Enjoy The Simple Life When You Visit This Tiny Rural Community In Ohio
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 30, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Ohio is a wonderful balance of big cities and small towns, with myriad mid-sized ‘burbs thrown in the mix, too. Those looking for a slice of small-town life will find it in the Buckeye State, and while Ohio’s Amish Country is acclaimed for its bucolic beauty, it’s not the only rural community in Ohio worth visiting. West Liberty is a tiny rural community of just over 1,700 residents. It’s your quintessential slice of All-American pie that’s brimming with small-town pride, scenic beauty, and a bustling little Main Street.
This is what small-town, rural Ohio looks like. American flags, charming farmhouses, and bucolic beauty for days.
This tiny rural community is home to more livestock and farm acres than residents. It's the kind of pastoral postcard most think of when conjuring up images of the perfect rural community in Ohio.
Interestingly enough, West Liberty is best-known for what lies beneath its farms and cornfields. A popular destination and card-carrying member of the National Caving Association, the Ohio Caverns is the largest of all the cave systems in Ohio and contains some of the most jaw-dropping crystal formations you'll ever see.
The aboveground attractions in this rural community are admittedly less flashy, but no less captivating. West Liberty's downtown district is delightfully wholesome and walkable and full of all sorts of locally owned shops and restaurants.
The Ice Cream Parlor is a town favorite that's teeming with nostalgia (and delicious treats!). Black-and-white tile floors, neon-lit signs, and counters lined with classic shake machines make for a wholly wonderful experience.
Pop's Uniquities is another town standout. This is a carefully curated treasure trove of all things vintage, retro, and mid-century modern... it's the kind of place I could happily spend hours perusing!
Outside of the town's main drag, tree-lined streets full of friendly neighbors make West Liberty immediately feel like home. I love happening upon a local yard sale -- it's such a fun way to get a sense of the community!
What’s your favorite rural community in Ohio? West Liberty is definitely a small town in Ohio worth exploring. My suggestion? Pack up the car and make a road trip out of it. Between the town itself and Ohio Caverns, there’s lots to see and do in this little rural town.
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