Between Columbus And Dayton Is A Cozy Ohio Village With A Historic Opera House And Local Eats

Two things that Ohio has in abundance are charming small towns and historic landmarks, and you can experience both of these things when you visit South Charleston. This village of about 1,700 people is located in Ohio's Clark County, about a 45-minute drive from either Dayton or Columbus. But while it's in easy reach from major cities, modern urban life feels far away when you're strolling down the quiet streets of the South Charleston Historic District.

South Charleston was first laid out in 1815 and grew into a busy stop along the stagecoach route connecting Columbus to Cincinnati. The town became a regular stopping point for politicians like Henry Clay on their way to Ohio legislature meetings in Columbus, as well as performers like Charles Stratton (better known by his stage name, General Tom Thumb). Two railroad lines ran through town, allowing South Charleston to maintain this reputation when rail travel replaced stagecoaches in the mid-19th century. Today, those rail lines have become the Ohio to Erie Trail, and bikers riding the 326-mile rail-trail often stop into one of South Charleston's cafes or restaurants before continuing on their journey.

One thing that makes South Charleston's historic architecture unique is that much of it was designed by a single man, architect and carpenter Edward Edwards. He came to town as a young man in 1842, and by the time of his death in 1897, his obituary notes that he had built or renovated over 95% of the then-standing buildings. In the late 19th century, the town's commercial center became known as the Luckey Strip after the sign painted by drugstore owner G.W. Luckey. That sign was recently restored, and along with a new mural painted in 2022 welcomes visitors to this cozy and historic village today.

Many of the historic landmarks in South Charleston are within the 16-block Historic District at the heart of the village. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this area is where you'll find many of the Victorian homes built by Edward Edwards. One of the best-known landmarks in the historic district is the Town Hall, home to the South Charleston Opera House. While not quite one of the oldest theaters in America, it didn't miss that designation by much. The 2,400-square-foot space was built in 1878 and hosted stage productions and musical performances that benefited from its excellent natural acoustics. It closed down in the 1940s but was restored and reopened in 1983, and today serves as a community space as well as hosting events like the yearly Christmas concert.

One annual opera house event that will be of particular interest for history lovers is the New Year's Eve Grand Ball. Hosted by the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band, this event draws re-enactors from across the region who come to dance in period costumes to live music from the late 19th century, while snacking on Victorian-era treats like pies, cakes, and punch. Another annual event to celebrate South Charleston's past is the Heritage Days Festival held in September. Along with live music, a parade, and craft vendors, the festival honors the region's past with signature dishes like open-pot bean soup and tours of historic buildings like the 1825 log cabin and the Pennsylvania Railroad train depot. To really feel immersed in history, you can stay at the Houstonia Bed & Breakfast, which has an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google. This Prairie-Victorian style home was built in 1900 for local millionaire Foster Houston, and the décor in its rooms and common areas reflects this turn-of-the-century history.

There's more for foodies to enjoy in Ohio than you might expect. Nearby Columbus has become a hot destination for international flavors, and small towns like South Charleston have their own delicious eateries to enjoy. You'll find many of these locally owned restaurants along Chillicothe Street. The Village Cup (rated 4.9 stars on Google) is a local favorite that offers more than the typical coffee shop. Along with the coffee, locally baked pastries, and sandwiches in the café, the Village Chic side of the business is a vintage boutique selling clothing, antiques, jewelry, and handicrafts. It's also a community hub, hosting workshops and events ranging from live music to euchre tournaments.

Another top-rated spot for breakfast or lunch is All In Flavor Café and Sweets, which a Yelp reviewer described as a "good old-fashioned family hangout." The hash brown casserole gets particularly high praise, and the menu features unique sandwiches like the Cheesy Pig in a Pickle (a bacon grilled cheese with pickle slices). If you're more in the mood for pizza, both Chillicothe Street Pizza and Purple Monkey Pizza are among the town's best-reviewed restaurants on Yelp and Tripadvisor. Each offers a unique selection of specialty pies along with subs and appetizers like wings.

If none of the restaurants in South Charleston tickle your taste buds, you can take a quick trip to one of the other charming small towns nearby. There are lots of other foodie-friendly destinations in the area, from the cozy cafes of Tipp City to the libations of Yellow Springs, a creative hub that's home to a brewery and Ohio's oldest tavern.