Sometimes, it’s important to get out of the city. And small towns offer an escape, giving you the chance to take things at a slower pace and see landmarks not typically found in an urban jungle. These tiny Ohio towns are perfect for a cross-state getaway or just a quick day trip. Add all 20 to your fall checklist today.
Sometimes, it’s important to get out of the city. And small towns offer an escape, giving you the chance to take things at a slower pace and see landmarks not typically found in an urban jungle. These tiny Ohio towns are perfect for a cross-state getaway or just a quick day trip. Add all 20 to your fall checklist today.
Put-in-Bay
266 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, 888-742-7829
Put-in-Bay was on Huffington Post Travel’s list of The 12 Cutest Small Towns in America and lives up to its name. This island town is a great vacation getaway without leaving Ohio, full of scenic beach views and hosts Crystal Cave, the world’s largest geode.
Photo via mcb0708/InstagramWilloughby
2 E. Spaulding St., Willoughby, 440-942-1905
Willoughby is another small town not too far away from Cleveland making it another spot perfect for a day trip. Downtown is the cultural hub of Willoughby, offering plenty of restaurants to choose from and a variety of festivals throughout the spring and summer.
Photo via dtwilloughby/InstagramYellow Springs
101 Dayton St., Yellow Springs, 937-767-2686
Yellow Springs is a small artsy town boasting a plethora of art galleries. Be sure to eat a home style cooked meal at the Clifton Mill, touted as one of the biggest water powered grist mills in the world. If biking is your thing, gear up (or walk) the Little Miami Bike Trail and take in the gorgeous farmland that Southwest Ohio has to offer.
Photo via miriambarcus/InstagramCharm
6 W. Jackson St., Millersburg, 330-674-3975
Located in the heart of Ohio Amish country, Charm is a beautiful scenic countryside getaway. Stay in Mrs. Miller’s Cabin equipped with a full kitchen and free wi-fi so you won’t have to actually live like the Amish, and watch the buggies travel through Charm from the front porch. Get something to eat at Carpenter’s Cafe, located on the second floor of Keim Lumber Co. or Charm Family Restaurant, located on Main Street, giving you a view of the small town life in motion. There’s also Rebecca’s Bistro a few miles over in Sugarcreek, a restored log cabin turned into a restaurant.
Photo via thefarmatwalnutcreek/InstagramMarblehead
5681 E. Harbor Rd. Suite C, Lakeside Marblehead, 419-734-9777
Marblehead boasts one the best scenic lighthouses in Ohio, perfect for taking in a summer sunset. While you’re there visit Train-O-Rama, Ohio’s largest operating multi-gauge model railroad display, and Ferguson Gallery for some mesmerizing glass art. Venture over to Kelleys Island and grab a bite to eat at The Village Pump.
Photo via shoresandislands/InstagramOberlin
85 S. Main St., Oberlin, 440-775-1531
One of the first things that pops into your head when you think of Oberlin, is that Lena Dunham went to college here. But this college town really does make for a great day trip from Cleveland. Check out the Allen Memorial Art Museum and Underground Railroad Center, or go ziplining at the Common Ground Canopy Tour.
Photo via scotty_dontknow/InstagramLoveland
123 S. 2nd St., Loveland, 513-683-1544
A little bit northeast of Cinncinanti, Loveland makes a great pit stop. It’s home to the famous Loveland Castle, which is “a smaller replica of the the 10th-century structure in France called Chateau Laroche.” Downtown features an array of buildings built in the 1800s that are now specialty boutiques and homey restaurants.
Photo via Loveland, Ohio City Government/FacebookWooster
428 W. Liberty St., Wooster, 330-264-1800
Wooster is a small town for foodies. There are food tours throughout the city, as well as plenty of local restaurants and cafes to choose from, but make some time for Pine Tree Barn. It’s a cool spot incorporating a tree farm, furniture store, and restaurant all in one overlooking gleaming lakes, giving diners a gorgeous view. While you’re digesting all of that food head downtown and pop into the rare bookstore, Books in Stock.
