The Small Town In Ohio That Comes Alive During The Winter Season
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 04, 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.
There are so many delightful small towns in Ohio, each one deserving of the spotlight. Today, we’re giving the small town of Zoar, Ohio, its 15 minutes of fame. Zoar is a historic German village that’s criminally underrated and underrepresented, and it’s such a delight to discover! Beautifully preserved and full of fun places to explore, Zoar is brimming with Old World charm, and even after its month-long Christmas festivities, this small town remains warm and inviting all winter long.
The town of Zoar, Ohio, was founded in 1817 by a group of German Separatists seeking refuge from religious persecution. They settled in Ohio as the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Over 200 years later, the village of Zoar is home to more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings, making it a treasure trove for history lovers.
This town is tiny, with just 165 residents living in its homes, built from 1817 to the present. Pictured here is the Bimeler Cabin, one of the oldest buildings in Zoar and also the town's first meeting house.
This Old World town is perhaps best known for the eponymous Zoar Store. Built in 1833, the Zoar Store served as business headquarters for the Society, post office, and general store.
The Zoar Store was restored by the Ohio History Connection; today, it serves as an information center and gift shop.
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The tiny town is also celebrated for its big Christmas festivities, which happen all through the holiday season and provide lots of opportunities to shop local.
Christmas in Zoar is one of those holiday festivals in Ohio that everyone ought to experience. During this annual event, there's musical entertainment, a juried craft show,
historical demonstrations, a Saturday church service and tree lighting
ceremony, and much more!
The Cobbler Shop Bed & Breakfast and Cobbler Shop Antiques is a beautifully restored 19th-century home decorated with antiques dating back to 1828. It's a cozy place to peruse for an afternoon, or spend a few nights during a winter weekend getaway!
Zoar Hotel is another great spot to stay in town, though it's rumored to be haunted...
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In addition to wandering the downtown in its winter glory, nature lovers will love exploring Zoar Gardens and the nearby Canal Lands Park, which are postcard-perfect covered in snow!
When you get hungry, definitely stop by Donnie's Tavern, a small farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Zoar. Donnie's is a cozy spot to dine in the winter... especially if you order the Potato Kegs Poutine!
