjoy. The B & B is located in the country but just minutes from a small college town and just 40 minutes from a major metropolitan area,

Since it’s beginning in 1830, the house has seen several additions over the years, the last two having been done by the present Innkeepers. These additions, done in 1998 and 2005, are the downstairs Asian themed Spa bathroom for guest use and a private second floor carriage barn for the innkeepers. In October of 2009 a new exercise room was added in one half of the large garage. It was made private by surrounding it with tatami screens. Guests can choose to workout on a new, top brand, treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, or Bow Flex while they enjoy satellite TV programming or their own IPod. Also added in February of 2010 was a smaller dining area for guests who prefer a more private breakfast experience and to more comfortably accommodate larger groups at breakfast. Placed in this room is an 18th century Sheridan cherry table with a turning ‘lazy Susan’ top. A new addition to the garden this summer was an old door from the house. The glass panes were removed and in each pane there was hung various chandelier crystals. It is now the welcome door for the garden. In October of 2009, the house was totally insulated to seal up the old house drafts.

What unique services and amenities are offered by this B&B?

AMENTIES: Guests of this B & B enjoy several unique amenities found at very few other B & B’s The musically inclined can play for hours at the baby grand digital piano or the 1890 player pump organ, strum a guitar, or blow the trumpet. The physically inclined can work out in the well equipped gym or swim in the 20 X 40 ft. in-ground swimming pool. And those who just want to sit and relax can stroll the pathways through the acre of unique garden rooms, sit on the sandy mini beach, or relax in the covered pavilion and watch the flowing stream as it cascades over the upper waterfall and meanders down to the pond below. In the fall and winter guests can enjoy the two outdoor fireplaces, the bonfire pit, or the wood burning fire inside. There is free off-street parking, free WIFI, complimentary toiletries, a mini refrigerator in each room stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages, and smoothly ironed, high quality sheets on each bed. There are hand made quilts and down comforters in each room and the candy dishes are supplied with hard mints and Lindt’s Truffles.

SERVICES: This B & B offers concierge service in the way of recommendations from the innkeeper’s first hand experiences to all points of the city, county, and other out lying areas. This service includes not only restaurants, but also car repair, museums, directions, coupons, events, reservations, and on site secure parking for bicycles and special cars. On many occasions when a guest is relying on public transportation, the innkeeper will volunteer to drive him into town or pick him up at end of day. At breakfast, the innkeeper tells stories about the history of the town, how it was settled and how it was part of the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. Package deals are offered with dinner coupons, boxed lunches, a bag of Ohio made products, a basket of relaxation products, and a free night after so many stays. Because accommodations are scarce for the local college commencement and to give all past guests an equal chance of staying at the B & B, the innkeepers use a lottery system for filling the three rooms. Guests receive one ticket for each night they stay over the course of three years.

What awards or honors has this B&B recently received?

In 2003 this B & B was named by the local Chamber of Commerce as New Business of the Year. In 2004 and again in 2008 this B & B was nominated for the County Beautification award for Historic Preservation.

What community service programs is this B&B involved with?

In June of 2010 this B & B was a sponsor of the Freedom Tour, a 30 day bicycle tour by a minister and friend who were riding on the Underground Railroad bike trail to call awareness to the problem of human slave trafficking. The riders began in Alabama and after their free overnight stop here at the B & B, were making their way to their destination in Buffalo, NY. The innkeepers donate many free nights each year to charitable organizations, schools, and benefits for people in need.

The Innkeepers are members of three local Historical Societies. One of the innkeepers is secretary to the Township Historical Society and he was instrumental in getting a historical landmark plaque placed on the Civil War monument and he lead the rededication of that monument this past July 2010. He has given several talks to community groups on the Civil War and the local community’s involvement in the Underground Railroad.

What aspect of this B&B makes it deserving of the Ohio B&B of the Year Award?

