These Towns in Ohio Come Alive in Spring
Ohio is a bucolic state in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is charming year-round and popular with residents for its natural beauty, temperate weather, and affordability. It derives its name from the Seneca word, "ohi: yo" meaning "great river."
The state's human origins stretch back to at least 10,000 BCE and has been home to many Indigenous people groups. Many ruins and ancient sites are still open for public viewing, just one way that Ohio comes alive in the spring. The temperature is also crisp, with an average in the lower 40s at the beginning of March and climbing to an average in the mid-50s by early April. Uncover nine towns that come alive in the spring.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is a serene small town in central Ohio where time seems to move slower. The quaint shops in the downtown area each have their personality, and the shop owners take time to talk to new guests. The Woodward Opera House, the oldest 19th-century theatre still operating, is a great way to wind down after a mild temperature day of shopping.
There are fantastic springtime activities like a trek through the Kokosing Gap Trail, a 14-mile trail built on the old Pennsylvania Railroad. The Ariel-Fountain Park is set on 250 acres and was formerly a factory. Refurbishing land and property gives Mount Vernon a true, mid-west appeal and friendliness, ideal for a warm Spring day.
Port Clinton
Port Clinton is at the mouth of the Portage River on Lake Eerie, a perfect spring season reprieve. It is ideal for a relaxing, family-friendly vacation with state parks and wildlife safaris. Not surprisingly, Lake Eerie is a major attraction, offering everything from hiking trails to picnic areas and beautiful views.
Walleye, bass, yellow perch, and bluegill are the main fish on the line for anglers, especially in the Spring. The Magee Marsh Bird Trail is another outdoor attraction for nature lovers. It provides shaded trails and a relaxing afternoon. The Port Clinton Lighthouse is a landmark, constructed in 1833 and still in use today. Exploring the rich maritime history of Port Clinton is one of the best ways to spend a comfortable day in Ohio.
Wooster
Wooster is famous for being the state's dairy capital and a family-friendly destination with plenty of historical and fun attractions. It is also home to a prestigious international school, The College of Wooster, which lends the town a feeling of academia. The College of Wooster Art Museum, which opened in 1997, showcases traveling and rotating art exhibits and is on campus.
Although the museums and art exhibits are exciting places to visit since it is Spring, outside events take precedence, and Wooster has plenty to offer. First on the list is the Secrest Arboretum at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Another must-see venue is the Troutman Vineyards and Winery. The vineyard has tours and a tasting room and hosts numerous outdoor music venues in the warmer months.
Bowling Green
Bowling Green is a historic and picturesque town most famous for Bowling Green State University and miles of farms. It also has noteworthy museums like Snook's Dream Cars and the Wood County Museum. The latter museum was the original Wood County Infirmary and is now open to the public to view what was once known as "The Poor Farm."
Several gardens and parks are in full bloom in the Spring. The Simpson Garden, Wintergarden, and the Black Swamp Preserve are among the more popular parks. After a day exploring beautiful nature or museums, stop by for dinner at Arlyn's Good Beer or SamB's Restaurant.
Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs could be called Ohio's best Spring destination for its abundant nature and outdoor recreation. Top attractions include Young's Jersey Dairy Farm, Clifton Gorge, and Glen Helen Nature Preserve. There is also a must-see covered bridge, the Richard P. Eastman.
Legend has it that you will keep returning if you take a drink from the Yellow Spring. And that's not such a bad thing, as the 52-degree water is cool and refreshing in the warmer months, and you will not want to leave in the first place. The downtown area is filled with coffee and ice cream shops and restaurants like Peach's Grill and Trail Town Brewery, which are ideal for warm nights after a pleasant walk downtown.
Marblehead
Marblehead is a quaint and picturesque town at the head of the Marblehead Peninsula, which divides Lake Eerie from the Sandusky River. Attractions like the Marblehead Lighthouse and Kelleys Island Ferry make it a top Spring destination. The earliest settlers mistakenly named Marblehead for the limestone that hugs the coast.
This popular town is known as "vacationland" due to the influx of tourists during the summer months, primarily because of the Lake Erie Islands, the nearby Lakeside Chautauqua, and Cedar Point amusement park. Spring allows visitors to enjoy the scenery with comfortable weather and fewer people. The Marblehead Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks on Lake Eerie. Visitors can (and should) climb to the top during the warmer months to take in the breathtaking view.
Gallipolis
Gallipolis (pronounced Gal "- a - po - lees") is fun to say and visit. The original French city, from which its name is derived, sits on the bank of the Ohio River. It has a rich historical background that, with its natural beauty, makes it an ideal location for a family vacation.
Beautiful museums like The French Art Colony also hone in on Gallipolis's essence. But museums like the Gallipolis Hocking Valley Railroad Freight Station allow you to enjoy the sunshine while learning about the town's importance. The Ariel Theatre on 2nd Avenue is a great way to relax after a day of discovering this town's cultural significance and natural beauty.
Conneaut
Conneaut is about an hour north of Cleveland and lies on the banks of Conneaut Creek, which feeds Lake Eerie. It is famous for its world-class fishing and hunting opportunities. The town's name is from the Seneca language, which means "river of many fish." The town has a long history traced back to 1747 when a Mississauga village was located nearby.
The Middle Road Covered Bridge, built in 1868, is one of the best sites to see in warmer months. Out of 900 left in the US, 125 exist in Ohio, and they bring back romantic and sentimental feelings of yesteryear. There is also the State Road Covered Bridge, and visiting both in a single day is a trip worth remembering.
Glenford
Glenford is a cozy and classic Ohio town. It was founded in the 1800s but is one of the 14 ridgetop earthworks (Glenford Fort Preserve) preserved by the Hopewell Native Indians nearly 14,000 years ago. Like other lovely towns in Ohio, there is a covered bridge. The Hopewell Church Covered Bridge is a bucolic bridge that resembles Madison County.
Hocking Hills State Park is a must-see natural attraction with 25 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural beauty. It is also renowned for its unadulterated night sky, perfect for a warm night. There is also a lively culinary and bar scene which is ideal after a day exploring the natural beauty of Ohio.
Ohio is not only a beautiful state, but the small towns that make it home offer exquisite dining and shopping options. This is one of the best states to visit in the Spring because of its natural beauty and attractions. The state is home to most of the covered bridges in America, which is romantic in its own right.
Historic towns like Mount Vernon have a different atmosphere than the outdoor adventures you will find in Yellow Springs, but there is something in Ohio for all travelers. The beauty is unmatched, especially when the flowers bloom, and these nine towns are ideal for a family vacation. Ohio has you covered if you are looking for a place to shake off the cold winter chill.
