Secluded within a grove of century-old oak trees in one of Ohio’s most historic regions, HideAway Country Inn is not only a hideaway in the country, but also a brilliant fusion of country-cozy, elegance and personality to spare! The proof is in the pudding: Eighty-five percent of the guests come back. And why not? Old-fashioned hospitality at its best, shut the door on the world’s clamor and unwind in an antiques-festooned oasis of mansion proportions. Then again, boasting six-acre landscaped grounds, herb garden and fountain, travelers will likely prolong the outdoor moments.

Located in mid-Ohio, central to the cities of Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo, and within hours of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, convenience paves the route to the town of Bucyrus. Known as the Bratwurst capital of the world and home to the last hand-hammered copper kettle company in America, its small town flavor is as potent as the inn that calls Bucyrus home.

The inn sits between three different Amish communities and a plethora of mid-Ohio car racing events. “We got the slow buggies, and we’ve got the super-fast racecars,” innkeeper Debbie Miller notes.

The inn, featured in Ohio Magazine, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland), Travel and Leisure Magazine, The New York Times, and other publications, itself is the ultimate destination. A family home built in 1939 and now completely renovated, the facility has ushered in guests for nearly two decades. An attentive staff, spa and romance packages (including Honey, I’m sorry and Eat Chocolate Naked fondue packages) and gourmet feasts further promise a Hollywood-style soiree for lovers at the inn.

“We had one couple that met here for dinner (at the inn’s Serendipity Restaurant)—one of those internet-dating things, it (the travel time) was halfway in between for them. It worked out so well that they kept dating. They met each other here for a couple overnights. Then they came back again, and he proposed to her. Now, they’re planning their wedding here next summer,” Debbie explains.

Touting about 300 weddings a year, the staff makes that perfect day nothing less than extraordinary. The dining room accommodates up to 40 wedding guests; the seamlessly decorated Woodland Room spilling into an outdoor patio provides capacity up to 100. Additionally, the inn offers elopement-package options, making it a strong contender in the spur-of-the-moment “I do” arena.

Both newbie couples as well as those celebrating years of marriage bliss will find infinite possibilities to set the love signals on fire in any one of the 12 specious, individually themed guestrooms.

Imagine one such example, the Cherry Suite, billed as “the ultimate luxury suite,” sleek with rich cherry inlay wood and furnishings. Add a Jacuzzi for two, king-size brass bed and amenities like satellite TV and VCR/DVD, and what’s the rush? Especially nice in the wintertime, Debbie says, “It’s the only one (guestroom) with a wood-burning fireplace (the others come with gas-lit fireplaces), and with that one, we have pop-your-own popcorn in the fireplace with an old-fashioned popper.” The complimentary hearth basket also contains marshmallows and ingredients to make-your-own s’mores, plus, bubble bath and coffee.

The Tree House Suite has its own private entrance. Linger in the Jacuzzi for two on the private deck and view vibrant sunsets and stars made for gazing. Recline in the king-size brass bed under the spacious cathedral ceiling bedroom. Comprising a full kitchen, hardwood floors and living space with leather furniture, the suite Debbie says, “can be rented out on a long-term basis.”

No matter which room you reserve, take advantage of the late one o’clock check out and free room service for breakfast. The award-winning gourmet breakfasts range from a pancake soufflé with butter pecan ice cream and locally produced maple syrup to Buckeye pastry featured in The New York Times. It is a puff pastry with a peanut butter and chocolate center and cut to look like an “O” for Ohio State with red sprinkles on top.

Sign up for a three-day culinary cooking weekend with the inn’s top experts. Participants learn, eat-eat-eat and enjoy numerous farm and gastronomic-themed tours in the region. Some of the culinary stopovers include: Bratworks, bratwurst maker; ElkRidge Pheasant Farm, the finest in upland game hunting; Cooper’s Mill, jam, jelly maker and cider press; Crown Tower, coffee roaster and wine shop and Jerry Harrer, fish farm.