This Ohio B & B is small in size with only 3 rooms but what it lacks in size and rooms is made up for in amenities and services offered by the Innkeepers. It is this smallness that allows the innkeepers to give personalized service to every guest as soon as they make a reservation. Very few B & B’s have on site a swimming pool, a gym, sauna, unique gardens, ponds, stream, fireplaces, complimentary stocked in-room refrigerators satellite TV, free WIFI, and a four course breakfast served on china and with sterling silverware and crystal stemware. But the most important thing that makes this B & B deserving of the Ohio B & B of the Year Award is the friendly service and the Innkeepers who strive to give their guests an experience that they will forever remember. And this is proven in the occupancy rates over the past year. The occupancy rate in May, 2010 was at 79% with December, 2009 the lowest at 28% (only because the innkeepers took a week long Christmas vacation with family and missed out on two multiple day stays). The average occupancy rate for this B & B from September 2009 to the end of August, 2010 is at 53%, well over the national average of 38%. That is the ultimate indicator that guests come and then they come back.

This B & B is a boutique B & B at a commercial price.

We would appreciate your feedback. Post your comments here! And thank you! Hope to see you visit us soon!

Do You Believe?

This is from a pure skeptic! (This post was written by my Innkeeper partner/husband)

We have had several "sensitive people" tell us that the room in the northwest corner of our house ( Union Room in the B & B) has a spirit.

The first occurrence of some note has been the 'odd' feeling people have shared when looking at the north window of the room - an eerie sensation that made them feel sad. I personally, began to weep while painting in that area over 8 years ago. (Maybe it was the paint fumes?)

Last year we had a 'ghost hunter' stay in that room but he experienced no sightings nor did he have any 'odd feelings'. But our youngest daughter claims that the lights flashed on and off one night while she was swimming in the pool and she knew for a fact that no one was staying in that room. She also claims that the bed shook one night as she slept in it. And now when she comes home to visit, she'd rather sleep on the sofa than in 'that' room! These occurrences were noted and ignored because of my skeptical nature and lack of belief in 'ghosts'. But a few days ago a much more detailed story emerged.


I was preparing for breakfast when a guest came down early for coffee. He struck up a conversation in which he claimed to be very sensitive to feelings and spirits. He began talking about two people he encountered in the room. He described one as being a woman in black mourning clothes waiting at the north window for a man who would not return. He had a strong feeling that the woman's name began with the letter F. The man was standing behind her but she could not see him nor feel him.


Now several months ago a neighbor told me the story of one of her ancestors, Francis Barnard McRoberts, who lived in this house in the early 1900's. It seems that her husband, a Pitt McRoberts, was bitten by a rabid horse and needed to travel to Chicago for treatment. A year later he died there, having never returned home to his house in Oberlin. The irony is that in the Union Room, where our guest saw the 'woman in black' she was looking in the direction of the Chicago/Buffalo rail line that went through Oberlin just north of our house. Could she have been Francis waiting for her husband, Pitt, to return to her, cured of his illness? Was he trying to comfort her?

The most compelling of facts in these stories is that they all occurred in the same room - the Union Room, with no corroboration between the tellers. If we do have a spirit visitor in our house, I'd like to meet her and charge her for all of the nights she has been in that room since we are now a Bed & Breakfast! (but I guess she doesn't eat much breakfast!)

Are you a believer?!! Have you been a guest in that room and did you have any 'strange feelings' or odd occurrences while there? If so, let us know. Do you want to book a night in the Union Room? It is almost Halloween night! Maybe the spirits will be up and about, weeping and wondering! Come for a visit and meet Francis. She wants to meet you!

Welcome Bicyclists!

This has been a great summer for bike riding! And we have been an oasis for many riders as they stop overnight at Hallauer House to rest, relax, and cool off!


The first riders that we welcomed for a night in June, Todd and Bill, were riding on the "Freedom Tour." The purpose of their “Freedom Tour” was to bike 1700 miles in 30 days (from Mobile, Alabama to their home in Western New York, following the Adventure Cycling’s Underground Railroad Route). Their goal was to raise awareness and resources to help abolish Human Trafficking - the Modern Day Slavery and to honor the history of the Underground Railroad by riding this particular route to help free today’s slaves.
They arrived in mid afternoon and their first visit was to the swimming pool! At breakfast we learned about things that happened on their journey and their committment to the abolition of modern day slavery.



Our second bike rider, Frank, was traveling solo from Illinois to New York City. He called about accommodations when he stopped for pizza and when he arrived he spotted the pool and within 5 minutes guess where he went! You got it! Straight to the pool! It was 90 degrees and boy was he a happy camper!


