25 Ohio Small Towns You Should Be Spending Time in This Fall

Athens

We promise there’s more to Athens than drunk college students. There’s also drunk adults! Ohio Brew Week (July 12-20) is one of the best events in the state, featuring hundreds of beers from close to 50 Ohio breweries.. And while you’re in town, don’t forget to see Stroud’s Run and eat at Casa Nueva, a worker-owned co-op Mexican restaurant that has live music, art, amazing huevos rancheros and a bloody mary made with house-made pepper infused vodka, which is to die for. Don’t leave without getting a beer at Jackie O’s, a burrito at Big Mamma’s and a hot dog and chili cheese fries at O’Betty’s.

Photo via @AthensOhio/Instagram

Yellow Springs

The home of Antioch College, this eclectic town boasts a plethora of art galleries and other cultural activities. The best time to go? Yellow Springs Street Fair takes place on June 8th and on October 12 this year, and there’ll be two stages of live music, arts, crafts, food and beer vendors, a beer garden, street performers and much more.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Jamie Holly

Wooster

Wooster is a small town for foodies. There are food tours throughout the city, as well as plenty of local restaurants and cafes to choose from, but make some time for Pine Tree Barn. It's a cool spot incorporating a tree farm, furniture store, and restaurant all in one overlooking gleaming lakes, giving diners a gorgeous view. While you're digesting all of that food head downtown and pop into the rare bookstore, Books in Stock. Woosterfest, taking place September 27 and 28, is an annual Oktoberfest type festival with live music, beer, food and more.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Lugevas

Put-In-Bay

Put-in-Bay was on Huffington Post Travel's list of The 12 Cutest Small Towns in America and lives up to its name. This island town is a great vacation getaway without leaving Ohio, full of scenic beach views, Visit Crystal Cave, the world's largest geode. The Put-In-Bay Music Festival is June 8.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Analogue Kid

Perrysburg

This town, located on the Maumee River, was the site of an historic battle in the War of 1812. After checking out the battlefield site, head uptown to many shops and restaurants. Swig is a gastropub with microbrews and pub eats and 5th Street Pub specializes in meatballs and pizza. Hit up Thrush’s Bakery for some desserts.

Photo via Perrysburg, Ohio/Facebook

Oberlin

Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind with this small town is the renowned liberal arts college that has produced people who have made it big in entertainment, like Lena Dunham, Ed Helms and writer William Goldman. But this college town really does make for a great day trip from Cleveland. Check out the Allen Memorial Art Museum and Underground Railroad Center, or go ziplining at the Common Ground Canopy Tour. The Oberlin Summer Theater Festival runs throughout the summer.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Weatherman1126

New Philadelphia

Implied in the name, New Philadelphia was based on the design of its bigger brother in Pennsylvania. Tuscora Park is one of the main attractions here featuring, a carousel, Ferris wheel, and mini golf. It's also home to one of the longest running historical dramas at the state of the art Performing Arts Center at Kent State University Tuscarawas.

Photo via Tuscora Park/Facebook

Mount Vernon

Located north of Columbus, Mount Vernon, is home to the oldest opera theater in the United States, the Woodward Opera House. Head to Ariel Foundation Park to see the river of glass and climb the Rastin Observation Tower, to get a great view of Mount Vernon.

Photo via Mount Vernon/Facebook

Milan

Milan is known as the birthplace of Thomas Edison, and the house he was born in has been turned into a small museum. Also, if you're looking to get a tattoo The Electric Pen, named after the Edison invention, is the place to go. Grab breakfast at the Invention Restaurant and end your day at the Wonder Bar, for a tasty burger and an ice cold beer. The Milan Melon Festival will celebrate its 60th year this summer during Labor Day Weekend - the muskmelon ice cream and watermelon sherbet are must tries.

Photo via @JEadelis/Instagram