Ohio's Cozy Riverside City Has A College-Town Feel With Historic Charm And A Walkable Downtown

A vacation to Ohio isn't usually at the top of most people's itinerary, but it should be. Historic towns blend into sweeping countryside landscapes, offering all kinds of adventures. Hikers can explore the state's portion of the North Country Trail, one of the longest hiking trails in America, while sightseers can stroll through Ohio's walkable downtowns dripping with Midwestern charm in whimsically-named towns like Yellow Springs and Chagrin Falls. Another low-key locale with a historic downtown just waiting to be explored is Painesville, situated just under three hours by car northeast of Columbus, the state capital. Tucked along the curves of the Grand River and just a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Erie, this cozy riverside city offers a relaxed weekend getaway.

Named for a Revolutionary War general who retired to the area after the fighting was over, Painesville embraces its serene Midwestern charms. The town developed as a humble riverfront village during the 1800s, eventually growing into a bustling industrial hub at the turn of the century. The impressive façade of Lake Erie College sits at the center of town, while tall steeples and stately Victorian architecture surround the grassy stretch of Painesville Square in the historic downtown. Combined with easily walkable streets and quaint storefronts, Painesville is suffused with a distinctly college-town atmosphere that invites travelers to stay awhile.

Foodies will be distracted by the scattering of local eateries around Painesville's downtown, while families with children can enjoy the playground and splash pad at Kiwanis Recreation Park. Revolutionary War heroes and notable Ohioans are buried at Evergreen Cemetery, which attracts plenty of visitors who amble the winding footpaths between impressive statuary and pleasant overlooks of the Grand River. Historic inns beckon travelers to spend the night and awaken with excitement for more Painesville adventures the next day.

Sightseers will want to spend as much time around Painesville's downtown as possible. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the red-brick paved streets curving around Painesville Square offer scenic photo opportunities at every turn. Stroll the footpaths through the green lawns, find a bench to relax with the view, or pose for photos at the gazebo. Anchoring the north end of the square are the sturdy columns and domed, eagle-topped clock tower of the Lake County Courthouse, which gives Painesville the impression of old-world charm. Rising between the trees next to the courthouse are the pointed spires of the Painesville United Methodist Church, a "[b]eautiful historic place of [w]orship," according to a previous review.

On the other side of Painesville Square is Ana's Attic Coffee and Books, a local café with a wide selection of reading material for patrons to get cozy. From there, head just around the corner on W Erie Street to browse the souvenirs and antique items at Our Treasures LLC, or wander down Main Street to look at the displays of skateboards at the Eastern Revival Skateshop. At the corner of Main Street is the Sidewalk Cafe, a brunch restaurant with a "cool vintage modern vibe," as described by a previous visitor. Sit down to cheesy omelettes, breakfast burritos, and hot chocolate after a morning of sightseeing.

Meanwhile, boasting nearly five stars on Google is Bada Bing Pizza, which serves up flavorful salads, calzones, and specialty pizzas. When it comes time for dinner, gourmands can enjoy fine dining with upscale European cuisine and tasty cocktails at Bistro 70. If you're looking for more Ohio adventures, drive just an hour southwest to Medina, a small town known as "America's hometown" with unique events and wineries.

Being so close to the Grand River and Lake Erie offers outdoorsy travelers opportunities for exploration. Hikers can explore the trails in the Grand River Conservation Area, tucked near the Evergreen Cemetery, where dense woodland opens up to meadows vibrant with wildflowers. Paddlers itching for waterfront fun should make their way to Beaty Landing, a picturesque forest with easy access to the Grand River for kayaking and canoeing. Gravel trails loop through the park, skirting along prairies shaded by trees, while designated fishing spots are dotted along the riverbank for anglers to cast a line.

Just a short drive east of town is Indian Point Park, which stretches across both sides of the Grand River and offers explorers a scenic slice of rugged backcountry. Anglers can fish in the Paine Creek, while a handful of easy-to-moderate woodland trails bring hikers to scenic viewpoints over the Grand River. On the other side of the highway is Paine Falls Park, where visitors can follow a short trail to an observation deck for panoramic views of roaring waterfalls tumbling down rocky slabs into the Paine Creek. A truss bridge across the waterfall creates a dramatic backdrop for photos.

Staying the night? Book a room at the Steele Mansion Inn, tucked within a stately French Second Empire-style edifice that was once considered "the grandest home in Painesville." Guests can retreat to well-appointed rooms or relax with a drink at the bar. For a more rustic Midwestern vibe, stay at the Candoren Guest House, a white clapboard cottage amidst a sylvan landscape. The antique furnishings and quaint architecture feel like a step back in time. If you're flying in from out of state, the nearest major airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, about 45 minutes west of Painesville by car.