Gervasi Vineyard Canton
Wine connoisseurs come from all over to visit the 55-acre Gervasi Vineyard. The winery houses Tuscan-inspired villas, a boutique inn called The Casa and a restored farmhouse. If guests aren’t roaming the gardens or sipping wine, they can be found dining at the vineyard’s eatery or cozying up at the coffeehouse for locally-roasted brew. www.gervasivineyard.com
Yellow Springs
Home to Antioch College, Yellow Springs is trip into artistic creative country. Downtown has an eclectic atmosphere with must-see stops such as Dino’s Coffee, Urban Handmade and Super-Fly Comics & Games. Young’s Jersey Dairy is also nearby.
Daytime activities call for hikes at Glen Helen Nature Preserve and Clifton Gorge, both of which have amazing overlooks.
Plus, it’s impossible to visit Yellow Springs without being inspired by local art through shops and galleries such as Bonadies Glass Studio, AMB Creations and Basho Apparel. www.yellowspringsohio.org
J.M. Smucker’s Restaurant and Café Orrville
If you enjoy a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it’s likely you’ve tasted the 120-year legacy of J.M. Smucker Co. Located in Orrville, the Smucker’s Restaurant and Café is a sweet, unique destination to cross off your Ohio adventuring bucket list. Plus, you can bring back a tasty souvenir for all your jelly friends. www.jmsmucker.com
For those who hope to hone in on their wild side, Nomad Ridge is the place to stay overnight among some of The Wilds’ most interesting animals. Guests stay in private yurts tucked amid trees next to The Wilds’ animal pastures, where they can take advantage of observation decks to observe wildlife. www.thewilds.columbuszoo.org
Crystal Cave Put-In-Bay
Crystal Cave is technically the world’s largest geode. Discovered in 1887, the cave was named for its three-foot-long Celestite crystals dripping from the ceilings and jutting out from the walls. Not only that, but the Heineman Winery is attached to the property, so cave dwellers can enjoy wine and cheese before or after their tours. www.putinbay.com
The Mohicans Treehouse Resort Glenmont
When we were kids, treehouses were our escape. Imagination combined with the charm of being among the trees created a magical experience. The Mohicans Treehouse Resort is just that escape for adults.
The Mohicans offer nine treehouses designed by Pete Nelson of TV show Treehouse Masters. While each house is updated with comfortable amenities such as showers, heat and air conditioning, guests can still enjoy being immersed in nature and quiet seclusion. www.themohicans.net
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Peninsula
Besides 125 miles of hiking trails, Cuyahoga Valley boasts of wetlands, forests and woodlands. The Ritchie Ledges are a monument of nature, formed millions of years ago and preserved today by the park. Drastically different is Beaver Marsh, an ecosystem of turtles, singing frogs and beavers. And, of course, visiting the Cuyahoga Valley entails taking a walk across the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County. www.nps.gov
White Star Quarry Gibsonburg
This 15-acre man-made lake is tucked away in Gibsonburg for nature enthusiasts and divers. Scuba divers may adventure into the quarry from April 1-Dec. 31 during normal park hours. The lake is filled with blue gill, emerald shiners, yellow perch, loudmouth bass and tons more creatures. www.whitestarquarry.com
Mallory Arnold is an editor. Feedback welcome at marnold@cityscenemediagroup.com.
