10 Getaways to Take from Cleveland on One Tank of Gas

Get Outdoors

Hocking Hills - Three hours south of the city, this reservation is one of Ohio's favorites for outdoor fun. The exploring is endless. Hike the trails, check out the caves, fish, hunt, camp, or stay in their lodging facilities. 19852 OH-664 in Logan.

West Branch State Park - A short hour southeast of the city, at 5570 Esworthy Rd. in Ravenna, you'll find this state park with all the outdoor activities to clear that head of yours. Hang out on the lake, camp grounds, swim, hike, horseback ride and more.

Mill Creek Park - You'll find this outdoor spot about 74 miles southeast of Cleveland in Youngstown. From biking, hiking, boating, fishing, golf, live entertainment and more, you're sure to fill up your day. Find it at 123 McKinley Ave, in Youngstown.

Thompson Ledges (pictured) - Get in touch with nature a bit closer to the city in Thompson, just 50 minutes away from the city. Squeeze through the little cracks of nature and enjoy a relaxing hike with friends. Pack a picnic then grab your gear and play some tennis on the courts.

South Chagrin Reservation - Lazy travelers, this is your destination only 30 minutes out of Cleveland at 37374 Miles Rd. in Bentleyville. Horseback ride, exercise, bike, hike, fish, visit a nature center, and more here in this part of Cleveland Metro Parks.

Wayne National Forest - Southeast of Cleveland you can find this hiking hotspot. Canoe down this scenic river, hunt, fish, or take a calming walk. You can also ride dirk bikes and ATVs on these trails. A great place to get away for a day (or two) at 27515 State Route 7, in Marietta.

Tree Frog Canopy Tours - This popular place is known for its zip lining tours. With more than 4,000 ft. of zip line, hang above the trees at 21899 Wally Rd, in Glenmont, and see all the beauty Ohio truly has to offer. (Photo Courtesy of Instagram user: @Plaidmuskrat)

Catch Some Thrills

Cedar Point (pictured) - What kind of list would this be if we didn't include this attraction? Head west to 1 Cedar Point Dr. in Sandusky and go to one of the best amusement parks in the US. Even if you've been a thousand times, plan that annual visit soon; after all, you deserve some fun.

Zoombezi Bay - Splash around at this waterpark owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at 10101 Riverside Dr. in Powell. The perfect way to top off the day in Columbus on a hot day.

Wildwater Kingdom - Only forty minutes of driving to a waterpark? Yes, please. Make a day of your outdoor fun on the east side at this 17 acre park in Aurora at 1100 Squires Rd. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @T_m_hutley)

Head Down South to Columbus

Columbus Brew Adventures - If you aren't the outdoorsy type, don't fret, we know Clevelanders love some good brew. Take a short ride down south to Columbus and tour the city's best breweries and distilleries. Indulge and forget about your responsibilities for the day. Call 1-800-838-3006 for drinking deets.

Z Cusina di Spirito - Columbus locals rave about this modern Italian restaurant and bar at 1368 Grandview Ave. We suggest checking out their happy hour menu with $5 glasses of wine and cocktails, while you go all out on a plate of their hand made pasta.

German Village (pictured) - This neighborhood is a tourist and local favorite. With several events and walking tours happening all season, this spot is guaranteed to have something going on while you're in town. We've heard of a few must try places while you're in the area: Schmidt's Fudge, Brown Bag Deli, Thurman Cafe, and more.

North Market Farmers - Traveling foodies: if you don't make this stop priority, you might as well call yourself something else. Check out this market's extensive array of local treats, fruits, veggies, spices, bbq, pizza, ice cream and more. They have a ton of merchants waiting to have you taste their goods at 59 Spruce St.

The Book Loft - Bookworms rejoice, you've found your home away from home. The Book Loft is a must see store if you love a good read. With over 32 rooms of books, visitors are sure to find one (or ten) reads they want to take home. Check it out at 631 S. Third St.

Soccer Game: Columbus Crew - Unfortunately, Cleveland doesn't have a professional soccer team for the abundance of futbol fans in the area. One of Crew's games is definitely worth catching. Check out a list of home games, grab some friends to scream, "GOOOAAALLL!" Mapfre Stadium is located at One Black & Gold Blvd.
(Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Racheljoybaransi)

Roadtrip West To Toledo

Toledo Botanical Gardens - Check out this free public garden and enjoy this venue's sixty acres of plant collections. The gardens also offers a bunch of summer events that are worth the short drive west. Find it at 5403 Elmer Dr.

Toledo Area Metro Parks - Get a look at these metro parks and take a jog or hike along the trails. Catch some birdwatching, and more wildlife while exploring. If hiking isn't your thing, horseback riding is popular, as well as canoeing on the Maumee River. Get outdoorsy here at 5100 W. Central Ave.

Dock Restaurants (pictured) - Along the Maumee River, on the east side of Toledo, head over to restaurants on the dock for good eats. Zia’s Italian, Real Seafood Company, Admiral's American Grill and El Vaquero are a few you can check out.

Bar 145 - We can get into this joint's motto: Burgers, Bands, and Bourbon. Taste, listen and kick back here at 5305 Monroe St. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @aparton)

Drink Wine

Chalet Debonne Vineyards(pictured) - This spot is a short hour away from the city, and is Ohio's largest estate winery. Catch nightly live music while you sample every wine in the place. We like the sangria, but they also have a micro-brewery so grab anything you want and let loose at 7840 Doty Rd. in Madison.

Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery - An hour south, find this winery and brewery at 6193 Edison St. in Hartville. This place is sure to keep you busy eating and drinking with their extensive wine selection and menu.

