This Enchanting And Historic Town In Ohio Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination
There are so many charming small towns in Ohio that undoubtedly, some will fall under the radar. Oberlin is one such place. This enchanting town in northern Ohio is full of unique attractions and historic points of interest and is the perfect day trip destination in the Buckeye State.
In Northeast Ohio, Oberlin is a delightful college town that's peak "small town" vibes. This progressive little town has a community-minded ethos, a rich history, and a lively arts and cultural scene.
The town is set up like a grid, with a central park surrounded by tree-lined neighborhoods, stately college buildings, and historic monuments. Tappan Square is the heart of the town; a 13-acre green space listed on the National Register of Historic Places where college students study, families picnic, and walkers stroll.
This park is by no means the only historic site in town... not even close! One of the most striking structures in Oberlin, the Apollo is a 1913 art-deco moviehouse located in the heart of the downtown district. Maintained by Oberlin College, the Apollo is notable as one of the earliest theaters to screen "talkies" and for its use as one of Northeast Ohio's film forums.
Apollo Theater Oberlin, 19 E College St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
In other architectural marvels, Oberlin's Weltzheimer/Johnson House is one of just a handful of Usonian-style houses in Ohio designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Constructed in 1948 and 1949, today, the home is owned by Oberlin College and is operated as part of the Allen Memorial Art Museum.
Weltzheimer/Johnson House - Frank Lloyd Wright, 534 Morgan St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Speaking of which, the Allen Memorial Art Museum is a must-visit when in Oberlin. Founded in 1917 on the campus of Oberlin College, the Allen Memorial Art Museum is widely recognized as one of the best academic art museums in the country!
Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 N Main St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
As you wander through town marveling at the immaculate green spaces and commanding architecture, you'll also find a smattering of delightful restaurants and longstanding local businesses. Oberlin is the kind of friendly and walkable town that harkens back to another time; an era when you could wander into a five and dime for candy or a soda.
Oberlin's historic Ben Franklin store opened in 1935 and has been serving generations of town residents ever since! Today, it operates as a bookstore, fabric and frame shop, and all-around variety store, and is an impossibly charming place to peruse.
Ben Franklin & MindFair Books, 13 W College St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
All that exploring is bound to work up an appetite, and in true college town fashion, you'll find a world of delicious cuisine in Oberlin! Stop into The Feve for a burger and tater tots, grab a falafel plate from Aladdin's, or order a couple 'zas from Lorenzo's. You certainly won't go hungry here.
There's pretty much always something going on in bustling Oberlin, a place that warmly welcomes everyone. Come and explore this enchanting Ohio town for yourself, and be prepared to be swept off your feet!
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