Our third traveling bike riders, John and Pam, started in Kent, Ohio and were peddling down to Smithville, near Wooster. We were their second stop on a three day trip, and again it was hot and humid and their first stop - the pool!! They also took advantage of the dry heat sauna and the whirlpool tub but after a 50 mile bike ride, I couldn't talk them into trying out the treadmill or elliptical!


Our fourth biking couple, John and Raphael, stopped just last night, finishing up their last leg on the Underground Railroad Bike Tour. They joined the tour in Cincinnati and ended it here in Oberlin. But they arrived late and regretted that they were too tired to make it out to the pool.


Other couples have visited Oberlin and stayed with us so that they could bike on our Rails to Trails bike path. Oberlin is about half way so if you jump on the trail here and go east or west and then back to Oberlin, you will have gone approximately 13 miles. The entire trail is 13 miles in lenth so you could start and finish in Elyria or Kipton and rack up 26 miles total!


There is still a lot of summer left so if you want to have an adventure then get out the bike, put on the helmet, fill up on water and pedal on over to Oberlin. Check out the local Back Roads and Beaches tour also. And if you are planning a tour with Adventure Cycling, plan a stop with us. When it's hot and humid and you can't pedal another mile, come and cool off in the pool! You'll be glad you did!

Take a Chance and Compare

Our daughter came back yesterday from a girlfriends night out, spent at a well known name brand hotel. They wanted the swimming pool and hot tub experience. What they got instead was a hotel full of convention goers, wild children in the hot tub and pool, a crowded bar and restaurant, a run of the mill standard room that smelled of disinfectant, and no breakfast.
Now compare that to what you will find at Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast in Oberlin. A small place with no crowds, a private swimming pool that you may have all to yourself, no hot tub but a Jacuzzi tub in a well appointed Asian room with a sauna, a private exercise room, a quaint garden to stroll through, a pavilion by a stream to relax in and chat, lots of board games to play, and a fabulous breakfast before you go home in the morning.
So next time you need a getaway, think about the possibilities! Why go standard in a hotel when you can go upscale in a B and B! Give us a call! You know you want to!

Round Robin Writing

Have you ever wanted to participate in writing a story? or have people read what you have written? Well, now when you stay at Hallauer House B & B you can do both of those things!

We are starting what we are calling Round Robin Guest Writing. Here's how it works. Each guest room now has in it a notebook in which we have written one line that begins a story. Each guest who stays in that room is invited to add a paragraph or a page to continue the story. At the end of your section, you can sign your name, or not. The story is then ready for the next guest who stays in that room to read what has already been written and then add the next scene. We'll let the story continue until a logical conclusion has been reached or no one can think of the next thing to say!

When each story (there will be three of them, one for each guest room) is finished, we will publish it on this Blog so that all the guests who contributed can see how the story progressed and then ended. And for others to see what great fun was had by all! This is just one more thing for you to do when you are a guest at Hallauer House B & B!

So what do you think about this idea? We would love to hear your comments. Do you think it will work? Or not? If you were a guest here, would you contribute to the story?

It's a Small World After All!

Today we will be welcoming back return guests who were here last year during the first week of April. Jodie will be auditioning for the Oberlin College Conservatory. When his mom made this year's reservation, she reminded us that we all nicknamed her son "elevator boy!" Ok, so now you may be wondering, what kind of name is that and how did it come to be? The story is so interesting that I thought you might enjoy reading about it. So here is the tale of "It's a Small World After All!"

Last year in mid March, Joe and I journeyed to San Francisco to visit our daughter in Petaluma. We decided to spend a few days in downtown San Francisco at the historic Whitcomb Hotel. On our last morning there we were on our way down to breakfast in the elevator where on the next floor two young high school students got on with their musical instruments. At the next floor, 2 more students joined us. Now Joe is very friendly so he mentioned to the students that since they are musicians, they should check out the Conservatory at Oberlin College when they begin making their college plans. Well, one student, a high school junior, said, "Well I will be visiting Oberlin next week with my mom." So Joe responded back that we have a bed and breakfast just outside of Oberlin and if they need a place to stay just give us a call. Jodie, we found out his name later, gave us a surprised look and said, "We already have reservations at a bed and breakfast just outside of Oberlin, something called House." We said Hallauer House? And he said Yes!

