Driving through the back roads of Aurora near Tinkers Creek State Park, there is not a lot that jumps out at you. In fact, through the trees on both sides of the road, there seems to be nothing at all. That is until the understated beauty of Walden begins to unfold in front of you.
Walden is a mainstay of the Northeast Ohio Spa, Resort, Living and Dining scene, and it has been lovingly maintained by Bonnie and Manny Barenholtz since Manny opened the project in 1972.
Upon walking in the front door of the inn, there is an overwhelming sense of peace. To the left, the rooms of the inn line the halls. With six different room styles all lavished with overflowing amenities and luxurious views, the rooms fit the needs of each traveler.
For 50 years, Walden has been welcoming guests in search of relaxation, a retreat, a gorgeous wedding venue and, even, a place to live.
Located down the street from the inn is the sprawling development of houses situated on the golf course. These homes are unique though, notes Manny, as no two homes are alike, yet they all blend together.
“The harmony is relaxing,” says Manny. “Some of these homes are million dollar, some of them are $400,000, and you can’t tell the difference.”
Sitting in the library next to floor-to-ceiling glass windows, it is evident to see that Walden isn’t just a treat for the mind and body, but also for the senses. While enjoying a homemade chocolate chip muffin, visitors sit by the roaring fire, reading from the available selection and the stress of everyday life melting away.
Walden is an inspiration from Henry David Thoreau. Manny picked up a copy of the book of the same name from Fireside Books in Chagrin Falls, and it was known that would be the name of the haven he was in the midst of creating.
“I underlined about 12 things in there that was exactly what I was trying to accomplish: that simplicity of nature, and I said ‘that sounds like it,’” says Manny. “The more I learned about Thoreau, his politics and his whole attitude in life was very similar to my attitude. I couldn’t get over the similarities.”
The harmony and view are completely apparent no matter where you look, and it is what Manny prides himself on since the conceptualization of the property 50 years ago.
“Every piece of glass has something pretty to look at,” says Manny.
The spa was conceptualized through the personal preferences of the Barenholtzs, looking at some of the best spas in the country to find out what they wanted to bring to Walden.
“I wasn’t very comfortable with them,” says Manny. “What bothered me was the treatment like the YMCA and going into a locker room.”
So, he decided he would make the experience different, much to the surprise of others in the business. The spa experience at Walden provides a valuable commodity: time.
There is no locker room. There are no dirty towels laying around from others. There is just an individual or couple alone in a private suite with their own hot tub, massage table and more to enjoy the experience without the rush and without the awkwardness of a shared steam room.
Walden is not just for lodging, dining and relaxing either. There is an on-site stable and arena for avid horseback riders to hone their craft.
If there is something to look for in a relaxing getaway, Walden has it all-in-one package wrapped in a neat bow in the tranquility of Aurora. As if appearing from nowhere, Walden unfolds in a luxurious spread of harmony; bringing comfort to visitors for half a century and for many more to come.
