These 9 Towns in Ohio Have Bustling Main Streets
Usually, the best way to determine the character and culture of any new destination is to walk around the downtown region. In Ohio, bustling Main Streets showcase the unique flair and traditions born in many small towns across the Buckeye State. From villages like Sugarcreek in the Amish Country to charming enclaves like Chagrin Falls along the Cuyahoga River, exploring these historic districts is a glimpse into the heart and soul of each community.
Independent shops, eateries, and cultural attractions line pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares and invite passersby to immerse in small-town Midwestern life. The following small towns in Ohio host well-preserved infrastructure and a thriving local business scene that reveal Ohio's diverse regional heritage and bring its past alive.
Sugarcreek
The downtown Swiss tourist village of Sugarcreek, Ohio. Editorial credit: Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com
Nicknamed the "Little Switzerland of Ohio," Sugarcreek is a hidden gem in Ohio's Amish Country with a bustling tourism industry. This is a credit to its welcoming small-town charm, down-to-earth locals, and vibrant downtown area. Walking through the main drag exposes several points of interest visitors can relate to. You will encounter Alpine Hills Museum, a critical cultural center with informative exhibits documenting Sugarcreek's Amish, German, and Swiss heritage. Downtown Sugarcreek houses the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock, a quirky roadside attraction rising 23 feet high.
Meanwhile, the Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley presents a surreal cultural experience for performance art lovers. It hosts intimate, family-friendly live shows like comedies and concerts. Souvenir lovers can also pop into The Purpose Shop for cute Amish collectibles to add to their collection.
Granville
About 35 miles from the capital, Columbus, this pretty village in Licking County delights with a small-town environment and beautiful Victorian downtown. It has a pedestrian-friendly town center you can comfortably explore on foot. Noteworthy attractions to look out for include the Robbins Hunter Museum, a fine example of Greek Revival architecture in the area, and a vivid portrayal of life in 19th-century Granville. The downtown streets host a lively bar scene with several spots to chill out and drink. At Three Tigers Brewing Company, the friendly employees serve tasty local brews from 19 taps of ever-flowing craft beer.
Another popular stop you may want to check out is Kussmaul Gallery, where you can buy fabulous, artsy gifts from a selection of fine exhibits. Finally, the Granville Inn provides a glimpse of the old world in a well-preserved historic inn with elegant accommodation amenities.
Yellow Springs
This adorable community outside of Dayton exposes tourists to Ohio's fun and outgoing side. It has a small yet colorful downtown district with a charming mix of attractions to entertain newcomers. Yellow Springs is famous for its wine and dine scene, hosting numerous eateries with diverse flavors. If you're in the mood for a delicious meal, stop by Ellie's Restaurant & Bakery or Winds Cafe, both offering delightful dining experiences in a welcoming atmosphere. After a hearty meal, you can down it with a bottle of craft beer at the Yellow Springs Brewery, known for its overall feel-good vibe.
Yellow Springs has a vibrant community of artisans who create all art forms. Visiting Yellow Springs Pottery allows you to browse uniquely handcrafted clay works that make for lovely souvenirs. If you are touring with the kids, treat them to delicious ice cream flavors at Young's Jersey Dairy.
Bedford
This suburban community east of Cleveland is an excellent escape from the busy city, presenting a slower pace of life with an inviting small-town demeanor. Bedford has a storied heritage stretching back to its 1800s settlement and founding, which is impressively preserved with archives and artifacts at the Bedford Historical Society & Museum. The museum is a nice spot to visit with family and explore local history and culture.
A couple of downtown bars and pubs make ideal hangouts when you want to link up with friends or peers after a long day. Bedford Falls Cafe is a popular spot to unwind with friends. It blends an excellent atmosphere with quality service to guarantee patrons a remarkable time. Nature lovers will find a tranquil space to chill out near the town at the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek. This picturesque urban oasis features a 15-foot cascade falling over a dramatic sandstone cliff.
