27 Charming Small Towns Within Driving Distance of Cincinnati That Are Worth The Trip
Sometimes we all need a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful small towns with interesting histories, cultures and landscapes within driving distance of Cincinnati. Here's a few to consider for your next peaceful getaway.
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Distance:
2.5 hours
Granville is a small town located about 30 minutes east of Columbus. The city's downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants and lovely sights. Settled by New Englanders, the style of its historic buildings resemble those you would see in Massachusetts small towns. You can explore landmarks such as the Alligator Mound, the Bryn Du Mansion estate, and the Robbins Hunter Museum.
Distance:
1 hour
Step back in time in Maysville, Kentucky, a small town located along the Ohio River. Celebrate the arts in many different ways in this quaint historic town by enjoying a show at the famed Washington Opera House, built in 1898. You can head over to the Russell Theater and enjoy an Art Deco experience in a place that once hosted a red carpet event for Rosemary Clooney (who is originally from Maysville) at the opening of
The Stars are Singing. For some history, walk around and discover Underground Railroad sites, or do a tour and tasting at the Old Pogue bourbon distillery, open since 1876.
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.
Distance:
4 hours
Willoughby sits beside the Chagrin River and is a town rich in history that can be dated 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. Outdoor Markets in the City Hall parking lot are held on Saturdays at 8 a.m. to noon, June through October.
Photo: Public Domain, Library of Congress
Distance:
1 hour and 30 minutes
Columbus, Indiana is known for its architecture and public art. The city hosts a popular annual festival called Exhibit Columbus that celebrates art and design throughout the community. Take a guided tour of the Miller House, a famed Midcentury Modern home known for its colors, thoughtful design and breathtaking gardens. For some historic architecture, take a tour of the Inn at Irwin Gardens, a unique Edwardian-era development remodeled in 1910. Or if you prefer a self-guided tour, download the Downtown Audio tour app that walks you through 18 stops throughout Columbus.
Photo: Elizabeth Schmitt
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 to Cincinnati, Yellow Springs is a great choice for a day trip filled with adventure and stunning sights.
Distance:
4 hours
Sitting on the tip of Marblehead peninsula, dividing Lake Erie from Sandusky Bay, and located 20 miles from Cedar Point amusement park, is the small village of Marblehead. 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.
Distance:
3.5 hours
Marietta was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Today, it remains a bustling town with beautiful historical attractions and adventurous outdoor activities. The city has over 20 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.
Distance:
3 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!
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. The first Friday of every month June through September there is a farmers market from 5-8 p.m.
