Sometimes we all need a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful small towns with interesting histories, cultures and landscapes within driving distance of Cincinnati. Here's a few to consider for your next peaceful getaway.
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Photo: Facebook.com/GranvilleOH
Granville, Ohio
Distance: 2.5 hours
Granville is a small town located about 30 minutes east of Columbus. The city's downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants and lovely sights. Settled by New Englanders, the style of its historic buildings resemble those you would see in Massachusetts small towns. You can explore landmarks such as the Alligator Mound, the Bryn Du Mansion estate, and the Robbins Hunter Museum.
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Photo: facebook.com/cityofmaysville
Maysville, Kentucky
Distance: 1 hour
Step back in time in Maysville, Kentucky, a small town located along the Ohio River. Celebrate the arts in many different ways in this quaint historic town by enjoying a show at the famed Washington Opera House, built in 1898. You can head over to the Russell Theater and enjoy an Art Deco experience in a place that once hosted a red carpet event for Rosemary Clooney (who is originally from Maysville) at the opening of The Stars are Singing. For some history, walk around and discover Underground Railroad sites, or do a tour and tasting at the Old Pogue bourbon distillery, open since 1876.
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Photo: Facebook.com/YodersAmishHome
Millersburg, Ohio
Distance: 3.5 hours
If you've ever been interested in the Amish culture, Millersburg is in the heart of Amish country and just over a three-hour drive from Cincinnati. There you'll find Yoder's Amish Home, where you can learn firsthand about Amish day-to-day living and culture via tours of the farm, house and land. There's also the Guggisberg Cheese Factory, which is the home of the original baby Swiss cheese. There are also many other Amish towns nearby, such as Berlin or Walnut Creek, with more activities and lodging.
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Willoughby, Ohio
Distance: 4 hours
Willoughby sits beside the Chagrin River and is a town rich in history that can be dated back to Native American settlements. It is also the only town in America to belong to six different counties at one point or another. With scenic nature reserves and historical buildings and monuments, Willoughby is a great spot to roam and soak in the antiquity of Ohio. Outdoor Markets in the City Hall parking lot are held on Saturdays at 8 a.m. to noon, June through October.
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Photo: Public Domain, Library of Congress
Columbus, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Columbus, Indiana is known for its architecture and public art. The city hosts a popular annual festival called Exhibit Columbus that celebrates art and design throughout the community. Take a guided tour of the Miller House, a famed Midcentury Modern home known for its colors, thoughtful design and breathtaking gardens. For some historic architecture, take a tour of the Inn at Irwin Gardens, a unique Edwardian-era development remodeled in 1910. Or if you prefer a self-guided tour, download the Downtown Audio tour app that walks you through 18 stops throughout Columbus.
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Photo: Elizabeth Schmitt
Yellow Springs, Ohio
Distance: 1.5 hours
Yellow Springs is the perfect destination for those who have a love for arts, culture and nature. Throughout the year the town hosts various arts and music festivals, ranging from intimate gatherings to large events. The village is surrounded by nature reserves, hiking and biking trails and canyons. With its close proximity to Cincinnati, Yellow Springs is a great choice for a day trip filled with adventure and stunning sights.
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Photo: ohiodnr.gov
Marblehead, Ohio
Distance: 4 hours
Sitting on the tip of Marblehead peninsula, dividing Lake Erie from Sandusky Bay, and located 20 miles from Cedar Point amusem*nt park, is the small village of Marblehead. This quaint lakefront hamlet is in a region known as “vacationland” for its sport fishing and boating community during the summer months. Marblehead also has a functioning lighthouse that has been in operation since 1822.
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Marietta, Ohio
Distance: 3.5 hours
Marietta was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Today, it remains a bustling town with beautiful historical attractions and adventurous outdoor activities. The city has over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and access to kayaking and canoe rentals on its picturesque river. There's also an incredible amount of monuments, museums and architectural marvels to check out.
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Photo: facebook.com/CityofWooster
Wooster
Distance: 3 hours
Wooster, Ohio is filled with amazing architecture, from the gothic revival courthouse to the victorian homes. Take a walk down the main street and you'll fall in love with this little slice of historical heaven. Oh, and the food is pretty great too!
