The Best Small Towns in Ohio for a Weekend Retreat
The Midwestern state of Ohio is interesting to visit, and there is something to suit all tastes and preferences. For foodies, there are several landmark foods, from chili to specialty pizzas. Many foods got their namesake from bigger cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland, but smaller towns shine for a short vacation.
The "Buckeye State" is also ideal for outdoor sports and celebrates four seasons. You'll find it in Ohio whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or snow skiing. Let's explore the best small towns for a weekend retreat.
Peninsula
Peninsula is a quaint town that is perfect to visit any time of the year, but autumn stands out. The beautiful scenery includes the Cuyahoga River, a covered country bridge, and a waterfall. The Everett Covered Bridge is a short walk from the Cuyahoga National Park, where you will find the waterfall, Ledges Overlook, and a section of The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
The town has historic buildings like the Boston Land and Manufacturing Company Store and the Jim Brown Tavern. Built in 1835, the latter served as a post office until 1904. Peninsula Village Antiques is a popular destination on Main Street. It is an ideal spot for a tranquil outdoor retreat or to soak in the country charm of the town.
Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is one of the best places to visit in Ohio. Of course, the ochre-colored watered Yellow Spring is the center attraction. It is said that when the town was founded, travelers would arrive from Cincinnati by stagecoach for the spring's healing powers.
Other outdoor landmarks include the Glen Helen Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park. The Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge provides great photo opportunities. After a day of exploring, downtown has plenty of dining options. Popular options include Yellow Springs Brewery, Peach's Grill, Calypso Grill, and Smokehouse.
Geneva-On-The-Lake
Geneva-On-The-Lake is a pretty village on the shores of Lake Eerie. One of the first things you see is the Big Eli, a Ferris wheel owned by Old Firehouse Winery. It is the only winery in the world that owns a Ferris wheel.
Geneva State Park is a 698-acre nature preserve that allows fishing, ice fishing, and hiking. Geneva Township Park is on the lake shore and is open from dawn to dusk. If you are going to Geneva for the weekend, book a stay at the Lakehouse Inn. It is a 3-star hotel with views of the sunset over Lake Eerie.
Conneaut
The port town of Conneaut is on the bank of Lake Eerie. It is a major transportation hub for iron train cars headed for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a quiet town with gorgeous scenery, including the Middle Road Covered Bridge. Built in 1868, the single-span bridge is one of only sixteen in the county.
After a day on the shore, stop by the Conneaut Historical Society. Not only will you learn about the port's history, but they also display antique farming tools, a wringer washing machine, and a soda fountain, among other vintage exhibits. There are wineries and restaurants in town, like Markko Vineyard and Winery, where you can tour the grapes and pick up a book about the founder in 1969.
Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek has a well-deserved moniker: "the little Switzerland of Ohio" and the gateway to the Amish community. This is because Amish, Swiss, and German families founded the town. Downtown features Swiss architecture and the world's largest Cuckoo Clock.
This is also the place for authentic Swiss cheeses, and places like Broad Run Cheese have years of experience and awards. One of the best outdoor activities is The Farm at Walnut Creek, which boasts over 500 animals, many of which guests can feed. No trip is complete without a walk downtown through the European architecture. The Alpine Hill Museum tells the fascinating story of the town and should be visited before you leave.
Logan
Logan is a picturesque town on the Hocking River, especially in the Autumn. It is known as an outdoor lover's dream and has recreational activities like Hocking Hills State Park. If you stop by the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, visit the quirky Pencil Sharpener Museum. The museum has over 3,000 pencil sharpeners on display and is reputed to be the largest collection in the US.
The Hocking Hills Moonshine distillery offers clear liquor in bottles with localized labels that make great souvenirs. Main Street, through downtown, has local shops like Cache Valley Antiques, a popular stop for locals and visitors. Logan is a perfect locale for a weekend retreat, full of charm and natural beauty.
Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls is a gorgeous village near Cleveland with great architecture, vibrant restaurants, and art galleries. For the outdoors person, there is also scenic Chagrin Waterfall. Downtown has unique attractions like the Little Theatre, built in 1930, and is one of the oldest theatres in the country.
For a village, Chagrin Village has many natural attractions and amenities. Frohring Meadows is a tranquil park perfect for an afternoon stroll. The Glass Asylum is a glass-blowing shop where you can watch the action as they create your masterpiece. If serenity is on your list for a weekend retreat, Chagrin Falls is what you seek.
Granville
Granville is a pleasant village in the Welsh Hills region. It is known for its vintage architecture, such as the Greek Revival Avery Downer House and St. Luke's Episcopal Church. It is also home to Denison University and Lake Hudson.
Several historic inns exist, like the Granson Inn and the Historic Buxton Inn. The Buxton Inn has been operating for over 200 years, and notable figures like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Abraham Lincoln have been overnight guests. A short distance away is the Opera House Park, which originally operated as a Baptist Church in the 19th century. This town is full of fun historical sites and offers a unique weekend getaway.
Waynesville
The little village of Waynesville is older than Ohio and is full of history and charm. It is the "antique capital of the midwest" and "home of the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival," held every October. Another unique site is the Museum At The Friends Home, a historic brick structure that can be rented for private venues.
Caesar Creek State Park offers spectacular views of the 2,830-acre lake and is ideal on a Spring afternoon. The Corwin M. Nixon Covered Bridge is an elegant country bridge that should be seen before you go. The natural beauty and warm, welcoming downtown area are two prime reasons to make Waynesville your weekend retreat destination.
Ohio's small towns are full of history, charm, and natural beauty. From lake towns like Geneva to the Swiss-inspired Sugarcreek, these are special places for a weekend retreat. These towns offer excellent lodging and dining options, but just a short distance away is the tranquility that only nature can provide.
For the outdoor enthusiast, there are covered bridges, breathtaking fall foliage, and waterfalls. If you stay in Granville, book a stay at one of the historic inns to immerse yourself in the town's culture. For good reason, Yellow Springs is one of the most talked about destinations in Ohio. This fun town mixes the best outdoor activities with superb dining. These nine towns embody the best of Ohio vacation destinations and should be on any traveler's bucket list.
