Home Away From Home

We started our Nomad Life, August 18, 2022, the day we sold our house. We had a wedding to attend at the end of August in Cooperstown, New York. Besides that we were not bogged down by time or real estate. We had no specific destination but knew we wanted to drive around, visit some friends, and feel the freedom of our new found lifestyle. “Where to?” Michael asked me. “Let’s start at Wildwood, New Jersey and visit several places beofre we hit Cooperstown.”

As we drove from location to location, we scrolled through Hotels.com and the Hilton app looking for our home for the next night or two. We compared prices. We looked at reviews. Sometimes, especially when we have driven a lot, w

e like the reliability of chain hotels. They provide certain standards, but are generally bland with a similarity in style and decor that makes them indistinguishable a couple of days removed from the stay. Independently owned hotels provide a personal touch so sometimes we take a leap of faith and stay at one of these hotels, mostly they’re motels.

A quick search on Hotels.com led us to our first stop, The Blue Marlin.

After about a week, we headed north and east to the Lake Erie area and found Steele Mansion and Gathering Hub in Painesville, Ohio.

After a few days, we checked the map and decided to take a quick jaunt to Letchwood State Park in Castile, New York prior to the next stop in Cooperstown. After some spectacular waterfalls, we drove all afternoon to get closer to our destination. That night we discovered Nightshade Inn and Gardens and spent the night.

What did these lodgings have in common? They were last minute finds, not expensive, and privately owned hotels and motels.

The Blue Marlin’s owner, Marion, is a devoted mother of five, born and bred in New Jersey. She loves Wildwood and loves her motel. And it is apparent. The motel is not new but extremely well maintained and immaculate. Her husband, Mark, is there every morning at 6 am sweeping the entire property. Due to our last minute reservations, we had to change rooms in the middle of our stay because all the rooms w

ere filled. She was so apologetic and her staff could not have made it any easier by cleaning our new room before the others and moving our luggage while we were relaxing on the beach. At one point, I walked to the front desk to tell her I couldn’t figure out the TV remote. She was by the pool chatting it up with guests. We walked to my room. I warned Michael, who was showering, that Marion was here and not to come out. Together we figured out the remote situation and, upon leaving, she yelled into the bathroom, “Michael, you can come out now.” She had herself a good giggle.

I’ll admit that choosing Painesville, Ohio as a place to explore was a mistake. There is absolutely nothing there. Michael disagrees as he considers Painesville the gateway to Mentor, the location of the James Garfield National Historic Site, Garfield’s home during his tragically short presidency. But choosing Steele Mansion Inn and Gathering Hub was not a mistake.The mansion, built in 1867, is where President James Garfield attended lavish balls and where Amelia Earhardt and Carl Sandburg spent a few nights. It was the place for locals to party, to be and be seen.

In 2001, a massive fire destroyed most of the property. It was scheduled to be demolished but a year earlier, in 2011, Carol Shamakian saved it and brought it back to life. For the next five years, she rebuilt it to retain its 1800’s charm. It is once again a 16 room regal hotel. The halls and rooms are filled with authentic antique decor. Unbooked rooms are open and guests are encouraged to roam and enjoy the furnishing. Carol’s heart and soul went into the renovation and that is undeniable.

Our next stop, Skaneateles in the Finger Lakes region, is a cute town and was close by so we figured that would be a good place to stop for a day. We checked Hotels.com for a vacancy. None to be had. While driving around, we came across a Schitt’s Creek style motel, Nightshade Inn and Garden in Camillus, one town over, that had one room left. We drove by, to check it out. It looked fine, although the name Nightshade felt a little ominous and there was no Garden immediately evident. We decided to take a chance.

Upon registration, I noticed bananas on the breakfast counter. I asked if I could have one. He said, “Of course. Please help yourself.” He then asked if we wanted a bowl of fruit. I said, “No, thank you. The banana is more than enough.” He asked again stating it would be his pleasure to offer us the bowl of fruit, almost like I would be doing him a favor by accepting. He brought out a silver bowl filled with tangerines, apples, peaches, and grapes, washed and fresh. We ate them all. It was a true gift of hospitality. Although old, the room and property were renovated, well maintained, clean, and comfortable. Upon check out, he asked if we were on our way to the NYS Fair in nearby Syracuse. We then realized why all the other hotels were completely booked. What a great surprise! These two New York City folk got to go to their first state fair.

When it’s clean, well maintained with an engaging and delightful owner, we are delighted.So take that leap of faith and choose a non-chain hotel in a place you’ve never been to find your home away from home.