So here we are on an elevator in San Francisco meeting a perfect stranger who will be a guest at our B & B in just over 2 weeks! And he was only visiting San Francisco with his high school group and actually lives in Los Angeles! We were all totally flabbergasted! We talked a few more minutes and then parted ways saying we'll see you in two weeks! And in 2 weeks, they arrived, Jodie with his mom, guests at Hallauer House! And now he is our "elevator boy!" He and his mom are returning this weekend as he has a final audition to the Conservatory. We so hope he is accepted. It would be a great to have them as guests for the next 4 years!

And on that same trip, we sat next to a gentleman at the airport as we waited for our plane. He was doing his work and we were reading our books. When he moved his bag I noticed an Oberlin College decal on his luggage and just had to ask him about it. Turns out he was an Oberlin College trustee!

So it really is a very small world after all! Welcome back Jodie and Julie!

Follow Up to Time for Three

Several posts ago, I wrote about a group coming to Oberlin called "Time for Three." The performance was last night. We were there. Where were you? Wherever you were, we just wanted to tell you that you missed a FANTASTIC show!!! The group played nonstop for an entire 90 minutes - three guys, 2 violins, and a double bass.

The idea of a Classical Garage Band may seem a contradiction but for these three grads of Curtis Institute of Music it fits. Their twin violin and double bass took the audience on a whirlwind tour of what three instruments can accomplish when conventional wisdom is discarded to the curb.

The music was forefront, but the interaction of the three performers was a constant bonus. The bass player treated the two violins as a battle that he fully enjoyed along with his own love affair with that big bass. The audience cheered after Nick left his violin, took his bow, and went over to Zack. They both then played on one violin with both of them bowing and fingering together! Amazing!! A standing ovation ended the show but luckily brought us an encore.

This group has 3 recorded CD's with the 3rd one hitting the billboard charts. They have combined Bach and Charlie Daniels to perfection and any of their pieces stands alone as joyous music.

Since we are a Civil War themed B & B, the pieces were especially attractive to our mission. Their rendition of Shenandoah fit 1863 to a T! All in all, we hightly recommend that you take the time to see Time for Three if they come to a town near you. You'll be glad you did. The only thing I regret is that I did not purchase one of their CD's last night. Now I have to order one and wait for delivery.

An Afternoon of Pampering!

During these cold winter days with snow and blowing winds, we sometimes just have to take some time to pamper ourselves and that is just what I did yesterday and I was able to accomplish that right here at Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast.



I began first with an hour long hill walk on the Sole treadmill at a maximum speed of 4.0 mph. Then 30 minutes of Yoga with WII Plus on the WII balance board. Ah! The stretching was great and the little MII so cute!




Next stop, the far-infrared sauna. Grabbed my book and my water bottle, ducked into the sauna and sweated away for 45 minutes! Now I have seen some luxurious day spas advertising a dry heat sauna experience - $15.00 for 15 minutes or $25.00 for 30 minutes! My sauna was free and it would be free for you as a guest of the B & B! The temperature reached 145 degrees but it is so dry that it felt absolutely divine! My muscles relaxed and all was well with the world! You definitely do not have the type of sweating you experience on a 95 degree in the summer here in Ohio!



When the heat went off, I hopped out of the sauna and into the Jacuzzi whirlpool tub surrounded by candle light, with a glass of red wine, and soft classical music emanating from the Bose stereo.



The entire 3 hours was absolutely fantastic! Now if I only had that many hours everyday!!! But I guess the old adage applies: Carpe Diem! Seize the Day and when the opportunity presents itself, grab it and go with it!



If YOU want to take 3 or 4 hours to pamper yourself, you can do it here at Hallauer House B & B. Come Friday night. Take in dinner and a movie. Get a good nights sleep. After breakfast on Saturday, relax a bit. Read. Go to our on-site gym. Do your workout on the Bow Flex, the treadmill, or the elliptical, do some Yoga or stretching, then head for the sauna, and lastly relax in the Jacuzzi. You might even be able to run into Oberlin and get a deep muscle massage from Artie or Scott! Go out to a great dinner at one of our fabulous restaurants, take in a movie at the Apollo, and come back to the B & B to sip on wine, read a good book, or watch a movie on satellite. After breakfast on Sunday, head home to the real life. But now you are refreshed, rejuvenated, and recharged!



