Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cincinnati, OH to Peninsula, OH

The drive from Cincinnati, Ohio to Peninsula, Ohio is around a four-hour trip through scenic routes featuring Ohio's rolling hills. Along the way, one can stop and admire the beautiful mountainous scenery. However, for those wanting to take their road trip to the next level, here are five unexpected places to stop.

Halfway Point: Worthington, OH

Before getting to our top five stops, we need to mention the halfway point when driving from Cincinnati, OH to Peninsula, OH: Worthington. This northern suburb of Columbus is known for its historic charm, vibrant community, and local shops. Look out for the annually held Old Worthington Market Days, which features music, food, and retail vendors.

1. Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Mansfield, OH

Located in Mansfield, OH, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem. There, you can see a variety of bird species like the red-tailed hawk and the bald eagle. The birds live in large, outdoor habitats, and there are also indoor habitats for those more prone to colder temperatures. Plus, look out for their new conservation work: The new project aims to save and rehabilitate endangered owls. When visiting the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, don't forget to try their famous homemade trail mix.

2. Mohican State Park, Loudonville, OH

Mohican State Park in Loudonville, OH, offers one of Ohio's top-rated hiking trails. The Hemlock Gorge Trail follows along a river, displaying the beautiful natural landscape. Not only can you take a hike, but you can also rent a canoe or kayak to float down the river. For those hungry after a long hike, their restaurant called Mohican Lodge offers mouth-watering dishes like their blackened salmon.

3. Buzzard's Roost Nature Preserve, Glouster, OH

Buzzard's Roost Nature Preserve is located in Glouster, OH, featuring a hiking trail to a beautiful overlook. The overlook provides breath-taking views of Hocking Hills, making it a popular stop for photography lovers. During the hike, visitors can also explore sections of the Wayne National Forest. To fuel up before or after the hike, stop at the Millstone BBQ restaurant for some mouth-watering baby back ribs.

4. Hale Farm & Village, Bath, OH

Hale Farm & Village located in Bath, OH, features historic buildings and interactive educational exhibits. On your visit, you can observe artisans working in traditional ways to make items such as pottery, glass, and candles. The village also celebrates its annual Harvest Festival, featuring traditional dancers and farm animals. Don't forget to head over to Cafe 1810 for some delicious apple cider donuts when you're there.

5. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, OH

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens located in Akron, OH, is a historic estate showcasing Tudor Revival architecture. Visitors can tour the mansion and its impressive gardens. It's also a Christmas-themed hot spot, with gorgeous lights and decorations every year. For those who get peckish, their restaurant called Molly's is a perfect place to grab a bite to eat.

Conclusion

The drive from Cincinnati, OH, to Peninsula, OH, can be a beautiful and peaceful journey. However, adding these five stops will add an extra unique touch to your trip. Whether you stop at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary or Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, you will leave with fond memories. From homemade trail mix to apple cider donuts, there's plenty of delicious food to try along the way. So, next time you're passing through Ohio, make a stop to these five beautiful places.