April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
With the new year coming up, it’s time to start thinking about where you want to go in 2017 and what you want to do.
Fortunately, you don’t always have to travel very far at all to have a great year full of fun and adventure if you live in Ohio. Last year, we compiled a bucket list of things to do and see in Ohio. This year, we want to do the same with new locations and hidden gems you probably don’t know about. After you’ve seen the revamped Pro Football Hall of Fame and you’ve survived the newest roller coaster at Cedar Point, consider visiting these lesser-known attractions. From underrated eateries to outdoor adventures, here are 17 places you should go in Ohio in 2017.
The Ohio Railway Museum is a great day trip destination for train enthusiasts and the whole family to enjoy. It’s a train station, museum and railroad that offers fun, round-trip demonstration rides on some of the streetcars and interurbans. The Ohio Railway Museum is located at 990 Proprietors Rd., Worthington, OH 43085.
Did you know Ohio is home to the largest candy store in America? With an inventory of more than 4,500 different items valued at $2,000,000, you really won't find a better candy selection than at b.a. Sweetie Candy Company. It's located at 6770 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44129.
Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, Ohio features all the wintertime fun you could possibly want—and then some. It’s the largest ski and tubing resort in Ohio, featuring 144 acres. The Avalanche Tubing Park is loads of fun for families and groups of friends. The 1,000 ft. tubing hill features 10 lanes. (Group tubing rates are also available.) Mad River Mountain is located at 1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesfield, OH 43360.
Most people don’t know there’s an impressive replica of an Old West town tucked away in the hills of southern Ohio. Dogwood Pass near Beaver, Ohio was built to look and feel as authentic as possible, complete with bath houses, saloons and gun fights. Step back in time into the Old West at this unique town that’s anything but ordinary. It's located at 722 Adams Rd., Beaver, OH 45613.
With rows and rows of fresh produce, meat, seafood and other foods you’ve likely never seen before, a trip to this international market is truly an unforgettable experience. You’ll find much more than food here—although the food selection itself is certainly worth the trip. Jungle Jim’s International Market is located at 4450 Eastgate South Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45245 and 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014.
Out of all the unique places to eat in Ohio, Mike’s Place is undeniably Ohio’s quirkiest. From palm trees and tiki bars to Star Wars memorabilia and castles, it’s hard to pinpoint the overall theme of this unforgettable restaurant that truly marches to the beat of its own drum. It is located at 1700 S Water St, Kent, OH 44240.
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. Recently, the castle has underwent various renovations and improvements after appearing on an episode of Gordon Ramsay's "Hotel Hell." You'll find Landoll's Mohican Castle at 561 Twp. Rd. 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842.
This metro park in the Dayton area is home to some really, really old trees. Be sure to check out the 550-year-old Three Sisters and the Osage Orange Tunnel (pictured), which is made up of trees that were purposefully planted in rows in the late 1800s to serve as a farm fence. Sugarcreek Metro Park is located at 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305.
Glenwood Gardens in Cincinnati is another one of Ohio’s hidden gems just waiting to be explored. It features a Discovery Garden, a motorized train display and a pretty epic treehouse to play in. Glenwood Gardens is located at 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215.
While the freshly made ice cream will certainly entice you to check out this beloved working dairy farm, it’s all the other fun things you can do at Young’s Jersey Dairy that will make you stay awhile. Pet the animals, play mini golf, take a barrel ride and more at this family fun destination. Young’s Jersey Dairy is located at 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, OH 45387
If you’re a train enthusiast, there’s a restaurant in Ohio that’s just for you. The Berea Union Depot Restaurant in Berea, Ohio features a unique dining experience inside a historic train depot alongside active railroad tracks. What was once a bustling railroad hub in the late 1800s is now a family favorite restaurant where visitors can enjoy the history, unique atmosphere and passing trains. The Berea Union Depot Restaurant is located at 30 Depot St., Berea, OH 44017.
This stunning beachfront metropark features 600 acres, including 40-foot-high beach bluffs, 9,000 feet of shoreline and perfectly picturesque beaches. The park just opened a 50-ft. coastal observation tower that features 360-degree breathtaking views of the lake and bluffs. It is located at 2901 Clark Rd., Perry, OH 44081.
There’s no place quite like the Ye Olde Mill in Utica—where you can see how Velvet Ice Cream is made, take a free tour of the mill and try delicious flavors of ice cream you won’t find anywhere else. It is located at 11324 Mt Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080.
Tucked away in one of Ohio's lesser-known state parks, you'll find the Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center. It's the perfect place for some peace, quiet and a little adventure. Kayak, swim, golf, dine, shop, fish and much more at this central Ohio getaway, located at 22300 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143.
Not many people are aware that Ohio is home to an incredible canopy walk. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful experience—unless you’re absolutely terrified of heights, that is. The Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio features a 500 ft. long elevated walkway suspended 65 ft. above the forest floor. (And as an added bonus, there’s an observation tower on site that takes you up even further up—so much further that you end up above the trees.) The Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum is located at 9500 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094.
16. Tom's Ice Cream Bowl (Zanesville)
April Dray/Only In Your State
Since 1950, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has served up the area's best homemade ice cream. Its homey, 1950s style makes it a nostalgic stop for many. (You can't go wrong with any flavor here but if you like nuts on your sundae, definitely get them. Their nuts are roasted fresh daily and all of their toppings are processed in-house.) Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is located at 532 McIntire Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701.
Deemed "the largest fully accessible playground park in Northeast Ohio," this family favorite park is accessible to children of all needs and abilities, and features several designated age group areas, a play theater, an "Imagination Village" and a sand area. (This park is practically the King of Ohio Playgrounds.) It is located at 26001 S Woodland Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122.
How many of these places have you been to? What other places in Ohio would you reccommend visiting in 2017? Share your experiences and suggestions with us!
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