Medina
About 23 miles west of Akron, this beautiful village has some of the most impressively preserved Victorian architecture in the United States. It gets even better when exploring the downtown district, which seamlessly mixes the new with the old in a vibrant atmosphere. The Medina Public Square Historic District presents a window to past eras with a fabulous display of old-world buildings housing diverse types of buildings. If you love antiques, you can find delightful vintage treasures at the Brother’s Antique Mall.
The multiple amusement centers in Medina make it a prime destination for vacationing families. Castle Noel is a must-visit if you are up for some family-friendly fun. It displays stunning exhibits related to Christmas and hosts the Alien Vacation Mini Golf course, fitted with special 3D effects.
Chagrin Falls
When talking about small towns in Ohio with charming downtown areas, this picturesque village in eastern Cuyahoga County has to be included. This is mainly because of the scenic waterfall in the heart of downtown, which always intrigues visitors. Chagrin Falls hosts a lively arts community that promises fun visual and performance art experiences. Theater lovers can catch entertaining live shows at the historic Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, hosting concerts, plays, musicals, and other stage acts since the 1930s. Meanwhile, the Glass Asylum welcomes curious visitors to experience the intricate glass art-making technique.
When it comes to kid-friendly venues, Chagrin Falls offers quite a few, including the Chagrin Valley Roller Rink. This lovely facility allows for fun moments with loved ones, featuring going in circles on roller skates.
Wooster
Prepare to eat, drink, play, and have fun while basking in the vibrant atmosphere of Main Street Wooster. The thoroughfare is lined with restaurants, breweries, galleries, and entertainment spots to guarantee tourists a wholesome journey of discovery. Residents and newcomers alike converge at the Ohio Light Opera to experience the arts in a celebrated performance venue. Several eateries along the downtown streets allow you to always explore on a full stomach. The City Square Steakhouse serves delicious cuts and luscious seafood in a vintage venue with elegant decor.
Elsewhere, craft beer lovers will enjoy the chill environment of JAFB Wooster Brewery, where the taproom does not stop flowing with tasty handcrafted beer. But when you need an escape to the open, the Secrest Arboretum presents an idyllic green setting with over 2,000 species of trees, shrubs, and other plants.
Lebanon
Rooted in rich heritage, Lebanon traces its origins to the 1700s when pioneers settled in the town at the end of the American Revolution. This captivating history comes alive in downtown Lebanon, home to the Warren County Historical Society. Inside this antique building is a fine selection of archives and artifacts sourced from the community to preserve its heritage. A couple of antique stores in the district enable you to leave with a piece of Lebanon as a commemorable souvenir, including the Broadway Antique Mall.
Silver screen enthusiasts can look forward to a satisfying movie experience at Colony 7 Cinemas. This modest cinema hall screens the latest flicks in an easygoing setting at a budget-friendly rate. For a historic experience, visit The Golden Lamb, or enjoy a sweet treat at the Village Ice Cream Parlor.
Marietta
Marietta is famous for its rich history as the first American settlement in the Northwest Territory. The Campus Martius Museum brings back memories of early Marietta using two historic buildings and old artifacts replicating the first organized settlement in the region. You can also cruise through the Ohio River, where the town sits, with Valley Gem Sternwheeler- a boat tour agency.
The Peoples Bank Theatre is where Marietta's arts community meets to entertain enthusiasts with engaging live performances, such as musicals, dramas, and theatrical productions. For antique collectors seeking to purchase a vintage souvenir, the Antique Mall of Marietta has something you are bound to like.
Discover Ohio’s Small-Town Charms
Discover the character and charms of small towns in Ohio by exploring the bustling Main Streets in these beautiful locations. Towns like Chagrin Falls, with its picturesque waterfall and upscale boutiques, and Lebanon, near the scenic Little Miami River, each invite extended visits filled with local culture, cuisine, and activities. While this collection features a sampling of the state's top-ranked small-town hubs, there is no shortage of pleasant places to explore vibrant downtowns. They are an ideal stop for soaking in the heartland ambiance and rich heritage of the Buckeye State off the well-trodden tourist routes.
