10 Stress-Free Ohio Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Ohio, also known as the Buckeye State, is the birthplace of aviation and home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Beyond its popular landmarks and notable cities, however, and like many Midwestern states, Ohio has numerous lovely small towns where locals and visitors can explore, unwind, regroup, and recharge for the weeks ahead. Each of these communities is unique and wonderful in its own way, and they deserve a spot on your next Ohio itinerary.
Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is a village known for its artistic spirit, charming downtown, and natural beauty. A fun way to unwind for the weekend is by visiting the YS Firehouse, a comedy club owned by Dave Chappelle, which is a great place for some laughs and live entertainment. The building used to be a firehouse until Chapelle converted it into a comedy club, helping put the community on the map.
The 1,000-acre Glen Helen Nature Preserve includes a 2.7-mile trail that is moderately challenging, yet has breathtaking limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful forest foliage. Glen Helen is also a wonderful spot for birdwatching, and the preserve hosts a range of programs and community events. A wonderful place to spend a night or a weekend in town is the Three Ten Bed and Breakfast, a historic two-story home built in 1843, just a block away from the local shops and restaurants in downtown.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
Right on Lake Erie is Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio's first summer resort. Here, Route 531 is simply called "The Strip," with plenty of local restaurants, shops, and businesses to explore. One such hot spot is the Sunset Bar, with its immaculate sunset views and live music on weekends. Meanwhile, Breakwater Beach is a 600-foot stretch of sand on Lake Erie perfect for dog walks and a great place for family picnics, building sand castles, or playing beach volleyball.
Another place to visit in town is the Geneva-on-the-Lake Golf Course, an 18-hole course founded in 1927, which has plenty of amenities, including a clubhouse and pro shop. The course is close to The Strip, where golfers can get meals and drinks from the local restaurants, and the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake gives its visitors amazing views of Lake Erie.
Loveland
The Little Miami River flows through Loveland, and the town is full of scenic landmarks, such as the iconic Loveland Castle. The Loveland Castle, also known as Château Laroche, is located right on the banks of the Little Miami River and is currently a museum offering tours, ghost hunts, and special events throughout the year. Loveland's downtown is small and has quality amenities for everyone. An excellent place to unwind is the Little Miami Scenic Trail, a 78-mile paved trail and the fourth longest in the United States. The trail is dog-friendly and perfect for walking, biking, or even stopping along the river to cast a line.
After a full day of exploring Loveland and the surrounding areas, the Loveland Lofts, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, offers guests easy access to local shops, restaurants, and bars, like the popular Bishop's Quarter. The hotel boasts a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities in an exceptional package.
Vermilion
Vermilion is home to many scenic beaches and parks, as well as a historic downtown. A wonderful place to visit after a long week is Nokomis Beach, right on Lake Erie. The beach boasts wonderful views and is a great spot for fishing. Main Street Beach isn't as big as Nokomis Beach, but it offers a very peaceful spot for walks and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. Another spot to check out in town is the Vermilion Lighthouse, a replica of the original lighthouse located on Lake Ontario. Visitors can walk up to the lighthouse and take photos, but it is not open to the public.
Downtown has plenty of local restaurants and shops to visit. Some notable local eateries include the Old Prague Restaurant and Route 6 Pub. Not too far from downtown is the Captain Bell House Bed and Breakfast, a charming spot to enjoy a quality weekend. The bed and breakfast offers amazing amenities in a historic setting.
Athens
In the southeastern part of the state is Athens, home of Ohio University and surrounded by abundant nature, with the picturesque Court Street running through downtown. A popular place to visit just east of town is Stroud Run State Park, a nature preserve with amazing trails for hiking, walking, and birdwatching, and the home of Turtlehead Cave.
Downtown is special, as Court Street is filled with a vast number of local restaurants, bars, and shops for everyone to enjoy, as well as connecting the city to Ohio University. The College Inn, also called The C.I., is the community's oldest bar and has been a staple for Ohio University students since 1917. Not too far from the action is the Athens Central Hotel, a very popular hotel in a convenient location near downtown.
Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek is known as "The Little Switzerland of Ohio," the gateway to Amish Country, and home of the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock. Downtown makes people feel like they're in a village in Switzerland, as the architecture in the community is inspired by communities in Europe. In the heart of it all is the Alpine Hills Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the community, displays artifacts from the town's past, and showcases the region's Swiss and Amish heritage.
A wonderful place to spend the night or a weekend is the Sugarcreek Village Inn, a unique hotel with the option of staying in a caboose. The inn also has a large porch and is within walking distance of the quaint downtown, giving people access to local eateries like the Loose Caboose and Bags Sports Pub, which serves classic Amish fare.
Granville
Granville lies just east of Columbus, making it a convenient getaway for a weekend trip. The Robbins Hunter Museum is in downtown and was built in 1842. The museum showcases the community's history, the house's original architecture, and furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries. On the side of the museum is the Victoria Woodhull Clock, honoring Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States in 1872.
The downtown features a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as the James Young Fine Art Gallery, where visitors can see and purchase beautiful oil paintings. A great spot to relax is the historic Buxton Inn, which opened in 1812 and has operated continuously as a tavern and an inn ever since. The Buxton has hosted celebrities, including three U.S. Presidents: William H. Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, and William McKinley. Today, the Buxton Inn welcomes guests to stay in one of its five historic homes that offer a range of upscale rooms with quality amenities.
Put-In-Bay
Put-In-Bay sits on Lake Erie's South Bass Island and is a resort village beloved for its vibrant summer atmosphere and scenic attractions. Two ways to get to the village are through the Miller Ferry service in Port Clinton and the Jet Express. At the Islander Inn Resort, guests are treated to a modern hotel with 110 well-appointed rooms. The Nauti Perch, which has a swim-up bar, is open from May until September and has private poolside cabanas.
The rest of the town has a plethora of local restaurants and shops to explore. The Boardwalk is a one-stop shop for seafood and good times, with two restaurants and four bars, offering patrons a variety of options on the waterfront. Meanwhile, South Bass Island Lighthouse is a historical landmark that was first lit in 1897. In 1962, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse, which Ohio State University now operates as a research facility. It is open for tours, and visitors can climb to the top for unbeatable views of Put-In-Bay.
Chillicothe
About 50 miles south of Columbus lies Chillicothe, a city that served as the state's first capital from 1803 to 1810, and again between 1812 and 1816. A historic place to visit in the community is the Adena Mansion and Gardens Historic Site. The mansion was built in 1807 by Benjamin Latrobe and was the home of Thomas and Eleanor Swearingen Worthington and their 10 children. People can visit the historic mansion and gardens to see 19th-century heirlooms and explore the stunning grounds of the estate.
The Willis-James Bed and Breakfast was built in 1805 and is a symbol of well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The building was restored from 2019 to 2022, when the owners converted it into a bed and breakfast, and it is within walking distance of downtown's local restaurants and shops, including Paper City Coffee. Paper City not only serves incredible coffee, breakfast, lunch, and baked goods, but it's also a non-profit organization, as its proceeds fund the Paper City Mentoring Project, which supports at-risk youth.
Lebanon
Just north of Cincinnati is Lebanon, boasting a rich history, iconic hotels, and various festivals and attractions. A staple is the Golden Lamb Restaurant and Hotel, the oldest continuously running hotel in the state. The hotel opened its doors in 1803 and has hosted 12 U.S. Presidents and countless other celebrities.
Downtown is filled with Victorian-style architecture and local restaurants and shops, as well as the Harmon Museum. The museum preserves the culture and history of Warren County and Southwestern Ohio with historical artifacts, including those from the prehistoric era, four art galleries, and a recreation of the town square from the 1800s. For a bit of outdoor recreation, the Harmon Golf Club is home to an inviting 9-hole course suitable for all skill levels and abilities.
Each of these wonderful Ohio communities offers the chance to unplug and unwind for a weekend retreat. Whether you are keen to take advantage of Lake Erie during the summer or explore the state's history through its museums, architecture, and notable landmarks, these 10 communities are a must-visit for those looking for a memorable, stress-free adventure.
