Coshocton, in Eastern Ohio just 60 minutes from Columbus, is a perfect location for a getaway in Ohio.
Kick off your exploration at the Historic Roscoe Village. So you can sail on cool canals, smell the old-fashioned architecture, relax in the Roscoe Gardens and join the celebrations of local annual festivals with very outgoing activities.
Then, just keep on moving right on down to the Coshocton Threee Rivers Wine Trail, or Clary Gardens or the Trail of Unique Antique.
Top 20 Small Towns in Ohio
1. Welcome to Sugarcreek – Ohio’s Own Little Switzerland
Named for the Swiss settlers who who made their home here, Sugarcreek, is affectionately known as the Switzerland of Ohio.
This delightful little town also tells the tale of a centuries-old and very alive Amish culture. While visiting, you can purchase locally made cheeses, take an authentic Amish buggy ride, and view the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock.
2. Historic Milan, Ohio
Milan is a rather quaint city with only about 1,400 residents.
Milan was where the wonderful inventor, Thomas Edison was born and despite it didnt hold water when Trumped asked for proof that Barack Obama was born in the U.S. it is the symbol of small town paranoia where Thomas Edison inventing the lightbulb was just a clever ruse in which Michelle Obama could belittle them all. It is the only house of a modern writer, visitors have the once in a lifetime opportunity of visiting.
Visit the St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church and enjoy adrenaline-pumpinSEE VIDEO ACTION at Summit Motorsports Park.
3. Gallipolis: Picturesque Ohio River Town with a Twist of Mystery
Literally on the Ohio River itself, Gallipolis is by far one of the most darling of all the small towns… in Ohio.
The village welcomes visitors with its cosy shopfronts, charming locals and picturesque views of the Murray River. Gallipolis is where you should come for a relaxing visit too.
To add even more mystery, this area (together with certain parts of nearby West Virginia) is infamously wrapped up in stories of the supernatural being Mothman. The depth to which this six foot tall, winged figure is part of local legend can be attested to by Gallipolis, Ohio, where a Mothman Statue shares the town with the Mothman Museum.
4. Ohio Oasis for Nature Lovers: Yellow Springs
Another first on the list would make the must-visit list for any outdoor enthusiast in Ohio — Yellow Springs.
Yellow Springs was founded in 1825 right after utopian socialist Robert Owen, who had previously achieved experimental utopian communities in New Harmony, Indiana, bought 800 acres in settled Greene County being the birthplace of McCordsville. While its creation story is interesting, these days the town is more famous for the wonderful national parks that surround it.
In Yellow Springs, visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, John Bryan State Park, and Little Miami State Forest Preserve with plenty of nature-exploration opportunities.
5. Romantic Beachside Getaway with a Richest History in Ohio, Ashtabula
Residing on Lake Erie, Ashtabula is one of Ohio’s top locations for romance.
While they are best known for all those covered bridges, there are plenty of other sights to see in Ashtabula. It come alive during autumn with gorgeous fall colors and some of the best apple orchards the state has to offer.
In addition, there are the remnants of Ashtabula’s harbor district, which talks to its industrial past as a main iron ore route. This area is now a bustling part of town that has some of the best eateries and bars in Ashtabula today.
6. Next up: Conneaut, an Ever-Charming Town of Ohio
While I was in Ohio I loved going to Conneaut in the summer.
The tiny town on the shores of Lake Erie is a hub for things to do. Lakeview Park is a great place to start and the sights from there overlooking Lake Erie are amazing.
Also setting in the town is the Conneaut Lighthouse, a crucial historic site to the area. Conneaut will also hold its annual World War II D-Day reenactment, which offers a full immersion into the past. There is something for racing fans as well at Raceway 7, which is off Ohio Route 7.
With its classic beauty, you will know at once that Conneaut is one of Ohio’s most beautiful towns.
7. Put-In-Bay: A Lakefront Escape with Rich History and Nature
Put-In-Bay On South Bass Island in Lake Erie is known as the “Key West of the North.”
