Ohioans love their cheese.
All throughout the Buckeye State, you’ll find massive supermarkets and impressive country stores hiding hundreds and hundreds of different kinds of cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, the following are 9 cheese wonderlands in Ohio that are worthy of a pilgrimage. See how many you’ve been to before and which ones you’ve yet to explore:
1. Cheese Haven (Port Clinton)
With more than 100 kinds of cheeses to choose from, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed—in a good way, of course. Chances are, if you're looking for a specific type of cheese, you'll find it at Cheese Haven. There may even be some samples available for you to nibble on during your visit. Cheese Haven is located at 2920 E Harbor Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452.
2. The Little Switzerland of Ohio (Sugarcreek)
Travel to "The Little Switzerland of Ohio," where, you guessed it, Swiss cheese abounds. The lovely little village prides itself on its German and Swiss heritage, and you can't leave without purchasing some homemade Swiss cheese while you're in town. (Be sure to check out the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock while you're here, too.)
3. The Mac Shack (Cincinnati)
Right next to the University of Cincinnati’s campus, The Mac Shack features some of the most epic macaroni and cheese dishes you'll ever taste. On the menu, you'll find nine epic macaroni and cheese options, all creatively named. The Mac Shack is located at 249 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, OH 45219.
4. Walnut Creek Cheese (Walnut Creek)
One of the most massive and incredible Amish Country stores is Walnut Creek Cheese—where you’ll find so much more than cheese. It might just take all day to explore this wonderland of cheese and food. Walnut Creek Cheese is located at 2641 State Route 39, Walnut Creek, OH 44687.
5. Heini's Cheese Chalet (Millersburg)
A cheese lover's dream come true, this charming store and factory sits in the heart of Ohio Amish Country. You'll learn all about the history of cheesemaking and enjoy free samples of cheese among more than 50 varieties of cheeses. Heini's Cheese Chalet is located at 6005 Co Hwy 77, Millersburg, OH 44654.
6. World of Cheese (Jungle Jim's International Market)
Cheese lovers will be pleased to know that there's a "World of Cheese" to explore inside this massive international market, which includes "The Big Cheese." Check out the 800 lbs. of provolone on display, which is currently aging in the store for a total of 18 months to enhance the flavor. Jungle Jim’s International Market is located at 4450 Eastgate South Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45245 and 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014.
7. Grandpa's Cheesebarn (Ashland)
What was once a working dairy farm is now a truly epic cheese barn right off of Interstate 71. It's a family-owned, charming store, gift shop and eatery the whole family will love. Since 1978, Grandpa Baum (and Grandma Baum) have been serving up exceptional cheese and other goodies along with their family at this iconic stop. At Grandpa's Cheesebarn, you'll find the best Colby, Swiss, Baby Swiss, and several other types of local cheeses in Ohio. It's located at 668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805.
8. Mad Mac’s (Lakewood)
Mad Mac’s in Lakewood, Ohio is a truly epic mac and cheese bar you’ll absolutely love. There's truly something for every Mac and cheese lover here, from the Buttery Brie and Crumbled Cracker style to the Hamburger Mac and Cheese. Mad Mac’s is located at 13601 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107.
9. Shisler's Cheese House (Orrville)
This family-owned country store is hiding some of the most delicious cheese in the state. From Swiss to Marble, you can't go wrong with whatever you choose here. As an added bonus, you can get some amazing smoked sausage, beef jerky, Trail Bologna, and more. You'll find it at 55 Kidron Rd. in Orville, Ohio.
Have you been to any of these cheese wonderlands before? What others would you add to this list? Let us know!
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