The Best Small Town In Ohio For Seniors
Granville is a village in Ohio with a New England-esque feel, owing mostly to its Greek Revival-style buildings, walkable downtown, and its setting as the home of Denison University. Tree-lined streets evoke the feeling of walking in a collegiate town on the East Coast, rather than one in the middle of this Midwest state. Granville is the best small town in Ohio for seniors who want village-sized amenities with big-town options, since it’s just 35 minutes from the state capital, Columbus, and its world-class medical and artistic institutions.
Where to Stay
To appreciate the town’s architecture, book a stay at the Clear Run Cottage, which is an exemplar of the Greek Revival style in both antique furnishings and the large columns that frame the front porch. The Cottage is within walking distance of downtown and the Denison Golf Course. For a grander stay, consider the Granville Inn, a replica of an English country manor house with 39 rooms, the Oak Room restaurant and bar, private meeting rooms, and a banquet hall. The Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For the ultimate immersion in local history, check into The Buxton Inn, Ohio’s oldest continuously operating inn, which has welcomed guests since 1812. Recognized by its iconic red paint and white columns, the inn features 25 individually styled rooms across five preserved buildings. It once served as a stagecoach stop and the village’s first post office, and it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property is famous for its charming Courtyard Garden, its Lincoln Room dining area, and the original stone tavern in the cellar.
What to See
The Bryn Du Mansion was built in the late 19th century by a prominent Granville family, reflecting the same era of prosperity that produced landmarks like the Granville Inn. It is known for its Artist-in-Residence program and offers art classes for all ages. The estate’s 52 acres of land and outbuildings are host to weddings and annual events, such as a Cake & Cookie Bake Show, a spring Daffodil Show, and the Life Local Series of interactive lectures and educational opportunities for adults. Every Sunday afternoon in the summer, the Great Lawn provides space for polo.
What to Do
The Denison Golf Club was designed in the 1920s by Donald Ross and continues to be a top golfing destination in Ohio. With 18 holes and a whopping 63 sand bunkers, it is a challenging course and offers four tee positions to accommodate every level of golfer.
If playing a few rounds works up a thirst, head to Three Tigers Brewing, a craft brewery where in-house drafts are made on the premises. It’s located in a former fire station and features 19 beers on tap, as well as the Mai Chau restaurant and craft cocktails. The space also hosts live music and cultural events throughout the year. For craft beers and nostalgia, check out The Lot Beer Co., which is also home to a retro arcade, or the cozy Pub on Broadway.
Ohio may not be known for its barbecue, but Ray Ray’s Hog Pit specializes in dry rub barbecue that any fan of hardwood-smoked meat should try. Pizza fans should check out the unique pies from Harvest, and breakfast and sandwich seekers will find delight at Station.
Downtown is lined with locally owned restaurants, shops, and galleries. Readers' Garden is an independent bookstore selling new and used books, stationery, and other items. Kussmaul Gallery is home to handcrafted jewelry, home decor, gifts, art supplies, and a painting studio. James Young Fine Art is also contained within the building. James offers custom picture framing services by appointment.
Otterbein SeniorLife Granville is a village-style retirement community with public spaces and private apartments, cottages, and villas. The 94-acre site features a pond, putting green, art studios, billiards room, a heated indoor pool, and four miles of walking trails. Health and wellness services are available on campus, as are resident-run committees and access to college classes and cultural activities.
Exploring Outdoors
In the summer months, the Granville Farmers Market takes place every Saturday and Tuesday. The market features goods and produce from local farmers and vendors, carefully vetted by residents and Chamber of Commerce members. An indoor market is held on Saturdays during the winter months.
Infirmary Mound Park offers 316 acres of hiking, biking, and horse trails, as well as a dog park and two equestrian arenas. Mirror Lake, a seven-acre lake in the park, is open for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, and it features a 0.42-mile paved path around it. For the little ones, the park offers a play area, picnic shelters for family meals, and the Wildflower/Fairy Trail, which springs to life in spring and summer. The park also hosts the town’s special events throughout the year.
Culture
Denison University is a hub for cultural experiences. The Denison Museum on campus offers exhibits, performances, and workshops to the general public throughout the year. The college also hosts numerous musical and lecture series at its Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, ranging from orchestra performances to jazz, bluegrass, and dance. Numerous spaces on campus also host cinema events.
Nearby Towns
Plenty of nearby towns offer excitement and variety, too. The Darana Raceway in Hebron is just 15 minutes from Granville and invites drivers and street bike riders to compete or watch. The Hebron Fish Hatchery Archery Range is on the site of the fish hatchery and features 18 targets. Newark is a 12-minute drive and home to the Dawes Arboretum, a 2,000-acre protected natural area with gardens and exhibits. The Newark Earthworks is a sacred site formed by indigenous people more than 2,000 years ago. A visit to the Earthworks explores the time before the land was inhabited by modern people.
Granville is a small, centrally located village in Ohio that offers the charm and walkability of a New England town with easy access to modern amenities. Its rich cultural scene, anchored by Denison University, combines museums, performing arts, and educational programs. Residents and visitors can enjoy parks, trails, lakes, historic architecture, and local shops and restaurants. With proximity to Columbus and nearby attractions like Dawes Arboretum and the Newark Earthworks, Granville is ideal for those seeking an active, culturally rich lifestyle.
