Here in Ohio, we're no strangers to accolades. From the most scenic drives to the most adventure-filled parks, the Buckeye State has gotten national attention time and time again. Today, we're pleased to share yet another spotlight award from Smithsonian Magazine. On their list of the best small towns to visit for the year, Ohio's very own Chillicothe was featured as a truly remarkable "pre-historic small town." Here's more on Chillicothe, one of the very best small towns to visit in Ohio.
Tucked away in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio awaits a special place whose history dates back thousands of years.
With a population of 22,000, Chillicothe is a small town yet offers an abundance of cultural appeal. In fact, it has served as the state's capital twice in the past 200 years.
A visit to the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is one of the best ways to learn about this important history. You can take a guided tour of the earthworks, which are ceremonial earthen wall enclosures dating back nearly 2,000 years. In fact, these earthworks may soon become a Unesco World Heritage site.
When you visit Chillicothe, you'll find there's simply no shortage of things to do. From outdoor parks to small-town activities, there's always something going on.
When was the last time you explored Chillicothe? Do you agree that it's one of the best small towns to visit in Ohio? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
If you're in town visiting and wondering "where should I eat in Chillicothe?" then you'll want to check out this nostalgic diner in Ohio for an unforgettable meal!
There's just something magical about small-town bookstores, right? If you're anything like me, you grew up reading the most incredible books, which has a tendency to spark a lifelong love of reading... and book collecting, which is arguably a different hobby than reading. (If you know, you know.) Whether you're a voracious reader or a collector and re-reader, this six hour road trip from Cleveland to Cincinnati will introduce you to ten of the very best bookstores in Ohio. You can navigate via Google Maps to make it easy, but don't forget to check out our road trip packing list before you head out. Whether you're planning on breaking this trip up into a few trips or powering through it all at once, it's best to be prepared!
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To kick off our adventures in Cleveland, we're going to visit the famous Loganberry Books.
yooperann/Flickr
Loganberry is Cleveland's largest independent bookstore, and it's home to more than 100,000 tomes. Deliciously cozy and tended to by a friendly little cat named Alice, this cute bookstore has served the Larchmere neighborhood for circa three decades. Its massive floor-to-ceiling shelves and cozy little sitting areas make it a fan favorite, and the vast selection ensures there's something for everyone.
This cozy book business opened its doors in 2023, and it has since expanded to include two houses of books. Yeah, you read that right. Both houses have vast selections in different genres, with a particular focus on indie authors and local writers. With a slew of merch and stickers to pair with your literary adventures, you really can't go wrong with a visit! Plus, cool decorations make for the perfect photo props.
From here, we'll start making our way toward Columbus. But along the way, there's one flawlessly organized little storefront we have to visit: Holly's Book Rack in Ontario, Ohio.
If you've never heard of this Richland County community, it's probably because it's a teeny tiny town with a mere 6,000 residents. Its neighbor, Mansfield, helped bring industry into the area, and it's a fun road trip stop today. Holly's Book Rack is a great spot for both used and new books, and if they don't have what you're looking for, the staff is likely to go above and beyond to help you find it. The prices can't be beat, and the organization makes selecting your next read absolutely effortless.
Now, we're going to continue inching our way toward Columbus, and Mount Vernon is the next city of interest on our road trip.
Paragraphs Bookstore is the cutest little book shop in town, and the staff is famously passionate about literature. You'll find an incredible selection and all sorts of new releases, and you can even preorder upcoming books if you have something special on your TBR. With comfy chairs and bonus selections like puzzles and games, there's something for everyone at this quaint little store. And don't pass up the opportunity for conversation... shoppers can't help but rave about how kind the staff is!
Now that we've spent some time in the suburbs, we're going to venture into Columbus to visit The Book Loft of German Village.
Achim Barczok/Flickr
Before you even set foot in the bookstore, you've got to explore German Village a bit. It's one of my favorite places in Columbus, and it has a fascinating history and colorful architecture to boot. This National Historic District was once a cultural hub for German immigrants, and those roots are celebrated today with quirky businesses and annual events like Oktoberfest.
