Romantic Weekend Getaways in Ohio
I’ve found that Ohio is full of hidden gems when it comes to romantic weekend escapes. Just a short drive from the bustle of daily life, you can discover cozy cabins tucked in the woods, magical and mysterious castles, lakes, and even city spots that surprise you.
If you are in a hurry:
- Option 1 for a two-day itinerary: Relax and unwind at Landoll's Mohican Castle and check out a few sights nearby. Plan a fall foliage trip, Christmas trip.
- Option 2 for a two-day itinerary: The Inn at Honey Run, Ohio and use it as a base to learn about local culture, hike, and try something truly local like the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum
- Option 1 For a three-day itinerary: Stay at The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor and check out many activities and attractions you have available in Canton, Ohio
- Option 2 for a three-day itinerary (summer option): Head to Kelleys Island and use A Water's Edge Retreat as a base to enjoy local wineries, parks and beaches
- Option 3 for a three-day itinerary: Check into The Grand Resort, Warren and get massages, play golf and explore nearby
I think that where you stay absolutely sets the tone for the trip. Maybe it’s a rustic log cabin with a crackling fireplace, a boutique inn in the heart of Amish Country, a lakeside cottage where you can watch the sunset together, or a countryside retreat surrounded by vineyards. Each one offers its own intimate setting, perfect for slowing down and enjoying each other’s company.
Here are some of the most romantic weekend getaways I’ve experienced in Ohio as a local that I think you’ll love for your next escape together.
1. Landoll's Mohican Castle
When we arrived at Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville (we drove 1 hour 30 minutes northeast from Columbus, Ohio while living there for two months), I felt like we had stepped straight into a magical, mysterious fairy tale hidden deep in the forest.
Driving up the winding road and seeing the castle’s towers rise above the trees was absolutely spectacular. It felt like discovering a hidden gem in the Midwest...
Our suite had rustic wood beams, cozy fireplaces, and big windows looking out into the forest, and staying there gave us a joyful sense of both comfort and adventure while celebrating my husband's birthday.
We spent the afternoon wandering through the grounds, exploring garden paths and tucked-away corners. I thought it was the coolest mix of history, nature, and fantasy.
Dining at the Copper Mug Bar & Grille on-site was one of my favorite parts. The food tasted hearty and delicious, and the setting made it even more memorable on our romantic getaway. I wanted to stretch out the dinner so that it wouldn't end.
At night, the castle glowed under soft lights. It was exciting to sit outside, sip a drink, and watch the stars emerge over the treetops. I recommend going during the warmer season so that you can hang out outside more. But it's magical year-round! There's the fall season when everything is spectacular (we came for two nights for the second time during the fall). And Christmas decorations at Landoll's Mohican Castle are very dreamy!
I also thought it was awesome that the castle hosts mysterious ghost tours and events. This ads another layer of fun for anyone who loves a little mystery.
Since we were there for two nights, we also checked out Malabar Farm State Park 25 minutes away. If you are a fan of the famous movie "The Shawshank Redemption", you can do a self-guided driving tour of The Shawshank Trail with 15 filming sites!
Check prices at Landoll’s Mohican Castle.
I started recommending Landoll’s Mohican Castle when we first learned about this unique spot in 2015. Ten years later, for me, Landoll’s Mohican Castle is still the absolute best romantic getaway in Ohio because it's part fantasy, part retreat...it's unforgettable!
2. The Inn at Honey Run, Ohio
When we arrived at The Inn at Honey Run in Ohio’s Amish Country for our two-night stay (1 hour 30 minutes northeast from Columbus), I immediately felt wrapped in peace. All the beautiful nature of the quiet woods made it feel like a true escape from everyday life.
We checked into our room and I loved how it blended rustic charm with modern comfort. I especially appreciated the big windows that made you feel like you're living in a forest. It inspired us to head outside and do some hiking in the woods. We found the outdoor art museum tucked into the woods. It felt to us like stumbling upon a hidden gem.
One of my favorite parts was dining at Tarragon, the on-site restaurant. You could really taste that the food was super fresh (and also locally sourced). You don't get that kind of flavor unless it's been picked a day before!
I thought that the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum was a place of mystery with art that was part of the nature. There were also various birding stations where we saw finches, cardinals and bluebirds (and squirrels of course!)
I thought it was exciting how the inn offered so many ways to unwind. You can sit next to cozy fireplaces, on private balconies, and even hillside honeycomb rooms built right into the landscape.
I loved how the atmosphere encouraged us to slow down, disconnect, and really appreciate the beauty all around us. At sunset I was really appreciative of all the magic and natural beauty around us.
For me, The Inn at Honey Run is the best Ohio getaway for romance that blends nature, art, and comfort in the most unique way possible.
Check prices at The Inn at Honey Run
3. The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor
The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor in Canton, Ohio, just about two hours from Columbus, is a comfortable, romantic escape.
Driving up to the grand, castle-like architecture instantly gave me the sense that this was going to be a spectacular stay. It was shrouded in mystery and it looked more like a European estate than an Ohio getaway.
I loved how the property was tucked into a peaceful golf community, a hidden gem right in the Midwest.
