It’s a question that’s been on my mind lately—why do we always feel like we have to do something? Why is there so much guilt wrapped up in the idea of just being?
We recently had a guest stay with us who reminded me of the beauty in simply slowing down. She came for a two-day self-care getaway, and I’m not even sure her car moved once during her stay. She checked in, and from that moment on, she gave herself permission to stop rushing, to stop checking things off a list, and just… breathe.
And that’s exactly what she did.
We took care of the details—booking a soothing massage with Marie, a relaxing facial with Jennifer Lynn, and of course, making sure she had everything she needed to feel cozy, comfortable, and completely at ease. During her time here, she could often be found curled up in the library with a book, soft music playing in the background, and letting the day unfold however it wanted.
That’s the kind of getaway we love creating at The Inns at 8th and Main. A stay that gives you permission to do less, not more. Here, you don’t need an itinerary. You just need a willingness to let go of the hustle for a moment and give yourself the gift of rest.
So, what makes a self-care stay at our Inn so special? Let me share a few of the little things we do that add up to something pretty magical.
We Handle the Details, So You Don’t Have To
From the moment you book, we’re thinking about how to make your stay smooth and stress-free. Want to book a massage or a facial? We’ll take care of that. Craving a little something sweet before bed? Cookies and milk will be waiting. Hoping for a quiet corner to read and sip tea? We’ll show you to the coziest chair in the house.
Self-care starts with feeling cared for, and we genuinely love making that happen.
A Space That Feels Like a Warm Hug
Something about our historic Inn naturally invites you to slow down. Maybe it’s the creak of the wood floors or the soft morning light that filters through the wavy windows. Maybe it’s the way the rooms are thoughtfully decorated with antique touches and soft, comfy linens. Or maybe it’s just the feeling of being wrapped up in history, knowing that generations before you have also found comfort within these walls.
Whatever it is, the moment you step inside, the outside world seems to quiet down a bit.
Slow Mornings Are Our Favorite
One of our favorite rituals? Leisurely breakfasts.
There’s no rush here. Wake up when you’re ready, wander down in your slippers, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a plate full of something delicious (often homemade by Dan, who might be one of the best breakfast chefs around—though I may be a little biased). Whether it’s a warm morning dessert, a savory frittata, or pancakes piled high with fruit, we believe breakfast should be something you savor.
And if you want to linger a while and chat or grab a second cup to take back to your room? Even better.
Time to Be Still
In our fast-paced world, stillness can feel like a luxury. But we think it should be a priority.
The library is one of our favorite spots for this. It’s filled with books, soft lighting, and cozy corners, perfect for reading, journaling, or just watching the breeze flutter the curtains. You can put on some music, sip tea or wine, and give yourself time to unwind without distraction.
Sometimes, guests tell us they haven’t sat down and read a book in months. Or that it’s been years since they napped in the middle of the afternoon. And we say: this is the perfect place to change that.
Gentle Ways to Move and Explore
McConnelsville is a quiet little gem, and our walkable downtown makes for just the right amount of light exploring. No pressure, no crowds—just a few quaint shops, the riverwalk, and some beautiful historic buildings to admire.
Our guests often enjoy strolling to the Muskingum River, grabbing a coffee at a local café, or wandering through our charming neighborhoods. It’s not about checking off sites; it’s about enjoying the pace and taking it all in.
Treatments That Soothe the Soul
If you're looking to treat yourself to a little pampering, we work with two incredible women just a block away—Marie, who offers the most calming massages, and Jennifer Lynn, who provides gentle, nourishing facials. We’ll book it all for you and make sure you have time to just slip away and enjoy.
Guests often tell us they haven’t taken time for themselves like that in ages. But here, it just feels natural.
Restful Nights, Recharged Mornings
We’ve put a lot of love into making our rooms feel like a sanctuary. Our guests regularly tell us they’ve had the best night’s sleep in years. Maybe it’s the plush bedding, the quiet of small-town nights, or the fact that you don’t have to set an alarm for anything.
However it happens, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to embrace a slower kind of morning.
So—Why Do We Always Have to Be Doing Something?
Here’s the truth: we don’t.
Sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause. To listen to our own breath. To sip tea slowly. To take a nap in the afternoon and not feel one ounce of guilt about it. To say “no” to hustle and “yes” to ourselves.
That’s the kind of stay we offer here at The Inns at 8th and Main. One where you don’t need a reason to rest. You just need a willingness to let go, even for a little while.
So if you’ve been feeling like you’re always “on,” maybe it’s time to check out, check in, and let us take care of you for a bit.
Your self-care getaway is waiting—we’d love to help you create it.
Amy-Your Favorite Innkeeper
P.S. Thank you Alex for reminding me of this.