The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Ohio That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

We're kicking off this road trip in the best possible way: breakfast from Stan the Donut Man! Part of the Butler County Donut Trail, Stan's is an Ohio favorite known for perfectly fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth donuts, with the "Davy Crocketts" garnering cult status among locals.

One of the most recognizable places in Ohio, Clifton Mill isn't so much a sight as an entire scene. Harkening back to the turn of the 19th century, the Historic Clifton Mill is one of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence and truly is more beautiful in person than picture. Don't pass up the opportunity to walk across the 90-foot bridge; it crosses the Miami River and from it, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Historic Clifton Mill, Clifton Gorge, the Little Miami River, and myriad waterfalls.

If you're hungry for lunch, definitely stay for a meal at The Restaurant, where breakfast is served all day and the ambiance makes for quite an enchanting experience!

If you find yourself taken by the charms and beauty of Yellow Springs, Ohio, lean in and book a night at Clifton's Cozy Cottage! This homey dwelling is located just a stone's through from Clifton Mill and Clifton Gorge and is surrounded by lush foliage and mature trees.

Hiding in Springfield, the Westcott House is a true treasure for architecture lovers. Frank Lloyd Wright's only Prairie Style house in Ohio, the Westcott was designed in 1906 and built in 1908, and reflects the architect's immense love of nature -- particularly Midwestern nature. Wright's Prairie Style houses typically feature a large, centrally-placed fireplace -- a hearth that "grounds" the house, that becomes its focus. Frequently he designed benches on either side of it, as he did for the Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio, creating a room within a room. While you can certainly drive past this home and admire it from afar, booking a docent-led tour is a great way to learn more about this visionary and his iconic style.

Carlisle Park is a great destination to hop out of the car and stretch your legs. Bring a picnic and sit on the grassy areas of the park and under the big trees that provide plenty of shade. If you have young kids, let them play on the playground and you can even get in your steps as you walk around the park on the small paved path.

You simply can't visit the Dayton area without stopping for pizza at Marion's. A Gem City favorite for over 50 years, Marion's Piazza is known for its thin-crust, square-cut 'zas and "Old Italian Courtyard" aesthetic. The pepperonis are always curled and the crust is always perfectly crispy. Of course, if you're feeling spontaneous, order a submarine sandwich, served on a large loaf of Italian bread that's been stuffed to the gills with baked ham, luncheon meat, salami, cheese, tomato sauce, sweet banana peppers, and onions. I have fond memories of meeting my grandparents and great aunts at Marion's on Shroyer Road; this is the kind of restaurant that imprints on you and one you'll return to time and time again!

If you're looking for a sign to extend your visit to Dayton, Ohio, let this be it! Located in the Historic South Park District of Dayton, this Oak Street Home is sure to be love at first sight. This historic property has worn many hats over the years, serving as a barbershop, grocery store, and even a church. The space has now been completely remodeled into a stunning open concept home full of history and character that's the perfect "home base" for exploring Dayton, Ohio.