Spend a Day in These 5 Ohio Small Towns

Chagrin Falls: Whether it’s the adorable popcorn shop that sits along North Main Street or the town’s namesake waterfall behind it, this village of more than 4,000 residents is packed with Victorian architecture and picket-fence perfection that artist Norman Rockwell might have loved. The red, white and blue Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop has been here since 1949. Other downtown retail includes the outfitter Geiger’s and the old-fashioned Fireside Book Shop. Grab a bite to eat at Pub Frato or the upscale Oddfellows. chagrin-falls.org

Grand Rapids: This Wood County village of fewer than 1,000 residents was known as Gilead back when boats traversed the Miami & Erie Canal. Renamed in 1868, the village of Grand Rapids offers a mix of small shops and restaurants along Front Street. Head to the Village Orchard for gifts or the Just For You Shoppe for clothing. Metroparks Toledo’s Canal Experience offers the chance to revisit the era that shaped this part of Ohio and features a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat. grandrapidsohio.com

Granville: Formed as a planned community by New England settlers in 1805, this charming village is almost as old as Ohio itself. It’s the home of Denison University — actors Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner are both alums — and the community of around 6,000 residents sits below the hilltop campus. Meet at Three Tigers Brewing Co. for craft brews and Vietnamese-inspired street food or stop into Village Coffee Co. for a to-go cup to enjoy while taking a walk down Broadway. visitgranvilleohio.com

Nelsonville: Settled in 1814, Nelsonville has a population of around 3,800. The town was shaped by its coal-mining past but has since become a southeast Ohio arts spot. Built in 1879, Stuart’s Opera House was revived in 1997 after sitting vacant for over five decades. The village’s public square is also where you’ll find gift shops New Leaf Marketplace and Mountain Mystic, as well as Majestic Galleries, which features work by local artists. Nelsonville is also home to Rocky Boots, and the company’s outlet. cityofnelsonville.com

Yellow Springs: Settled in 1825 with utopian ideals, this town of around 3,500 residents is now a hub for creativity. The liberal arts school Antioch University was founded here in 1852 and counts Coretta Scott King among its alumni, while comedian Dave Chappelle has famously made the small town his home. Sunrise Cafe and The Winds Cafe are landmark eateries along Xenia Avenue, while the Little Art Theatre screens a mix of independent, international and documentary films. Ye Olde Trail Tavern has been pouring drinks since 1827 and bills itself as Ohio’s oldest tavern. yellowspringsohio.org

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