Ohio

If your inner child had a passport, b.a. Sweetie Candy Company would be its favorite vacation destination. Tucked off Brookpark Road in Cleveland, this whimsical wonderland isn’t just a candy store—it’s a sugar-sprinkled fantasy that goes on and on (and on). Whether you’re on the hunt for nostalgic sweets from your childhood or just want to marvel at the sheer size of it all, Sweetie’s delivers in every color, flavor, and form imaginable.

If your idea of a perfect day includes treetop thrills, fresh air, and a few butterflies in your stomach, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park in Strongsville is your next adventure waiting to happen. Nestled inside Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation, this outdoor playground invites you to trade your desk for a harness and your to-do list for treetop views.

Tucked into a corner of the Mandel JCC campus in Beachwood, Ohio, there’s a place where imagination climbs as high as the jungle gyms, and joy echoes from every ramp and bridge. Welcome to Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park—a vibrant, whimsical wonderland designed to let every child play without limits. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, helping a toddler over rubbery hills, or cheering from a shaded bench, this park isn’t just kid-friendly—it’s kid empowering.

Step inside and take a breath—the air itself at Wittich’s Candy Shop seems to shimmer with sugar. It’s the kind of place that sparks childhood nostalgia even if you’ve never been, where the glass cases gleam with jewel-toned candies and the soft clink of a vintage soda fountain echoes in the background. In a world of polished, corporate sweet shops, Wittich’s stands out like a rare gem, proudly calling Circleville, Ohio, home since 1840, making it the oldest family-owned candy shop in America.

Get ready to feel like a kid again—from the moment you step through the doors of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, you’re hit with a wave of sweet nostalgia (and the irresistible scent of chocolate, caramel, and fruity goodness). This playful paradise of candy and quirky treats is where childhood memories meet modern-day indulgence, creating a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth—or a sense of fun.

When your dinner comes with a side of jump scares, you know you're in for more than just a meal. Welcome to The Haunted House Restaurant, where the line between dining and immersive entertainment is deliciously blurred. Located in Cleveland Heights, this spine-tingling spot is part eatery, part haunted funhouse, and totally unforgettable.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about rolling through a national park in a vintage railcar—with bald eagles soaring overhead and waterfalls peeking through the trees—this is your ticket to ride. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway isn’t just transportation; it’s a full-blown time machine through Ohio’s prettiest backyard.

If you think bookstores are all the same, think again. Hidden in the historic German Village neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, The Book Loft is no ordinary shop—it’s a sprawling, whimsical maze of literature that turns book browsing into an adventure. With 32 rooms packed floor to ceiling with books of every genre, this iconic destination is a dream come true for readers, wanderers, and anyone who loves getting gloriously lost among stories.

If you’ve ever unwrapped a Dum Dum pop and wondered where that fruity burst of nostalgia came from—welcome to the source. Tucked into the charming town of Bryan, Ohio, the Spangler Candy Factory is part Willy Wonka, part Americana, and all-out fun. It’s a place where the scent of sugar hangs in the air, where taffy-pulling and lollipop-spinning are more than just childhood fantasies—they’re everyday magic.

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a simpler time—a place where the hum of modern life fades and craftsmanship takes center stage—you’ll find your sweet spot in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country at Lehman’s in Kidron. This sprawling general store isn’t your average roadside shop. It’s a delightful, nostalgic journey where old-fashioned tools, quirky gadgets, and handmade goods abound, and every aisle invites you to slow down and savor.