Ohio is full of hidden gems just waiting for you to find.
From stunning wineries and Italian restaurants to canal towns and country inns, there are seemingly endless surprises hiding in the Buckeye State. The next time you’re itching to take an out-of-state road trip, take some time to discover what’s close to home. The following are 11 beautiful locations in Ohio you probably didn’t know existed.
1. Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro (Canton)
In addition to beautiful Tuscany-style villas available for overnight stays and high quality, locally produced wines, this vineyard features an unbelievably delicious Italian restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Ohio's favorite Italian getaway is located at 1700 55th St NE, Canton, Ohio 44721.
2. Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve (Marshallville)
Tucked away in Wayne County, you'll find more than 200 acres of some of Ohio's oldest trees at Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve. The all boardwalk trail system makes the preserve easy to explore. You can either take the Short Loop or Long Loop. It's located at 13240 Fox Lake Rd., Marshallville, OH 44645.
3. Clifton
Clifton is a gorgeous small town. It's home to the historic site of Clifton Mill (pictured), which features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station and a quaint American restaurant. (And don't miss the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill during the holidays!)
4. Crystal Cave (Put-In-Bay)
Crystal Cave on South Bass Island lies 35 ft. below the surface and is about 12,000-15,000 years old. The cave is made up of celestite crystals ranging anywhere from 8 to 18 inches long. As you walk through it, you'll feel like you've entered another world. It's the world's largest celestite geode, making it one of the state's most unique attractions.
5. Yoder's Amish Home (Millersburg)
This gorgeous 116-acre Amish home and farm is open to the public from April 23 - October 22. Guided tours of the barn and houses will temporarily take you back to a simpler time. You'll also learn all about the history and customs of the Amish faith. Yoder's Amish Home is located at 6050 SR 515 Millersburg, OH 44654.
6. Landoll's Mohican Castle (Loudonville)
Landoll’s Mohican Castle is one of those pleasantly unexpected places—and when you step foot onto its grounds, you feel like you’ve stumbled across an enchanted Ohio secret. Located in Loudonville, this lovely little getaway features gorgeous suites, murder mystery dinners and other amenities sure to make you feel like the king/queen of this whimsical castle in the middle of the forest. You'll find it at 561 Twp. Rd. 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842.
7. Roscoe Village
Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio is a charming canal town Ohio history buffs will absolutely love. Complete with horse-drawn canal boat rides, living history tours and old-fashioned shops, this is one town everyone in Ohio needs to explore at least once. (Even if you don’t consider yourself a history buff, you’ll fall in love with the old world charm and beautiful surroundings.)
8. Malabar Farm (Lucas)
If you live in Ohio and have yet to visit Malabar Farm State Park, you’re truly missing out. Nestled in the hills of Pleasant Valley in Lucas, Ohio is a picture perfect farm with an unbelievably nice restaurant. It’s beloved by locals and a hidden gem to Ohioans who don’t live in the area. It's located at 3645 Pleasant Valley Road, Lucas, OH 44843.
9. The Inn at Honey Run (Millersburg)
Spend your days exploring Ohio's Amish Country and your nights at this truly charming getaway, where relaxation and upscale casual dining abound. The Inn at Honey Run features unique suite options, such as the earth-sheltered Club Level Honeycombs. It is located at 6920 County Rd. 203, Millersburg, OH 44654.
10. Zoar
The small town of Zoar, Ohio is a historic German village most people in the state (surprisingly) don’t know about. Beautifully preserved and full of fun places to explore, you’ll fall in love with this little-known town. The village of Zoar has more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings still standing today. Consequently, the town has preserved much of its old world charm.
11. Glenlaurel Inn and Cottages (Rockbridge)
This lovely little romantic getaway features Scottish-themed decor, private decks with hot tubs, gourmet breakfast and dinners with bagpipe entertainment. Glenlaurel Inn and Cottages doesn't allow children or pets and is located at 14940 Mount Olive Rd., Rockbridge, OH 43149.
Have you been to any of these places before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
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