Delaware, OH may be near the state’s most populated city, but it’s also just a short drive from some of Ohio’s most adorable villages. Spend some time in one of our three favorite charming small towns for a day trip or weekend adventure.
Orrville
This town may have fewer than 9,000 residents, but it’s home to one of America’s largest jelly companies. If you’re a fan of Smuckers products, you can tour the J.M. Smucker Co. Store and Cafe in Orrville about 90 minutes from Delaware. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday so visitors can learn about the company’s history and shop for coffee, peanut butter, fruit spreads, and more.
Orrville is also the home of Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve as well as many orchards and specialty shops. You could browse for the entire day in the town’s adorable boutiques and rustic farm stands.
Peninsula
You’ll find Peninsula just over a 90-minute drive from Delaware, and it’s well worth the day or weekend trip. This town of just 650 residents is known for its colonial New England architecture, which dates to the end of the 1700s when this part of the state was actually part of Connecticut. You can also visit the Everett Covered Bridge, which was constructed in the 19th century.
In addition to enjoying the historic structures, you can stroll the streets and check out the many local restaurants and shops. Peninsula provides an ideal access point to Cuyahoga Valley National Park so you can also explore the area’s natural beauty on nearby hiking and biking trails. You can also take a scenic railroad trip through the park on a historic train line.
Yellow Springs
This small, quaint college town is just over an hour from Delaware and has an iconic downtown area with tons of sidewalk cafes, art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops. You’ll find a comics store, toy store, artisan gift shop, record store, pottery shop, and many other destinations. You might even see street musicians perform along the way, which adds to the fun of your visit to Yellow Springs.
While you’re here, pick up local dairy products at Young’s Jersey Dairy or grab some fresh-cut blooms at Village Flower Farm. We love timing our trip to catch one of the many community events and festivals held in Yellow Springs throughout the year. One of the best local gathering spots is the historic Yellow Springs Station, a train depot surrounded by a shady park with picnic tables.
You’ll want to explore every town in Ohio when you’re driving around in a sleek, rugged new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Test drive this iconic midsize SUV today at Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Delaware.
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