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The Book Loft of German Village is cozy as can be, and to say it's massive is an understatement. This cool independent book shop is one of the nation's largest, and its complex spans several pre-Civil War buildings. An astonishing 32 rooms of bargain books await visitors, and since the store is open seven days a week, it's always a good time to visit.
Once you're done exploring the charms of this unique Columbus neighborhood, we'll continue our road trip to Epic Book Shop in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
I just adore the atmosphere in Yellow Springs. With under 4,000 residents, it's a picturesque small town that just moves at a slower pace of life. Though it started as a utopian community, its book store carries various different genres. It's open seven days a week, and its cozy book-filled rooms are a literary dream come true. With new and used books alike, there's something for every type of reader. Don't be afraid to ask the staff about their featured picks!
Continuing our journey, we're going to head into Dayton for a book store that won't break the bank: Dollar Book Swap.
Sure, the merch selection is cool, but the draw here is truly the bargains. Most of the books are around $1, but some are even cheaper! This is an incredible spot for stocking up on children's books, and special deals might even let you snag a whole bag of books at a price you can't beat. Though it's rather like a warehouse in its setup, cute picture-perfect areas are ideal for snapping a photo or two.
Next up on our trip, we're going to visit Miamisburg, Ohio to stop at Monocle Comics & Coffee.
With books, comics, coffee, games, and merch, there's so much to love about this cool local shop. You'll love the coffee, and even if you're not much of a comics reader, you'll want to peruse their selection. The artistry in these books is incredible, and collectibles and new releases alike delight visitors.
Our road trip is winding down, but we still have two more stops to check out as we inch toward Cincinnati. Continuing our trend of visiting scenic cities, we're going to head into Loveland, Ohio to check out Bike Trail Books.
This charming family-owned bookstore opened its doors in 2023, but it already feels like a fixture of the community. That's thanks in part to an emphasis on local authors, but also to its location in the historic Bond Furniture Building. With a vast selection of children's and adult books, the shop is perfectly cozy and poised to help satisfy readers of every background.
Are you ready for the final stop on our trip? We're going to go to Cincinnati to visit a bookstore worthy of Princess Belle: Ohio Book Store.
Erica Minton/Flickr
This adorable little book shop has a whopping five floors of books and magazines, and it has served the area since 1940. For generations, avid readers have found a home at this incredible bookstore that's one of the finest in Ohio. Though it doubles as a bindery, the store is open Monday through Saturday, and if you can't find what you're looking for... well, you might have to check a different floor. With a helpful staff and a collection that will knock your socks off, you're going to love this Ohio bookstore.
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From Cleveland to Cincinnati, there are many incredible bookstores in Ohio. Visiting is a great way to support local businesses while fueling your literary appetite!
If you're a bookworm, you'll also love visiting Malabar Farm. It was home to Pulitzer Prize winning author Louis Bromfield, and it's said to be haunted.
Ohio isn't exactly tropical, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to feel as though you've landed in the middle of paradise. Head to Cincinnati and hop aboard an SS Tiki Tours cruise for a tropical-themed adventure that will positively delight you. With scenic views and enough fun to go around, you'll be glad you opted for a private cruise on this Hawaiian-themed party boat.
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All aboard! SS Tiki Tours offers private cruises along the majestic Ohio River and it's truly fun for all ages.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful sunset excursion or a party boat with an "it's 5-o-clock somewhere" mentality, these cruises can be customized to your exact specifications.
Sightseeing cruises are 2.5 hours and the boats can accommodate up to 18 passengers. These cruises are terrific ways to celebrate a special event or to create a night to remember. Firework cruises are also available but these are limited in availability.
The cruises are BYOB, so you can bring along your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages with you. The same goes for any food you'd like aboard.
So the next time you're in the mood for a tropical adventure without having to hop on a plane, you'll be glad you signed up for a private cruise with SS Tiki Tours.
Have you ever cruised the Ohio River with SS Tiki Tours? What was your experience like? Be sure to tell us all about it in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
For more information and to book your upcoming cruise, visit the SS Tiki Tours website and the SS Tiki Tours Facebook page. And don't forget to check out some of our favorite summertime travel gear for all of your sunny-weather adventures.
