
Not only is a bed and breakfast a wonderful place to stay while on a long trip, it also makes a great destination for a fall weekend getaway. The city of Columbus and the surrounding areas are filled with a wide variety of bed and breakfast locations that are perfect for any occasion. We're sharing some of our personal favorites that each have their own personality and allure.
106 S. High St., Gahanna, OH 43230
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 9 miles
Owned and operated by the Gahanna Historical Society, the Lily Stone Bed and Breakfast has recently been given a facelift, and you really can't beat its cozy atmosphere. In addition to high-speed wi-fi, you'll be greeted with a full kitchen complete with breakfast table, gorgeous dining room, screened-in porch, a parlor room with television and games, large outdoor area, picnic tables, and more. Many discoveries are also within walking distance, including parks, restaurants, and shopping.
314 E. Broadway, Granville, Ohio 43023
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 35 miles
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Established in 1924, the Granville Inn is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscape features in all of Ohio. Set near a charming New England-style village with a backdrop that features rolling hills and soaring trees, this bed and breakfast offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy your loved ones. With its gorgeous guest rooms, large meeting spaces, and award-winning dining experience, you may never want to leave. It's the perfect spot for weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, corporate events, or even a simple birthday party.
5811 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 11 miles
Take a look at the Timbrook Guesthouse for something a little different for your bed and breakfast weekend extravaganza. Built in 1988, the theme of this location can be summed up in just two words: tropical paradise. The amenities you'll discover here include lush gardens, outdoor jacuzzi, heated elliptical pool, gazebo, fire pit, and more. Each of the rooms, from the Bluebird Suite to the South Siesta Suite, has a unique style and feel all its own.
313 E. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 35 miles
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If you're searching for a weekend hotspot that's a bit on the fancy side, then the historic Buxton Inn is exactly what you're looking for. This bed and breakfast has been around for more than 200 years and is especially famous for its restaurant that serves the best seafood trio, grilled salmon, lemon chicken, and even huge burgers with a large side of fries. Once you arrive, you'll understand why so many people have used the Buxton Inn for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
4200 E. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45505
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 41 miles
Residents and visitors alike are often drawn to Emma's Bed & Breakfast because of its small-town simplicity. The outside is what many would consider a charming throwback to understated architecture, while the inside sports a classic look that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. While you're there, this oft-billed "home away from home" opportunity gives you access to day spas, hiking trails, restaurants, nightlife, wineries, shopping, and even a nearby zoo.
610 S. Court St., Circleville, OH 43113
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 30 miles
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Very often found on best-of lists amongst friends, family members, and coworkers for its castle appearance alone, the Castle Inn Bed & Breakfast stands out in the crowd. The inn has been billed as the perfect romantic getaway, but it's probably most famous for its monthly murder mysteries where guests get to dress up in early 1900s attire (supplied by Castle Inn) and dive into a scarily fun adventure. Some other activities around the area include flea market shopping, horseback riding, hiking, boating, and - as always - simply reading and relaxing in the comfort of your room or nearly anywhere in the inn itself.
519 S. Drexel Ave., Bexley, OH 43209
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 4 miles
As one of the more modern-styled bed and breakfasts on our list, this getaway location has become extremely popular. The contemporary design of the Bexley Bed and Breakfast is based on the philosophy of "modern meets comfort," and, given the wall-mounted televisions, wi-fi, keyless entry, heated floors, and heated towel racks, they definitely live up to this concept. Head out the door for a short walk, and you'll soon find yourself surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, a bike trail, ice cream shops, and other delights.
2133 Cambria Mill Rd., Granville, OH 43023
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 40 miles
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The Welsh Hills Inn is a charming yet luxurious bed and breakfast, which is probably why it's often the place where couples decide to begin their new lives together. Surrounded by 15 acres of trees, ponds, and valleys, you'll feel as if you've been whisked away to a far-off land. The good news is that this "far-off land" is filled with amenities you might expect, such as gourmet meals, evening wine and cheese social, spa services, and more.
185 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 26 miles
Closing in on its 150th anniversary, the Winter Saint Inn has an old-world elegance that's hard to match. Step inside, and you'll discover Italian marble fireplaces, a baby grand piano, and antiques galore. The rooms are classically gorgeous, and the food is wonderfully delicious, but many people are especially keen on the owners, Rodger and Debbie. Since they took over the inn more than 15 years ago, they've worked hard to make sure that every single guest feels welcome and accommodated.
