Architecure Lesson #1: Loveland Castle in Ohio and 5 US Castle Tours

Loveland Castle, photo by Krenda

You don't need to travel to Europe to teach your kids about European architecture.  Take a castle tour in the US. 

We took our kids to the Loveland Castle (Chateau Laroche), located in Ohio.  It began as a project with his boy scout troop called Knights of the Golden Trail.  The visionary was Harry Delos Andrews (1890 to 1981) who became inspired after serving in WWI and afterwards touring castles.  See the website for the full story http://www.lovelandcastle.com/.  Just by touring this castle, you can show your kids three styles of architecture - German, French, and English.  Ask your tour guide about the four types of towers.  Sturdy and impressive, beautiful blooming garden; it all began with some donated land due to newspaper subscription and a dreamer.

Here's 5 other castle tours:
1.  Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC; largest private home in US, representing the Gilded Age; if you need a rental in driving range, consider our luxury cabin rentals Lightning Bug Lodge (www.lightningbuglodge.blogspot.com) or Indigo Moon Lodge (www.indigomoonlodge.blogspot.com)

2.  Oheka Castle, Long Island, NY, 2nd largest private home in the US, built in 1920s, French-style chateau; $25 adult, tour includes coffee, non-alcoholic beverage, and cookie

3.  Hearst Castle, San Simeon, CA, includes an ancient Roman temple and listed in Frommers 100 Places to Take Your Kids, part of CA State Parks, $25 adult, $12 kids

4.  Grey Towers Castle (Dupont Castle), Milford, PA, inspired by Alnwick Castle in England; $8 adult, $5 kids

5.  Lambert Castle, Paterson, NJ, Catholina Lambert built, inspired by his boyhood in England; tours Wed. to Sun. 12 to 4PM, check with Passaic County Historical Society for updates