When you need a lift, remember us here at Hallauer House. Check out our Spa Package or just book a weekend. You know you want to! And you won't be disappointed!



SPECIAL!!! SPECIAL!!!! If you book the Spa Package in March of 2010 and mention this Blog article of February 26, you will receive 10% off the package! You must come between March 1 and March 31st and mention this Blog post in order to get the discount. See you soon!

The "Unicorn" in Grafton

Oberlin is energised this weekend! There are voice auditions, string auditions, and recitals taking place causing long waits at all of the restaurants in town. So Joe and I decided to venture east to a little town in Lorain County called Grafton, home to the Irish restaurant called "The Unicorn."

And it is truly Irish! We sat in the Pub area instead of the more formal restaurant section where we were immediately greeted by our server. We sipped on our Killian Red beers while we enjoyed a cup of New England Clam Chowder. Having skipped lunch we were in need of some quick nourishment! The chowder was divine, the beer cold and wet, and the bread warm and heavenly!

The wait for our entrees was very short and after the first bite I knew that I had made the right decision! My special consisted of a small Fillet Mignon served alongside Salmon Bearnaise on a bed of rice pilaf. Both were cooked perfectly and they absolutely melted in my mouth! Delicious! Joe enjoyed the Friday fish fry special with a baked potato and cole slaw and I had to share some steak with him! We were both more than satisfied with the atmosphere, the service, and the taste and presentation of the food! Excellent!

So when you come to visit Oberlin, if you want to experience a true Irish Pub/Restaurant in the heart of Lorain County, go no further than "The Unicorn," only a short 15 minute drive from the B & B. And as I write this, I realized that I failed to pick up a menu for our collection so I guess I will have to go back for a return visit! Yeah!

'Cabin Fever'?

If you have contracted that awful winter disease called 'Cabin Fever', then you have come to the right place for 'the cure'!

But first - just what is 'Cabin Fever?' Well it is usually defined as a type of hysteria and claustrophobic reaction that comes on a person who spends extended periods of time indoors in very cramped conditions. Are you feeling it yet?!

So what causes this 'disease'? During the winter months we get stuck inside the same four walls because of snow, ice, freezing temperatures, or illness. The days are short, the nights long, the air cold and in many cases social interaction and physical activity are reduced considerably.


What are the symptoms? Anger, restlessness, inertia, boredom, overeating, and fatigue are just some of the symptoms of this winter disease. Maybe you have experienced some, all or others not mentioned here.

And that brings us to cures. What can be done about this problem that afflicts so many? Sometimes a cure for 'Cabin fever' requires an environment re-location and some good ole fashion out-of-doors activity. And that is where Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast and the Lorain County Metro Parks can help.


First, come at stay at least two nights at the B & B for a change of scenery. See different walls, different colors, different decor. Explore new places, read about some history, experience some pampering, try out the exercise equipment to get your groove back. Sweat in the sauna and then soak in the Jacuzzi.

During the day get outdoors, into one of our Metro Parks.
Take a winter hike, try some cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Check out the ballroom dancing, bird watching, wildlife tracking, nighttime astronomy, beginning kayaking, various craft classes, and oh so much more! Most of these activities are either free or offered at minimal cost.

'Cabin Fever' can be cured! Come to Lorain County, to the Metro Parks, to Oberlin, to Hallauer House B & B.! Just 2 days away from your environment and you'll return home recharged, relaxed, refueled, and ready to seize the day! Don't wait! January specials going on right now. See a previous post or give us a call and ask for details. You won't be disappointed!

Manly Bed & Breakfast

A recent guest, when making a reservation, couldn't decide whether he wanted the Confederate or Union Room. He asked "Which is the least feminine room?" He shared that he has stayed at a few b & b's and invariably they are decorated more with the feminine touch - frilly, lacy, flowery, doily covered, pink, Victorian, and uptight (his word!) He finally booked the Union Room.

But his question got me to thinking about what Hallauer House has to offer the traveling males who would prefer a "man cave" with manly amenities. So here are 10 top things that a guy can expect to find when he stays with us.

