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Ohio is an undeniably quirky state. It claims to be the birthplace of the great American hot dog, first created by Harry Stevens in 1900, and leads the country in Swiss cheese production. It is also the birthplace of trailblazers like Thomas Edison and Neil Armstrong, reflecting the state's tradition of innovation and individuality. Today, some of the state鈥檚 smallest towns continue to embody this eclectic spirit, making for some pretty interesting vacations. Some towns, like Berlin, are home to large Amish populations, while others, like Granville, will make you feel more like you are in New England than the Midwest. Even if you think you know Ohio well, you may be surprised by some of the attractions in these seven eclectic towns.

Berlin

Located in Ohio鈥檚 Amish Country, Berlin allows travelers to immerse themselves in Amish life. Visitors can start their trip by exploring nearby Amish farms or communities. One of the best ways to experience this aspect of Berlin鈥檚 culture is with a tour from Troyer鈥檚 Amish Tours. Each tour is tailored to the group and can include visits to traditional Amish farms, artisan shops, or even wineries. Travelers can also choose a dining experience through the agency, which offers the chance to dine in a traditional Amish home with a local family. To explore the rolling, green hills of Holmes County, consider booking a guided horseback ride with Amish Country Riding Stables, which offers small tours for groups of two to five riders. After a day at the stables or farms, hungry visitors can grab dinner at the town鈥檚 beloved Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant. This restaurant, specializing in Amish homestyle cooking, has been a pillar in Berlin since the mid-20th century.

Zoar

Zoar鈥檚 history dates back to around 1817 when a group of German religious dissenters established a society in the area. Today, the village remains a well-preserved National Historic Landmark. From April through October, visitors can explore the historic village either on a self-guided tour or a group tour for a small fee. Notable landmarks include the 1835 鈥�#1 House鈥�, which was the former home of Joseph Bimeler, the community鈥檚 leader, as well as the Blacksmith Shop, originally built in 1834 and largely reconstructed in 1972. The town also hosts fascinating events throughout the year, such as Civil War battle reenactments, the spring Maifest, which offers German food and music, and Pie Day, which takes place on March 14 and features the local bakery selling fresh pies to celebrate.

East Liverpool

During the 19th and 20th centuries, East Liverpool had one of the most important pottery industries in the country, earning itself the nickname as the 鈥淧ottery Capital of the US.鈥� Although the pottery industry is now smaller than what it once was, travelers can still explore that heritage today at The Museum of Ceramics. This museum features two floors of exhibits, totaling over 4,000 objects and artifacts. After exploring the museum, travelers can search for a souvenir at the Pottery City Antique Mall, which features countless booths filled with vintage ceramic items. The Carnegie Public Library is also worth a visit, constructed at the end of the 19th century and opened in 1902. The library鈥檚 architecture is a focal point in town, made of mottled buff-brown brick with a white tile trim.

Bellaire

About an hour south of East Liverpool, travelers will reach Bellaire, a town with an important history in the glassmaking industry, much like East Liverpool鈥檚 connection to pottery. Once home to the Imperial Glass Company, Bellaire was a leading producer of handmade glassware sold 麻豆AVwide throughout the 20th century. Though the company faced financial struggles and eventually closed, its legacy lives on at the National Imperial Glass Museum, where visitors can explore its history and craftsmanship. The museum today holds over 3,000 glass pieces, a library, and a research facility to explore. In addition to its glass industry history, Bellaire has a thriving agricultural community that visitors can appreciate through the Ohio Valley Farmers鈥� Market, which runs from June through October each year on Saturdays and Tuesdays. After stopping by the farmers鈥� market, travelers can grab a quick bite to eat at Gulla鈥檚 Lunch, a beloved local hot dog joint.

Yellow Springs

Sometimes referred to as the 鈥淗ippie Town of Ohio鈥�, Yellow Springs is an artsy and open-minded community that has an extremely diverse variety of attractions. At Little Art Theatre, visitors can watch an eclectic film, ranging from independent productions to international documentaries. The Village Artisans Co-Op is another artsy stop to add to your itinerary. This art collective community features all kinds of art mediums for sale from local artists, including pottery, woodworking, and handmade jewelry. While in Yellow Springs, travelers should also visit the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which offers more than 15 miles of trails that wind through Ohio鈥檚 gorgeous eastern deciduous forest.

Granville

Granville sticks out compared to many of its neighbors, home to a charming New England-style village. Travelers can spend the day strolling the streets of town, popping into coffee shops like Village Coffee Company, a specialty coffee shop that has been operating in the community since 1994. The village is also home to numerous quirky boutiques and gift shops, such as Green Velvet of Granville, which features Parisian-style gifts and clothing, and the Kussmaul Gallery, known for its handcrafted jewelry, home goods, and artwork. Another highlight is the Bryn Du Mansion, an elegant Federal-style estate that dates back to around 1905. One of the best ways to visit the property is by attending a public event, such as the Annual Bryn Du Art Show, held each March.

Athens

Home to Ohio University, Athens is a vibrant college town with an abundance of live music and art exhibitions. There are several galleries around town to check out, including the Trisolini Gallery, which showcases art from national and international artists, as well as student thesis works in the spring semester. The Union is a great spot for a late-night show, regularly hosting community events and live music. Athens also offers plenty of green spaces if you prefer to spend the day outdoors. Sells Park, located on the eastern edge of town, offers an easy escape into nature without leaving the city. The park features several hiking trails and a scenic pond to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

These seven Ohio towns are anything but ordinary, promising a fun-filled and memorable trip. Whether you want to browse the glass collection at the National Imperial Glass Museum or go horseback riding through Amish country, there鈥檚 something for every traveler to enjoy. So rest assured as you begin to plan your 2025 travels: A visit to any of these destinations guarantees an eventful journey and plenty of great stories to share!