Looking for some small town fun this upcoming season? So, say hello to Ohio. The Buckeye State occupies a humble, domestic part of the northeastern United States. It abuts a solid shoreline from Lake Erie, the warmest and therefore most swimmable of the five Great Lakes. While not without its heavy hitters, like the big “C” cities of Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, it's the smaller communities that make up the heart and soul of this underrated state. The following six spots are the best places to flock to for a mix of thrills and relaxation during the upcoming hot summer days.
Sandusky
While not the smallest of small towns (2020 population 25,095 in the core area, 75,662 in the total metropolitan or “micro-metropolitan” area), Sandusky is all kinds of fun in the summer. Located in Erie County, where the southwest shore of Lake Erie flows into Sandusky Bay, the City of Sandusky opens the door to cooling and water quenching operations. Swimming, boating and fishing are all readily available, and there are ferries that run to the lovely Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island, our next two stops on this summer tour. But the real coup in this area is the theme park with its wonderful coasters, Cedar Point. Hear the screams and laughter drift across the water from the small peninsula that stretches just east of downtown.
Put-In-Bay
Once you've had your fill of Kelleys Island, hop aboard and head over to Put-In-Bay, an adorable island village overlooking the northwest of Kelleys. Located on South Bass Island, this popular and idyllic spot is nicknamed the “Key West of the North.” The preferred mode of transportation in these parts is in a golf cart. Enjoy the fresh fall air as you travel through the city and many of the key sites in the suburbs including: South Bass Island State Park, Oak Point State Park, Sheeff East Point Nature Preserve and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, which honors the Battle of Lake Erie and celebrates the peace between the USA, the friendliest neighbors to the north and Britain.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
Up in the northeast corner of the state, in Ashtabula County, the cheerful Geneva-on-the-Lake resort continues the summery atmosphere of Lake Erie. Good old “GOTL” feels like a throwback to the 1950s, with classic arcades, ice cream parlors, pizza by the slice, and all the other all-American cheat foods that are great to enjoy after a day at the beach. This nostalgic spot features easy bike paths, a high-octane go-kart track and zipline, a Ferris wheel, outdoor concerts, and an array of vintage and antique shops. And just west of the GOTL is the 698-acre Geneva State Park, complete with family-friendly campgrounds, cottages and a lodge.
Crimson
Less than 25 miles east of Sandusky and just over 40 miles west of Cleveland, the small town of Vermillion offers low-stress summer days in the heart of Lake Erie's southwest shore. And since it's an active railway town, what better way to start the carefree journey than by getting on a train? This Erie and Lorain County community has been aptly named “Harbor Town” and “Town of Sea Captains.” The Vermillion River runs through town, providing a safe haven for many marinas, boat clubs and yacht clubs. It is greeted by swimmers and sunbathers on Main Street Beach just as it joins the warm, shallow and inviting waters of the Great Lake. Right next door, the Vermillion Lighthouse permanently poses for photos. And finally, the charming downtown strip reveals plenty of dining, lodging, and shopping opportunities that will keep couples and families busy.
Yellow Springs
Of course, there's more to an unforgettable summer vacation than spending time at the lake. Deep inland in the fields of Greene County, the village of Yellow Springs is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the fair weather outdoor recreation that is abundant in this area. Although only 20 miles east of Dayton and 55 west of Columbus, Yellow Springs feels far from city life. Glen Helen Nature Reserve is a zen oasis in the middle of the community. The Inman Trail follows the banks of Yellow Springs Creek, through lush forest, and past photogenic sites like the dripping Yellow Spring and the mighty Cascades, before returning to an adjacent creek. Just east of town, John Bryan State Park and the adjacent Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve open up a number of other hiking opportunities, with the grand limestone canyon being the main attraction. This is also a perfect spot to hop on the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail (the fourth-longest paved bike path in the country) to connect some of southwest Ohio's tranquil forests, farms, and small towns.
Kelleys Island
Speaking of Kelleys Island (aka “Lake Erie's Emerald Isle”), if you happen to take the ferry from Sandusky (or rather, Lakeside Marblehead, which is right across the bay) then you'll reach the adorable island and village of the same name, also in Erie County. The only thing cooler than lake life in the summer, is island lake life. This community only has a population of a few hundred people, so it contrasts/compliments Sandusky's energy very nicely. Tourists can spend a pleasant afternoon visiting the 677-acre Kelleys Island State Park, or the Glacial Grooves State Memorial, the world's largest glacier exhibit (which is easily accessible). For a more casual route, rent a bike from one of the many companies in the city center and explore the crag at your leisure. Don't forget to visit the monarch butterfly greenhouse, which opens in late spring and offers free admission.
Who would have thought Ohio had such a wide range of summer scenery? There are picturesque islands, lakeside resorts, country gems, active getaways and secret, quiet villages. There's plenty to do for kids and adults alike – whatever your idea of a cool summer holiday is. So if you want to escape the cities for a few days and don't want to fight the crowds on either coast, stay in the Midwest and pick one of these six small towns to keep you entertained.