Are you looking for a modern bed and breakfast or something a little more old school? Either way, it's on this list!

If you're looking for something interesting and unique, head to one of Ohio's flea markets. You'll find a huge and eclectic variety of items filled with character, and whether you're shopping for yourself or a gift, you're sure to come away with something special. Plus, it's fun to browse and explore all the wares for sale.
Check out the following nine places around Northeast Ohio, Cincinnati, and Columbus to find flea market treasures:
46388 Telegraph Rd., South Amherst, OH 44001
Jamie's Flea Market, which bills itself as Northern Ohio's largest, has over 150 inside vendors and over 400 outside sellers. It's a good mix of established sellers plus temporary vendors holding garage or estate sales, so you'll be able to return to your favorite shops yet always have new items to browse through. If you need help navigating through the sellers and finding what you'd like, an office in the center building is staffed and ready to point you in the right direction. The market is open throughout the year on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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The folks at Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market must be doing something right since they've been in business for over 80 years. They've moved from their original location to one with 12 acres of outdoor space and 3 acres of indoor shopping. The marketplace also hosts special events such as coin and bike shows throughout the year and has been named a Top 20 Flea Market in the U.S. by Flea Market Insiders.
3000 McCartney Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505
The Four Seasons Flea & Farm Market is located on the grounds of a large former airport just three miles west of Pennsylvania, so you'll have plenty to explore when you visit. The indoor/outdoor market has 88,000 square feet of indoor space and 22 acres of blacktop. As the market owners say, it's like going to 600 yard sales at once. In addition to flea market finds, including home decor, clothing, toys, and much more, you'll also be able to shop for fresh fruits and veggies, home-baked bread, and other farmers market goodies. The market is open Wednesdays and Sundays year-round.
4343 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
You'll be able to shop year-round at Peddlers Flea Market, which has provided treasures for more than 30 years. Wear comfortable shoes because if you want to do some serious exploring, you'll have 25,000 square feet to cover inside and 1.5 acres outside. Shop at the 110 indoor booths or 300 outdoor vendors, stopping at a concession stand for food and drink when you need to refuel. With this many vendors, you'll have your choice of unique items, including collectibles, clothing, jewelry, home decor, toys, and more.
1230 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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You'll find The City Flea, a curated urban flea market, once a month at Washington Park and other locations from April-December. Currently, in its 12th year, the flea market has attracted many shoppers over the years and now sees thousands attend each market, and some of its sellers have grown from hobbyists to full-time business owners. Vendors sell items that are unique, creative, and visually interesting, including everything from plants to artisan pizzas, so there's truly something for everyone. Even kids can get in on the fun and money-making since some of the markets also feature kids' booths.
320 N. Garver Rd., Monroe, OH 45050
Drive north from Cincinnati about 25 miles, and you'll come to Treasure Aisles Flea Market, which covers over 44 acres and has over 500 shops. Make a day of it and enjoy some live music and entertainment on two stages. You can even start your day with breakfast from one of the concession stands and stay to enjoy a hot dog or taco for lunch. The market is open Saturdays and Sundays year-round, and admission costs $2 cash per car.
4170 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43228
Open for more than 25 years, Westland Flea Market has over 300 dealer booths in its air-conditioned interior and more than 80 vendors outdoors. The broad mix of vendors sells everything from trinkets to high-end items such as TVs, computers, and antiques. A snack bar is available, serving sandwiches, fries, ice cream, and other treats. The market is also home to a "flealess" version of the market, where flea market owners sell goods for dealers who aren't available. This convenience means that even if one of the dealers is away or their booth is closed, you can still buy from the flea market's owners and employees.
1045 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206
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Located close to the Scioto River, Greater Columbus Antique Mall offers five stories of eclectic items housed in an interesting historic building. You'll find everything from glassware to vinyl records to furniture in the mall's unique building, so plan to browse for a while. And although it's called an antique mall, the space also carries vintage items. With such a large number and variety of items available, you're unlikely to leave empty-handed.
3050 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207
The South Drive-In Theater and Flea Market shows drive-in movies and serves as the site of a large outdoor flea market. You'll find various goods for sale, including electronics, tools, clothing, vintage pieces, art, and more. The flea market also sells items you'd typically find at a farmers market, such as fresh food, veggies, and freshly baked goods. Visit it on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from mid-March to mid-November.
