No more than an hour east of Columbus going straight up I-70, you will pass a charming, unique, and elegant city called Zanesville. With a population of about 25,000, this large town has played a big role in our state's history; and it's becoming a destination once again. Next time you're up for a day trip, check out Zanesville. You will be rewarded with history, arts, some great views, and alpacas. Wait a minute...did I really just say alpacas? Keep reading to find out!

Right from I-70, Zanesville will open up to you with an incredible view.

For a small city (or large town, if you’d rather), Zanesville has an incredible amount buildings on the National Register. You see many of them right from the interstate, making for an unusually beautiful highway view. The city also has an interesting history. Zanesville was named after Ebenezer Zane and served as Ohio's second capital from 1810–1812. During Morgan's Raid, over 5,000 union soldiers were stationed in Zanesville to protect the city. Later, the city played a big role in the Underground Railroad. During the Prohibition Era, Zanesville was quite known for its bootlegging activity.

Zanesville's incredible view is composed of a multitude of buildings with beautiful architecture, such as the Muskingum County Courthouse.

This incredible building was designed by T.B. Townsend and H. E. Myer, and built in 1877 in the Second Empire architecture style.

It is located at the corner of 4th and Main Streets. It is also on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Zanesville also has a multitude of fantastic churches. One of them is the Saint Nicholas Catholic Church.

This beautiful building was built in 1898 in the Romanesque Revival style of architecture.

Saint Nicholas Catholic Church is located at 925 E Main St., Zanesville, OH 43701. It is on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is another awe-inspiring building.

This church carries Gothic Revival architecture and was built in 1842.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is located at 144 N 5th St., Zanesville, OH 43701. It is on...you guessed it... the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Another one definitely worth checking out is the Saint James Episcopal Church.

Also built in the Gothic Revival architecture style, this church was built in 1843.

Saint James Episcopal Church is located at 155 N 6th St., Zanesville, OH 43701. Say it with me: it is on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Moving on from the incredible buildings available to see in "Y City," we go to the Y Bridge.

Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places is Zanesville's Y Bridge, the only such structure still in use in the USA. The bridge spans the Muskingum and Licking rivers. Amelia Earhart is quoted as saying, "Zanesville is the easiest recognized city from the air because of the Y Bridge." The bridge gives locals endless opportunities to give hilarious directions to tourists such as, "Get to the middle of the bridge and turn left."

Another nickname carried by Zanesville, is "Clay City."

The area around Zanesville has important deposits of clay, and was especially popular during the early 20th century. Companies that used Zanesville clay included Roseville pottery, Weller pottery, the J. B. Owens Pottery Company, the Zanesville Stoneware Company, the Mosaic Tile Company, the American Encaustic Tiling Company, and the T.B. Townsend Brick Yard. Zanesville has a rich history of pottery, and much of it can be seen at the Zanesville Museum of Art.

The Zanesville Museum of Art is located at 620 Military Rd., Zanesville, OH 43701.

Get to Zanesville in time for the First Friday Art Walk.

Much like Columbus's Gallery Hop, downtown Zanesville hosts an art walk on every first Friday of the month. The event features Zanesville's growing local artists through gallery and studio openings. The art walk in mainly centered around Market and Main streets.

Care for a ride in the Lorena Sternwheeler?

The Lorena Sternwheeler can carry up to 75 passengers and offers lunch, dinner, and twilight cruises. Prices vary from $8-$35 depending on the type of ride. Don't miss out on this unique adventure! More information is available here.

You can find the Lorena Sternwheeler at Zane's Landing Park - Downtown Zanesville at the west end of Market Street.

Another locally loved gem in the city is Mission Oaks Gardens.

Mission Oaks Garden is dedicated to preserving green space and providing an education in horticulture. The garden has over eight acres of carefully maintained plants, two waterfalls, and lots of other natural treats. Education programs are also available.

Mission Oaks Garden is located at 424 Hunter St., Zanesville, OH, 43701.

Last but not least, you can visit a full blown alpaca farm!

The Alpacas Of Spring Acres is a working family owned farm. The owners are passionate about caring for the animals and breeding superior Suri alpacas with excellent fleece quality. The farm has been operating since 2008 and is open to the public for visits.

The Alpacas of Spring Acres is located at 3370 Big B Rd., Zanesville, OH 43701.

I'm sure you can't wait to get to Zanesville! Journey on and let us know how your visit went.