Tired of the same dinner-and-a-movie date night routine? Fortunately for you (and your partner), Ohio is full of unique destinations and attractions that are perfect for a romantic, fun, and unconventional date. Make your significant other fall in love with you all over again with these 16 ideas for the best dates in Ohio!
1. Go on a real adventure.
Take your pick of Ohio's unbelievably beautiful state parks and hike, chase waterfalls, and explore the caves of Ohio. (Pictured: Old Man's Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.)
2. Explore the Chateau Laroche...
Prove to your date that chivalry isn't dead and explore this historic medieval-style structure (more commonly known as the Loveland Castle,) and its beautiful gardens in Loveland. Built brick-by-brick by just one man, this gem along the banks of the little Miami River will surely charm you and your date. (And, seriously, WHAT is more romantic than a CASTLE in a place called LOVELAND?)
3. Stay overnight in an Ohio castle.
If visiting a castle isn't romantic enough for you...for a more elaborate date night that you plan to turn into a weekend, stay at one of Ohio's very own castle getaways. (Pictured: Landoll's Mohican Castle.)
4. Have a lakeside picnic and tour Marblehead Lighthouse.
Picnic at Marblehead Lighthouse along the shores of Lake Erie and visit the lighthouse’s museum in the Keeper’s House.
5. Experience the Columbus Zoo Wildlights.
Although you’ll have to plan this one around the holiday season, it’s well worth it if you’re aiming for a true Winter Wonderland kind of date.
6. Check out Ohio’s outdoor sculpture park.
The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Hamilton is every art enthusiast's dream come true. The park features a 10,000-square-foot Ancient Sculpture Museum, which displays Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Etruscan sculptures that are thousands of years old.
7. Enjoy a wine tasting.
Because there's nothing more romantic than a wine tasting to set the mood--and because Ohio is home to more than 150 wineries. (Pictured: Vinoklet Winery in Cincinnati where, as an added bonus, there is a heart-shaped lake. A HEART-SHAPED lake.)
If you're looking for a weekend getaway in Ohio Wine Country, look no further than The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake! This resort boasts breathtaking views and a prime location on the southern shore of Lake Erie, near Geneva State Park in the heart of Ohio Wine Country. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers 109 rooms and suites in a variety of configurations, as well as 25 lakeside cottages for those seeking a more private experience. Swoon!
8. Explore the cobblestone streets of German Village.
Where the cobblestone street charm and 32-room book store make you feel like you're a living, breathing love story.
9. Indulge your childhood dreams and spend a night in the trees.
In addition to the great outdoors and beautiful cabins, The Mohicans in Glenmont feature some mind-blowing tree houses (complete with electricity and running water) available for overnight stays. Truly impress your date with one of Ohio's best-kept secrets.
10. Tour the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.
This beloved mansion in Akron is an undeniably romantic destination for a date.
11. Visit the Columbus Park of Roses.
Because honestly, WHAT is more romantic than a stroll through a park full of ROSES?
12. Catch a classic film at the historic Ohio Theatre…
This beautiful place is located in the heart of Columbus and it's as romantic as it gets.
13. … Or catch a film under the stars at a drive-in movie theater.
For an affordable, nostalgic, and romantic movie-viewing experience, check out one of Ohio's drive-in theaters. (Pictured: Starlite Drive-In in Amelia.)
14. Observe fine art.
Ohio is full of several impressive art museums where you can impress your date with your knowledge of art. (Pictured: The Cleveland Museum of Art)
15. Hop aboard a train and travel a scenic railroad.
Impress your date with another one of the state's best-kept secrets. Ohio is home to two beautiful scenic railroads. Tour the Cuyahoga Valley by train via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Peninsula. You can also opt to tour the Hocking Valley by train along the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville.
16. Dine with a view.
For a twist on the traditional dinner date night, check out one of our previous lists of Ohio's scenic restaurants, where the views are just as captivating as the food. (Pictured: Primavista in Cincinnati.)
Have you done any of these before? What other unique attractions or destinations are there in Ohio that are ideal for an unconventional date? Your picks for the best dates in Ohio? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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