• Because I dislike frilly - there is no frilly, although we do have 2 canopy beds. One has a rose garland but no lace, just a straight sheer curtain on each end. You've got to have a little romance in case your significant other comes along!
• No lace or doilies. They have to be washed and ironed - a lot!
• No flowers - too gaudy.
  
• We do have SWORDS! Lots of swords! My favorite is the walking cane that pulls apart to reveal a sword!
  

The Union and Confederate uniforms are very 'manly' and very appropriate for the period and a guy can really see what it would have been like to wear one of these wool uniforms in a Civil War battle.

There is a pool (summers only), treadmill, an elliptical, and a bow flex for flexing muscle and working up a sweat. And if sweat from those isn't enough then there is the dry sauna to really open up the pores!

• A frig to chill the beer.
  
• A 1956 classic Buick Super to take pictures of and if you ask Joe he would gladly give you a ride in it!
• And consider that we are only 35 minutes from the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Cavaliers stadiums.
• Satellite TV with about 30 SPORTS CHANNELS!!!!!

So there you have it! Guys you are so welcome! Come alone. Come with friends. Come with your significant other. But do come! Stay at Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast! Give us a call! You know you want to! And you won't be disappointed!

SMART BOX!

Here is another great gift idea for someone on your gift list, whether it be for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, or wedding. How about a SMART BOX! Now some of you are probably wondering what exactly is a SMART BOX? A SMART BOX is an all inclusive gift that includes a mixture of different themed activities. The unique activities can range from a stay at a charming Inn or destination, to a stay at a high quality spa or resort, to a sports activity that is wild or tame. So here is what you, the gift giver, do.

1) Hassle-free! You choose the theme at the price you want to pay, buy the related Smartbox™, and either use it yourself or give it as a gift. No need to select the activity for your recipient now!

2) The recipients use the guidebook to make their own choice from up to 125 different experiences; then they book directly with the establishment they chose when they are ready to 'get away!'

3) No additional cost to the receiver: The receiver turns in the enclosed voucher to the chosen establishment at the time of the experience and then kicks back to enjoy the experience! A price is not shown, so the receiver won't know how much you've paid. Obviously, travel expenses to the destination are not included.

So you are probably asking, "Why am I telling you about this when I could just talk to you about a Gift Certificate directly to Hallauer House B & B?' Well, the answer is..............drum roll please!....... We, 1830 Hallauer House B & B just happen to have been chosen to be in the BOOK! We are on page 11 of the Getaway Gifts Book. To go directly to our page just click this link: http://www.smartbox.com/us/?menu=activity&id=56348. When you purchase this book for someone, they can choose to come here or go to any of the other great B & B's listed and described in 'The Book!'

We have purchased two SMART BOXES (not the Getaway Book) and have really been pleased.

http://www.smartbox.com/us/?menu=activity&id=56348

So keep the SMART BOX in mind for some of your gift giving. And don't forget, you can still elect to come directly here to Hallauer House B & B for our exclusive, personalized gift certificate! See you all soon!

Festive Holiday!

The tree is up and the JVS poinsettas are in place. The decorating is complete! Come and share the season with us!

Our Write-Up in Heritage Ohio Magazine

We would like to give a 'Shout Out' thanks to Frank Quinn, the Associate Director of Revitalization at Heritage Ohio for the recent article that he wrote about Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast in the Fall issue of their magazine, "Windows."

He and a friend spent a night in the Union Room where they delved into the history of the house and the Civil War and where they awaited a visit from Amelia, the spirit of a past resident that our children all have said frequently visited that room. But, and I quote Frank's article,

" Alas, the overnight stay brought no visit from Amelia. I had one of

most peaceful sleeps, I've had in a long time...."!

On that particlular morning Joe made his famous Eggs Benedict and we served our signature Hallauer House Muffins and a lucious fresh fruit cup.

Heritage Ohio is a non-rofit organization dedicated to historical preservation of homes, communities, buildings, and downtowns. It is the Mainstreet program that many of you may be familiar with. Read all about them at this link: http://www.heritageohio.org/about/. Unfortunately they do not have the magazine article posted on-line so when you come to stay with us be sure and read the article. We will have it framed on the wall! We are very proud!

Thanks again for the article Frank! Hope to see you again soon!