Sometimes we all need a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ohio is home to plenty of beautiful, small towns that boast history, culture and a taste of nature. Here’s a few to consider for your next quiet get-away.
Granville
Distance: 2.5 hours
Granville is a small town located about 30 minutes east of Columbus, with a downtown area filled with shops, restaurants and lovely sights. Settled by New Englanders, the style of its historic buildings resemble those you would see in the towns of Massachusetts. You can explore landmarks such as the Alligator Mound, the Bryn Du Mansion estate and the Robbins Hunter Museum.
Millersburg
Distance: 3.5 hours
If you’ve ever been interested in the Amish culture, Millersburg is in the heart of Amish country and just over a three-hour drive from Cincinnati. There you’ll find Yoder’s Amish Home, where you can learn firsthand about Amish day-to-day living and culture via tours of the farm, house and land. There’s also the Guggisberg Cheese Factory, which is the home of the original baby Swiss cheese. There are also many other Amish towns nearby, such as Berlin or Walnut Creek, with more activities and lodging.
Oxford
Distance: one hour
Oxford is a small college town in southwest Ohio that’s home to Miami University. It has plenty of restaurants, bars, festivals and concerts to keep any visitor entertained, and Hueston Woods State Park is located just 10 minutes away from downtown.
Willoughby
Distance: Four hours
Willoughby sits beside the Chagrin River and is a town rich in history that dates back to Native American settlements. It is also the only town in America to belong to six different counties at one point or another. With scenic nature reserves and historical buildings and monuments, Willoughby is a great spot to roam and soak in the antiquity of Ohio.
Yellow Springs
Distance: 1.5 hours
Yellow Springs is the perfect destination for those who have a love for arts, culture and nature. Throughout the year, the town hosts various arts and music festivals, ranging from intimate gatherings to large events. The village is surrounded by nature reserves, hiking and biking trails and canyons. With its close proximity, Yellow Springs is a great choice for a day trip filled with adventure and stunning sights.
Marietta
Distance: 3.5 hours
Marietta was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Today, it stands bustling with beautiful historical attractions and adventurous outdoor activities. The city has over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, and access to kayaking and canoe rentals on its picturesque river. There’s also an incredible amount of monuments, museums and architectural marvels to check out.
Marblehead
Distance: Four hours
This small village sits on the tip of the Marblehead peninsula, dividing Lake Erie from Sandusky Bay, and 20 miles from Cedar Point amusement park. This quaint lakefront hamlet is in a region known as “vacationland” for its sport fishing and boating community during the summer months. Marblehead also has a functioning lighthouse that has been in operation since 1822.
Wooster
Distance: three hours
Wooster, Ohio, is filled with amazing architecture, from the Gothic Revival courthouse to the Victorian homes. Take a walk down the main street and you’ll fall in love with this little slice of historical heaven. Oh, and the food is pretty great too!
Tipp City
Distance: 1.5 hours
Tipp City attained its odd abbreviated moniker decades after it was founded in 1840, when it was named after “Tippecanoe,” the nickname of our shortest-tenured president, William Henry Harrison. In its early history, Tipp City operated as a popular stopping-off point along the 274-mile Miami and Erie Canal.
Medina
Distance: 3.5 hours
Medina, located about 20 miles west of Akron, is a community that is proud of its heritage and passionate about preserving it. The charming historic center located in the heart of town defines their image. The district encompasses Public Square Park and the surrounding eight blocks, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Mount Vernon
Distance: 2.5 hours
With its green parks and classical buildings, there’s a lot to explore in Mt. Vernon. You can take guided rafting tours of the Kokosing River or check out the oldest opera theatre in the nation, the Woodward Opera House.
Avon Lake
Distance: four hours
Originally settled by several Native American tribes before being occupied by three nations (France, Great Britain and the United States), Avon Lake is just 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. The secluded nature-lovers’ hotspot is home to six community parks as well as quality fishing destinations on Lake Erie.
Loveland
Distance: 30 minutes
A short drive from downtown Cincinnati, Loveland is a quaint town located on the banks of the Little Miami River. The main strip is filled with eateries and small boutiques. With the Loveland Bike Trail and Lake Isabella Park, Loveland makes for a great mini day trip.
Oberlin
Distance: 3.5 hours
Oberlin is home to Oberlin College and many historical sights. The liberal arts college and conservatory of music help to give the town a fun and free vibe. You can explore the galleries at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, as well as stroll down trails at the Carlisle Reserve. The city is very tranquil and is a great place to get out of your hectic routine and into peace of mind.
Hudson
Distance: four hours
Located about 45 minutes outside of Cleveland, Hudson is a historical settlement with a downtown district perfect for shopping and dining. The town was a vital part of the Underground Railroad after the Civil War, and still has tunnels under the streets as well as secret passageways and rooms in many of the 19th-century homes. Hudson also has great outdoor activities. There are 20 parks in town that host biking and hiking trails, fishing ponds and disc golf courses.
Chagrin Falls
Distance: four hours
Chagrin Falls is a lovely village, perfect for a weekend escape. The town is named after the river that flows through its downtown area. You can enjoy the vibrant arts community and dine in the many restaurants while surrounded by beautiful scenery and architecture. You can also get lost in the beautiful parks and trails, discovering waterfalls and lakes.
Put-In-Bay
Distance: five hours
This 2.5-by-5-mile island is located in Lake Erie and is accessible by ferry. Put-In-Bay is a summertime must with all the exciting and relaxing activities you can think of. You can parasail and jet ski, or golf and tour a winery. Everything is within a quick ride on a rental golf cart. If you’ve never experienced Put-In-Bay, this summer is the perfect time to do so.
Charm
Distance: 3.5 hours
Amish country is a unique and wholesome option for a getaway, and that’s exactly what you’ll get while visiting Charm, Ohio. Rent cottages, shop for Amish textiles, and taste the cheeses crafted by the community. From Charm, you have easy access to antique malls in Berlin, family-friendly farms in Walnut Creek, and historical landmarks in Sugarcreek. If a quiet adventure full of history and heritage is what you’re looking for, Charm is the spot for you.
Cambridge
Distance: three hours
This tiny town is located in southeastern Ohio, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The town is in close proximity to popular parks and lakes like Salt Fork State Park, as well as Seneca Lake, the largest inland beach in Ohio, which attracts visitors throughout the year.
Athens
Distance: 2.5 hours
A liberal oasis within Southeast Ohio, Athens is home to the state’s oldest university (Ohio University), which opened in 1808 with just three students. Modern-day Athens is known for its scenic miles of local bike and hiking trails and is just a quick 45-minute drive from one of the most beautiful state parks in the region, Hocking Hills. Local dining in the uptown area will keep you well fed late into the night and acclaimed microbreweries Jackie O’s and Little Fish are sure to keep your whistle wet.
