Are you looking for a fun and affordable weekend getaway in Ohio?  If the answer is yes, you are in for a treat. We highly recommend visiting one of Ohio’s hidden gems: Fairfield County. It’s an unexpected travel destination perfect but it’s for people of all ages and interests. The county is home to attractions and events all year long that make it ideal for an affordable weekend getaway, but still feels like a vacation! It’ll be one of the best weekend getaways you’ve probably never heard of! When you visit Fairfield County, the possibilities are endless. That is what makes this little hidden gem so unique. Grab a friend, pack your bags, and be ready for a fun filled weekend with plenty of things to do, see, eat and drink! Now let’s take a dive into what a weekend getaway in Fairfield County could look like.  

Day 1 – Friday afternoon

Once you arrive in Fairfield County, you will check into your hotel for a weekend stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lancaster. Here you will be greeted by friendly and wonderful staff. The hotel is clean and well maintained. Another great perk about this hotel is that it is pet friendly. If you can’t get a pet sitter no worries, you can bring your furry buddy along. How convenient is that?! Lastly, no one ever pouted about free food, so stay fueled every morning before you begin your daily adventures with free breakfast from the hotel.

Now put those bags in the room, you have lots to explore. First start by heading to the charming downtown of Lancaster to explore locally-owned boutique stores, antiques, clothing and one-of-a-kind gift shops. One of the things we love about visiting a new city is exploring through their downtown district. There is so much history packed into one area, filled with tons of shopping, eating and gift shops. We encourage you to get lost in downtown Lancaster and fully indulge in the city. There is always something new and old to be found.

From here, warm up by hitting a spot or two on the Route 33 Brew Trail. Oh boy, if you love craft breweries with taprooms this is the activity for you. Fairfield County along with 6 breweries have partnered together to bring you beer lovers a taste of each brewery. Make a purchase at the participating breweries and collect stamps from all 6 Brew Trail breweries to receive an Anchor Hocking Route 33 Brew Trail pint glass. If you liked downtown Lancaster while visiting the shops, it’s no problem – stay awhile. Sample fresh craft beers in a cozy taproom in the heart of Lancaster at Double Edge Brewing Co. or if you want some different scenery head on over to Rockmill Brewery’s converted horse farm turned rural production brewery. At Rockmill you can cozy up around a campfire with a Belgian-inspired ale and backyard barbeque.

If breweries aren’t your style, that is a-ok. You could also head to one of Fairfield County’s wineries. With a wide range of wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms for dabblers and wine connoisseurs alike, you are sure to find something fitting for everyone in your group. The settings range from downtown rural to lakeside. The wines are made from both Ohio and California grown grapes. One winery that you do not want to miss out on is Buckeye Lake Winery. This winery is located on a lakefront. From views, to food and wine, everything here was amazing!

After all the beer or wine you have drunk, you cannot end your afternoon without a decadent dessert. I promise there is something sweet for everyone. From ice cream, donuts, cakes, cookies, pastries gourmet ice cream, frozen yogurt and custard to even gluten-free sweets, you name it and they have it. It will feel like being a little kid in the candy store, you can’t pick just one dessert. A few places we would suggest are Candy Cottage, Sheril Ann’s Bakery or Gypsy Joe’s Ice Cream Parlor. If you are really catering your sweet tooth maybe try all three.

Day 2- Saturday

We hope you got plenty of rest because today is filled with activities! One of the things we love about visiting a new city is discovering beautiful scenes that help explain its history. Fairfield County happens to be home to 17 original covered bridges- the most in the entire state of Ohio! Kick start your morning by hopping in and out of your car, touring these wonderful bridges. Fun fact: If you are traveling with a significant other, hop out and have a smooch. They are said to bring luck to couples!

Now, it’s time for lunch! Head to downtown Lancaster for a delicious meal. We highly suggest Lancaster’s best BBQ- Bob’s Backyard BBQ. Bob’s Mac and Moo (brisket topped with mac and cheese) is one you don’t want to miss! Don’t get too full though…. We have more in store for you!

After lunch, spend time in town shopping. If you brought children with you, check out AHA! Children’s Museum; an 8,000 square foot adventure space featuring more than 30 hands-on exhibits for children to explore.  

After all that shopping, walking and exploring, we are sure you’ve worked up an appetite for dinner. But before you dine, don’t forget to hit the rest of the stops from the Brew Trail; ending back in downtown Lancaster. Once you finish, we suggest dining at Ale House 1890, Cherry Street Pub, or the Downtown Bistro. You can’t go wrong with any of them! If you’re up for it, stop into one of the downtown venues for live music.

Day 3-Sunday

There’s no better way to start the day than with fresh air at a park! Rising Park is great for a leisurely walk or a hike to the top of Mt. Pleasant. The views are spectacular! Once you’ve built up your energy, make your way to JB’s Downtown Grill. They are famous for their Sunday brunches featuring fresh and delicious creations by Chef Jamie. Our favorites are JB’s Egg Benny or the melt-in-your-mouth Cinnamon Rolls! Divine!!

This is just the beginning! There’s plenty more to be seen and done in the region like 12 museums for every interest, including the Ohio Glass Museum + Blowing Studio, events and festivals all year long, the Ohio Art Corridor, apple farms, jetpack water adventures, 7,000 feet of ziplining fun and much, much more.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @pursuitofdelights . You might get your own chance to visit Fairfield County soon!

Instagram: @visitfairfieldcounty
Website: https://www.visitfairfieldcounty.org/