9 Small Towns In Ohio That Are Full Of Charm And Perfect For A Weekend Escape

There's no place like small town Ohio. When you need a change of scenery and a weekend to relax, unwind, and enjoy the simple things in life, small town Ohio is the perfect place to escape. With exceptional restaurants, one-of-a-kind museums, and beautiful scenery, the following towns are what we consider to be some of the best small towns in Ohio to visit. When you need to escape for the weekend, they're the perfect places to explore.

1. Yellow Springs

Ohio's most colorful town is also one of its most charming small towns. In addition to great shopping and dining, you can explore two nature preserves, a state park, a beloved dairy farm, and so much more. If you enjoy creating or observing art, Yellow Springs is a whimsical little town and a picture-perfect escape.

2. Ashville

Take some time to explore Ohio's Small Town Museum and grab lunch at the Cherry Street Diner for the ultimate small town Ohio experience in Ashville. Small town pride runs deep in this charming town, where admission to its one-of-a-kind museum is free of charge. You'll learn all about Ohio authors, inventors, and cultural influencers —and you'll even get to see the oldest flag to represent the state of Ohio.

3. Smithville

After you've had your fill of home-cooked food and family fun at The Barn Restaurant, shop for some antiques and enjoy the scenic Wayne County countryside. With a population of just over 1,000, this lovely little village is a quiet place to settle down or visit for the weekend. During your visit, you'll also want to check out the historic Pioneer Village, right in the center of town. And the selection at Just Enough Antiques (pictured here) is amazing!

4. Ashtabula

A bit of a larger town with much to see and explore, the small city of Ashtabula is ideal for the Ohio history buff looking to find out more about the Buckeye State. Once you've explored Historic Bridge Street, you'll want to take the Ashtabula Country Covered Bridge tour. Other points of interest to check out in Ashtabula are the town's abundance of Lake Erie beaches, the harbor district, and beautiful apple orchards in the fall.

5. Bowling Green

So much more than a college town, Bowling Green is a bit of a hidden gem to Ohioans that aren't familiar with the area. Step back in time at Snook's Dream Cars for a few hours and check out the Wood County Museum for some local history. You'll also find multiple nature preserves, historic farms, and a lovely little oasis called Simpson Garden Park we can't recommend enough.

6. Sugarcreek

A tiny town with a big reputation, "The Little Switzerland of Ohio" shouldn't be overlooked. In Sugarcreek, Ohio, you'll encounter the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, and some truly incredible Swiss cheese, of course. It's a great way to start exploring Ohio Amish Country and everything special that this beloved region of Ohio is known for.

7. Marietta

The one Ohio River town you simply don't want to miss, the historic riverboat town of Marietta is a must-visit for every Ohio history buff at least once. As the oldest town in the state, it's home to a beautiful river walk, a famously haunted hotel, and some informative trolley tours you'll want to take. During your visit, we recommend grabbing lunch at Busy Bee Restaurant and having a date night at Austyn's Restaurant & Lounge.

8. Medina

Although you might only know it as home to the year-round Christmas museum Castle Noel, Medina, Ohio, is a lovely Victorian-era town that has much to explore. From beautiful places to stay and eat to local museums and shops, there's plenty to do and see here. We suggest trying Courthouse Pizzeria, which is housed in the town's oldest building.

9. Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a charming village that's located along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo. This restored canal town is truly one of a kind. While you're here, we recommend lunch at La Roe's Restaurant and a ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal at Providence Metropark and the Isaac Ludwig Mill.

What do you think of this list of the best small towns in Ohio to visit? Have you explored any of these charming Buckeye State towns before? What others would you add to this list? Share your thoughts, photos, and experiences with us!