Veritas Cork and Craft - While heading to Toledo make this winery a stop on your list. They offer wine to go by the case or bottle, and have a build your own six pack of brews deal. Looking to stay and hang? Get in on their wine tastings they have almost every week for the rest of the summer. Find all the vino and beer at 505 Jefferson Ave.

Wyandotte Winery - In Columbus, this spot claims to be the first and oldest winery in central Ohio. Their weekly events are intriguing with free tours, live music, and Wednesday happy hour at 4640 Wyandotte Dr.

Geneva On The Lake - We know, when you think of this popular area, you think the strip; full of food, games, and bars we love. Head 45 minutes east of Cleveland for all that, or head over to visit an array of the wineries in the area: Lakehourse Inn & Winery, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Old Mill Winery and more. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @mrs_kuchta)

Relax On The Lake

Conneaut Beach (pictured) - This is one of the most highly rated beaches on Lake Erie, a.k.a. a must take day trip just over an hour east in Ashtabula at 480 Lake Rd. The beach extends .4 of a mile and is often not very crowded, allowing for ample relaxation and soaking of the sun.

Overlook Beach Park - If you only have a few hours to spare, this beach at Mentor-On-The-Lake is the destination for you for a short time of relaxation on a sunny day.

Firefly Beach - Head an hour west to this low key beachy resort at 4903 Cleveland Rd. in Huron. You can rent a cottage or cabin for cheap rates here and really enjoy some solitude, sand, and sun.

Lakeview Beach - 45 minutes away in Lorain, Lakeview Beach offers paddle boating, kayaks, and full moon hikes. Grab a bite at Rose Cafe, or bring a picnic to chow on in the 1920s built gazebo, play sand sports, or visit historical gardens nearby at 1800 West Erie Ave.

Maumee Bay State Park - At this beach and park in Oregon, fishing, golfing, and picnicking are just a few of the things you can do. They have several events and festivals this month to check out as well while you're in the Toledo area at 1400 State Park Rd. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @chedlock)

Learn Something New at Museums

Toledo Museum of Art - For an intellectual and artsy getaway this art museum has some extremely interesting exhibits that are worth a stop when getting away to Toledo. Check out the "Playtime," exhibits, and the many painting, sculpture, and decorative art collections this museum has to offer at 2445 Monroe St.

Imagination Station - Bring out your inner kid and explore at this science center in Toledo. With several hands on and interactive exhibits you are sure to have a good time, and learn a thing or two. Check it out at 1 Discovery Way.

Dayton Aviation Heritage (pictured) - Ohio is the home of aviation, making this historical park a great day trip destination. Three hours southwest of Cleveland at you can learn about the Wright brothers. In fact, you can see their third ever airplane, follow their footsteps paved in the park's grounds, see their old home, and where they first took off.

NFL Hall of Fame - Sports buffs: If you haven't already, take a trip to Canton and visit this football hall of fame at 2121 George Halas Dr. With their exhibits ever changing, its almost guaranteed to catch something new and cool at this museum. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @bspitz)

Step Back In Time

Lehman's - Check out this hardware store at 4779 Kidron Rd. and find unique amish home and garden tools, old fashioned kitchenware, lights, stoves and more to bring home with you.

Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen - During your stay, eat at this restaurant and bakery for a good old fashioned home cooked meal. Salad, turkey or roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, homemade rolls, and a slice of warm pie? Yum. Try it all at 14743 Old State Rd. in Middlefield.

Shisler's Cheese House - A must stop spot in Amish Country. Head in and try everything from an array of meats, cheeses, chocolates, pickles and peppers, jams, and more gourmet foods at 55 Kidron Rd. in Orrville.
(Photo courtesy of Insagram user: @monize.rodgues)

Get Up Close

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - This nearby zoo was voted the top rated in the US. See the elephants, lions, monkeys, and then check out the dolphins, penguins and more sea life at 4850 Powell Rd. While you're at it, take their featured "behind the scenes" tour.

African Safari Wildlife Park (pictured) - Get close and personal with these exotic animals at 267 S Lightner Rd. in Port Clinton, just a few hours south. You can drive through herds of zebras, giraffes, buffalo and more to get a close look at them. Go ahead and roll the car window down...

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - This refuge has more than 6,000 acres of wildlife inhabitants and migrating birds. About an hour and a half west of Cleveland, this is prime location if birdwatching is your thing. Also, catch sights of nesting bald eagles here at 14000 West St. Rt. 2, in Oak Harbor.

Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area - A little over and hour southeast of the city, locals can hunt, fish, bird watch, hike and more here at 8303 N. Park Ave. in Bloomfield. This location is known for lodging nesting Canadian Goose, so grab your camera and binoculars, and get a look look at the wildlife in this area. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Juliabenore)

Jam Out

Fashion Meets Music Fesitival (pictured) - The Columbus fashion and music scene come to the ultimate collaboration here at this festival on September 5 - 6. Featuring some of the nation's most influential designers and musicians, this fest is a great Labor Day weekend getaway. See bands like Taking Back Sunday, O.A.R. Awolnation and more. One day passes are $59, and two day passes are $99.

Midpoint Music Fest - This Cincinnati Fest is an annual end of summer tradition. In late September, drive south and listen to indie bands like Iron and Wine, Ne-Hi, American Wrestlers and more. Camping overnight is fun and encouraged for a needed trip of music and friends. A full weekend pass is $79.

Painesville Party in the Park - A short drive east of Cleveland catch this city's music fest. The best thing about it? Its free. With food and beer vendors, and a large live music line up you're sure to enjoy and let loose. Join in on the action on July 17 - 19.

Warped Tour - The popular Vans music festival tours the nation visiting several cities during the summer months. This year, its at Blossom Music Center lasting all day at 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd. Warped showcases the best and most popular pop punk bands in the business. Tickets are $48. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @_northernwhale)