13 Simple Ways to Elevate Your Stay at Suite on Jackson
If you are looking to elevate your vacation stay, in Ohio’s Amish country, you’ll want to read this! Suite on Jackson is a Cross-Key Vacation Rentals boutique property in historic downtown Millersburg, OH. This article will provide you with tips, links, and resources to make the most of your short stay.
We know the stays that linger are the ones with intention, story, and personal care. Today, hosting isn’t a side project. It’s my full focus and joy. Every detail is designed to help you slow down, connect, and create lasting memories, whether that’s a day of exploration or a romantic evening. – Kelly Croskey
Prepare for your trip!
1) Visit our website to book direct. Sign up for our email to receive a 10% discount code. Booking direct will also give you special privileges not given to those that book on online travel agencies (OTA’s).
A) You will be entered into our monthly drawing
B) You will get the best price (no booking fee additions). Even the OTA’s that claim there are no fees (Airbnb), you are actually paying the entire fee as owners have raised their prices accordingly. Let me know if another platform is offering our space at a lower price for the same dates and I will match it.
C) Your check-in time will go from 4 pm / 10 am for OTA’s to 3 pm / 11 am with the opportunity to check in at 2 pm if the space is ready to go. You will receive a notification if this is an option.
Tip: Make sure to look at all the mentioned information at least 1 week out from arrival as most items require 1-7 days to prepare.
A) Order early check-in or late check-out for a reasonable cost.
B) My husband makes the best homemade pizza and you can order one! He makes it, you put it in the oven to bake. Just give us 24 hrs. notice and we’ll deliver it to your door.
C) Book other activities like group fitness, or renting an e-bike for the day. These activities will be scheduled for you.
3) New! Amish Country Travel Guides
We all know there is so much more to Amish country than eating and shopping in Berlin. Now, you have access to 16 different lists, from Farmer’s Markets to Attractions and Outdoor Recreation. Don’t forget to view our Favorites! Just look up the list you are interested in, click visit link, and it will take you to a map of all the places listed. You can even map to it from Suite on Jackson: 138 W Jackson St., Millersburg, OH
This is an excellent way to plan your trip around the area to make the most of your time!
4) House Manual- You will currently find this in your HappyGuest app where you check-in prior to arrival. This is where you will find house rules and what is expected upon check-out. It’s very important to read this to ensure the best experience for all.
How to utilize the space!
Here’s how we create boutique stays with curated moments that lead to meaningful connection and lasting memories.
I’ve created, what I call, “Moments” throughout the space. These moments are “vignettes” or “scenes” that have been set to create a moment you can savor.
1) This space is gallery inspired. I have begun featuring local artists. Guests can scan a QR code to learn more about the artist and even purchase their work. I plan to evolve and grow this concept, over time.
A little background note, and the reason art is important to me…
Chad, my husband, and I met in High School art class. Because we had crushes on each other, I could not wait to get to class to see and work with him. I remember being in the art room for ½ of my school day, skipping study hall to go work on my art projects, but mostly to see Chad. He is, by the way, a very talented artist. I have a few of his sketches hanging in our own home. You can see his work from H.S. hanging on the kitchen wall. Look for an artichoke, rolling pin, banana & strawberry, and a wine or brandy glass.
These days, I am more crafty than artsy, so any macrame or fiber art was created by yours truly. When I have time, I enjoy creating wall hangings but found I need another place to display them. So, you will find several hanging in Suite on Jackson.
I am an art-lover. I enjoy visiting art museums to see the greats. I’m most fascinated by Leonardo Da Vinci, but love artists like, Roy Lichtenstein, or surrealists like some paintings by Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte. I’d say, my favorite painting is, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat- neo-impressionist (pointillist). Many years ago, I specifically went to the Art institute of Chicago to find this famous painting. It is much smaller than it looks in the movie, Ferris Buehler’s Day Off. But I love all the color and how little dots of paint create an elaborate scene.
