The Best Weekend Getaways in Ohio
If you want to get away from it all but only have a weekend to spare, you can still find some of the best weekend getaways right here at home in Ohio.
With all the events of 2020, more people than ever are looking local for their vacations and weekend getaways. Once an underrated gem, the secret about Ohio is getting out! People are learning that the gorgeous natural views, the vineyards, and the Midwest charm make it the perfect destination for your weekend getaway.
Whether you’re looking to make your weekend getaway as a couples trip, family vacation, or friends getaway, Ohio has a destination for you!
Find all the details to the top 5 weekend getaways in Ohio here!
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Weekend Getaways at Gervasi Vineyard
Canton, Ohio
If your heart is yearning for Tuscany but you’re staying local for this getaway, then Gervasi is your destination. Nestled in unassuming Canton, Ohio, Gervasi Vineyard is like a dream. Sprawling vineyards, luxury villas, excellent service – it’s one of the best weekend getaways in Ohio for those seeking the royal treatment.
This post is sponsored by Gervasi Vineyard. As always, all opinions are our own.
Where to Stay at Gervasi Vineyard:
The truly luxurious villas and boutique hotel at Gervasi Vineyard are what makes this place one of our favorite weekend getaways in Ohio.
The Villas at Gervasi offer incredible luxury accommodations. Imagine waking up in your own Tuscan-inspired villa with breakfast served to you each morning. A walk through the courtyard brings you to a peaceful lake where you can sit and watch the swans gently gliding along the shore.
At The Casa, Gervasi Vineyard’s luxury boutique hotel, you’ll also have breakfast delivered each morning and beautiful waterside views from your room. You can snuggle up by your own fireplace or lounge on your private patio by the pond.
Click here to book a stay at Gervasi Vineyard!
Where to Eat & Drink at Gervasi Vineyard:
Breakfast is served to your Villa every morning. Enjoy (exceptional) meals and drinks at the Piazza, the Bistro, the Crush House, and the Still House. All of these options are walkable, along winding paths with lake or vineyard views.
What to do at Gervasi Vineyard:
Stroll through the expansive, and outrageously beautiful property (you can take the wine with you!), play a game of bocce ball, share a charcuterie platter while you listen to live music on the Piazza, and enjoy a sunset from an adirondack by the water.
Gervasi Vineyard also offers activities you can book ahead. Here are just a few:
- wine tours
- distillery tours
- culinary classes
- tasting or pairing sessions
- live music
- yoga
- in-room massage (for villa or casa guests)
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Weekend Getaways in Hocking Hills
Feeling more outdoorsy? Hocking Hills is an absolutely gorgeous natural gem in southern Ohio. With endless hiking trails, beautiful views, and outdoor excursions for any speed, Hocking Hills is the best weekend getaway in Ohio to get in touch with nature.
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills:
If you’re interested in camping, Hocking Hills State Park or Old Man’s Cave campground are great places to camp. There are lots of other smaller, privately-owned campgrounds in the area as well so you can find something that’s a great fit for you!
If you’re looking for something a bit more “civilized”, check out Treehouse Cabins. As the name suggests, it’s a cabin literally built into the trees. They offer great views and cozy accommodations.
Where to Eat & Drink in Hocking Hills:
As an outbound getaway, you won’t find a plethora of restaurants (or other businesses) around Hocking Hills. This is the kind of getaway for those really trying to get away. You’ll pick up some supplies from nearby city Logan and plan to grill out, cook by the fire, and enjoy the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a night out during your stay, I recommend Hocking Hills Winery. It’s a beautiful place to relax with great wine and enjoy the scenery, with live music every Friday and Saturday.
What to do in Hocking Hills:
Hocking Hills State Park and Old Man’s Cave are of the biggest activity centerpieces for a weekend getaway in Ohio’s Hocking Hills. After years of hiking around Old Man’s Cave and it’s web of connected trails, it’s still a favorite!
These trails can keep you busy for days, with everything from easy to moderate. There are sections where I’ve “hiked” in flip flops, and others where you’re basically on the verge of rock climbing, so there’s plenty to do for any ability or ambition.
Outside of hiking, there are tons of outdoor activities to keep you busy during your getaway. At Hocking River there’s Canoe/ Kayaking (or Cabrewing/ Kaybrewing if that’s more your speed), Ziplining, and just generally enjoying the great outdoors with campfires, fresh air, and grilling out.
