Top Fall Road Trips in Ohio
Find The Best Stops for Your Next Adventure!
As the seasons shift from summer to fall, the cooling temperatures and changing leaves bring a sense of peace and calm. This is a great time of year to recharge and reset, as well as make the most of the great outdoors before the truly cold weather hits. What better way to get out and clear your head than with a fall road trip? Experience the invigorating feeling of exploring the state of Ohio by taking to the open road! Round up a few friends or family members, pack up the car, and hit the highway to discover the countless sights and attractions right here in our home state. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway, or a longer excursion, there is plenty to do in Ohio, both near and far. Continued down below, we'll fill you in on a few places you may want to include in your next fall road trip itinerary!
Holden Arboretum
Holden Forests and Gardens is located just east of Cleveland, straddling Lake and Geauga counties. The area is open all year long, and there are scenic tram rides offered several times per week. The fall is a great time to visit Holden Arboretum, where you can visit the Halloween Harvest event that takes place every October that offers hayrides and a spooky-themed trail walk. Other activities at the Arboretum include gardens and walking trails, a children's ropes course, and the Murch Canopy Walk that takes you on a tour 65 feet above the ground for stunning views of the forest foliage. There are also rotating events and exhibitions that will be on display depending on when you visit. These may be pop-up cafes, seasonal gardens, or art installations with a naturalistic theme making each trip to the Holden Forests and Gardens unique!
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Located in the stunning Cuyahoga National Park, the Scenic Railroad is a great way to relax as you're carried along a railway that weaves through the valley and along the Cuyahoga River. Not only is this a great way to view the blazing colors of the changing leaves in the fall, but you can also safely spot the native Ohio wildlife, like deer, eagles, beavers, or herons. If you're looking for something different, you can also hop aboard the Cleveland Dinner and Event Train. This train runs every Friday evening, and as the name would suggest, provides dinner and themed event that changes depending on when you choose to ride! Activities include a classic dinner, wine tastings, trivia, or a murder mystery dinner theatre, all aboard the train as you ride through the National Park!
Tour the Amish Country
The Midwest is known for its rich Amish culture, which can be experienced by the public in several traditional communities across the state of Ohio. One such region is the town of Charm, Ohio, which will transport you into a pastoral village that celebrates a simpler way of life. View the gorgeous farms, and shop for hand-made wares crafted by local artisans. Stay at the picturesque Guggisberg Swiss Inn, where you can enjoy a scratch-made breakfast, live music, and handmade wine from their on-site vineyard, the Doughty Glen Winery. The beautiful grounds are a popular choice for weddings and events, and you can also see their horses at the nearby Amish Country Riding Stables.
Playhouse Square
If you're a fan of live performances, the Playhouse Square is a must-see destination. This vibrant theatre community is one of the largest in the country, second only to New York City. Catch Broadway shows like Wicked or Disney's The Lion King as well as offbeat independent theatre and original shows that you can't find anywhere else. You can also find other live events like ballet, stand-up comedy, concerts, and much more. You can even find special events like puppet shows perfect for young audiences. The theatres are clustered on and around Cleveland's Euclid Avenue, surrounded by dozens of bars, restaurants, and hotels, making this the perfect destination for either a fun-filled night, or an unforgettable weekend.
Make Your First Stop at Grogan's!
No matter where your fall road trip takes you, make sure to visit us here at Grogan's Towne CDJR for a tune-up before you head off on your adventure! We'll make sure your car is in peak condition to take on a long journey, and provide routine maintenance like a tire rotation, wheel alignment, or oil change. We can also check on all your fluids, and your tire pressure to help you avoid any potential hiccups on your trip. If you're looking for a new vehicle for you or a family member, take a moment to browse our extensive inventory online or in-person here at our dealership in Toledo, Ohio! We have a huge selection of both new and pre-owned models for you to peruse, and our friendly staff is always happy to help. Get in touch with us today at Grogan's Towne CDJR!