Photo via woosterfoodtours/InstagramMarietta
119 Greene St., Marietta, 740-373-5178
Marietta is a historic town known as the first permanent settlement of the Northwest territory. Perfect for Ohio history buffs, explore the small town’s past at Campus Martius Museum or the Ohio River Museum. The Buckley House offers middle eastern cuisine or if you’re looking for more traditional fare, stop by the Levee House.
Photo viaTipp City
12 S. 3rd St., Tipp City, 937-667-8300
“There’s always something happening in Tipp City,” boasts the small town’s website. There’s the Tipp City Mum Festival in September, which is great for antique shoppers and car enthusiasts, showing off hundreds of unique vehicles. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located here as well as the Historic Waco Field & Aircraft Museum. Be sure to check out a show at the Tipp Roller Miller, a historic mill turned into a concert venue.
Photo via downtowntippcity/InstagramLoudonville
544 N. Union St., Loudonville, 419-994-2519
Loudonville is nicknamed the so-called “Canoe & Camp Capital of Ohio.” And the nearby Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery & Fun Center offers a 15-mile river trip with canoes or kayaks. If you’re looking for land activities, tour Wolf Creek Grist Mill and visit the historical Richland Carrousel.
Photo via I Love USA/FacebookNew Philadelphia
124 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, 330-602-2420
Implied in the name, New Philadelphia was based on the design of its bigger brother in Pennsylvania. Tuscora Park is one of the main attractions here featuring, a carousel, Ferris wheel, and mini golf. It’s also home to one of the longest running historical dramas at the state of the art Performing Arts Center at Kent State University Tuscarawas.
Photo via dailygrindcafe/InstagramGranville
141 E. Broadway St., Box Granville, 740-587-0707
Like Oberlin, Granville is a college town with its population almost doubling when school is in session. Granville has plenty to see and do. Check out the town’s famous Alligator Mound, a giant earthen sculpture of an animal that appears to look like an alligator. Stop by The Works, Granville’s history, art, and technology center, for an interesting look at the town’s industrial past.
Photo via thejeffjl/InstagramMilan
11 S. Main St., Milan, 419-499-4161 ext. 2
Milan is known as the birthplace of Thomas Edison, and the house he was born in has been turned into a small museum. Also, if you’re looking to get a tattoo The Electric Pen, named after the Edison invention, is the place to go. Grab breakfast at the Invention Restaurant and end your day at the Wonder Bar, for a tasty burger and an ice cold beer.
Photo via bensmit/InstagramMedina
32 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-5502
Stop by the Medina Toy and Train Museum to see some cute old toys and model trains. There are a handful of coffee shops in town to keep you energized throughout your busy day, and at the end of it, drop by Wadsworth Brewing Company or Jilbert Winery to unwind and relax.
Photo via megdshaw/InstagramAshtabula
1850 Austinburg Rd., Austinburg, 440-275-3202
This town was built on the coast of Lake Erie, an hour between Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania. Ashtabula (pronounced “Hush-tah-buh-lah”) offers plenty of covered bridges, parks, and beaches to explore. Check out the Maritime Museum, located atop a cliff overlooking the harbor. When you’re done go down to the Harbor District, which was once the third largest iron ore port in the world, for some fresh seafood and wine at Hil-Mak’s.
Photo via ncline19/InstagramGrand Rapids
17460 Sycamore Rd., Grand Rapids, 419-832-5305
Grand Rapids is a restored canal town. One of the most popular attractions here is taking a canal boat ride, along the original Miami and Erie Canal drawn by mule power. Go on a village walk and soak in the town’s history. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at LaRoe’s, featuring a riverside patio for their dinner guests.
Photo via mondo43420/InstagramMount Vernon
107 S. Main St., Mt Vernon, 740-392-6102
Located north of Columbus, Mount Vernon, is home to the oldest opera theater in the United States, the Woodward Opera House. Head to Ariel Foundation Park to see the river of glass and climb the Rastin Observation Tower, to get a great view of Mount Vernon.
Photo via dcmillerandco/Instagram