Our room for two nights was spacious and inviting, with plush bedding and warm decor that gave us a joyful sense of relaxation from the moment we checked in.
We spent the afternoon exploring the spa and fitness center, and I thought it was awesome how the inn offered so many ways to recharge, whether you wanted a massage or just a swim in the pool.
Dinner at the on-site restaurant was one of my favorite parts, with delicious dishes served in a cozy, elegant atmosphere that made the evening feel special.
Later, we walked around the grounds at sunset, and the castle-like towers glowing against the sky were absolutely the coolest sight of the day.
I also thought it was exciting that the inn is such a versatile spot. We liked it for our romantic getaway but you can also go on a golf weekend outing with your girlfriends, or even a family celebration here.
Next day we were feeling energized to we headed to Canton Museum of Art, William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, and First Ladies National Historic Site. If you have more time, there's also the Canton Classic Car Museum and MAPS Air Museum. I thought that The Troll Hole Museum ($12 admission) in nearby Alliance that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of troll dolls was quite mysterious and a weird hidden gem. You can also pick up a gift for the kids at home here.
Check prices at The Bertram Inn
For me, The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor is an underrated Ohio treasure that makes a quick two-hour trip feel like a world away.
4. A Water's Edge Retreat
I drove 25 minutes to the Miller Ferry dock in Catawba Island, then rode 20 minutes across Lake Erie to South Bass Island. From there, it was a short ride into Put-in-Bay. I really enjoyed the journey because by the time we arrived my mind was re-set and I was in vacation mode.
By the time we pulled up to A Water’s Edge Retreat on Kelleys Island, Ohio for our three night stay, I was sure that we discovered a beautiful sanctuary tucked away on the shores of Lake Erie.
The inn with its wraparound porches, gardens, and views of the water instantly gave us a joyful sense of calm. Our room was super cozy, filled with antique touches and big windows that opened up to spectacular lake views.
I loved waking up to the sound of waves and then enjoying a homemade breakfast that truly felt like it was made with care.
We spent the afternoon exploring Kelleys Island, wandering along trails and small beaches, but it was exciting knowing we could come back to such a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
One of my favorite moments was simply sitting in the garden with a book, feeling the breeze off the lake and realizing how cool it was to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. In the evening, we watched the sunset melt into the horizon, turning the sky orange and purple.
Check prices at Water’s Edge Retreat
Since we were there a while, we had a chance to explore Glacial Grooves. We also went to Kelleys Island State Park (it's big, it covers 677 acres!) and had fun on the public swimming beach on Lake Erie there.
We sought out Inscription Rock on the southern shore of Kelleys Island. I found this large limestone boulder mysterious and unique with its petroglyphs carved by Native Americans between 1200 and 1600 A.D... Kelleys Island Historical Association Museum is another great stop that lets you dive into the history of the island.
There's also a surreal number of preserves on the island (North Pond State Nature Preserve, North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserve, and the Scheele Preserve). I thought all three were amazing hidden gems for hiking and birdwatching. I can see myself spending a whole month on this awesome natural island sometime soon!
Another cool idea for a romantic afternoon are all the wineries here: Kelleys Island Wine Co., Crooked Tree Vineyard, and Monarch Winery. They offer wine tastings and a relaxing atmosphere. One downside is that many places on the island only open during the warmer season.
All in all, this is one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways in Ohio. I thought it was awesome that the retreat made everything feel personal, from the welcoming hosts to the thoughtful details throughout the property. For me, A Water’s Edge Retreat is the absolute best early summer island weekend getaway in Ohio.
5. The Grand Resort, Warren
We drove one hour southeast from Cleveland to Warren and checked into The Grand Resort in Warren, Ohio for two nights. I immediately felt like we had stepped into a luxurious retreat that had everything we could possibly want in one place.
The grand lobby set the tone with elegant decor and welcoming staff, and I thought it was absolutely spectacular how seamlessly comfort and sophistication came together.
Our room was spacious and modern, with plush bedding, sleek finishes, and a balcony overlooking the grounds. If you appreciate these thoughtful touches, you'll love it here.
I loved that the resort offered so many amenities, from indoor and outdoor pools to tennis courts and even a golf course. It felt like a hidden gem right in Northeast Ohio.
One of my favorite parts was dining at one of the on-site restaurants. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere made the meal feel special without being over the top.
Later, we spent time at the cigar lounge and wine cellar, and I thought it was the coolest touch that added to the resort’s unique character.
We also got Swedish massages at the spa, and it was awesome to have such relaxing treatments available without ever leaving the property.
In the evening, walking around the beautifully landscaped grounds under the soft glow of lights made the whole place feel romantic and unforgettable.
Check prices at The Grand Resort
For me, The Grand Resort in Warren is the absolute best Ohio getaway when you want luxury, relaxation, and endless amenities all in one destination. It's especially a treat for golfers so in addition to being a romantic getaway, I noted to myself to get away here with my girlfriends sometime.
Conclusion
Each of these Ohio getaways gave us something different, a moment of stillness, a spark of joy, a space to simply be together. Whether you’re drawn to castles or cabins, vineyards or modern spas, I think these places make romance feel easy again. These weekends reminded us that love just needs a setting that gives it new inspiration.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
