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.
Read More: https://www.islands.com/2084813/painesville-ohio-cozy-riverside-city-college-town-feel-historic-charm-walkable-downtown/