Restored in “Victorian” fashion, the inn boasts four bedrooms, a parlor, kitchen, and dining room, all surrounded by beautiful gardens. For restaurants, shops, or downtown strolling, the Creekside District is nearby. Or if guests prefer nature and the outdoors, Friendship Park is a short walk in the other direction. The prime location makes it a popular destination for guests from many different cities and states.

The group rate is an appealing option for bridal parties, family vacations, or group getaways. As one member of a Girls Night Out party pointed out, “You have your own house, which is more fun than a hotel, and the money goes to a good cause.”

The Lily Stone is the only B&B owned and operated by an historical society. It is appropriate that the house itself has historical significance within the community. Lillian Stone was from one of Gahanna’s founding families who had a carriage-making shop on Mill Street. Her husband “Sim” Stone was Mayor of Gahanna in 1916 and 1917. They built the house around 1900, and the Stone family occupied the home for approximately the next 80 years.

At that time, Gahanna was growing and there was talk of tearing the building down for an apartment complex. Unable to secure a bank loan, members of the historical society “chipped in” whatever they could to raise enough money to buy the property. For the next several years, the membership literally drew names from a hat at the end of the year until all of the ladies were paid back.

It then fell to a new generation of historical society members to decide what to do with the rescued building. With vision, determination, sweat, grants, volunteers, hard work, and years of perseverance, the old home was transformed into the beautiful bed and breakfast there today. More information on the Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast can be found at www.GahannaHistory.com.