When Amy Smith was a young volleyball player traveling to away games, she'd always press her face against the bus window to catch a glimpse of two beautiful historic buildings on Main Street in McConnellsville, Ohio. Decades later, those same buildings would become her home and livelihood – The Inns at 8th and Main, a bed and breakfast that's helping bring vibrance to this village of 1,700 people.

What began as a "weekend project" for Dan and Amy quickly evolved into something far more significant. The 1835 stone house (originally a stagecoach tavern) and 1844 Morris House (with original pressed tin details from the family's tinsmithing days) now offer five unique suites where visitors experience hospitality in its purest form. Each morning, Dan dons his apron to prepare breakfast served on vintage china – always with dessert first – while Amy ensures every detail exceeds expectations.

Their signature touch? Percy the Flying Pig – a whimsical mascot appearing on custom wooden coasters that guests collect over repeat visits. This playful branding element perfectly captures their philosophy: "We make pigs fly" by creating extraordinary experiences in an unexpected location. But the true magic happens during what they call "the golden hour" after breakfast, when conversations flow and lasting connections form.

Perhaps most surprising was discovering their primary clientele wasn't weekend tourists but business travelers. When companies realized they could house European executives and meeting attendees in this charming setting rather than chain hotels in larger cities, the Smiths found themselves hosting guests who stay for weeks at a time. These visitors now support local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques – creating an economic ripple effect throughout McConnellsville.

After earning recognition as Ohio Magazine's "Best Hometown" for southeastern Ohio, this river town is experiencing a renaissance. From summer art walks and lavender festivals to historic locks reopening for river travel, McConnellsville demonstrates how authentic hospitality can transform not just individual businesses but entire communities.

Guest Links:

Website: www.facebook.com/innsat8thandmain

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

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