Blending urban vibrancy with serene landscapes, Ohio offers visitors a memorable experience. The heart of the Midwest has allure for everyone from Rock groupies to nature-loving hippies. Take a brief tour of seven incredible places in Ohio, each with its distinctive charm, and then decide where you’ll head for the summer.
Downtown Columbus: The Bustling Capital’s Charm
Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, is a whirlwind of culinary delights, vibrant arts, and rhythmic music festivals. The expanding downtown riverfront is the setting for the Scioto Mile, a captivating bike and walking path that weaves along the riverfront that has kayak rentals in summer.
Adding to the city’s charm are the historic German Village, the dynamic Shadowbox Live, and the verdant Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Make sure to see at least one, or all three if you’re in the area for a while.
Hocking Hills: A Stargazer’s Paradise
Away from the urban lights, Southern Ohio’s Hocking Hills region is a stargazer’s perfect location for nighttime viewing. The area offers a plethora of cabins near the Hocking Hills State Park, which is a network of hiking trails and has the John Glenn Astronomy Park for sky watching. Come when the skies are clear even if you’re new to the night sky.
During the day, there’s no shortage of hiking, canoeing, zip-lining, and horseback riding to enjoy — just make sure you have enough energy to stay up at night.
Put-in-Bay: Leisurely Lake Erie Getaway
Water sports enthusiasts will find that few Ohioan weekend getaways rival the experience at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. This island resort offers an array of activities such as boating, swimming, kayaking, and open-air dining, all enhanced by evening entertainment.
A visit to Perry’s Victory and International Memorial, available for a nominal fee, completes the island experience.
Amish Country: Journey to Simplicity
Experience tranquility in east-central Ohio’s Amish Country, where life’s simple pleasures are treasured. With charming towns like Charm, Walnut Creek, Millersburg and Berlin, this region serves as a reminder of a simpler, quieter way of life.
Notably, the area is home to renowned cheese factories like Guggisberg Cheese and Heini’s Cheese Chalet. Get some to enjoy on your first night here, and then some more to take home.
Marietta Sternwheelers: Ohio’s Riverboat Heritage
Relish in the historic charm of the sternwheeler boats along the Ohio River in Marietta. Take a sightseeing cruise aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler and soak in the riverboat-themed town’s atmosphere.
Visiting during the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, a free event held the weekend after Labor Day, ensures a truly immersive experience.
Mohican: Outdoor Lover’s Retreat
For outdoor enthusiasts, a weekend getaway to the Mohican State Park area is another must-do. The park is a haven of trails, wildlife spotting, and birding from the Mohican Fire Tower Overlook.
Enjoy canoeing or tubing along the Mohican River on a hot day, then retire for the night in the park’s charming treehouses and cabins.
Indian Creek RV & Camping Resort: A Blend of Fun and Relaxation
Nestled in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio’s first summer resort town, the Indian Creek RV & Camping Resort provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for families or couples. With both RV pull-ups and cottage rentals, the resort is just a stone’s throw away from Lake Erie.
Fishing ponds, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a heated swimming pool, and an on-site playground provide fun for everyone. There’s also an on-site restaurant and lounge bar, and the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame, historic Ashtabula Harbor, local wineries are just a short drive away.
Clay’s Park Resort
Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Clay’s Park Resort offers a perfect getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Set on a sprawling landscape, the resort provides a picturesque setting with its lush greenery, serene lakes, and rolling hills. Clay’s Park Resort offers a wide range of activities and amenities to keep visitors entertained and immersed in nature. Guests can enjoy swimming and lounging on the sandy beach, embark on kayaking or paddleboarding adventures on the tranquil lake, or cast their fishing lines in search of the perfect catch. The resort also features numerous hiking trails, allowing nature enthusiasts to explore the scenic surroundings and discover hidden gems along the way. For those seeking thrills, the resort offers exciting water slides and a water park, promising endless fun for the whole family. With its inviting campgrounds and cozy cabins, Clay’s Park Resort provides a wonderful retreat where families can bond, nature lovers can reconnect with the outdoors, and lasting memories are created.