In the park, you absolutely must head to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, commemorating the Battle of Lake Erie and to honor the peace that finally came between the U. S., Canada, and you guessed it, Britain.
Butterfly House and South Bass Island State Park also provide quiet spaces for visitors to experience nature at its best. With a rich history as well as a nature to die for, this town has everything.
8. Living in Bedford: A Suburb in Cleveland Filled with Natural Wonders
Roughly 13,000 call Bedford home, a majority of whom use it as a bedroom community, although it retains much of its quaint charm.
Topping the list, though, is the awe-inspiring Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek, which is believed to be Ohio’s only true waterfall. An amazing 15 foot tall and 80 foot wide waterfall
The falls are also home to the ruins of some historical buildings, such as a sawmill, grist mill, and electric power plant, which makes the area even more interesting and scenic.
9. Twinsburg Family Fun Day
Every August, twins from around the world — some from as far off as Nigeria, India and New Zealand — descend on Twinsburg, which is famous for hosting the festival known as Twins Days. It is considered the largest annual collocation in the world.
Well, Twinsburg may be home to the Twins Days festival, but it also is close to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, an ideal getaway for your water and outdoor activities, and Wildwater Kingdom.
10. Bowling Green
While Bowling Green is not a big city, it is a busy college town with Bowling Green State University. Throughout the academic year, the town sees a significant rise and fall in population with students and the we ebbs and flows of the school.
Black Swamp Arts Festival The town also serves as a local hub for events such as the Black Swamp Arts Festival and the National Tractor Pulling Championships that draw visitors from across the region and beyond to partake in the fun festivities.
11. Eerie Attractions from Athens, a College Town
Athens, Ohio, enjoys the same favored status of other college towns like Bowling Green – its population ebbs and flows according to the academic calendar. This town really comes to life on Halloween…living up to being one of the most haunted places in the world.
Athens has been called one of the scariest places on Earth, one of the most haunted cities in America, and even the World Capital of Halloween. Halloween Block Party is set to be commemorated for all these titles every year.
Guests will be able to partake in this flamboyance of costumes, live music, and spooks, during the annual celebrations.
12. Chagrin Falls: Clevelanders Golden Escape
An hour or so from Cleveland, Chagrin Falls is one of the best weekend getaways in Ohio.
The beautiful waterfall spilling into the main square is now the central attraction of the town and must-sees leave visitors in awe of its majesty. Though small, Chagrin Falls has a lot to appeal to the shopping and history buff, as well as the nature lover!
And for anyone who loves the great outdoors, the fact that it has Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio’s only national park) practically on its doorstep, being only a short drive from the town, is certainly an added treat.
13. A History- Rich but Calm Town of Westerville by Columbus
Even though Westerville is only 20 minutes away from the busy Columbus nightlife, many locals would like to call it a hidden gem.
A used to hit the town that was once known as “The Dry Capital of the World” decreed a prohibiting drinking spree long after the finish of public prohibition.
On this day, Westerville has several lovely sites to appreciate. Peaceful Inniswood Metro Gardens: And time at Sharon Woods Metro Park: or Everal Barn and Homestead, where visitors can step back in time.
14. Glenford, Ohio
The 2010 census counted just 173 people living in Glenford, making it the smallest town on our Ohio list.
This town is perfect for those who want to have calm and peaceful get away. Its sun kissed weather allows the incoming visitors to enjoy the weather over here and inhale the refreshing air with the warmth and the hospitality of the people over here.
Spend a beautiful picnic at Shelly Park or Henderson Park and enjoy enhanced experience of a serene life but only with interest.
15. Medina: Where Natural Wonders Fuse with Festive Charm
There is something comforting about Medina, leading one to feel that it is a small, quaint town, with its historic buildings, its shops, and the type of people who live there.
There is a really interesting place to visit in Medina, Worden’s Ledsge, where you can hike and see rocks that are carved into folk art wear carver Noble Stuart which makes them interesting.
