These are the most unique places in Ohio, Kentucky available to rent
This summer, skip those boring hotel rooms in favor of something more special.
Across Ohio and Kentucky, there are a number of unique, out-of-the-box Airbnbs or other rentals that are sure to offer a memorable experience both for those looking for a staycation and for out-of-state visitors.
To help expand your horizons this summer, we’ve compiled an (unofficial) list of some of the most unique places in Ohio and Kentucky.
Ohio adventures:9 gorgeous national parks within driving distance of Cincinnati
Looking for the perfect rental this summer? Here’s what you need to know:
10 unique places to rent in Ohio
1. The Swing House: Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati.
This house (which also features a small art gallery in the basement) was the dream project of Cincinnati-based artist Mark de Jong, who had envisioned featuring a gigantic, 30-foot swing in the middle of the Italianate-style house for years.
The listing begins at $211 a night and can sleep two guests.
More:The Swing House offers a unique renting experience in Cincinnati
2. Cincinnati Brewery & Urban Farm, Goat View 1 and 2: Mount Healthy.
The title says it all: this working brewery and urban farm offers two rentable spaces with views of the surrounding land, including a “goat view room.” The rentable spaces are connected to Fibonacci Brewing Company, and there’s also a taproom accessible from the first floor.
Both listings begin at $99 a night and can both sleep two guests in one bedroom.
3. Tinyhut: Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage, East Price Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati.
If you’re looking for something small and, well, rustic, look no further. This tiny home is located on private residential urban farmland in Price Hill and is completely constructed from reused materials. For that extra rugged feel, the kitchen and bathroom are detached and are in the main property building.
The listing begins at $42 a night and sleeps two adults in one bedroom.
4. Magical Barn, Bock’s Jukejoint: Amherst.
This converted barn in Amherst, Ohio (just west of Cleveland) features everything you need for a good time, including a saloon bar, a stage, a clawfoot tub and a loft door that opens to a view of the surrounding orchards. There’s no air conditioning, but there is an outdoor tub and shower if that’s the kind of compromise you’re willing to make.
The listing begins at $224 a night and sleeps four guests in two bedrooms.
5. Earthstar Lodge: Bainbridge.
The connected domed spaces in the Highlands Nature Sanctuary look like something straight out of “The Lord of the Rings,” but the interior is as modern and comfortable as they come. By staying at the lodge, guests can access the 18.5 miles of trails at the sanctuary and may be greeted by a goose that lives on the property’s pond.
The listing begins at $155 a night and sleeps two guests in one bedroom.
6. Magical Earth Retreat: Creola.
Can’t get enough Hobbits? The Magical Earth Retreat just outside of Hocking Hills State Park offers four underground properties sure to enchant and delight. Each is fully equipped with a queen bed, private bathroom, kitchenette and “all the rustic charm and magic of a tiny underground fairytale home.”
There’s also a hot tub and an onsite sauna, for an additional fee.
Each listing begins at $375 a night. The Daisy sleeps four, the Dalia sleeps two, the Aspen sleeps four and the Forest sleeps two.
7. Forest Haven – Otium: Millersburg.
The elevated and renovated former shipping container could be your next rental. It’s one of two small shipping containers set into a forest clearing, and the outdoor space features outdoor seating, a natural gas fire pit and an outdoor shower and soaking tub. Inside, it’s small but full of dark colors and rich woods, and a huge window that gives an uninterrupted view of the woods.
This listing begins at $192 a night and sleeps two guests in one bedroom.
8. Riverside Hideout Shipping Container: Dover.
If shipping containers are really your thing, then you’re in luck with this list. This converted container along the Tuscarawas River is close-ish to bigger attractions (like the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and Amish Country in Berlin) and has a patio and hot tub.
This listing begins at $164 a night and sleeps four guests in one bedroom.
9. Amish Country Lodging: Berlin.
There are 65 unique lodging options through this rental company, from treehouses to cabins to cottages. With that amount of variety of spaces to choose from and the proximity to Amish Country in Berlin, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Listing prices range and some can accommodate up to 10 guests.
10. The Old Postal Cottage: Parkman.
Yearning to revisit the days of snail mail? This 1840s post office was in use until 2018 and is now renovated into a tiny house within an Amish community, according to the Airbnb listing. But don’t worry, it comes equipped with all the modern amenities and is decorated to reflect the home’s unique history.
The listing begins at $90 a night and sleeps three guests in two bedrooms.
Want more to do?:Your ultimate Ohio summer bucket list is right here ☀️
5 unique places to rent in Kentucky
1. Observatory Tree House: Stanton.
Sleep among the trees in this rental, located near Red River Gorge. You’ll have to go up the wooden staircase for the views and the amenities, including a glass bedroom with built-in skylights, a hammock lounge, floating walkways and ship ladders.
This listing begins at $311 a night and can sleep four guests in two bedrooms.
2. Boho Loft: Covington.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and everything downtown Cincinnati has to offer, this loft in Covington gives all the modern comfort tourists or staycationers can ask for.
This listing begins at $172 a night and sleeps four guests in one bedroom.
3. Dappled Light Adventures: Beattyville.
If roughing it isn’t really your thing, try glamping (that’s glamourous camping) instead. Dappled Light Adventures has five rental glamping sites in Daniel Boone National Forest.
Each site has a heavy-duty canvas tent on a raised platform and is fully furnished with a queen-sized bed, modern seating area, fireplace, full-sized porch and charcoal grills for outdoor cooking.
The Cardinal’s Nest begins at $100 and sleeps two. The Oriole’s Nest begins at $76 and sleeps two. The Goldfinch’s Nest begins at $100 and sleeps three. The Green Heron’s Nest begins at $130 and sleeps four. The Blue Jay’s Nest begins at $75 and sleeps two.
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4. Historic House on Lake with Pool – Stone Haven: Kenton County.
How about an entire house on a lake? This home, built in 1843 in Kenton County, can sleep 16 people and is a close drive to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. There’s also plenty to do around the house, with an in-ground pool, hot tub, basketball court, kayaks and more.
This listing begins at $793 a night and sleeps 16 guests in five bedrooms.
5. Buffalo Springs Distilling Company: Stamping Ground.
If you’re a bourbon lover, this one’s for you. This old distillery building is one of the last structures left, once home to the Buffalo Springs Distilling Company, which ran from 1868 to the 1970s. It’s located between Louisville, Lexington and Cincinnati and is close to other stops on the Bourbon Trail.
This listing begins at $154 a night and sleeps two guests in one bedroom.