Along with the conversion of prisons to hotels, there are loads of others: monasteries to hotels, churches to restaurants, ships to restaurants, and on and on. What creative conversions have you experienced? One that I loved was the Abbey Restaurant in Atlanta.

"The Abbey Award winning Contemporary Continental cuisine is served in a "religious" environment. The Abbey boosts 60 foot ceilings and stained glass windows in this beautiful old church, which has been converted into a memorable dining sanctuary. The staff are dressed in traditional attire of monks and present the meal in perfect "silent" service. The dishes are presented with artistry and distinctive style. A must experience in Atlanta." www.dinnerbroker.com/restaurants/georgia/atlanta/the_abbey/

Lesley Toronto