2) Greenery Photo Wall
You’ll find this 10 foot tall greenery wall just inside the back door. I wanted a place where guests could capture some selfies and special moments together. This wall gets some added decoration that change with the seasons.
Tip: There is a cell phone tripod in the top drawer of the coffee bar. Set it up so everyone can be in the picture.
If you like your photos, share with us by posting them on Facebook or Instagram. You can either check-in to Cross-Key Vacation Rentals, or tag us @crosskeyvacationrentals. If you do that, we will see them. If you aren’t on social media, send them to me, I will post on my pages. 😊You can text or email them to me. Here is my contact info.
3) Full kitchen with coffee bar
This might sound like nothing special, but if you come with a great recipe, a fun night in cooking and sipping some local wine sounds like a great time to me. We provide everything but the food.
We stock locally roasted coffee from Salt Creek Coffee Co.
Seasonally, you will find a hot chocolate bar.
4) Our Shabby-Chic back deck is a great little place to get outside when you are on the 2nd floor of a downtown apartment. It is on the back of the building so the view isn’t the best, but the company you keep and the pillows, plants & twinkling lights will make it feel magical.
Coming this Spring! I will be creating another photo opportunity on our deck. Hint, it involves wings… Mark your trip by taking a fun photo to share with your friends / family.
Tip: Our deck has an unobstructed view of the Independence Day fireworks display, Thunder Over Holmes County.
5) THE SOAKING TUB! Ok, here’s the back story on this…Our space was completely gutted and rebuilt in 2022/2023. When we got to the bathroom, Chad wanted only a shower. I insisted on a tub. I would not back down from it. Why? We can’t offer a hot tub, we are on the 2nd floor. After much deliberation, Chad finally gave in and let me have the tub. I will tell you, it is probably one of our most important “moments” or amenities. It gets used with almost every group we host.
Tip: There are battery powered candles, rechargeable tea lights, and battery operated twinkle lights in the plant. Turn on the dimly lit sconces, turn on the candles, and add some bubble bath for a relaxing soak. Don’t forget to have the complimentary robe ready for your tub exit.
6) Continue the relaxation from the tub to our fireplace. There is a rug with throw pillows and a serving tray. Lounge in front of the fire, pour a glass of wine, and relax.
Tip: The fireplace has a remote on the coffee table. You can change flame colors, intensity, and even turn on heat.
7) Located in the living room is a desk nook. This is the educational and informational hub of the space. It’s filled with old Millersburg pictures, books, and even part of a shipping container found in our basement from over 100 years ago. This desk nook is where you can learn about Millersburg, the Amish Community, things to do in the area, and some of our building’s 125 + year history. For more about what we know of our building’s history, read this blog, Welcome to Suite on Jackson: A Boutique Stay with a Story.
Or for more info on Millersburg Glass try, Millersburg Glass Company: A Collector’s Guide & Where to Find It in Millersburg Today
8) There is a reading nook in the front, right corner of the room, right by one of our windows. There are several pillows and a blanket. Find a good book (we have plenty), curl up on the window seat, and watch the town below.
Tip: The seat is the ottoman for the sofa. If you’d like to create a huge loungey area for multiple people, just slide up to the sofa. Turn on the 65” tv and watch your favorite movie!
9) Seasonal décor. Come back to visit in the Fall, Winter (Christmas), or even Valentine’s Day. We decorate for the changing seasons to keep the space fresh and ever-changing.
So, there you have it. Four resources to prepare for your visit and nine moments waiting for your arrival. We want you to feel like your stay was designed to feel caring, calm, and intentionally curated. From the moment you arrive, the space is art-inspired, comfortable, and thoughtfully prepared—nothing overlooked.
As a boutique experience, our home is well-appointed with quality furnishings, creative touches, and moments that invite you to slow down and immerse in the space and local area. The result is a stay that feels personal, where comfort comes easily and every element reflects care, creativity, and attention to detail.
