in Chillicothe, Ohio
It’s time to get away from the high-rise buildings, the traffic back-ups, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, at least for a long weekend getaway. Imagine a weekend of relaxation and peacefulness with the landscape filled with views of the beautiful Appalachian foothills. Does this sound like a much-needed escape from your busy life? This oasis exists in southern Ohio just three hours southwest of Cleveland, an hour south of Columbus, and an hour and a half northeast of Cincinnati in Chillicothe, Ohio.
During your getaway, reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in the tranquility only the great outdoors can provide with its gentle breeze, the warmth of the sunshine, and sounds from the native wildlife. You will be rewarded with picturesque views of the southern Ohio landscape and stunning sights of vernal pools, wooded ravines, and vertical cliffs where glaciers carved out the topography thousands of years ago. There are over 225 miles of trails with intensities to accommodate beginners to more advanced and trained hikers and mountain bikers. With five State Parks and numerous county and city parks, you can easily find your connection with the outdoors in a setting that you prefer. The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau offers an official Ross County Trail Guide that will help you determine the best location.
Serenity can also be achieved by visiting Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. This site showcases the magnificent, ancient earthworks created nearly 2,000 years ago by a prehistoric American Indian culture. Not only will you reconnect with nature, but you can walk where these ancestors once gathered for celebrations, funerals, and rites of passage. Park Rangers are available to provide more insight into the earthworks and the advanced culture that built them to create perfect geometrical shapes, alignments with solar and lunar events, and even replicate these designs throughout much of central and southern Ohio with accurate precision. These significant accomplishments are part of the reason these sites are part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks World Heritage nomination that will soon become an official UNESCO World Heritage site later this year.
Although Chillicothe has an abundance of outdoor recreation to assist in your relaxation, there are plenty of opportunities to reenergize yourself. A summer visit to Chillicothe isn’t complete unless you experience the epic performance of “Tecumseh!” Outdoor Drama. This spectacular production showcases the life of Shawnee leader Tecumseh as he defends his homelands in the 1700s. As you sit beneath the starry night sky, the action unfolds on the stage, which surrounds the audience with galloping horses and military cannon fire.
Time your visit during one of the many festivals, such as the Ohio Jeep Fest or the Frankfort Sunflower Festival, for a weekend filled with fun and entertainment. There are many other special events and entertainment options throughout the summer, such as the 250th birthday celebration of Thomas Worthington, best known as the “Father of Ohio Statehood.” This event occurs at his home, Adena Mansion & Gardens, where you can tour this restored 19th-century mansion designed by American architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe and one of only a few of his standing structures. An exciting new event, RoCo Music Fest, is presented over Labor Day weekend, featuring headlining country artists such as Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch, Randy Houser, and Parker McCullum, to name a few.
Don’t miss visiting the historic downtown district in Chillicothe, which offers a wide assortment of locally owned shops, restaurants, and breweries. Jump on the Chillicothe Trolley for a fun way to explore downtown Chillicothe which provides a unique opportunity to view the variety of architecture that sets Chillicothe’s downtown apart from the rest. Many venues offer live music on the weekends so you can catch some great local and regional bands.
Start planning your peaceful and relaxing getaway today! Learn more at VisitChillicotheOhio.com, download the Visit Chillicothe Ohio mobile app, or request your copy of the official Explore Chillicothe Ohio Visitors Guide online or call 740-702-7677.
