At Murphin Ridge Inn in southern Ohio, guests enjoy spacious rooms, expansive views and perfect understated service. There is only one distraction from the calm, and it's a good one: the food. A visit to the bed and breakfast starts with finding a handmade cookie in your room. Make a cup of hot coffee or tea in the gathering room to compliment the treat.

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Explore the grounds by hiking one of the marked trails or enjoying the vistas while seated on a rocking chair. Flower and vegetable gardens are tucked into sunny spots all over the property. You can view the plants that provide inspiration to meals including a patch of asparagus, plenty of peppers, and herbs galore.

The Inn truly comes alive during dinner. The seasonal menu throws more than just a nod to the locavore movement. Plates are filled with local everything from Adams County meats to Ohio creamery cheeses to garnishes from the gardens around the Inn.

On the night I dined with six-year-old Lillian, our starters were the stand out dishes. A pear and celery soup surprised me with subtle sweetness from the pear and deep earthiness of the celery root. Lillian, usually vegetable averse, gobbled the house salad, a lightly dressed romaine lettuce with apples and nuts. We later enjoyed our dinner of hot dog and potato wedges (her) and house-made butternut ravioli (me).

There is an air of comfortable elegance at Murphin Ridge Inn. The warm atmosphere is perfect for inspiring a child to be on her best behavior. Dinner service is neither too stuffy nor lax and includes quick bread service and coloring books to encourage quiet calm children.

After dinner we enjoyed chatting with chef Brad. He is clearly excited about using Adams County bounty in meals and also sources from Cincinnati's Findlay Market. Sherry McKenney, co-owner of Murphin Ridge, was busy preparing desserts but made time to talk to us about breakfast options.

After a cozy evening without television (Lillian can survive!) we slept comfortably. The next morning we followed a cat back to the Inn for breakfast.

We munched on homemade granola, yogurt, and fruit in the company of friendly guests before the entrée. On the day we dined, breakfast was orange French toast and locally sourced pork sausage. The menu rotates daily and seasonally.

Lil and I spent a few more hours in the morning playing tennis, following kitties, and watching birds at the dozens of feeders. We reluctantly packed our bags to leave Murphin Ridge Inn and vowed to return to the truly relaxing retreat soon.

When you go:

Murphin Ridge Inn is a pleasant 2 hour drive from Columbus. Suggested stops along the way include Serpent Mound Memorial and Purple Turtle Bakery in Washington Court House.
Bring a book. Rooms do not have television, though the common area does. Free wifi is inconsistent around the site and cell phone service may be spotty. Murphin Ridge is a great place to take a break from the 24/7 on-call world.
Consider a romantic stay in one of the cabins. These are for adults only and feature vaulted ceilings, hot tubs, and secluded, wooded surroundings.
Be prepared for the outdoor activities you might want to enjoy. The pool is open seasonally and many nights include a campfire.
Buy gift certificates for 10% off now through January 15th.
Restaurant reservations are available for those who do not stay overnight. The Inn also offers holiday dinners and a summer Farm-To-Table series.

Murphin Ridge Inn 750 Murphin Ridge Road West Union, Ohio 45693 Make reservations online or by calling 877-687-7446 or 937-544-2263 Follow Murphin Ridge Inn on Facebook and Twitter for news and specials.

Murphin Ridge generously provided an overnight stay, dinner, and breakfast for Lillian and I. All opinions remain my own.