Ohio

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.

Walking through the front doors of Tis The Season Christmas Shoppe feels like unlocking a magical snow globe—one that plays carols, smells like cinnamon, and goes on for three whole levels. Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, this festive wonderland isn’t just a holiday shop—it’s a year-round destination for anyone who loves Christmas (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us).

Ready to unleash your inner action hero without the bruises or paint stains? Welcome to Dart Arena in West Chester Township, Ohio—where high-energy battles meet Nerf-style fun in an all-ages indoor playground. Whether you're a kid with endless energy or an adult itching to dive-roll behind a barrier like it’s your 10th birthday party again, this place delivers nonstop excitement in a neon-lit battleground.

If you've ever wanted to hear the click-clack of steel wheels echo beneath your feet or feel the hum of a vintage electric trolley as it glides down the track, you’re in for a nostalgic treat. Tucked away in Worthington, The Ohio Railway Museum isn't just for train buffs—it's a hands-on, full-sensory journey into Ohio’s railroad past that will charm kids, captivate history lovers, and surprise even the most casual visitor.

If you've ever wished your Hogwarts letter had arrived, there's one weekend in Ohio that might make up for it. Each summer, downtown Kent is whisked away from the world of the Muggles and transformed into a charming, wizard-themed spectacle called the Wizardly World of Kent. This all-ages celebration brings out the cloaks, wands, and wide-eyed wonder in visitors of all stripes—and you don’t have to be a die-hard fan to get swept up in the magic.

If you’ve ever wanted to step straight into a technicolor dream of flower power, free spirits, and groovy tunes, Hippie Fest in Rockbridge, Ohio is your portal to peace and love. It’s not just a throwback—it’s a full-on sensory revival, where lava lamps glow, bell bottoms twirl, and the scent of incense rides the breeze alongside acoustic guitar riffs.

If your ideal summer day includes cotton candy, go-karts, and a round of mini golf with your crew, there’s a place in Canal Fulton, Ohio, that feels like it was made just for you. Welcome to Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park, a delightfully retro, family-owned destination packed with charm, thrills, and just enough quirk to make you smile all the way home.