Ohio's Underrated City Has Parks, Tasty Eats, And A Charming Downtown Under An Hour From Dayton

When people think of Ohio, the so-called "Three Cs" of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland might come to mind. But you can also plan to spend a day exploring one of Ohio's smaller, underrated cities like Eaton, which is home to just 8,400 people. Although this little town doesn't have the same fine-dining scene or nationally recognized museums you'll find elsewhere in Ohio — the largest military aviation museum in the world, for instance, is in nearby Dayton— that's no reason to underestimate it. Here, you'll have a chance for a true escape thanks to the quiet country markets and historic covered bridges, which make the small town look like something out of a mid-century postcard. 

Beyond its bridges and parks, Eaton is perhaps best known for its festivals. The Preble County Pork Festival and Preble County Fair, for instance, are scheduled during the warmer months. They each bring dozens of vendors and performers to the town, and they're a truly unique way to experience Eaton. The area is also proud of its agrarian roots, which date back to its founding in the early 1800s and still account for a sizable portion of the economy; here, it's farmland, rather than skyscrapers, that dominates the landscape. You'll also find spacious public parks ready for family picnics and fishing, and a vibrant downtown packed with tasty eats and cultural activities, the sound of cargo trains whistling past it all. 

Getting to Eaton is relatively simple — proximity to Dayton and Dayton International Airport (DAY), less than 40 minutes away, makes it an easy travel destination. Whether you want to enjoy a festival or simply unwind away from the bustle of daily life, Eaton is an underrated spot that offers visitors more than you might expect.

Eaton takes its outdoor recreation seriously. Visitors can spend an afternoon fishing on the banks of Crystal Lake in Crystal Lake Park and walk across the Historic Roberts Covered Bridge nearby, the oldest covered bridge in all of Ohio, which dates back to 1829. Another must-visit relic of Eaton's past is the Historic Christman Covered Bridge; although it's slightly newer than the Roberts Bridge, dating back to 1895, it also makes for a picturesque picnicking spot.

Later in the day, make sure to save time for Seven Mile Park. Here, you'll find miles of paved walking trails, shaded picnicking areas, and fields where you can join a game of pick-up soccer. Not to mention the famous hollow tree, which is large enough for park-goers to squeeze inside and take dramatic pictures up to the sky.

Just a few miles south, Fort St. Clair Park is close to downtown Eaton. As the name suggests, the area was once the site of an 18th-century military fort, but it's since been converted into an 80-plus-acre park. "While there are more modern areas that can be reserved for family gatherings, the cobblestone fireplaces, old-growth hardwood trees, and playground beside the creek seem to hearken to an earlier time," recounts one reviewer on Google. During the holiday season, Fort St. Clair is decked out with a truly underrated light display that rivals even the most show-stopping Christmas light shows across America.

If your trip doesn't happen to fall during the week of Eaton's Pork Festival or County Fair, not to worry: there are plenty more places to grab a bite to eat, shop, or even catch a show in the city's charming, historic downtown. You can start your day with a coffee and a biscuit at Blu Sky's Café, which has an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google, before browsing the town's quirky mix of stores that specialize in everything from retro toys to vintage clothes.

After working up an appetite along East Main Street, walking past ornate, turreted Victorian homes, you'll find Red Mule Inn, a go-to for lunch or dinner. "Asked a local for a good lunch spot and was advised this was a local favorite, " reads one review on Google. Although the inn won't offer the white-table-clothed extravagance you'll find in Dayton or the Three Cs, dishes here are affordable and hearty, with juicy burgers, fries, and beers on tap. The restaurant also sits directly beside old railroad tracks, so you just might hear the nostalgic sound of passing trains while you eat. Unlike Moonville, Ohio's once-thriving railroad community that's now an eerie, abandoned ghost town, Eaton's tracks are still very much in use. 

Finally, when it comes to entertainment, the historic Gym & Star Theater, housed in the city's former high school, is the go-to for movie screenings, musical performances, and other events. Make sure to check out its calendar of activities before planning your visit, as it's a unique spot offering entertainment options of all flavors — from blockbuster movies and retellings of iconic Edgar Allan Poe stories to pickleball courts and batting cages, there's bound to be something that catches your eye.