Rider's Inn, Painesville

Rider's Inn, located at 792 Mentor Avenue, originally opened in 1812 by Joseph (Joe) Rider, and his wife, Suzanne as a stagecoach stop between Buffalo, NY and Cleveland.  The inn rapidly expanded, and became a favorite stop for food and lodging for travelers heading West.  Over the years, the inn was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and also to house Union soldiers returning home from the war.

The inn stayed in the Rider family until 1902 when financial difficulties forced them to sell.  However, due to the discovery of a hot springs in the area, the inn was purchased by George Randall in 1922, and returned as a showpiece of hospitality.  Randall made extensive improvements, adding a dining room and speakeasy, and expanding the breakfast accommodations.

The hot spring was short lived, however, and retirement of the Randalls saw the inn through further hard times until 1988.  After being listed on the National Register of Historic Places nearly fifteen years early, owner Elaine Crane and her mother renovated the inn into today's bed and breakfast.

Like many historical B&B's, the Rider's Inn is said to have its own resident ghost.  Suzanne Rider, original owner, carries on her duties of greeting her guests.  She is often seen hovering around the front door, but guests have also encountered her friendly and peaceful spirit throughout the house, particularly the upper floor.

Rider's Inn Webpage