I recently stayed at Ravenwood Castle in New Plymouth, Ohio, and it ended up being one of the quirkier travel stops I’ve done. It isn’t actually medieval, but it’s themed after 12th/13th-century border forts between England and Wales, and the whole property really leans into the castle/fairytale feeling.
I stayed in the Duke’s Dungeon room, which had real keys, a private entrance, and easy access to the pub and trails. The Great Hall was probably my favorite part — stained glass, tapestries, a huge fireplace, and breakfast served right there in the morning.
There’s also a pub, library, hedge maze, hiking trails, cabins/cottages, and themed events like murder mystery weekends and game conventions. It felt especially magical at night when the castle was lit up.
It’s definitely not a luxury resort kind of place — more of a quirky, cozy, themed getaway — but that was part of the charm for me.
Has anyone else stayed somewhere unexpectedly unique like this in the U.S.?