Best Road Trip: Beachwood to New Albany

The state of Ohio may not have the fame of its neighboring states, but it certainly has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, city life, and cultural heritage. One of the most scenic drives in this state is the route from Beachwood to New Albany, a distance of approximately 140 miles. This journey takes you through charming towns, rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic waterways. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, this road trip promises to be a memorable one. In this blog post, we introduce you to the top places you should visit when driving from Beachwood to New Albany. So fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a joy ride!

Lake Erie

Your journey begins at Beachwood, a suburb of Cleveland, which lies in the northeastern corner of Ohio. From here, drive for about 20 minutes to reach Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. This stunning lake stretches for 241 miles along the coast of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan. As you drive along the scenic byway that hugs the shoreline, you can see the blue-green waters, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. Stop by some of the quaint towns along the way, such as Euclid, Mentor, and Geneva-on-the-Lake, and savor the local cuisine, boutique shops, and wineries. Lake Erie is also home to several parks, museums, and lighthouses that showcase the history and natural diversity of the region.

Ohio's Amish Country

As you drive east from Lake Erie, you can see the landscape gradually changing from urban to rural, as you enter the heart of Ohio's Amish Country. This region, which spans across several counties, is home to one of the largest populations of Amish people in the United States. You can see their traditional dress, horse-drawn buggies, and farmhouses along the scenic backroads. Amish Country is also famous for its homemade crafts, quilt shops, and bakeries. Some of the places you should visit in this region are Berlin, Charm, Millersburg, and Sugar Creek. Stop by at the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating community.

Coshocton, The Canal Town

Coshocton is a small city located in the rolling hills of central Ohio, on the banks of the Muskingum River. It is also known as the Canal Town, as it served as an important hub for the Ohio and Erie Canal, which connected Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Coshocton has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Hopewell culture, and you can see several mounds and earthworks that were built by them. The city has many attractions that are worth a visit, such as the Roscoe Village, a restored 19th-century canal town, the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, which has a vast collection of Native American and Asian art, and the Three Rivers Wine Trail, which connects several wineries in the region.

The Hocking Hills

As you continue driving south towards New Albany, you can see the land getting more rugged and hilly, as you enter the foothills of the Appalachians. One of the most picturesque regions in this area is the Hocking Hills, a collection of state parks and nature preserves that showcase the beauty of the region. The Hocking Hills State Park is the most popular among them, and it has several hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, caves, and rock formations. You can also go kayaking, zip-lining, or horseback riding in this area. Some of the other attractions that are worth a visit in this region are the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, the Ash Cave, the Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, and the Logan Antique Mall.

New Albany, A Modern City

Your journey ends at New Albany, an affluent suburb of Columbus, Ohio's state capital. New Albany is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and is known for its modern architecture, vibrant downtown, and world-class amenities. It has several parks, nature trails, and golf courses, which offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city is also home to several corporate headquarters, such as the Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria's Secret, and Bob Evans Farms. Some of the things you can do in New Albany are shopping at the New Albany Market Square, watching a movie at the McCoy Community Center for the Arts, or playing golf at the New Albany Links Golf Club.

Conclusion

Ohio may not have the glamour of New York or the glitz of Las Vegas, but it has a charm of its own. The state is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and there is no better way to explore it than by taking a road trip. The journey from Beachwood to New Albany is a perfect example of how diverse and delightful Ohio can be. You can see the beaches of Lake Erie, the farmlands of Amish Country, the canals of Coshocton, the hills of Hocking, and the cityscape of New Albany, all in one trip. So, pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road!