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Explore Ohio: 9 Small Towns to Visit this Summer
Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cleveland are noted for their vibrant urban settings and fast-paced lifestyles. When you want to slow down and get away from it all for a while, there's a whole new world just a short drive away. Spend a day or a weekend exploring some of these amazing small towns around Ohio.
Avon Lake
Waterfront towns may seem like summer-only destinations, but that's not the case with Avon Lake. The city itself measures only 11 square miles, but 220 acres of that area is covered with parks and other green spaces, making Avon Lake a visual splendor in any season. With its well-maintained boat launch and a fishing pier that's open year-round, Miller Road Park is a popular family-friendly spot for water activities, picnics, and relaxation. Stop in at Klingshern Winery, a local tradition since 1935, for an informal wine-tasting.
Medina
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Founded in 1818, Medina remains a picturesque representation of small-town America. Social, entertainment, and cultural activities still revolve around Main Street, lined with stunning Victorian-style architecture and delightful mom-and-pop stores. You'll find it hard to believe the region suffered not one but two debilitating fires in the 19th century. Learn more about Medina's history at the four museums located downtown. There's even a quaint town square park, highlighted by a gazebo that serves as the centerpiece of community events.
Hinckley Township
Hinckley Township, named for original proprietor Samuel Hinckley, is home to a famed seasonal tradition that rivals Groundhog Day. Every year on March 15, as many as 50,000 people gather to observe Buzzard Day, when the birds return like clockwork. The official event began in 1957, and residents consider Buzzard Day the beginning of spring. Festivities are held at Hinckley Reservation, a worthy attraction in its own right. This southernmost Cleveland Metropark is known for Worden's Ledges, a fascinating series of sandstone ledge carvings depicting elements of local history.
Bexley
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History and architecture are frequently entwined, with the town of Bexley being a prime example. The serene, tree-lined suburb of Columbus draws several visitors to view its impressive large houses and mansions. Jeffrey Park, a 40-acre natural woodland with a number of walking trails, is also the site of majestic Jeffrey Mansion, built in 1905 by a former mayor of Columbus. Northern Bexley is home to the official Governor's Mansion, a one-time private residence donated to the state in 1955. Just west of Bexley sits the Franklin Park Conservatory, a botanical garden featuring more than 400 species of plants along with a permanent collection of stunning glasswork by Dale Chihuly.
Delaware
Perhaps the town's own motto sums it up best: Delaware is "Hometown Living with a Modern Spirit." The parents of Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th president of the United States, were among the city's earliest settlers. In 1912, Delaware came within one vote of becoming the new capital of Ohio. The Historic Northwest District features an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from Federal and Queen Anne to Craftsman and Gothic Revival. More than 500 homes and carriage houses in the neighborhood are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby, the thriving downtown area includes the Strand, one of the 10 oldest movie theaters in the country.
Granville
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If Granville reminds you of a charming New England town, you wouldn't be far off. The village was settled by a group from Granville, MA, who named their new home after their original one. But indigenous people inhabited the area more than four hundred years before. One of the notable local landmarks is the Alligator Effigy Mound, used by people of the Fort Ancient culture as a ceremonial site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other popular sites include the Bryn Du Mansion, Dawes Arboretum, and Granville Inn. Immerse yourself in local history at the Denison Museum, Granville Historical Society, and Robbins Hunter Museum.
Yellow Springs
People often describe Yellow Springs as having a mellow, 1960s-type vibe. Fittingly, the village was founded in 1825 by a collection of 100 families hoping to create a utopian community. Yellow Springs takes its name from an actual natural spring with a yellowish tint due to high iron content. You can view this landmark at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which features other stunning scenery such as wildflowers, 400-year-old trees, and limestone cliffs with waterfalls. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Clifton Mill, with its rustic setting that includes a classic red, covered bridge.
Lebanon
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In its earlier days, Lebanon was a designated stagecoach stop for north-bound travelers. With historic buildings that house businesses such as the Black Horse Tavern, it's not hard to visualize those times. Since 1803, the Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, Ohio's oldest continuously operated business, has hosted notable figures such as Charles Dickens, Barbara Bush, Mark Twain, Charles Laughton, and Kesha. Right across the street sits a library funded by Andrew Carnegie. Lebanon has such an authentic small-town feel that it served as the filming location for Harper Valley PTA.
Rabbit Hash
From the name to the setting, Rabbit Hash is as quirky and lovable as you might expect. Originally known as Carlton, the town took on the name of its signature dish to avoid confusion with nearby Carrolton. A French bulldog named Wilbur currently presides as mayor, continuing a longstanding tradition. As with many small towns, the community center of Rabbit Hash is the legendary General Store. In a concession to the digital age, the store does maintain an online shop, but the actual shelves are full of antiques, hand-woven towels, collectibles, and other fascinating items. Both the General Store and the Rabbit Hash Historic District can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.
Small Town USA
Small towns have been a rich source of material for pop culture, from movies and books to country songs. What's your favorite story about a small town?
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