Nestled hills between massive hills and stunning landscape, Athens Ohio is a beautiful destination with a long, enriched history. While it is famous as the home of Ohio University, this buzzing little city has much more to offer than just being a college town.
It is a perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature, art, culture, and history. Athens offers a blend of modern charm and old-school beauty, making it a must-visit place for everyone. Interested to know more about the city? Here, we have listed the most romantic things to do in Athens Ohio.
Is Athens Ohio pretty?
Yes, definitely. Athens Ohio is packed with scintillating views and rich history. This scenic town is located in Southeast Ohio and is famous for offering residents suburban vibes. Its thriving art and music scene always enthrall visitors from far and wide, making this nice small town worth adding to your itinerary.
What is there to do in Athens Ohio?
Athens Ohio is home to many different activities and attractions. If you love the outdoors, take advantage of the city’s many parks and hiking trails. You can also explore the local food scene as Athens is home to some great restaurants and farmers’ markets. In addition, visitors should not forget to check out the city’s arts and culture scene to make the best out of their trip.
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10 Best & Fun Things to Do In Athens (Ohio)
Athens is a perfect compilation of old-world charm and new-age vibes. It is blessed with nature, teeming with gardens, lakes, and parks for recreation. If you are visiting this city for the very first time, then read the guide and find the best things you cannot afford to miss while visiting Athens.
1. Pleasant Hill Vineyards
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some stunning views, Pleasant Hill Vineyards in Athens Ohio is the perfect spot. With scenic rolling hills in the background, this family-owned winery boasts historic charm. The reason why this winery is placed on the top of the list of the best things to do in Athens Ohio is its peaceful surroundings and serene vibes.
It is famous for its amazing wine-tasting tours that are sure to please any visitor. This winery feature ten excellent wines and a wonderful menu with weekly specials. In addition, Pleasant Hill Vineyards is also popular for offering one of the best sunset views in Athens County.
The winery is exactly located at 5015 Pleasant Hill Rd, Athens and you can connect with their staff at +1 740-502-3525 to pre-book your wine-tasting tour.
What hotels are near Pleasant Hill Vineyards?
Deer Ridge Bed and Breakfast, Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hampton Inn Athens, Fairfield Inn & Suites, etc., are some of the best hotels located near Pleasant Hill Vineyards.
What restaurants are near Pleasant Hill Vineyards?
The list of restaurants located near this winery includes Purple Chopstix, Dynasty Restaurant, Cutler’s Restaurant and Bunch of Grapes Tavern, and many more.
2. Dairy Art Barn
Are you looking for the best indoor things to do in Athens Ohio? Pay a visit to Dairy Art Barn and enjoy an eclectic mix of events, exhibitions, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. This art center is primarily open to nurturing and promoting area artists and artisans.
Dairy Art Barn is quite popular for its one-of-a-kind gallery shop from where you can purchase everything related to art, such as pottery, jewelry, or wall art. It has also developed an international reputation for excellence with a biennial exhibition, namely Quilt National that has attracted 100,000 visitors to Athens since its premiere in 1979.
This art center is precisely located at 8000 Dairy Ln, Athens Ohio. Connect to their staff members at +1 740-592-4981 to get exact information about upcoming events.
What hotels are near Dairy Art Barn?
The best hotels located near Dairy Art Barn are Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Holiday Inn & Suites, Hometown Inn, Hampton Inn, and more.
What services does the Dairy Arts Center offer for wedding events?
Dairy Arts Center features four different spaces to handle weddings of different capacities and sizes. It offers a versatile indoor and outdoor space, configured in several different options to suit your needs.
3. Strouds Run State Park
Located in Canaan Township, Strouds Run State Park is a famous public recreation area. It features plenty of trails to explore, a lake for swimming and fishing, and even a playground and picnic area. The rugged terrain and scenic lake offer visitors a unique wilderness escape in southeastern Ohio.
This recreational park boasts miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. It also has some of the oldest trees, including the county’s biggest black oak.
The exact location of Strouds Run State Park is 11661 State Park Rd, Athens and you can connect with them at +1 740-592-2302 to enquire about opening and closing times and activities available.
Can you swim at Strouds Run?
