Dine At The Historic Spot In Ohio Where Charles Dickens Once Ate
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 09, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
The Golden Lamb is, without a doubt, the most legendary and historic spot in Ohio. Located in charming downtown Lebanon, the iconic restaurant and inn opened in 1803 and is the oldest continuously operating business in Ohio. More than just a pretty face, The Golden Lamb has immense historic significance and has hosted numerous celebrities and famous guests over the years. From U.S. Presidents to acclaimed authors like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to dine — and stay — at this historic Ohio inn.
In operation since 1803 (the year Ohio became a state, in fact), The Golden Lamb isn't just a historic inn and restaurant in Ohio; it's a bona fide Buckeye State icon.
In its 200+ years, The Golden Lamb has seen many a historic figure pass through its doors. While its central location has undoubtedly had a key role in its success, The Golden Lamb has an undeniable presence that's almost palpable.
It's almost like you can feel the history of this place... and some argue you can, as The Golden Lamb is considered one the most haunted places in Ohio. But we digress.
The Inn boasts an impressive resume of famous guests and historical icons, including 12 U.S. presidents, notable politicians and historic figures, Hollywood celebrities, and acclaimed authors. These famous folks seem to have imbued their presence into the very fabric of The Golden Lamb; and in fact, many of its rooms and wings are named after its most famous guests.
Since its inception as a stagecoach inn, The Golden Lamb has hosted overnight visitors. Today, guests can sleep where presidents have slept, walk the same halls as some of the country's greatest cultural icons, and become part of a legacy more than 215 years in the making. The Inn's 17 rooms are named after famous guests such as James Garfield, Samuel Clemens (AKA Mark Twain), Ronald Reagan, and Charles Dickens, and are beautiful homages to their namesakes.
Charles Dickens might be this Ohio inn's most surprising guest. While we associate Dickens with British literature and culture, the acclaimed author had two very noteworthy tours of the U.S.
Today, guests have the opportunity to stay in The Charles Dickens room, which boasts a beautiful and impressive 10-foot rosewood headboard similar to the one in the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House, along with matching dresser and side table believed to be made by the same maker.
Of course, the Charles Dickens Room also features modern amenities like a new Tempur-Pedic mattress, luxury sheets, private bath, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning... foreign amenities to Mr. Dickens back in the 1800s!
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Famous guests aside, The Golden Lamb is truly legendary in its own right, with many menu items considered some of the best in the Buckeye State. The Prime Rib-wich, for example, is one such item with a reputation that precedes it... just like The Golden Lamb itself.
Have you dined at this historic Ohio inn before? The Golden Lamb is one of those only-in-Ohio places that belongs on everybody’s Buckeye State bucket list.
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