Who says road trips are just for summer? Not us. Here’s a list of easy weekend getaways to take from Cleveland on just one tank of gas.
By Xan Schwartz
Columbus, OH
Say hi to your neighbors! Columbus provides fresh city-scenery without all the driving. Check out the Arts District, the Ohio Stadium, the North Market farmer’s market, quaint German Village or Middle West Spirits distillery for whiskey-tasting. (Photo courtesy of @tara_photoblog)http://bit.ly/1kmPb9HGeneva State Park Lodge – Geneva
There’s more than one way to get toasty this fall. The Geneva State Park Lodge is centered among over 20 wineries, all of which are just a shuttle-ride away. (Photo courtesy of Geneva State Park Lodge Facebook Page)
http://www.thelodgeatgeneva.comInn At Honey Run – Millersburg
The Inn At Honey Run is perfect for a fall weekend with a little side of romance. Retreat into nature comfortably: think Amish country meets four-star hotel. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @innathoneyrun)
http://www.innathoneyrun.comThe Wilds – Cumberland
The Wilds seems too “wild” to be true. Visit this sprawling property near Columbus and catch a glimpse of ostriches, American bisons, camels, African painted dogs, giraffes, zebras, and a whole host of cuties you’ve likely never heard of like the eastern hellbender (google it). (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @shannon_b97)
https://thewilds.columbuszoo.orgInn at Brandywine Falls – Northfield
The Inn at Brandwine Falls is cute bed and breakfast with modern amenities and killer gourmet food. The falls are just a 5 minute walk from the Inn. Take a long hike through the woods or bike the winding country roads. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @llowe1111)
http://www.innatbrandywinefalls.com/The Mohicans Tree Houses and Cabins – Glenmont
The Mohicans offers three tree houses that far surpass any childhood blueprints– the Little Red Tree House was featured on the Discovery Channel’s hit series “Tree House Masters” and boasts stained glass windows and a 40-foot long extension bridge linking the cabin with the main brew house. That’s right, The Mohicans has its very own brewery, aptly named Tree House Brewing Company. With fully stocked kitchens, DVD players, decks, and charcoal grills, what more could you want in a weekend getaway? (Photo courtesy of The Mohicans)
www.themohicans.netPittsburgh, PA
Forget the Steelers — Pittsburgh provides plenty for the wanderlust that cold weather sometimes affords. Find an impressive number of attractions like the Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Stadium, the Pittsburg Zoo, and the Rivers Casino, to name a few. Visit Mount Washington to take in a stellar view of the city skyline. (Photo courtesy of , Flickr Creative Commons)Punderson State Park – Newbury Township
Punderson is Ohio’s premier winter sports park. Sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are all at their best– sled away the winter blues. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user emmarae_11)Toledo
The Toledo Museum of Art is a must. Follow that up with the Maumee Bay Brew Pub or Tony Packo’s Cafe in the east-side Hungarian neighborhood. For more entertainment check out the rustic Valentine Theatre and the National Museum of the Great Lakes. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @mashjaja)Gervasi Vineyard – Canton
An authentic Italian experience in Canton, Ohio? It exists. Think wine-tasting, vineyard tours, farmhouses, and tuscan-villas. Yes, in Canton, Ohio. (Photo courtesy of Gervasi Vineyard Facebook Page)Old Man’s Cave – Hocking Hills
Old Man’s Cave is not just a summer destination. The fall leaves and beautiful rock formations make for the perfect fall getaway; there are even log cabins and chalets nearby to complete the cozy feel. The annual winter hike on January 16 features a tour of the cave and plenty of hot cocoa, but the frozen waterfall may not rival Ohio’s fall colors. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @lissaloo30)
www.hockinghills.com/old_mans_cave.htmlBedford Reservation
The Bedford Reservation gives the appearance of a continuous forest with big trees and challenging terrain. Early loggers were discouraged by the forest’s vivacity, which means visitors have plenty of undisturbed wilderness to behold. The Tinker Creek Gorge is a National Natural Landmark. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @swl_hearts_paper)Amish Country Lodging – Berlin
For a real country-style week away, how about a visit to the largest Amish settlement in the world? Browse local area craft and antique shops, Amish family-style dining, quilt or livestock auctions, or just enjoy the slower pace of the countryside. Be sure to visit Millersburg Brewing Company. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @drobardrobar)Go Ape Mill Stream Run Reservation – Strongsville
Take a day trip out to Strongsville where you can get your adventure on at Ohio’s premiere outdoor adventure course. (Photo courtesy of Go Ape Facebook Page)
http://goape.com/zip-line/mill-stream-run-reservation