The Best Road Trip Stops from Athens, Ohio to Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Are you planning a road trip from Athens, Ohio, to Reynoldsburg, Ohio? You're in for a treat! The scenic route, which stretches for about 75 miles, offers exquisite small-town charm, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes. If you're looking for a few stops to break your journey, this guide provides the top five places you should visit.
Stop 1: Nelsonville, Ohio
Nelsonville is a charming small town located about 25 miles from Athens, Ohio. It's a great place to start your road trip and get a taste of Appalachian culture. Here are a few things you should do while in Nelsonville.
Visit the Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad Take a historic train ride through Southeastern Ohio's rolling hills, fitted with coaches from the 1920s. It's an affordable and exciting way to enjoy Ohio's natural beauty, and you can purchase drinks, snacks, and gifts on board.
Explore Stuart's Opera House If you're a music lover, visit Stuart's Opera House. It's a historic landmark that hosts live music, theater, comedy shows, and other performances throughout the year. Stuart's Opera House has a fantastic atmosphere and a welcoming community.
Go antique shopping at Nelsonville Emporium Nelsonville Emporium is a fantastic antique shop that offers a wide range of collectibles, vintage clothes, furniture, and more. If you're looking for unique souvenirs, the Nelsonville Emporium should be on your bucket list.
Stop 2: Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park, located about 40 miles from Athens, Ohio, is a captivating destination filled with natural wonders. Here's what you'll enjoy when you make a stop at the park.
Hiking The best way to experience the park's beauty is by hiking its trails. There are several options available, and you can choose according to your preference. Some of the popular trails are Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. The trails have different levels of difficulty, so you can choose one that suits your capabilities.
Waterfalls Hocking Hills State Park is home to several waterfalls that add to the park's appeal. Make sure you visit Cedar Falls, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio. You can also take a dip in the water if you're looking for a refreshing break.
Rock Formations The park's rock formations offer a fantastic view of the surrounding wooded hills. One such formation is the Rock House, a cave-like trail through a unique rock formation. The trail takes you through a natural tunnel, and it's a unique experience that you'll never forget.
Stop 3: Buckeye Lake Winery
The Buckeye Lake Winery, located about 20 miles from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, is the perfect place to add an air of romance to your road trip. Here are a few reasons why the winery is a must-visit.
Wine Tasting The winery offers wine tastings for visitors looking to try the different wines on offer. You'll get to taste five wines for only $5, and you can choose from a wide range of red, white, and blush wines.
Live Music The Buckeye Lake Winery features live music every weekend from May until October. It's a perfect spot to enjoy some music while sipping on a glass of wine and soaking in the beautiful views.
Scenic Views The winery overlooks scenic Buckeye Lake, making it an ideal spot for photos. You'll have a fantastic view of the surrounding hills and the lake's tranquil waters; perfect spot to watch the sunset and take in the moment.
Stop 4: COSI - Center of Science and Industry
Located in downtown Columbus, about 20 miles from Reynoldsburg, COSI - Center of Science and Industry offers a hands-on interactive science experience that will leave your whole family entertained. Here are a few highlights.
Dinosaur Gallery COSI's Dinosaur Gallery, featuring life-size dinosaur skeletons and exhibits, is perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Kids will fall in love with the Giant T-Rex or the Stegosaurus.
Space Gallery The Space Gallery fills you in on space facts and mysteries in an interactive and immersive way. Explore space exhibits, simulate space shuttle missions, and take a tour of the solar system's planets.
Live Science Demonstrations COSI's live science demonstrations are always a winner. Watch the staff mix explosive chemicals and perform interactive experiments to help you understand science in a way that's both fun and fascinating.
Stop 5: Easton Town Center
Easton Town Center, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a shopping and dining destination that's perfect for a quick break before concluding your road trip. Here's what you can expect.
Shopping Easton Town Center is home to over 200 shops, stores, and boutiques, selling everything from clothes and jewelry to home decor and electronics.
Food The center features a variety of dining options from upscale restaurants to fast food outlets, providing something for everyone.
Entertainment Easton Town Center provides several entertainment options such as movies, live music performances, and comedy shows. It's the perfect way to end your road trip, before driving the last few miles back home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Athens-Reynoldsburg drive is full of surprises, beautiful landscapes, and entertaining stops along the way. Starting from the Hocking Valley, you can explore the rolling hills, visit a winery, and then head down towards COSI and Easton Town Center. By following this guide, we hope you succeed in getting the best out of your road trip experience.