9 Undiscovered Small Towns In Ohio
Straddling the US’ Interior Lowlands physiographic region’s two prime subregions: the Central Lowland on the west and the Allegheny Plateau (both glaciated and unglaciated) on the east, Ohio is a stunningly beautiful state on the American Midwest’s northeastern extremity. While vacationers who visit this magnificent state mostly keep the populous metropolises like Cleveland, Dayton, the state capital - Columbus, Toledo, and Cincinnati at the top of their itinerary, the innumerable small towns of Ohio often go undiscovered. Boasting awe-inspiring landscapes, eye-catching Main Streets, colonial architecture, colorful outdoor celebrations, and the classic Midwest charisma, these Ohio towns are worth making a trip to.
Marietta
The administrative center of Washington County, Marietta, labeled in honor of Queen Marie Antoinette of France, sits at the conflux of Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, just 11 miles northeast of the West Virginian city of Parkersburg. Tourists visiting this principal permanent US settlement in the one-time Northwest Territory can obtain knowledge about the bygone years at the Campus Martius Museum, Historic Harmar Village, Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, and Ohio River Museum. Lining the brick streets of Marietta’s downtown are conscientiously maintained heritage edifices, entertainment venues like the Peoples Bank Theatre, specialty stores such as Antique Mall of Marietta, and fine dining restaurants like Austyn's Restaurant. Annually, merrymakers throng to participate in community events like the Marietta Invitational Regatta, Marietta Civil War Reenactment, and Ohio River Sternwheel Festival.
Granville
Granville, a quirky New England-style settlement in east-central Ohio’s Licking County, occupies the Welsh Hills area more or less 7 miles west of Newark (the county seat) and 35 miles east of Columbus. The paradisiacal campus of Denison University overlooks this community from atop a hill. Excursionists must not miss the town’s notable attractions such as the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Newark Earthworks, Avery-Hunter House & Robbins Hunter Museum, Granville Inn, Alligator Effigy Mound, Bancroft House, Bryn Du Mansion, and Buxton Inn. Adventurous types can unwind amidst green surroundings at the Thomas Evans Trail & Bikeway, Dawes Arboretum, Opera House Park, and Sugarloaf Park.
Sugarcreek
A small village in Tuscarawas County of Northeastern Ohio, Sugarcreek is located by the South Fork of Sugar Creek - a 45-mile-long tributary of Tuscarawas River. Appropriately labeled “The Little Switzerland of Ohio” and forming a part of Ohio Amish Country - the second-largest Amish community in the world, Sugarcreek charms vacationists with its interesting fusion of Amish culture and Swiss ancestry. Take a leisurely walk through the downtown and admire the stunning grand structures built in Swiss architectural style as well as one of the world’s biggest cuckoo clocks standing tall at the town center. The Erbs’s Coleman Lantern Museum and Alpine Hills Historical Museum are ideal places to acquire knowledge about local history, while everyone can enjoy Amish-themed performances at Ohio Star Theater and taste Amish-inspired dishes at the Dutch Valley Restaurant.
Millersburg
Holmes County’s seat of government, Millersburg, sits at the nucleus of Ohio Amish Country, around 66 miles south of Cleveland. This 3,151-inhabitant community excellently holds on to its early 19th-century origins and is known best for its old urban center crammed with exclusive shopping, dining, and accommodation options. Sightseers on a tour to Millersburg must visit the local cheese shop - the Guggisberg Cheese Store & Factory, go for apple picking at any of the neighboring orchards like Hillcrest Orchard, relish a scoop of ice cream at Miller’s Creamery, and check out noteworthy sites of interest like the Holmes County Courthouse, Millersburg Glass Museum, Yoder’s Amish Home, Black Diamond Golf Course, and Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery.
Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs, baptized after conjoining natural springs whose waters have high iron content, is a tiny village in Greene County, approximately 25 miles east-northeast of Dayton. Apart from housing the main campus of Antioch College, this 3,697-inhabitant community has profuse attractions that spellbind travelers across all age groups. Encompassing a substantial portion of the town, the National Register-listed Yellow Springs Historic District includes countless landmark structures constructed in Federal or Greek Revival architectural styles. Yellow Springs’ dynamic commercial hub is chock-full of art galleries like the Village Artisans Gallery, cafes like Sunrise Cafe, the family-operated Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm & Restaurant, and the widely known Little Art Theatre. From Yellow Springs, adventurists can easily access various wilderness areas such as the John Bryan State Park, Little Miami Bike Trail, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, and Glen Helen Nature Preserve.
Put-In-Bay
Occupying South Bass Island, this teeny resort village in Ottawa County’s Put-in-Bay Township is situated approximately thirty-five miles east of Toledo and 85 miles west of Cleveland. Every year, between April and October, thousands of holidayers travel to this recreational destination via private boats, ferries, and propeller-driven aircraft. Filling Put-in-Bay’s inviting downtown are umpteen retail stores, entertainment spaces, pubs, and restaurants like The Boardwalk Restaurant, Forsty Bar & Family Pizza, and Big Mans Burrito Stand. The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum, Perry’s Cave, South Bass Island Lighthouse, Heineman’s Winery & Crystal Cave, Stonehenge Estate, and Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial are some of Put-in-Bay’s not-to-be-missed tourist sites.
Loveland
Spread over the Clermont, Warren, and Hamilton counties in Southwestern Ohio, Loveland, christened in honor of James Loveland, is located within a stone’s throw of exit 52 off Interstate 275 highway, precisely 15 miles northeast of Downtown Cincinnati. Formerly a buzzy railroad town, this ‘Sweetheart of Ohio’ is currently a crucial stop along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, bewitching vacationers with its attractiveness and plentiful outdoor activities. Cyclists and hikers are lured by the noted Loveland Bike Trail, which offers unrivaled views of adjoining landscapes and the Little Miami River. When in town, the Shield’s Crossing (William Johnston House), Castle Skateland, and the nearby Loveland Castle (Chateau Laroche) are must-visits aside from the plethora of shopping and dining establishments in the alluring downtown.
Chagrin Falls
Called after a chain of gushing waterfalls along the Chagrin River, this Cleveland suburb situated in the eastern portion of Cuyahoga County forms a part of the Cleveland Metropolitan Area. Occupying the kernel of the town is its most notable attraction: the Chagrin Falls waterfall, where the Chagrin State Scenic River has a crest line of 60 ft and drops over 20 ft. This well-liked former industrial town is also famed for its lively arts scene featuring multiple artsy attractions such as the Valley Art Center, GHill ART Gallery, Glass Asylum, and Chagrin Valley Little Theatre. After an exhausting day, savor flavorful cuisines at Yours Truly Restaurant, and Italian dishes and housemade limoncello at M Italian.
Waynesville
Waynesville, the ‘Antiques Capital of the Midwest,’ is a teeny village set at the meeting of State Route 73 and US Route 42 highway in Wayne Township of Warren County. Initially built largely by Quakers, this most sought-after shopping destination baptized after Captain Anthony Wayne features a five-block Main Street overflowing with numerous vintage stores, coffee houses, boutiques, and locally-owned eateries such as the Village Family Restaurant and Stone House Tavern. Adventure-seekers must head straight for the Caesar Creek State Park, located 5 miles east of Waynesville, and traverse the over 31 miles of bridle trails and 43 miles of hiking trails, aside from partaking in swimming and boating activities in the Caesar Creek Lake. Every year on the second weekend of October, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival lures more than 400,000 revelers and craft vendors to Waynesville.
From Waynesville - the ‘Antiques Capital of the Midwest’ to Loveland - the ‘Sweetheart of Ohio,’ the towns dotting the 7th most populous and 34th largest state in the country are some of the most coveted holiday getaways. Whether you are looking for a peaceful refuge miles away from metropolitan cities or want to enjoy an adventure-filled vacation, look no further than these unblemished towns in ‘The Heart of It All.’
