With a Farmer’s Market, Weekly Music, and a Seasonal Festival, There’s Nothing Like a Summer Weekend in This Ohio Town

Granville is a charming Ohio town just outside of Columbus, home to a tiny but mighty population of around 6,300. Granville has a decidedly "small town" sensibility and warm and welcoming vibe that peaks in the summer months, just like the produce at its seasonal farmers' market. In addition to the eponymous Granville Farmers Market, the Concert on the Green Series is an annual tradition that provides a vibrant and delightful soundtrack to visitors of this small town. Even better? Because of its close proximity to Columbus, visitors and residents can easily hoof it to the Ohio State Fair, a festival that belongs on everyone's seasonal bucket list!

There are so many things to do in Granville, Ohio. For all of these reasons and more, there's truly nothing like a summer weekend in Granville, Ohio. It's one of the best small towns in Ohio.

With a walkable downtown full of bustling small businesses and restaurants, and loads of historic buildings and charming houses, Granville already has everything it needs to be peak "charming Ohio town" material. In the summer, however, Granville blooms into something wholly, wonderfully alive —literally!

For over 30 years, the Granville Farmers Market has been feeding residents and visitors the best of the Buckeye State's bounty. The market features a wide variety of options with over 50 local farmers, bakers, specialty food producers, and more. It is easily the kind of place you could spend an entire morning wandering, shopping, and nibbling! You may agree it's one of the best things to do in Granville, Ohio. While there is an indoor market in the colder months, the Saturday market at Raccoon Valley Park is a summer highlight you won't want to miss.

Visit the Granville Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Raccoon Valley State Park from early May through late October, and on Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. at Ross' Granville IGA Parking Lot between mid-June and late September.

Another summertime must in Granville, Ohio is the Concerts on the Green series held on the Bryn du Mansion's back lawn. Facilitated by the Granville Recreation District, this summer series brings fun, festivities, and food to downtown Granville. If you're like me, you have fond memories of watching outdoor concerts with your family while sprawling on a picnic blanket. It's a quintessential and time-honored part of summer in Ohio with broad appeal to folks of all ages, and Concerts on the Green is a longstanding favorite.

Of course, it's impossible to talk about summer in Ohio without mentioning the summer festival to end all summer festivals—the Ohio State Fair! One of the largest state fairs in the country, the Ohio State Fair is 11 action-packed days of rides, exhibitions, entertainment, and the best darn fair food in the country. With the Ohio Expo Center just half an hour from Granville, it's an easy day trip that's 100% worth scheduling your visit around.

Though I wouldn't blame you if you simply want to spend your entire summer weekend enjoying the seasonal vibes and attractions in Granville, Ohio. This charming central Ohio town truly is at its peak in the summer, so we urge you to make the most of it!

My lodging recommendation for a summer weekend getaway in Ohio? The always-lovely Granville Inn. Built in 1924, this century-old building is a favorite for special events and weddings and is a memorable place to spend the night. You'll certainly find it among the most charming towns in Ohio.

A summer weekend in Granville, Ohio, is a summer weekend well-spent. Have you ever spent time in Granville? What were your favorite things to do in Granville, Ohio? If you've yet to visit, be sure to share this article with your favorite travel companion and let the exploring begin!

Would you like to see more charming small towns? Take this road trip to some of the best small towns in Ohio.