Less Doing, More Being

Not every getaway has to be packed tight. Unwind with scenic drives, inviting shops, beautiful places to wander, and plenty of artisan bites and sips along the way.

Here are some of our favorite escapes:

Fresh Bites. Open Roads.

Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, you'll find a historic downtown with a surprisingly fresh food scene, surrounded by open farmland, back roads, and miles of trail.

Located in Wayne County, the town of Wooster fits a full night into a few walkable blocks with chef-driven menus, craft cocktails, and your choice of boutique hotel. Arrive, park once, and let the evening unfold.

What makes the food stand out is the farmland around it. Wayne County borders the world's largest Amish settlement, and local agriculture shows up everywhere. Farmstands, orchards, and working fields sit just beyond downtown, and ingredients often reach the plate from a short drive away.

More than 20 miles of rail trail cut through fields and small towns, giving you an easy route for a long bike ride or a short walk. At the edge of Wooster, a 110-acre arboretum gives you another way to spend some time off-screen and out in the landscape.

Shopping holds up, too, with independent bookstores, home goods, clothing, gifts, antiques, and specialty shops that serve locals as much as visitors.

Looking for something a little different? Check out the summer opera festival, a legendary local homesteading store, and an annual county fair that has been called Ohio's best.

However you choose to explore, Wayne County makes it simple: eat well, get outside, stay a little longer than planned.