Yes. Strouds Run State Park is home to Dow Lake where you can enjoy several water-related activities like swimming, boating, and paddling.
How many acres is Strouds Run State Park?
This state park is spread across 2,606 acres or 1,055 hectares of land.
Can you hunt at Strouds Run State Park?
Yes, hunting is allowed in certain areas of Strouds Run State Park and you can mainly hunt Wild Turkey, White-Tailed Deer, and Gray Squirrel.
4. Little Fish Brewing
Wondering about the best things to do in Athens Ohio this weekend? Visit the popular Little Fish Brewing and savor vintage beers with lip-smacking snacks. This brewery is famous for its locally sourced and meticulously crafted brews, thus attracting beer lovers from every nook and corner of the world.
Little Fish Brewing Company is also suitable for families with kids as it features changing tables, a play area, and a special kids menu. It is situated at 8675 Armitage Rd, Athens. Do you have some queries or want to book a table in advance? Dial +1 740-447-5011 and connect with their staff members instantly.
What hotels are near Little Fish Brewing?
Bodhi Tree Guesthouse & Studio, Hampton Inn Athens, Highlander Motel, etc., are some of the hotels located near Little Fish Brewing.
What restaurants are near Little Fish Brewing?
The list of best restaurants near Little Fish brewing includes Burrito Buggy, Restaurant Salaam, Larry’s Dawghouse, Catalyst Cafe, and more.
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5. Kennedy Museum Of Art
Do you prefer visiting an art museum more than an amusement park in Ohio? Add the Kennedy Museum of Art to your itinerary and explore a massive range of permanent collections and traveling exhibitions.
This landmark museum is widely applauded for offering a stunning collection of American artwork including Southwest Native American textiles. Located at 100 Ridges Cir, Athens Ohio, this museum remains open on all weekdays and weekends.
However, if you want to know the exact time, then call them at +1 740-593-1304 and fix your query instantly.
What hotels are near the Kennedy Museum of Art?
Some of the best hotels near the Kennedy Museum of Art are Knights Inn, Athens Central, Holiday Inn & Suites, Hometown Inn, etc.
What restaurants are near the Kennedy Museum of Art?
Cutler’s Restaurant and Bunch of Grapes Tavern, West 82 Food Court, Union Street Diner, etc., are listed among the best restaurants to dine in near the Kennedy Museum of Art.
6. Athena Cinema
Are you a theater freak and moving from California to Ohio to enjoy the best cinematic experience? If yes, then you must pay a visit to Athena Cinema and spend quality time with your family and friends.
This movie theater is one of the oldest in Ohio and has been continuously operating since 1915. It was originally called Majestic Theatre but then its name was changed to Schine’s Athena and now it is known as the Athena Cinema.
It is operated as a three-screen, art-house theater, featuring independent documentaries, and the world and classic films; that’s what makes Athena Cinema stand out. The current location of this theater is 20 S Court St, Athens, and the official number where you can contac them is +1 740-594-7382.
When is Athena Cinema Open?
Athena Cinema remains open on all weekdays and weekends; however, the timing may vary. You can visit this theater between 4:00 pm and 11:00 pm on weekdays and from 2:30 pm to 11:00 pm on weekends.
What hotels are near Athena Cinema?
The hotels located near Athena Cinema are Hometown Inn, Knights Inn, Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, Athens Central Hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and more.
7. West State Park
Located at the end of West State Street, visiting West State Park is one of the best things to do in Athens Ohio. It is home to plenty of baseball fields, playgrounds, a restroom facility, and two shelter houses.
This park is famous for providing softball fields for active recreation. Also, it has a variety of seating options with tons of picnic tables so you can spend some peaceful time in the lap of Mother Nature.
The exact location of the West State Park is W State St, Athens. If you want to book their shelter houses, then please call +1 740-592-3325 to avoid any last-minute hassle.
How much does it cost to camp at West Branch State Park?
It costs around $30 to $40/ per night to camp at West Branch State Park. The camping site can accommodate groups of up to 25 people.
Can you swim at West Branch?
Yes, absolutely. The park features a 700-foot sand beach where you can enjoy swimming without thinking twice. This beach also comprises restrooms, outdoor showers, vending machines, and changing booths.
