Inspiring Conversations with Amy Smith of The Inns at 8th and Main

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Smith.

Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our story really began with a love for making things feel beautiful, welcoming, and meaningful, and saving these historic homes. I have always been drawn to old homes, layered history, and the little details that make people feel seen and cared for, especially this block of homes, which we now call home. By chance and over time, that love turned into a calling, and eventually into what we call today, The Inns at 8th & Main.

My husband Dan and I built this business around hospitality with heart. We took two historic properties in McConnelsville and created spaces where people could slow down, rest, and feel at home. What started as a dream grew through hard work, creativity, faith, and resilience. There were plenty of moments where I had to adapt, refocus, and trust the next step, but that is part of what shaped both me and the business.

What brought me here today is not just entrepreneurship. It is the desire to create something lasting and heartfelt. The Inns reflect so much of who we are: our love of people, our appreciation for history, our commitment to comfort, and our belief that the guest experience should feel personal, not transactional. Looking back, I can see that every step helped shape a business that feels deeply aligned with who we are right now.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. We started in the middle of COVID, which taught us from day one how to navigate uncertainty and adapt quickly. Since then, we have also faced illness, the loss of loved ones, and the challenge of carrying the emotional heart of a hospitality business through hard personal seasons.

One of the biggest lessons has been learning how to preserve the heart behind the business without losing ourselves to exhaustion or losing the inspiration that started it all. That has required us to simplify, refocus, and become more intentional about how we grow. It has not been easy, but it has made us stronger and more rooted in what matters most.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Inns at 8th and Main?
The Inns at 8th & Main is a boutique lodging experience in historic McConnelsville, Ohio, where we specialize in meaningful stays rooted in comfort, charm, and genuine hospitality. Our spaces are filled with character, and our goal has always been to create more than a place to sleep. We want guests to feel welcomed, cared for, and connected to the beauty and story of where they are.

What sets us apart is that we are deeply personal and owner-led. Every detail matters to us, from the way a room feels to the breakfast experience and the overall sense of warmth guests receive during their stay. We are known for hospitality with heart, and I am most proud that our brand reflects exactly that. We have built something that feels true to who we are, and I think people can feel that when they walk through the door.

For readers, I would want them to know that The Inns at 8th & Main offers a stay that is both historic and heartfelt. It is a place for travelers who appreciate character, connection, and a more intentional experience.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think hospitality is moving toward a more personal and experience-driven future. Travelers want more than a place to sleep. They want stays that feel meaningful, memorable, and connected to the destination. Personalization, authentic experiences, wellness, and slower, more intentional travel are all becoming more important.

I also think technology and AI will continue to reshape the industry by making booking and guest communication more seamless. But I believe that will only make genuine hospitality stand out more. The businesses that will thrive are the ones that combine efficiency with real human connection.

For small boutique properties like ours, that is exciting. I think travelers are increasingly drawn to places with character, story, and heart, and I see that continuing over the next 5 to 10 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.innsat8thandmain.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinnat214main/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innsat8thandmain/