Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Brunswick, OH to Salem, OH
Overview
Are you planning a road trip from Brunswick, Ohio to Salem, Ohio? The 70-mile stretch between these two cities is a perfect weekend getaway with family or friends. The drive is incredibly scenic, and there are plenty of sites to check out. One excellent halfway point to stop at is Kent, Ohio, a vibrant college town with a lively downtown area. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Brunswick to Salem.
Top Five Things to Do
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The first thing on your itinerary should be to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville, Ohio. This national park is one of the most visited in the country with over 2.2 million visitors in 2020. It offers plenty of things to do, from hiking to mountain biking to river rafting, to horseback riding. The park is situated between the Cuyahoga River and the Ohio and Erie Canal, offering a unique landscape to explore.
Interesting fact: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the region, including the 65-feet-tall Brandywine Falls.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
The next stop on your road trip should be Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, located in Akron, Ohio. This historic estate is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and architecture. It is a 65-room mansion that was built by F.A. Seiberling, the co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, in 1915. Besides the mansion, visitors can explore the manicured gardens and walk trails.
Interesting fact: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is recognized as one of the largest and most impressive examples of an American Country Estate built during the twentieth century.
Ohio Light Opera
Your next stop should be the Ohio Light Opera in Wooster, Ohio. Founded in 1979, it is one of the oldest professional light opera companies in the country. The company performs a repertoire of ten new and old productions every year, which includes Gilbert and Sullivan and American operetta. It’s a chance to enjoy a fantastic theatrical experience in a beautiful location.
Interesting fact: Ohio Light Opera has become a destination for tourists who visit Wooster, and in 2013, it had over 6,000 visitors from all over the globe.
The Troll Hole Museum
A unique point of interest in Alliance, Ohio, is the Troll Hole Museum. The museum is one of the world's largest collection of trolls, with over 20,000 troll-related items on display. Visitors can explore the different exhibits that showcase the history of trolls, troll dolls, and mythology. It is a perfect destination for families with kids.
Interesting fact: The Troll Hole Museum broke the Guinness World Record for the most extensive collection of trolls in 2018.
Ghost Walk of Salem
The final destination of your road trip should be the Ghost Walk of Salem. Discover the scary tales of Salem through a guided tour with a costumed guide. The one-hour walking tour discusses the town's history, such as the Witch Trials of 1692, the Great Fire of 1914, and the Civil War. Visitors will hear ghost stories about the town and walk through cemeteries and historic locations.
Interesting fact: Salem is famous for its haunted history, and according to local folklore, the town is home to many restless spirits.
Conclusion
In summary, the road trip from Brunswick, Ohio to Salem, Ohio, is a beautiful drive with many things to offer. You can visit national parks, historic estates, professional theaters, and troll museums. With so many options, it might be hard to choose, so make sure to fit these top five into your itinerary. The trip should take around an hour and 20 minutes, so it's perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.