Weekend Getaways at Geneva-on-the-Lake
In Northeastern Ohio, Geneva-on-the-Lake is an area thick with wineries set on the shores of Lake Erie. This weekend getaway offers a little something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a couples weekend getaway, family weekend getaway, or even a girls weekend trip.
Where to Stay at Geneva-on-the-Lake
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake – The convenient location and package pricing make this the best choice for a stay in Geneva-on-the-Lake. It’s situated right on Lake Erie with dining, lux rooms, and lots of weekend packages.
Where to Eat at Geneva-on-the-Lake
Check out Crosswinds Grille for lakeside views and farm-to-table dining. For a local legend, stop by Mary’s Kitchen – they’ve been serving home cooked favorites for about 75 years!
What to Do at Geneva-on-the-Lake
Book a wine tour! It’s the best way to stop at all the wineries you want without worrying about driving. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers a “Signature Immersion Tour” for $75 per person. The tour includes transportation, appetizer, wine tastings at South River Vineyards, M Cellars, and Hundley Cellars, a private cellar tour of South River Vineyards, and a canvas gift bag with wine glass and local chocolate.
Aside from the wineries, you’ll also find lots of family-friendly activities so this is one of the best weekend getaways in Ohio to bring the kids along!
For the whole family, check out the Geneva-on-the-Lake Strip, go mini-golfing, bike one of many area trails, explore Lake Erie lighthouses, and head to Lake Erie for the beach or watersports.
Weekend Getaways at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio is home to one National Park – the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Northern Ohio. It lies along the Cuyahoga River and is home to waterfalls, the beautiful towpath, and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. With so much to do in the area, this is one of the best day trips or weekend getaways in Ohio.
What to Do at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park has so much to offer. Hike one of it’s many scenic trails, canoe or kayak the Cuyahoga River, or go horseback riding.
You can’t miss taking a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. You can take your bike aboard and go for a bike and ride tour of the towpath, or enjoy an evening event with local beer, wine, and cocktails like Ales on Rails, Grape Escape, or Murder Mystery.
Where to Stay at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Near Brandywine Falls you’ll find an adorable Bed & Breakfast, Shady Oaks Farm. At Shady Oaks Farm Bed & Breakfast you’ll enjoy close access to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, an upscale historical stay, and an elegant home-cooked breakfast included with your stay. Aside from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can enjoy the scenic property and horse pasture.
Just a bit further away and in the city, Sheraton Suites Cuyahoga Falls is another great spot to stay in the area. It overlooks the Cuyahoga River, and is close to many attractions in Cuyahoga Falls and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Where to Eat at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
As another outdoor destination, Cuyahoga Valley National Park doesn’t have dining within the Park.
For dining, you’ll want to check out Cuyahoga Falls. Head to The Blue Door, a locally-renowned favorite, for brunch. For dinner and beautiful views, stop by Beau’s on the River.
Check this out: How to Travel on a Budget
Weekend Getaways at Cedar Point
The best weekend getaway in Ohio for families or thrill-seekers! Known as America’s Roller Coast, Cedar Point is a theme park on the coast of Lake Erie.
What to Do at Cedar Point
Not just any old theme park, Cedar Point is jam packed with some of the most highly rated roller coasters in the country. In fact – Cedar Point boasts the title of roller coaster capital of the world!
Outside of the roller coasters, there are many other rides, games, and attractions to fill your weekend getaway agenda – no matter your pace.
In addition to the theme park, Cedar Point has a large water park “featuring 18 acres of splish-splashin’ family fun.”
Outside of the parks, the area is home to the Lake Erie coastline where you can rent a boat or spend a day at the beach.
Where to stay at Cedar Point
Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers is the most convenient hotel right on property and within walking distance of entry. While his convenience comes at a price, they offer discounted ticket prices, early entry, free parking, free drinks, and other benefits with your stay. There are several restaurants, a pool, and beach access all on property.
Cedar Point also has it’s own campgrounds on property within walking distance to the park. This could be an option if you’re looking for a savings over Hotel Breakers with the same convenience. However, after a long day running around the park under the sun, tent life may be less than ideal so this is a better option for those with RVs.
There are A LOT of other hotels near Cedar Point as well, so if you don’t mind a short drive to the park in the morning, you’ve got plenty of options in a variety of price ranges.
Where to eat at Cedar Point
You’ll have endless food options within the park, from take away snacks and sandwiches, to sit-down restaurants and steakhouses.
Check these out next:
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