Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Canton, Ohio and Willoughby, Ohio
The drive from Canton, Ohio to Willoughby, Ohio, which spans across 80 miles, takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The trip offers a beautiful view of the Midwestern landscape, fields, forests, hills, valleys, and lakes. Along the way, there are several places that traveling enthusiasts should not miss. Here are the top five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Canton, Ohio, and Willoughby, Ohio.
Halfway Point: Hudson, OH
Before diving into the five places, it is worth mentioning the halfway point, Hudson, OH. Hudson is a serene community nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Ohio. It offers a vast array of locally owned shops, restaurants, and cafes. A great place to stop and stretch your legs. With its scenic streets, historic homes, and friendly residents, Hudson is well worth a visit.
1. Malabar Farm State Park (Lucas, OH)
Malabar Farm State Park is a 1,000-acre estate located in Lucas, OH. It was once the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield and is now a state park featuring a working farm, an old-fashioned restaurant, hiking trails, and a museum. The park is a popular destination for hiking, bird-watching, and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to stop by the Malabar Farm Restaurant and try the farm-style chicken with mashed potatoes and country gravy.
2. The Mohican State Park (Loudonville, OH)
The Mohican State Park, located in Loudonville, OH, is a natural wonderland and one of Ohio's most visited parks. It covers over 5,000 acres of stunning forests, lakes, and streams and is the perfect place for a picnic, hiking, fishing, or boating. The park is home to several scenic trails, including the Mohican State Park Bike Trail, which is 25 miles long. For lunch, head to the Mohican Tavern and try their signature burger and onion rings.
3. Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society (Mansfield, OH)
Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, OH. Built in 1886, the prison features towering gothic architecture and was used as the setting for the film The Shawshank Redemption. The society offers guided tours that take visitors through the cellblocks, guard towers, and the execution chamber. A visit to the reformatory is not complete without trying the chili dogs from Coney Island Diner.
4. James A. Garfield National Historic Site (Mentor, OH)
James A. Garfield National Historic Site, located in Mentor, OH, was once the home of the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield. The site features a visitor center, museum, and the Garfield family home, where visitors can get a glimpse of how the family lived in the late 1800s. The site is open for both guided and self-guided tours, and the Garfield's favorite dish was corned beef and cabbage, which can be found at Main Street Cafe.
5. Holden Arboretum (Kirtland, OH)
Holden Arboretum is a 3,600-acre park located in Kirtland, OH. The arboretum is home to over 20,000 species of plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. The park features several hiking trails, panoramic views of Lake Erie, and the 120 feet high Emergent Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding forests. Onsite, visitors will find the Botanical Garden Cafe, which serves up a mean grilled cheese sandwich.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this road trip offers a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich history of northeastern Ohio. No matter what your interests may be, there is something for everyone on this trip. From hiking and bird-watching to visiting museums and savoring delicious food, this road trip will undoubtedly leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, grab some snacks, and hit the road to discover the hidden gems of this beautiful corner of Ohio.