7 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Ohio
Ohio is full of overlooked, whimsical charm, from quirky landmarks to offbeat destinations and bizarre roadside attractions that keep people coming back. Marietta has frontier history and unusual museums. Chagrin Falls is peculiar thanks to a waterfall directly in the center of downtown, and Waynesville is the "Antique Capital of the Midwest." These playfully peculiar communities stand out for their unique quirks and surreal atmosphere, offering stories for visitors traveling through their storybook streets and mini-sanctuaries, keeping the conversation going.
Marietta
Marietta is not only the first permanent settlement in the state, but it also has unique quirks, including ancient mysteries, a lively riverboat culture, and gorgeous Main Streets. The Peoples Mortuary Museum, located behind the Cawley & Peoples Marietta Chapel, displays hearses, historical clothing, caskets, and funeral-industry tools, including a restored 1927 Henney used in Woody Allen's Radio Days; visitors should call or email ahead to ensure someone is available for a tour. Not far from the museum is Muskingum Park, a delightful outdoor space that welcomes visitors and residents with its tranquil atmosphere and views of the Muskingum River. The park has a lovely gazebo for small gatherings and picnics, plenty of benches to enjoy the scenic views, and walking paths for easygoing walks.
On the western side of the river is Harmar Tavern, the oldest tavern in the area, renowned for the Sure to be Famous Bologna Sandwich, along with other delectable bar bites and ice-cold drinks, in a lively setting. A lively community event is the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, held the weekend after Labor Day with 30 to 35 sternwheel boats lining the riverbank plus family entertainment, fireworks, live music, and food vendors.
Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek has been nicknamed "Little Switzerland," as it blends Swiss and Amish culture in a delightful community and has quirky attractions. The most notable landmark in the center of downtown is the "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock," a fun, delightful attraction that was featured on the cover of the 1977 Guinness Book of World Records for its quirkiness. From April through November, weather permitting, a cuckoo bird appears every half hour as Swiss polka music plays and figures representing a band and dancing couple emerge. A short walk away from the Cuckoo Clock is the Alpine Hills Historical Museum, which preserves and displays the artifacts and objects that illustrate the religious, industrial, educational, and social history of the town. Exhibits include Amish and Swiss cultural heritage, artifacts dating back to the 18th century, and a 1890s Amish kitchen.
The Sugarcreek Village Inn offers six guest rooms inside a restored train car and a separate renovated caboose room, along with accommodations in its main inn. Back downtown is Bags Sports Pub, a lively place to grab some drinks, enjoy some bar food, and watch the game with friends, co-workers, and family in a relaxing upscale atmosphere.
Chagrin Falls
A 17-to-24-mile drive east of Cleveland, Chagrin Falls is a peculiar place to visit, with the iconic 20-foot Chagrin Falls Waterfall right in the center of downtown, unlike most towns where nature is tucked away into separate parks and outskirts nature reserves. The falls powered nine different mills during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution and remain a quirky natural staple of the community. A short walk from the falls is the lush and green Riverside Park, a tranquil space to enjoy the sounds of the adjacent falls, views of the river, a 0.4-mile-long walking path, and a vibrant place to enjoy with friends and family.
An amazing downtown destination to visit is Pub Frato, a gastropub serving a diverse selection of savory meals, such as Pub Chicken Tenders, Cauliflower Wings, and the Caprese Grilled Chicken Sandwich, along with specialty cocktails and locally brewed beers like the Raspberry Long Island Iced Tea, the Espresso Manhattan, and the Accidental Anderson IPA, to name a few. Up on Bell Street is the Valley Art Center, a hub of the visual arts in the Chagrin Valley region through art classes for all ages, a place to view and/or purchase paintings and sculptures created by local and regional artists, and the 55th Annual Juried Art Exhibition in November and December, where the winners receive a cash prize and community-sponsored awards.
Medina
Just 24 miles west of Akron is Medina, a peculiar city, thanks to its off-the-wall attractions that make the city stand out. Castle Noel in the heart of downtown is a unique place to visit, as it's home to "America's Largest Year-Round Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction," which brings joy to people of all ages. It's the home of the largest collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props, fly with Santa Claus on a simulator ride, and explore the magical North Pole Blizzard Vortex tunnel, to name a few exciting things to see and do to get ready for the holidays. In Castle Noel's lower level, Alien Vacation Mini Golf & Sci-Fi Museum offers an 18-hole black-light course through 12 themed environments and accommodates children's parties, adult gatherings, and corporate events.
