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20 Ohio Small Towns You Should Be Spending Time in This Fall

By Scene Staff

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.

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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/Instagram

Willoughby

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/Instagram

Yellow 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/Instagram

Charm

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/Instagram

Marblehead

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/Instagram

Oberlin

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/Instagram

Loveland

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/Facebook

Wooster

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/Instagram

Marietta

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.

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Tipp 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/Instagram