With 88 counties and 40,848 square miles to explore, there's no shortage of adventure in The Buckeye State. However, with a landscape that could comfortably fit eight Connecticuts, we're a state that's home to many microcultures. As such, our various small towns have vibes all their own. Today, we're going to take a 350-mile road trip from North to South to experience some of the most charming small towns in Ohio. Make sure you have all your road trip essentials packed, because this adventure is going to be delightfully memorable.
The first stop on our bucket list is Peninsula, Ohio, a charming small town in Greater Cleveland.
Peninsula is home to a mere 522 people, and it's one of the smaller communities on our list. The mighty Cuyahoga River runs right through this town, and it's rich in nature as a result... Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in Ohio, surrounds the community. Both in the national park and throughout the town, dozens of historic buildings wait to greet the eye. Many are on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the more fascinating historic structures in town is the lovely Everett Road Covered Bridge, a truss-style bridge from circa 1877. One of my friends affectionately calls it the "Beetlejuice bridge" for its uncanny resemblance to the covered bridge in the movie. Interestingly, the cutesy title is somewhat appropriate here. The bridge was purportedly built in response to a death that occurred at the site, and some assert that the site is haunted to this very day.
Now, we're going to head about an hour south to scenic Millersburg, Ohio.
With circa 3,151 residents, Millersburg certainly manages to feel open and airy. This lovely Holmes County community is a frequent day trip destination for Northeast Ohioans, as it's home to an impressive Amish population. The Hotel Millersburg is a coveted stay in town, and it dates back to 1847. Their Quilting Retreat is a fun way to get crafty!
With bakeries, farms, parks, and an abundance of horses and buggies on the road, this region just moves at a slower pace of life. You might not get great phone reception out here in the countryside, so don't be afraid to go old school and print off a few maps. There's so much to see and do in the area!
Once you've wrapped up your adventures in Millersburg, we're going to head 90 minutes south to explore Lancaster, Ohio.
As the county seat of Fairfield County, Lancaster has small town vibes but a decently big population. Some 40,500 people call this pretty place home! As it's part of the Columbus metropolitan area, it's one of those "small towns by big city standards," but it's well worth a stop. Rising Park should be at the top of your Lancaster bucket list, as it allows you an almost bird's-eye view of the community.
While the area is known for its holiday spirit once things cool down, Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve is an all-year-round type of getaway. Packed with unique rock formations and scenic overlooks, you're going to love hiking in this pretty park. There are plenty of places in town for a good meal after your outdoor adventures, so be sure to budget a bit of time to explore the local dining scene.
Once all is said and done in Lancaster, we're going to scooch over West a little bit to visit Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Yellow Springs is home to circa 3,697 people, and it has been settled since 1825. As a result, historic buildings like its famous railroad depot pictured above are common sights in town. And, yes, the town does have a rich history to boot! This area had a vast abolitionist population back in the day, and freed slaves often settled in the area and owned land.
John Bryan State Park is a popular hiking destination in town, boasting 752 acres that are perfect for adventure. The nearby Glen Helen Nature Preserve has a waterfall, so it's another natural attraction that belongs on your Yellow Springs bucket list. When all is said and done, don't forget to swing by Young's Jersey Dairy for some farm-fresh ice cream. Yes, you read that right... this is some of the freshest ice cream in the state.
Next, we're going to head about two hours South to end our road trip on a high note in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Since Portsmouth is right on the Kentucky border, it has a distinctly different culture than the other stops on our road trip. With circa 18,252 residents, it still manages to feel open, airy, and laid-back. European settlers spilled into the area during the American Revolution, but indigenous peoples had already been active in the region for thousands of years. Unfortunately, this area wasn't as friendly to freed or runaway slaves as Yellow Springs. As a result, local abolitionists worked hard to make it an important stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting their fellow humans in finding a more stable life.
Shawnee State Park, one of the town's shining natural features, was the first state park in Ohio. With gorgeous views of the Appalachian foothills, it's an attraction that every Ohioan should experience at least once.
If you're hungry after your long road trip, a stop at The Scioto Ribber is an absolute must. Their 32-ounce steaks are locally famous, though the size is a bit intimidating to some diners. Don't be afraid to grab carryout!
There are many charming small towns in Ohio, but these five destinations are some that you'll hear native Ohioans mentioning time and time again. Each has its own distinct attitude, and the views you experience as you journey from each area will absolutely knock your socks off.
Love the Ohio landscape? You might also consider taking a natural attraction road trip across the state!
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