Across from Uptown Park is PJ Marley's, a restaurant and pub serving flavorful entrees and appetizers like Beet Sliders, the Ron Swanson Burger, and a diverse selection of Mac and Cheese to try. PJ Marley's also has refreshing cocktails, floats, shakes, and a wonderful selection of wines, and hosts live music and events in a delightful place, with a moose head over the bar. Further uptown is the Medina County Show Biz Co, which is a spectacular place to enjoy a live show, musical, and play performed by local talent and artists. The theater also hosts classes for all ages, workshops, and auditions for shows, and people can rent the theater for the day for a true theatrical experience.
Waynesville
Waynesville has been described as the "Antique Capital of the Midwest," thanks to the abundance of antique shops found throughout the community. The Waynesville Antique Mall is one of those antique stores to visit, as people can view and purchase wonderful antique treasures in a building built over 100 years ago. Today, the building serves more than 50 antique dealers displaying and selling their historic goods for antique enthusiasts. A peculiar community event that takes place every fall in the second weekend of October on Main Street is the annual Sauerkraut Festival, where people can enjoy locally crafted and curated sauerkraut, visit local and regional vendors selling art, listen to live music, and partake in family entertainment in a quirky and lively event.
Further down on Main Street is the lively Stone House Tavern, which welcomes locals and out-of-towners to a locally owned, community-focused restaurant, serving a wonderful menu with meals like Sausage Nachos, the MacDaddy Burger, and the Soggy Bottom Sandwich. People can order invigorating drinks in a relaxing, upbeat setting. Uptown is the Red Brick Social Room, an intimate space perfect for small weddings, renewals, corporate events, family reunions, and receptions, in a comfortable setting surrounded by lush forests, making memories that last a lifetime.
Circleville
Just 28.5 miles south of Columbus is Circleville, a city that had a blueprint shaping the grid like a circle around an ancient Hopewell circle. Residents voted to change the layout, but the name remained the same. Similar to Sugarcreek, Circleville has its share of peculiar and quirky landmarks, such as the World's Largest Pumpkin Water Tower, standing at about 135 feet tall. The tower was painted to look like a pumpkin in 1997 to welcome the annual Circleville Pumpkin Show, attracting people to see the alluring structure. The Circleville Pumpkin Show is held annually from the third Wednesday through Saturday in October, when visitors can watch giant-pumpkin judging and attend multiple parades and other events during its four-day run.
Another peculiar place in town to visit is the Ted Lewis Museum, a museum dedicated to the life of a legendary jazz musician and actor who was born and raised in the town. The museum holds a majority of Lewis' paperwork, musical arrangements, photographs, and personal belongings, including his old, battered top hat and clarinet, and copies of his film, TV, and radio appearances. The Watt Street Tavern is a lively place to grab some refreshing drinks and freshly made food in an inviting setting. The Tavern also has a happy hour, is a great place to gather to watch the big games, and hosts live music and karaoke nights, adding to the wonderful local charm.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
On the shoreline of Lake Erie is Geneva-on-the-Lake, the state's oldest resort town that's similar to a carnival open year-round. A quirky place to enjoy with friends and family is Allison's Mini Golf, a miniature golf course established in 1924 that's full of old-school obstacles, like hole 12, which is directly on the public walkway, forcing golfers to navigate a difficult uphill shot while pedestrians on the sidewalk cheer or laugh at golfers' attempts. Other obstacles include bowling pins, undulating greens, and a classic clown's mouth, adding to the fun, quirky features. Not too far from the course is High Tide Tavern, an energetic local bar and tavern serving delicious meals and energizing drinks, with karaoke nights and events, as patrons enjoy the easygoing interior.
Towards the western end of town is the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, a four-season resort hotel providing guests with stunning views of Lake Erie through its lodges, rooms, and suites; candlelit dinners at the Horizons Restaurant & Lounge; and an ideal place to host weddings, reunions, formal events, and corporate events in a luxurious setting. Breakwater Beach is a calm and peaceful beach to enjoy the lake, renowned for stunning sunsets, natural beauty, and gentle waves, making for a gentle place to unwind on a weekend trip.
Delightful Quirks Make These Communities Stand Out
These peculiar communities in Ohio embrace their quirks, drawing visitors with their historic allure, Midwestern charm, and eccentric events. Circleville celebrates its love of pumpkins with the Circleville Pumpkin Show and the Pumpkin Water Tower. Medina keeps the spirit of Christmas alive year-round with Castle Noel. And Sugarcreek highlights its Swiss and Amish heritage. These delightful towns are full of captivating stories to share and are worth exploring on a day trip or a weekend getaway when out on the road.
