Romantic Weekend Getaways in Ohio
Searching for the best weekend getaways in Ohio for couples? What a great idea! For me, after a whirlwind city week, slowing down in the Buckeye State is a dream come true, whether you love beaches like I do or a country escape (my husband's go-to!). I’m sharing my favorite ways to spend a cozy 48 hours re-setting in Ohio, and I hope you enjoy them too.
Landoll's Mohican Castle
This is one of my favorite weekend getaways in Ohio, and honestly, it feels like one of the most underrated fairy tale escapes in the U.S. Why? First off, driving up the winding road and seeing the castle’s towers rise above the trees is absolutely spectacular. Trust me, it felt like discovering a hidden gem in the Midwest...
Our suite for three days had rustic wood beams, a cozy fireplace, and big windows looking out into the forest. Staying there gave us a joyful sense of both comfort and adventure while celebrating my husband's birthday.
Later, 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. Just be sure to call the restaurant well ahead to book your table, especially on weekends!
At night, the castle glowed under soft lights like in the picture below so 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, although I have to say that it's magical year-round! There's the fall season when everything is spectacular (we came for two nights for the second time). And finally there's December when Christmas decorations at Landoll's Mohican Castle are very dreamy! If you visit when it's cold out, you can book one of their private heated greenhouses for an extra romantic dinner setting!
I recommend checking 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!
Landoll’s Mohican Castle is one of the best romantic getaways in Ohio because it's part fantasy, part retreat...it's unforgettable!
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was wandering around the grounds, exploring garden paths and tucked-away corners. I thought it was the coolest mix of history, nature, and fantasy.
The Mohicans - 1.5 hours from Columbus
Want so spend a romantic weekend in a treehouse? We discovered the most incredible hidden gem deep in the hills of Ohio.
At The Mohicans (Google Maps Pin) you can stay in a treehouse cabin that's absolutely magical, with rustic wood details, cozy furnishings, and big windows.
For me, this is one of the most unique places to stay in the Midwest!
Don't want to give up modern conveniences? No worries! Even though I was “off the grid” in the treetops, we still had air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and all the modern essentials.
The Inn at Honey Run
When we arrived at this inn in Ohio’s Amish Country, I immediately felt wrapped in peace. All the beautiful nature of the quiet woods made it feel like a true escape from everyday life, and the inn quickly became one of my favorite weekend getaways.
When we checked into our room for two days I especially appreciated the big windows that made you feel like you're living in a forest. If you are like me, you'll be inspired to head outside and do some hiking in the woods.
Later in the evening, 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!
Next day, I thought that the onsite Holmes County Open Air Art Museum was a place of mystery with art that was part of the nature, a true hidden gem. There were also various birding stations where we saw finches, cardinals and bluebirds (and squirrels of course!)
- Location: Map & Directions
A downside? Having to drive for many nearby town amenities.
The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor
This inn with its grand, castle-like architecture made one of the coolest weekend getaway from Columbus. Why? First off, I thought that it was shrouded in mystery and in addition it looked more like a European estate than an Ohio getaway.
Our room for two nights was spacious, inviting, with plush bedding and warm decor that gave us a joyful sense of relaxation from the moment we checked in.
I thought it was awesome how the inn offered so many ways to recharge, whether I wanted a 60-minute massage in the morning or just a 20 minute swim in the pool in the afternoon.
Next day we were feeling energized and headed to Canton Museum of Art (a great art outing!), William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, and First Ladies National Historic Site (amazing spot for history buffs!). If you have more time, there's also the Canton Classic Car Museum and MAPS Air Museum. I thought that The Troll Hole Museum 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 here.
What I loved best:
Dinner at the on-site restaurant was my personal highlight. They served delicious dishes in an elegant atmosphere that made the evening feel special.
A Water's Edge Retreat
Set in the middle of Lake Erie, for me, Kelleys Island is one of the most peaceful and unexpectedly romantic destinations in Ohio. Why? I love that it feels like a true escape and is one of my favorite Ohio romantic weekend getaways on the shores of Lake Erie! From the moment I arrived, I felt like I had discovered a hidden gem that only a few lucky travelers get to experience.
You can reach it by ferry. We started at the Glacial Grooves, where massive stone carvings left behind by ancient ice felt almost surreal, like standing inside a natural monument shaped by time itself.
You can enjoy visiting small island shops filled with lake-themed art, handmade jewelry, and quirky souvenirs.
Looking for a place to stay? A Water's Edge Retreat itself is surrounded by natural beauty with water on one side (hence its name), and lush greenery on the other. You can trust that this is a special getaway because A Water’s Edge Retreat's the only three-diamond AAA rated inn in the area.
Our guest room for three days was warm, with just the right mix of elegance and coziness. Thoughtful touches made it feel personal, almost like staying at a friend’s lakefront home rather than a traditional inn.
If you have time on this romantic trip, you can also explore many unique places on a day trip nearby: Kelleys Island State Park, Inscription Rock, Kelleys Island Historical Association Museum, North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserve and the Scheele Preserve).
Glenlaurel - 1 hour southeast of Columbus
This is one of my absolute favorite romantic getaways in Ohio because it's a Scottish-inspired country inn surrounded by the beauty of the Hocking Hills.
We stayed in one of the Glenlaurel (Google Maps Pin) "crofts" for three nights. Our cozy stone cottage had a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and a private deck. My favorite part was going for a stroll surrounded by nature.
Dining at Glenlaurel is especially romantic but I have to warn you that the restaurant is small and you should book your table in advance. If you are just visiting Hocking Hills on day trip and want to have a romantic dinner at Glenlaurel, be sure to call them to get on the waiting list.
