6 Winter Villages Near Cleveland That Will Enchant You Beyond Words
By Nikki Rhoades|Published December 20, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
To many, Hallmark movies add a bit of warmth to the coldest months of the year. These typically feature a chilly, snow-covered small town with old-school architecture and a pace that’s just a little bit slower than in the city. Today, we’re going to travel in Greater Cleveland and beyond to highlight comparably quaint and welcoming winter villages in Northeast Ohio. If you see one you like, it’s well worth visiting! You just might find your own happily ever after there.
Middlefield is an enchanting community near Cleveland, and it makes for a magical winter getaway. This Geauga County community is rich in Amish culture, boasting one of the highest-density Amish populations in the nation. It's among the snowiest communities in Ohio but, quite frankly, all that snow just adds an extra dose of charm to the landscape. This village is home to less than 3,000 residents, and it's overflowing with natural beauty as a result.
You're looking at the Inn at Brandywine Falls, a charming overnight destination that's just paces away from a magnificent waterfall. While this area is full of history and intrigue, don't let its looks fool you; this community of fewer than 4,000 residents has modernized to include a racetrack and casino. While you're in the area, don't be afraid to explore the rest of Cuyahoga Valley National Park... it is breathtaking in the winter!
This Lake County community is slightly larger, boasting a population of just over 9,400 residents; however, its critter count is doubtlessly higher. Pictured here is Squire's Castle, one of the most amazing features in the Cleveland Metroparks. Originally built for Standard Oil's Feargus B. Squire, this castle is now open to the elements and totally open to the public. In the winter, you'll feel like icy royalty (step aside, Elsa) as you dance across this frozen landscape.
Even bigger than Willoughby Hills, Shaker Heights is home to nearly 30,000 residents... but you'd never know. This vivid community boasts an incredible small-town atmosphere, as well as a fascinating history. It was founded as a Shaker settlement, emphasizing equality, simple lifestyles, and pacifism. Unfortunately, its founders also practiced celibacy -- a fact that caused their community to eventually fade away. Today, the community is modern and charming... and locals love its restaurants!
You're looking at Huntington Beach, one of the best beaches in the Cleveland area. Before it was a tourist attraction, this landscape was populated by indigenous cultures... and Lake Road itself was one of the most important trading routes in Ohio before European settlement. Today, this community of nearly 16,000 has a rich history, including a murder case that confounds to this day. It's also home to all sorts of modern amenities, including a delectable dining scene.
If you haven't visited Wadsworth recently, it's worth a trip to this Medina County community of 21,500 people. While it may have once been a farm town, it is now modern... but also beautifully vintage in its atmosphere. In fact, it rather looks like a snow globe once wintertime engulfs the community. Its Downtown district is rich in beauty and culture, and locals love its dining and shopping.
These winter villages in Northeast Ohio are among the most charming places in the area, but they’re far from the only places of interest. What other quaint communities near Cleveland would you say are Hallmark-movie-worthy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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