Where is your favorite place to browse and buy unique items?

Trains were once a primary mode of transportation in the United States. Although railroads now see less use, plenty are still around. There are a lot of places in Ohio where you can take a train ride, see some beautiful scenery, and in some cases, learn a little more about railroads and trains in the process. Here are some of the top Ohio train rides worth taking.
5700 OH-204, Mt Perry, OH 43760
This train follows a historic rail line called the Glass Rock Spur. The company is run by volunteers who make the experience fun and lighthearted. The train cars are historical, and that's part of the thrill. Many of the rides are themed for the seasons.
The Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad is a great place to visit with kids. The ride isn't too long, and tickets are affordable at $9 per adult and $5 per child.
7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131
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If you happen to be in Northeast Ohio, take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This train runs from Independence to Akron, passing through Cuyahoga National Park. It's a great way to see more of the park's scenery and wildlife. There are several routes of varying lengths to choose from.
The trains on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad have a cafe car. Check out the ride schedule on the railroad's website, and buy your tickets in advance. Prices start at just $11 for some of the shorter routes. You can also buy an all-day pass, which allows you to board and deboard as you please.
2261 Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505
J&L Narrow Gauge Railroad is a great place to learn about steel mills and their role in the railroad industry. The company maintains a 24" demonstration railroad where you can ride a heavy, steel locomotive. You can also see an original, full-scale steel locomotive by Jones & Laughlin Steel.
This train offers rides on the second and fourth weekends of every month through October. Trains depart every 30 minutes between 10 am and 2 pm, and the rides last about 15 minutes. Tickets are $8 per person.
400 Center St., Dennison, OH 44621
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The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is a great place to learn about the use of railroads during WWII. The railroad was used to transport servicemen heading off to war. The Depot has been converted into a museum where you can see displays and films related to railroad history. You can also take a ride on the historic train.
During the holiday season, the train at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is converted into the Polar Express. This is a perfect opportunity for families with children to enjoy a festive ride.
Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45439
The Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society maintains a passenger train that travels on a small, 1/8-scale track. The train only operates on certain days; a ride schedule is available on their website. A $1 donation is suggested for each passenger, and additional donations are encouraged. All proceeds go towards track maintenance, fuel, and other expenses.
If you really enjoy your ride on the Carillon Park Railway, consider becoming a member of their society. Members help design and maintain the on-site tracks and get additional riding privileges.
990 Proprietors Rd., Worthington, OH 43085
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Ohio Railway Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of trains and streetcars, especially as used around Columbus, Ohio. An on-site train runs every Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm.
Rides are just $9 for adults and $7 for kids. This price also grants you admission into the museum and outdoor grounds. Plus, you can visit the gift shop for a souvenir.
46789 OH-18, Wellington, OH 44090
The Lorain & West Virginia Railway was built in 1906 and remained active until the 1970s. It is now maintained as a passenger train where you can enjoy different themed rides throughout the year. In October, there's a Fall Foliage ride, and in November and December, it becomes the Santa Train.
Learn more about these seasonal rides on the railroad's website. Tickets typically go on sale 60 days before an event.
16 E. South St., Lebanon, OH 45036
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The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad travels through Warren County, just outside Cincinnati. You can catch the train in Lebanon and ride for about 9 miles round-trip. You'll pass through Turtle Creek, Union Township, and Mason or Monroe along the way. Five railroad bridges are crossed on this ride, the longest of which stretches over Turtle Creek.
The trains on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad all feature coaches built in the 1930s with bench-style seats and open windows. All train cars are heated, and some have air conditioning. You can buy tickets for the train in person at the railway ticket office.
Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers is a steam train club that offers public rides on certain dates. A few rides are coming up on September 17, October 14, and October 15, 20220. Rides are free, but donations are encouraged.
Some rides on the Northeast Ohio Live Steamers train are themed. For example, the October rides are Halloween-themed, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes. All ages are welcome.
Which one of these train rides will you embark on this year? Don't forget to blow the whistle as you roll by!

Fall is one of the most exciting times of year for festivals in Ohio communities, with celebrations of food, drink, music, history, and so much more on the schedule. Whether you visit an event like Cleveland Oktoberfest in Northeast Ohio, the Mohican Bluegrass Festival near Columbus, or the Ohio Renaissance Festival around the corner from Cincinnati, you're sure to find a place to make memories this fall. You can find information on those festivals and many more in our guide to Ohio fall festivals for 2022.
