By Mary Kleffner
Posted On: Dec 22, 2022
Winter in Ohio is one of the best times to pack your bags, grab your sweetheart, and hit the road for a romantic getaway. No matter what sparks your interest, a romantic winter getaway awaits in Ohio.
Photo credit: Belamere Suites Hotel
Northwest
Stay: TripAdvisor's most romantic hotel is Belamere Suites Hotel in Perrysburg, just outside of Toledo. Belamere Suites offers couples a romantic getaway complete with your own mini paradise. Each room features a private swimming pool, whirlpool tub, fireplace, personal sauna, and several other amenities designed to create the perfect vibe.
Eat: Stay local with a night out at Perrysburg's original fine dining restaurant. Stella's Restaurant boasts an extensive wine and liquor list (including a robust bourbon collection), as well as dishes prepared with fresh and local ingredients.
If you're looking for an evening out, head to Toledo - which is just a few minutes away. The carved wood, brass, and stained glass within Mancy's Steakhouse exudes romance. While there, treat yourself to the finest steaks and chops in the region, aged for 28 days using the same time-honored techniques that have been passed through the family.
Visit: Take a stroll about the grounds of the 577 Foundation. This unique attraction boasts an idyllic garden with a StoryWalk, community gardens, and a geodesic biodome. If you're venturing towards Toledo, then be sure to stop by the Toledo Museum of Art or catch a show at the Valentine Theatre.
If you more outdoorsy, stop by Maumee Bay State Park for winter nature hikes and ice skating. Extend your stay and book a room at the Maumee Bay Lodge which has a 2-mile boardwalk and several hiking trails. And when the snow falls, you'll see a new side of the park by hopping on the skiing trail.
Northeast
Stay: The realization of Jim Landoll's dream castle, Landoll's Mohican Castle in Loudonville sits on 30 acres and offers breathtaking sights, unique lodging, and fine dining. Unwind from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect by booking a spa appointment. Continue to relax and enjoy each other's company at the indoor pool or in the hot tub.
Eat: The Copper Mug Bar & Grill at Landoll's Mohican Castle offers a fabulous dining experience with a world class menu that was showcased on television by Gordon Ramsay in 2016. This casual fine dining environment reflects the unique charm and romance of the Mohicans.
Visit: Experience the magic of Mohican country at nearby Mohican State Park, one of Ohio's most exquisite natural regions. Take in the cool, crisp winter air at the crystalline Clear Fork River and hike or meander through the hemlock forest and Clear Fork Gorge – even more breathtaking with a dusting of snow.
Central
Stay: Named by The Scout Guide as a Top Romantic Getaway in the U.S., Granville's Welsh Hills Inn is the perfect place to treat yourself. Sitting on 15 wooded acres, this bed and breakfast offers scenic views and seclusion ideal for your next retreat. You can also add special touches to your stay like fresh flowers in your room, a box of local chocolates, and spa treatments.
Eat: Head out to central Granville and enjoy the local food scene. Three Tigers Brewing offers a fun and casual evening out from their variety of craft brews to dishes from Mai Chau Kitchen. This Vietnamese street-food inspired restaurant that has everything from noodle bowls and dumplings, to steamed buns.
For more treats, grab a coffee (or hot chocolate) from The Village Coffee Company. Then stop by Goumas Candyland and pick up some of their hand-dipped chocolates. This shop has been operating since 1911, so they know a thing or two about crafting delectable delights perfect for Valentine's Day. Or any day -- because chocolate is an any day kind of treat!
Visit: The charming town of Granville offers several local shops and attractions to explore. If you're an arts & culture lover, visit the Robbins Hunter Museum. The nearly 200 year-old Greek Revival style house is also home to the Victoria Woodhull clock tower (she was the first woman to run for President in the U.S.).
Enjoy the chilly and crisp winter air with a trip to the Dawes Arboretum. Located in Newark (about 15 minutes away from Granville), the arborteum encompasses almost 2,000 acres of plant collections, gardens, and natural areas. While you're there, see if you can find all six of the Avian Avatars. These 20 feet sculptures are constructed from bamboo and other recycled materials and each represent a native bird that tells a unique story about the history of Ohio and the Arboretum.
Photo credit: The Lytle Park Hotel, Facebook
Southwest
Stay: Spend your getaway in luxury with a stay at the Lytle Park Hotel in Cincinnati. Ranked as one of the "50 Romantic Midwest Getaways" by Midwest Living and a top hotel in both the U.S. and the world by Travel & Leisure, this spot will bring the elegance and relaxation to your romantic sojourn.
Eat: Travel to Italy for the night at the upscale Nicola's restaurant in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine, which offers authentic and delicious Italian fare. Or opt for a night in and dine at the hotel's restaurant. Subito serves authentic Italian cuisine with a modern flair.
Visit: Warm up with an excursion to one of the area's art museums. The Cincinnati Art Museum has a collections of amazing works from all around the world. And for photographer lovers, check out their upcoming exhibit of famed painter Georgia O'Keefe's photography ("Georgia O'Keefe, Photographer" runs from Feb. 3 - May 7, 2023).
And don't forget to check out the Taft Museum of Art, which is an 1820 private home turned small art museums that has National Historic Landmark status and is known for its Duncanson murals.
Southeast
Stay: Enjoy a regal getaway when you stay at Ravenwood Castle in New Plymouth, which was designed to resemble 12th and 13th century castles. Book your overnight stay in one of their seven hotel rooms - like the King Arthur Suite. Or head to one of the 14 cottages and cabins for your stay, like the Candlemaker's Cottage or the Silversmith's House (which has a red heart-shaped whirlpool that's perfect for a Valentine's Day retreat).
Eat: Start your morning with the famous cinnamon rolls from the daily breakfast at Ravenwood's Great Hall. You can grab lunch and dinner at the Great Hall too. Or for something different, sit by the fire with a craft brew at their Raven's Roost Pub.
Visit: Take in the quiet beauty of Ohio's natural landscape at Lake Hope State Park. The nearby state park in McArthur has several hiking trails you can enjoy this season. And weather permitting, you can also cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Bonus Romantic Getaway
Stay: Don't you wish every dinner could start with an aromatherapy jacuzzi bath - accented by a warm fireplace in a cozy cottage? The Inn at Cedar Falls in Logan sets the stage for a relaxing weekend, secluded in the still woods of southern Ohio.
Eat: A short drive from the Inn at Cedar Falls is Rhapsody, a casual fine dining restaurant located on the Public Square in downtown Nelsonville. Centered in the city's arts district, you can enjoy walking around and marveling at the art created by local craftsmen.
You can also stay around Logan for dinner at the recently opened 58 West restaurant. This spot (which is a restaurant, winery, brewery, and distillery all in one) is operated by Hocking Hills Winery and highlights the regions culinary scene.
Visit: Hit the trails at Hocking Hills State Park. Hike to Old Man's Cave, be sure to stop by Ash Cave, and enjoy the scenic sights and frozen waterfalls. If you want to extend your stay, make a reservation at the new Hocking Hills State Park Lodge, which offers 81 guest rooms and 40 cabins to choose from.
Whether you're looking for a charming B&B, an evening dining out, or a relaxing spa experience, you'll find the perfect romantic retreat in Ohio.
For more getaways this #WinterinOhio, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