8. Avalanche Pizza Slice House
Thinking Does it snow in Ohio and if yes, then what would you do to enjoy that day? In that case, you can pay a visit to Avalanche Pizza Slice House and savor a massive variety of pizza and other delicious Italian cuisines.
This Pizza Slice House is widely appreciated among foodies for offering pizza with thin pliable bottom and crunchy crust. In addition, you must try Big New York Slices and Pork Belly Sandwiches when visiting this restaurant.
Add 540 W Union St, Athens to the address field when booking a cab and reach Avalanche Pizza Slice House easily. If you have any queries regarding the order and food, then call them at +1 740-447-9001.
Does Avalanche Pizza offer takeout?
Yes, absolutely. This eatery offers takeout services so you can order your food and pick it up after a short while.
Does Avalanche Pizza offer delivery?
Yes, Avalanche Pizza Slice House in Athens offers delivery services.
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9. Big Mamma’s Burritos
Are you traveling with your better half and searching for romantic things to do in Athens Ohio? Visit Big Mamma’s Burritos and savor delicious food while enjoying a calm and cozy ambiance. This restaurant is famous for offers offering always fresh and made-to-order burritos.
They understand that there’s never one burrito for every craving; hence, create them as per your taste buds and preferences. The restaurant remains open on all weekdays and weekends. It is located at Ohio University, 10 S Court St, Athens. Dial +1 740-566-4100 to pre-order your meal.
Do Big Mamma’s Burritos offer delivery or takeout?
Yes. Big Mamma’s Burritos offers dine-in, Kerbside pickup, and delivery services to facilitate customers.
What forms of payment are accepted at Big Mamma’s Burritos?
This Burrito restaurant accepts all credit cards to avoid any hassle.
10. Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina
A famous Mexican Restaurant, Casa Nueva is a one-of-a-kind worker-owned cooperative restaurant in Athens, Ohio. They are widely applauded for offering lip-smacking Mexican-inspired cuisines, created from locally sourced and fresh ingredients. You can also order vegan and gluten-free options to satiate your health requirements.
In addition to the delicious food, this restaurant is also famous for featuring a cool and vibrant ambiance with live music performances. The exact location of this restaurant is 6 W State St, Athens and you can connect with them at +1 740-592-2016 to check their opening timings and to pre-order your food.
Does Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant offer takeout?
Yes. Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant offers all kinds of services, be it takeout or dine-in. However, it doesn’t offer any home delivery, so you can either take out your order to enjoy the food at the restaurant.
How is Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant Rated?
Casa Nuova offers excellent services and is thus rated well. According to Tripadvisor ratings, this restaurant gets a 4.5-star rating for everything, including food, value, atmosphere, and service.
Things to Do in Athens, Ohio FAQs
What to do in Athens Ohio when it rains?
There are plenty of things to enjoy in Athens Ohio on a rainy day. For example, you can visit museums and art galleries downtown and spend your day exploring unique artifacts and exhibits. In addition, you can also check out one of the many local coffee shops to enjoy a cozy ambiance and rain showers.
For some retail therapy, head to Uptown Market Place and pamper the shopper inside you.
Is Athens Ohio safe to visit?
Yes, absolutely. The city has a low crime rate and is generally considered to be a much safer place than many of its contemporaries. It is ranked as the 32d safest city in Ohio, according to a recent survey conducted by Safewise. These rankings are based on the FBI’s crime statistics and Athens is the only southeastern Ohio city to be included in the list.
What is there to do in Athens Ohio at night?
While Athens is quite popular for being a college town and cultural center, this city offers various nighttime activities to enjoy. It is loaded with tons of bars and clubs where you can enjoy vibrant nightlife. If you are looking for something to do that is a little more low-key, there are also a number of coffee shops and cafes that stay open late.
Conclusion
There are a myriad of things to do in Athens Ohio, no matter what your interests are. From hiking trails and amusement parks to museums and historic sites, there’s something for everyone in this charming southeastern Ohio city.
In addition, Athens also offers tourists some truly amazing outdoor recreation and dining experiences that attract visitors from far and wide.
So whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a place to call home, be sure to check out Athens Ohio and you won’t be disappointed. However, it is advised to check the cost of living and other related factors before finally your relocation to Ohio to avoid any last-minute trouble.
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