1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
The fun begins at Hartville Marketplace for the 17th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, which takes place on September 24 from 9 am to 4 pm. This family-friendly festival is filled with art, crafts, great food, live entertainment, and fun activities for all ages. Spend your day uncovering unique finds from more than 200 crafts vendors, enjoy various seasonal activities, or watch the kids have a great time playing on outdoor inflatables. Start your holiday shopping early with crafty gifts, or find the perfect piece to decorate your home.
19201 E. Bagley Rd., Berea, OH 44130
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The highly anticipated annual Cleveland Oktoberfest will occur at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds and Event Center from September 2-5, 2022. It's one of the best ways to enjoy Labor Day weekend in the city, with everything from wiener dog races to strongman competitions. Of course, there will be plenty of great beer, traditional German cuisine, and fantastic live music to enjoy all weekend long. Discover the latest beers from the best microbreweries in the Cleveland area, then cast your vote to help crown a Cleveland Oktoberfest champion.
8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Fall is a great time to celebrate the harvest of the season, so it would be hard to pick a better time for the Apple Butter & Cider Weekend at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. This event takes place on October 1-2, 2022, from 9 AM through 5 PM. Learn all about how apple butter and apple cider are produced, watch traditional harvest activities, then sample the delicious dishes that result from the process. There will also be a variety of seasonal activities, highlighted by the three-acre Johnny Appleseed Trail corn maze.
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The 24th Annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a celebration of the pawpaw, North America's largest native tree fruit, taking place on September 16-18, 2022, around Lake Snowden. You will have the opportunity to sample meals that highlight the great flavor of the pawpaw, peruse pawpaw-related works of art, and enjoy tons of family-friendly activities while you explore. Enjoy live music from some of Ohio's best bands all weekend long, and be sure to check out the Kids Central area, which features plenty of fun, hands-on activities for younger visitors. Interested in the agricultural side of pawpaws? This festival also features educational panels on growing, cooking, medicinal use, sustainability, and even the genetics of the pawpaw.
22462 Wally Rd., Glenmont, OH 44628
Head to the scenic Mohican Wilderness campground for a weekend of live music and fun activities for the whole family September 15-17. The 31st Annual Mohican Bluegrass Festival features three days of live music spread across multiple stages, tons of great food from local vendors, and fun crafts from local artisans. Reserve a campsite in advance, and turn the festival into a weekend-long family vacation.
Historic Main Street, Waynesville, OH 45068
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The annual Ohio Sauerkraut Festival is always one of the biggest events of the year in Waynesville, and this year's event will be no exception. The festival takes place on October 8-9, 2022, with booths, vendors, food, drink, and activities all along Historic Main Street in Waynesville. You can try sauerkraut prepared in nearly every way imaginable, including the famous sauerkraut pizza, which tastes much better than it sounds. In addition to providing fun activities for the community, this event serves as a major fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. It even raises money for scholarships given to local graduating high school seniors.
10542 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068
Take thyself back to another era when you visit the Ohio Renaissance Festival, which will be open every weekend from September 3 through October 30, 2022. Experience a real-life recreation of a renaissance-era, 16th-century village filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors you've read about in the history books. The village will be filled with unique shops, live shows, fun activities for kids, delicious food, and games for all ages. There will be themed weekends throughout the event, like Fantasy Weekend, Pirates Weekend, Romance Weekend, and Tricks or Treats Weekend, so check the schedule to find the perfect weekend to visit the Ohio Renaissance Festival.
1241 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Coffee lovers from around Ohio and beyond will meet up for the annual Cincinnati Coffee Festival on October 22-23, 2022. It's the largest coffee festival in the Midwest, with roasters, coffee shops, bakers, and chocolatiers coming together to create a weekend that your taste buds definitely won't want to miss. The event features delicious samples, live entertainment, coffee art, demos related to all things coffee, fun competitions, and plenty of surprises along the way. And this festival isn't just about coffee! Tea and chocolate lovers will also find plenty to enjoy at the Cincinnati Coffee Festival.
No matter which corner of Ohio you call home, there are fun festivals to be enjoyed all year long. So, which festival will you fall in love with this year?