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Tipp City, Ohio
Distance: 1.5 hours
Tipp City attained its odd abbreviated moniker decades after it was founded in 1840, when it was named after “Tippecanoe,” the nickname of our shortest-tenured president, William Henry Harrison. In its early history, Tipp City operated as a popular stopping-off point along the 274-mile Miami and Erie Canal. The first Friday of every month June through September there is a farmers market from 5-8 p.m.
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Medina, Ohio
Distance: 3.5 hours
Medina, located about 20 miles west of Akron, is a community that is proud of its heritage and passionate about preserving it. The charming historic center located in the heart of town defines their image. Once a week through June and July, Medina hosts a "Party in the Park" with free family-friendly fun in one of their parks.
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Photo: Facebook.com/VisitAthensOhio
Athens, Ohio
Distance: 2.5 hours
A liberal oasis within Southeast Ohio, Athens is home to the state's oldest university (Ohio University), which opened in 1808 with just three students. Modern-day Athens is known for its scenic miles of local bike and hiking trails and is just a quick 45-minute drive from one of the most beautiful state parks in the region, Hocking Hills. Surprisingly good local dining in the uptown area will keep you well fed late into the night and acclaimed microbreweries Jackie O's and Little Fish are sure to keep your whistle wet.
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Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Rabbit Hash, Kentucky
Distance: 45 minutes
A scenic, 45-minute drive southwest takes you to Rabbit Hash, known for its historic general store and series of dog mayors. The Rabbit Hash General Store was known as “the best known and best preserved country store in Kentucky," until it was destroyed by a fire in 2016, later to be restored and reopened in April 2017.
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Mount Vernon, Ohio
Distance: 2.5 hours
Mt. Vernon was voted Best Hometown 2017-2018 by Ohio Magazine, and by taking a walk through the well-preserved downtown area, you'll see why. With its green parks and classical buildings, there's a lot to explore in Mt. Vernon. You can camp near and canoe the Kokosing River or check out the oldest opera theatre in the nation, the Woodward Opera House.
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Nashville, Indiana
Distance: 2 hours
If you don’t want to drive all the way to Tennessee, there is a Nashville much closer that’s still full of music and adventure. Head out to Nashville, Indiana —just two hours outside of Cincinnati — where you can bike, hike (at Brown County State Park), learn to line dance, take horse-drawn tours of the historic area and drink at plenty of local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Watch live music at the historic Brown County Playhouse or enjoy some of the beautiful artwork scattered around town.
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Photo: Facebook.com/frankenmut
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Distance: 5 hours
If you thought Cincinnati embraced its German heritage, experience more of that in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth's snow tops the Germanic architecture throughout the town during the winter months. Skate outside at the Zehnder Park ice rink and, to escape the cold, head to one of the town's indoor water parks. Frankenmuth also has a full schedule of festivals including Zehnder’s Snowfest, which has been going strong for over 30 years. Frankenmuth is also home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the year-round "World's Largest Christmas Store."
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Photo: Facebook.com/AvonLake
Avon Lake, Ohio
Distance: 4 hours
Originally settled by several Native American tribes before being occupied by three nations (France, Great Britain and the United States), Avon Lake is just 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. The secluded nature-lovers hotspot is home to six community parks as well as quality fishing destinations on Lake Erie.
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Madison, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour
Madison, Indiana sits along the Ohio River and is known for being the country's largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District. There are tons of tours offered throughout the town: take a tour on a carriage, a walking tour through downtown or even a ghost tour of some particularly spooky spots. Celebrate the arts at any of the music venues in Madison or head over to the arts and culture district. Grab a beer at one of the many breweries and relax by the river.
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Photo: lovelandoh.gov
Loveland, Ohio
Distance: 30 minutes
A short drive from downtown Cincinnati, Loveland, Ohio is a quaint town located on the banks of the Little Miami River. The main strip is filled with eateries and small boutiques. With the Loveland Bike Trail and Lake Isabella Park, Loveland makes for a great mini day trip.
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Photo: Chris Flook, Creative Commons
Metamora, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour
This beautiful canal town in Indiana offers a step back in time to the 1800s. Visit the beautiful Metamora Grist Mill, an operational water-power mill that grinds cornmeal and flour available for purchase. Take a ride on the scenic Whitewater Valley Railroad that travels along the canal. There are also plenty of places to go antiquing in Metamora.
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