Like many Rust Belt cities, Cleveland is surrounded by vibrant, convivial suburbs that promise a slower pace of life. Cuyahoga County is filled to the brim with such communities, and each has its own distinct personality. Today, we’re going to take a road trip to a destination that we believe is the friendliest town near Cleveland, with oodles of personality and spunk. Hope you love the Great Outdoors, because the charming town of Bedford, Ohio, is truly a nature lover’s paradise, too.

Bedford, Ohio is one of the smaller cities in Cuyahoga County, but it's chock-full of charm.

This Cleveland suburb has a long history, with inhabitants first arriving in the area some 11,000 years ago. The first American settlers came around 1813, but it's no wonder this attractive chunk of land has been home to many across generations.

This community is a breath of fresh air, especially in the summertime.

The plentiful verdant forests that stretch across the community today also caught the attention of early settlers. They helped build factories that once helped the community boom.

One of the main attractions in town is Tinker's Creek, whose picturesque falls once fueled local industry.

The Tinker's Creek Gorge is where this historic magic happened, and it's also where visitors can get up close and personal with the waterfall. I personally enjoy walking out on the big stones in the creek when the waters are low to get a closer look at its veil-like crest!

But Tinker's Creek is just a small portion of all Bedford Reservation has to offer, so bring your hiking boots on this journey!

Pictured here is Broadway Trailhead, which offers easy access to some of the most stunning views in the park. But with 2,200 acres to explore, there's no shortage of greenery to explore!

You'll love walking around in town, too.

This town is deliciously walkable, and the Bedford Historical Society & Museum offers another opportunity to get your steps in. Their antique-filled buildings are stunning, and the grounds are downright attention-grabbing.

Bedford is also one of just a few towns in the nation where you can play whirlyball!

Whirlyball, which can be played at the business of the same name, is an unusual sport that takes influence from basketball, bumper cars, and lacrosse. It's a wild, one-of-a-kind experience that you can't help but love!

If you're craving something more familiar, there's more to do at this family fun center near Cleveland.

You can also bowl or play laser tag at Whirlyball. Try virtual reality, play arcade games, and snack at this cool indoor fun center. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that fun is on the agenda.

If you're into more extreme obstacle courses and challenges, then Adrenaline Monkey belongs on your Bedford bucket list.

This 24,000-square-foot indoor playground will bring out your inner ninja, and it's perfect for adventurous visitors of all ages.

After so much adventure, you'll likely find yourself hungry. Sirna's Cafe will take care of ya!

Comfort food is the name of the game at this friendly neighborhood restaurant. Burgers, steak, beer-battered fish, and more keep visitors returning time and time again.

Sirna's is one of the most talked about restaurants in Bedford, and it's a great place to rest after so much adventure.

Soak up some air conditioning while you unwind and take it easy. But remember, you're just fueling up... there's more to see and do in town!

No trip to Bedford is complete without a casual stroll through downtown.

Like many Midwestern communities, this charming downtown district is full of local shops. The best way to get to know a community is to enjoy it like a local, and this walkable district is perfect for just that.

Before you head home, be sure to stop by Brulee Takeout for some grub for the road... or for dinner later.

Grab wings, mac and cheese, burgers, and more to take home. You'll regret heading back without some food from this friendly town!

If you don't make it to Bedford this summer, don't even sweat it... it's beautiful and roadtrip-worthy all year-round!

No matter when you visit Bedford, Ohio, you're in for a treat. Make sure to add the friendliest town near Cleveland to this year's bucket list!

You can never go wrong with taking a road trip to a small town near Cleveland, but the town of Bedford is especially wow-worthy in the summer months. What's your favorite thing to do in town? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Looking to get to know more towns in the Greater Cleveland area? Add the funky little town of Hudson to your local travel bucket list, too!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/cleveland/hudson-ohio-cle/