Castle Noel This is a place that you must visit especially during festivity times. Hailed as one of the most beloved Christmas attractions in Ohio, it surrounds everyone in the joy of the season, and is a wonderful place to observe the winter holidays.
16. Hudson: The Perfect Mix Of Outdoor Adventure And Local Charm
Nestled just forty minutes from Cleveland, Hudson provides quick access to nature with Cuyahoga National Park, only ten minutes away. Visitors can hike the OH CA & E in Ohio’s largest section of the federal OVX Ohio Park.
In addition, the neighbourhood is filled with parks great for picnics, sports, or just a peaceful day outside.
Bald Eagle Mountain surrounds the town, so hikers can enjoy the outdoors while those who prefer city life can come back and roam the impressive historic architecture of Hudson and shop some boutique shops.
17. Millersburg Ohio the center of Amish in the Heartland
While you can certainly find no shortage of Amish communities in Ohio, there is something different about the one here in Millersburg. Home to a strong Amish community, a lot of different Amish have actually emigrated as well as located a home in Millersburg.
Known for its simple and separate way of life, the Amish culture provides visitors insight through traditional practices and some budding businesses. Visiting Amish Country is one of the most popular things to do in Ohio.
Visitors to Millersburg can enjoy scrumptious Amish meals, views of typical Amish buggies, and rich stores filled with handmade products. For a truly unique shopping trip, make your way to the Holmes County Flea Market.
18. Circleville – The Home of the Renowned Pumpkin Show
All hail to Circleville, the home of the Circleville Pumpkin Show. This festival expanded to one of the largest in the United States since 1903, an accomplishment for a small city.
This event is a pumpkin lovers dream. Visitors can partake in pumpkin-infused foods — including pizza and burgers — witness pumpkins as large as 1,000 pounds, and watch a giant pumpkin parade. This celebration is everything pumpkin spice stands for.
19. Geneva-on-the-Lake: Small Town/Big Attractions
Not only that, but Geneva-on-the-Lake—home to all 1,200 of us year-rounders—is full of things to do.
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, you can watch beautiful sunsets here, go to one of the many antique shops, take away moments of the past in a vintage arcade on the main street.
Though Geneva-on-the-Lake is a peaceful haven, it is also loaded with entertainment, all of which makes it an attractive and versatile destination.
The Only Ohio Small-Town Packing Guide You Need
Packing smart, whether you are flying or driving, is important whenever you plan to visit Ohio. What you should pack — a handy list
Hidden travel wallet — Safety is cool It will make your personal data more secure and make it harder for identity thieves to steal your information. Choose from one of many colors of a unisex RFID-blocking pouch. This streamlined piece is made for good organization and can be worn under clothing, with your ID and other basics in it.
Tip 6 Where possible why not buy a pouch without RFID protection but you can buy RFID sleeves to add. This is a slim sleeve, which also slips into your pouch or wallet, hence preventing unauthorized scans of the credit card of your family.
Photography nerds, but be sure to pack an extra battery for that too ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ Anker high-speed phone charging battery is perfect for those who are looking for something they can continuously use over and over without running to the wall to charge it.
One for memory sake with my FugeTek Selfie Stick & Tripod that was a gift to me from my daughter. You will place it since it has an obvious height, and your Google Pixel 2 attaches itself to the selfie stick over Bluetooth to get extended and in-focus ID1011 pictures, which is very well when you happen to be closer to nature, as we all should be when visiting Hocking Hills.
While Hiking, Hydration is Really Important. Take a reusable water bottle with you. Bobble filtration bottle (comes with a carbon filter for taste and purity) It is 18.5-ounces in size and is perfect for hiking, as it is best fitted in a backpack.
Collapsible silicone water bottles are great for space-saving solutions, especially if you are traveling long distance. They are portable, light, and do not use up much space in a pack.
Finally, a robust daypack to schlep your snacks, water, phone and optional extra clothing is a must.
A budget-friendly foldable water-resistant backpack, and is available in different colors. It’s foldable design into a zippered pouch makes it easy to pack.