Summer can be sweltering in Central Ohio! Luckily, there are ample opportunities to hit the lake and cool off in the Columbus area. If you're looking for a place to swim and soak up some sun this summer, visit these beaches near Columbus, OH.
3400 Lewis Center Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035
Located less than 30 minutes north of Downtown Columbus, Alum Creek Lake is one of the most popular lakes for outdoor recreation. The lake spans 3,387 acres and is known as one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio. Anglers often catch bass and panfish in the area around Alum Creek State Park, which is also the lake's primary swimming destination. The park features a 3,000-foot sandy beach—the longest beach in any Ohio state park—and includes amenities like restrooms and changing areas, outdoor showers, beach vendors, and sand volleyball courts.
2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046
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Spanning 3,173 acres in Fairfield and Licking counties, Buckeye Lake is a beautiful swimming and boating destination just half an hour east of Columbus. The shoreline of this large reservoir is home to Buckeye Lake State Park, Ohio's oldest state park, which remains a popular day-use area for summer picnics, hikes, and beach trips. The park includes two beaches: Fairfield Beach on the south side of the lake and Crystal Beach on the north side. Both beaches are open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
4860 E. Park Dr., London, OH 43140
Madison Lake is located in a region west of Columbus known as the Darby Plains, which offers some of the few remaining wild prairies in the state of Ohio. A small 106-acre reservoir that was built in the 1940s, Madison Lake is a highlight of the region. The lake is surrounded by Madison Lake State Park, which includes a 300-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and boat launch facilities on the east side of the lake. A separate dog swim area, where pets are allowed to swim off-leash, is located on the opposite side of the lake. Boats are restricted to electric motors and non-powered craft only, making this an excellent lake for paddling as well.
75 Downing Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
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Delaware Lake is a long, meandering reservoir just north of Columbus in Central Ohio. The lake spans 1,300 acres and offers excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and muskellunge. It's also a great swim spot, and Delaware State Park provides an 800-foot sandy beach where visitors can take a dip and soak up some sun. A picnic pavilion, playground, and modern restrooms are available at the beach, and there are also two designated boat swim areas on the lake. Delaware State Park also has a beautifully wooded campground with over 200 sites for tents and RVs.
20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143
Just under 40 minutes south of Columbus, Deer Creek Lake is a picturesque 1,277-acre reservoir with a 15-mile shoreline surrounded by farmlands and forests. It's a great place to spend a long summer weekend, with rental cabins and over 200 electric campsites in Deer Creek Lake State Park. The park includes a beautiful 1,700-foot swimming beach, a popular spot to cool off on hot days. There's also a designated boat swim area located in the cove adjacent to the Deer Creek Lodge. Boats are allowed with unlimited horsepower, and Deer Creek Lake is also known for excellent fishing.
2755 Amity Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
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Looking for a place where your four-legged friends can cool off? Located just minutes from Downtown Columbus, Prairie Oaks Metro Park is one of the city's best places to take dogs for a dip. The park has a designated dog beach on the shoreline of Lake 1, part of a cluster of small lakes within the park. Pets are also allowed on the park's hiking trails, but they must be leashed outside the immediate area around the dog beach. And while there's no designated "human swimming area" in the park, there's also no rule that says you can't go in with your canine pals!
Old River Road, Granville, OH 43023
Lake Hudson is a unique swimming destination in the Columbus area. This privately owned recreation lake offers crystal clear spring-fed waters that stay pleasantly cool even during the dog days of summer. There's a beautiful beach and picnic area on the lakeshore, along with fishing access and a place to launch small boats like canoes and kayaks. Membership grants you access to Lake Hudson any time, but there are also opportunities for some non-members to enjoy the facilities. Former members and residents of Licking, Fairfield, Perry, Muskingum, and Knox counties may visit the lake as guests.
13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331
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Originally built as a shallow feeder lake for the Miami & Erie Canal in the 1800s, Indian Lake is now one of Western Ohio's most popular recreation lakes. Located just under an hour northwest of Columbus, Indian Lake offers 5,100 acres of water, making it one of the largest lakes in the state. Its wide-open spaces make it popular for boating, fishing, and jet-skiing, and the area around the lake offers great camping and hiking opportunities. If you're looking for a place to swim, head to Indian Lake State Park, where Old Field and Fox Island beaches offer 1,400 feet of beach access.
Where's your favorite swimming hole in the Buckeye State?