These Towns In Ohio Have A Rich Cultural Heritage
The Buckeye State is home to an impressive collection of towns promising a rich cultural experience. Together, they harbor the state's historical heritage, taking you through landmark events that shaped the destiny of Ohio. Woven into the fabric of each town are sites representing centuries of growth and traditions passed from generation to generation.
From interesting relics dating back to the early settler days to landmarks representing the waves of immigrants coming into the state, these small towns in Ohio deliver a unique flavor of history. But they also house friendly, down-to-earth communities waiting to welcome you with open arms, with an opportunity to experience their local legacies. The next time you visit Ohio, consider the following places for an epic cultural adventure.
Chillicothe
In the 1800s, this Ross County town was declared the capital of the Northwest Territory and later became the first capital of Ohio upon its statehood in 1803. With this comes a wealth of state history stored in Chillicothe's historic downtown, where you will encounter well-preserved buildings showcasing Greek Revival architecture. You can peek into the town's past inside the Ross County Historical Society. Founded in 1896, it houses interesting exhibits, including a model train, doll, and Victorian room. The Adena Mansion & Gardens Historic Site is another noteworthy town landmark that takes you back to the early 19th century. It belonged to Ohio's sixth governor, Thomas Worthington, and sits on a hilltop in downtown Chillicothe.
If you enjoy live performances, you can stop by the Majestic Theater to watch a moving show while discovering a historic landmark. It seats about 1,800 and is the oldest operating theater in the country. After an engrossing experience wandering all the top sites in the town, you can unwind with a satisfying retail therapy session at the Chillicothe Mall. It has more than 20 stores selling an assortment of goods, from apparel to jewelry to home items.
Granville
This little village in Licking County stands out for its unique New England vibe stemming from its storied beginnings. Granville was founded in 1805 by pioneers from Connecticut and Massachusetts and maintains this heritage through its architecture, food, and cultural events. The Granville Historical Society Museum acts as a window into the area's past by displaying artifacts dating back over two centuries. Meanwhile, the Robbins Hunter Museum is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture in the town. Besides spotting a gorgeous façade, the historic mansion has classic decorative arts and other relics from the bygone eras.
Granville delights with green natural surroundings and gorgeous landscapes punctuated with the Welsh Hills of central Ohio. Three Oak Vineyards offers one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors. It boasts a quiet and soothing environment; guests can sample various sweet and dry wines. For your accommodation, enjoy a rustic experience at the historic Granville Inn. It was completed in 1924 and sits close to the popular Bryn Du Mansion.
Dover
Boasting a treasure trove of historical gems dotting its downtown, Dover is among the most historically significant towns in Ohio. Set along the scenic banks of the Tuscarawas River, it is steeped in railroad history and was home to prominent Ohio residents who put the town on the map. Dover continues to preserve this rich heritage at the Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum. This superb Victorian mansion features 17 rooms and houses relics showcasing the area during its Victorian heydays. Dover was also the home of the famous artist Ernest "Mooney" Warther, whose rich legacy you can explore at the Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens.
The facility exhibits a collection of his life's work, featuring world-famous carvings that will inspire you. You can't miss the Toland-Herzig Famous Endings Museum if you enjoy quirky attractions. This former funeral home houses thousands of bizarre artifacts from prominent funerals. Finally, you can cap off the visit by passing by Eiler Candy Shop to curb your sweet cravings with delicacies like homemade chocolates and roasted nuts.
London
London traces its history back to 1811 when it was established by settlers. It serves as the seat of Madison County and sits about 25 miles from Columbus, offering a chill escape from the capital's busy streets. The town's history is well preserved inside the Madison County Historical Society through various artifacts chronicling the region's rich past. Exploring the historic downtown introduces you to gems like Yesterday's Ewes. This historic storefront from 1916 houses a fine collection of local yarn that will make the perfect gift or antique for your home.
In the same corridor, you will encounter the London Theater, a family-friendly venue with the ideal atmosphere to catch an interesting movie. The historic site lets you enjoy a wholesome meal during the film screening. Alternatively, you can savor sumptuous salads and burgers at the Mad Cow Bar & Grill before washing them down with a refreshing cocktail.
Berlin
In the heart of Ohio's Amish Country lies the quiet community of Berlin, a big draw for tourists looking to experience unique Amish heritage. Besides its friendly and down-to-earth locals, the town charms visitors with many attractions dotting its expanse. You can start at the Amish Mennonite Heritage Center near Bunker Hill for a feel of local culture. The establishment is home to a massive circular mural named Behalt Cyclorama, one of the world's few remaining cycloramas. But for a deeper cultural experience, you can tour an authentic Amish home and experience simple farm life at Schrock's Heritage Village.
While exploring the village, remember to pass by the Berlin Village Antique Mall. This quaint store exhibits two floors of interesting collectibles, including glassware, furniture, and various handmade crafts. Finally, complete the Amish experience in Berlin with a taste of local delicacies at Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant. The family-owned eatery has been delighting guests with homestyle Amish cuisine since 1938, focusing on house-baked pies.
Athens
Home to Ohio University, this bubbly college town in Athens County houses a vibrant cultural scene featuring a mix of art venues and historical sites. As the county's seat, it is home to the Southeast Ohio History Center, a window into the region's cultural heritage, showcasing a collection of rotating exhibits you can browse for some background into the town. Meanwhile, you can enjoy an exciting lesson at the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery. This magnificent facility has hands-on and interactive exhibits tailored to impart new knowledge for all ages.
Art connoisseurs can look forward to a fulfilling session browsing the exhibits inside the OHIO Museum Complex and Kennedy Museum of Art. Housed inside is a vast collection of artwork by American artists featuring rare Southwest Native American textiles. Before leaving town, attend the Athens Farmers Market and experience the warmth of the locals up close. Besides interacting with the community, this is an excellent opportunity to sample the freshest produce from the farm.
Oberlin
Oberlin is a bastion of abolitionism in Ohio, and the town became a significant part of America's abolitionist movement in the mid-19th century. Its rich heritage is intertwined with the iconic Oberlin College, which shaped the local community as a hub for African American arts. Today, venues like the Allen Memorial Art Museum help to preserve this history. The historic center exhibits over 15,000 art pieces and is considered among the country's best academic art museums. Also, the Apollo Theater Oberlin is a cultural gem worth checking out. It dates back to 1913 and was among the first Northeast Ohio theaters to screen "talkies."
Oberlin is also home to the Weltzheimer/Johnson House, the maiden Usonian-style home built in the state and designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. With so much culture to soak in, you can cap off the experience by buying a unique treasure to add to your collection. Main Street Antiques is the perfect place to hunt for a souvenir and houses a unique mix of vintage items.
Cambridge
Cambridge's charm comes from an impressive mix of attractions, including a charming historic downtown. The community of about 10,000 boasts a rich glass-making heritage that you can peruse at the National Museum of Cambridge Glass. This remarkable facility preserves the memory of the Cambridge Glass Company from the 1950s, showcasing the life of glass workers during the period. The town is also home to the Guernsey County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its highlight includes a nightly show that brings Main Street to life with different Dickens characters.
For those planning a tour of Cambridge in the winter season, you can check out the Dickens-styled Victorian Village, which offers a window into a simple old-world lifestyle. Alternatively, you can sit down with the locals to watch a play at the Living Word Outdoor Drama in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The Takeaway
While these small towns in Ohio only highlight a fraction of the state's rich cultural heritage and captivating history, they are also proof that you can have a unique experience outside the famous cities. From classic architectural styles and unique festivals to rare cuisines, they have all the ingredients to deliver a culturally immersive experience.
