This Is The Most Welcoming Town In Ohio
A Harvard study found that more than one in five American adults report feeling lonely, with experts suggesting that stronger communities and social connections can make a real difference!
In Ohio, Medina does just that. Home to about 26,000 people and located just 30 miles south of Cleveland, this town excels at connecting neighbors while treating visitors like one of their own. Winter festivals, farmers' markets, winery book clubs, and even a year-round Christmas wonderland are just some of the ways the town keeps its community connected. Do not let the cold keep you inside! Medina is ready to welcome you, and this article shows exactly where to find the town’s friendliest spots.
Community Events And Festivals
Even in the dead of winter, Medina finds reasons to celebrate as a community. In fact, readers are just in time to attend the 32nd Annual Medina Ice Festival, which will take place between February 23rd and 26th this year! Throughout the weekend, over 120 ice carvings take over the town square and South Town, with festival activities including individual and team carving competitions, speed carving, and a fire and ice display.
Later on in the year, there are countless other festivals to attend, including the Affair on the Square Craft & Vintage Fair, which brings in over 170 craft booths downtown, and the South Town Arts & Music Festival, offering a full day of local artist and band performances. All summer long, you will also find residents and visitors on the square each Saturday morning for the Medina Square Farmers Market. This seasonal tradition features over 70 vendors, selling some of the best produce, flowers, honey, bread, jams, and baked goods you could hope for.
Social Sipping
Medina offers plenty of spots to gather for a drink, with a solid mix of wineries, breweries, and distilleries to choose from. High & Low Winery + Bistro is a wonderful option for a glass of wine, offering whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines. They also offer all kinds of events throughout the month, including book clubs, music trivia, and live music performances! You will also spot plenty of locals at Lager Heads Brewing, which serves year-round and seasonal brews, along with an incredible menu of pizzas. This little brewery also occasionally hosts quirky activities, with past events including an Oktoberfest and a white elephant gift exchange. Medina is home to its own distillery as well: BKO Distillery, which produces Voudoux Vodka. You can sign up for a tour of the production facilities or simply enjoy a spirit in the tasting room, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday each week.
Dining And Shopping
Many of Medina’s restaurants and shops on Court Street are locally owned and community-focused, adding a more personal touch to your visit. Travelers can start their morning with a piping cup of coffee from The Grind, a coffee bar with both traditional coffee options and seasonal specials. For lunch or dinner, you might enjoy Thyme2’s restaurant model. The menu here is divided into two options: a pub menu and a fine-dining menu, giving you more flexibility in choosing the dish you want to order. If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, you can check out the goods at Elements, a casual lifestyle boutique selling home decor, women’s clothing, giftware, and more. Black Cat Books & Oddities is just a four-minute walk down the road from Elements, and is a lovely, cozy place to find your next read!
Arts And Entertainment
Once you have attended a festival, enjoyed a good bite, and found your perfect souvenir, you can round out your trip in Medina by checking out the local entertainment scene. If the post-holiday blues are hitting, you will love visiting Castle Noel. Home to the country’s largest indoor, year-round Christmas entertainment, this 40,000-square-foot attraction features famous Christmas movie props, festive window displays, a 25-foot-tall animated Christmas tree, and even a slide you can go down, just like Ralphie from A Christmas Story!
On Castle Noel’s lower level, you will also find Alien Vacation Mini Golf. This glowing, blacklight-lit course is great for both adults and children. For those over 21, there is a “Mars Bar,” while kids can enjoy slushies, nachos, and popcorn. To view some of the area’s most current local art, stop by the Window Art Gallery, run by the Medina County Arts Council (MCAC). This small window gallery, located at 225 South Court Street in the Medina Hardware storefront, showcases photography, paintings, sculptures, and other pieces.
Extending Your Adventure
After such a friendly visit, you may find yourself wanting to keep the adventure going. Luckily, there are several towns near Medina that are perfect if you want to add an extra day or two to your itinerary. The first is Hudson, which is a 35-minute drive northeast of Medina. This little town is extremely inviting as well, hosting its own seasonal farmers market and boasting 20 parks throughout the area to explore.
If you are seeking some beautiful sights, you can also head 50 minutes northeast to Chagrin Falls, a little community that is situated around a gorgeous waterfall on the Chagrin State Scenic River. Some restaurants, like 17 River Grille, are right on the riverfront! These two towns, in reality, are just a couple of the possibilities that await: It is easy to plan a full trip to destinations around Medina without running out of places to see.
Cool Weather, Warm People
Ohio obviously does not have the warmest climate, but it does have some pretty warm and friendly people. Medina is a great example of this welcoming spirit. If you are a visitor, there are numerous notable festivals that you can attend throughout the year, whether you find yourself in town in the winter or the summer. There are all kinds of gathering spots around town as well, ranging from breweries to book stores and mini golf courses! Just be warned that you might have a hard time saying farewell to a place this special.
