You don’t need a passport stamp to find something worth remembering. Some of the best stories guests have shared with me over the years started right here in Ohio.
All it took was the decision to trade chaos for calm and step into something quieter, more personal, and frankly, more enjoyable. Whether it’s a birthday surprise or a getaway that helps a couple find their way back to each other, the staycation is having its moment.
More and more people are realizing that rest doesn’t require a travel agent. These days, couples, families, and business teams are turning toward local escapes that deliver meaning without the stress of a multi-day itinerary.
Here’s why Ohio staycations keep gaining ground:
- No flights, no airports, no lost luggage. Just easy travel and real rest.
- More affordable while still offering luxury, comfort, and memorable moments.
- Ohio brings surprising variety with its vineyards, hiking, theater, and historic towns.
- Easier to plan when you’re juggling pets, kids, aging parents, or the need to unplug.
- A genuine opportunity to reconnect without the distractions of long-distance travel.
At the center of it all is HideAway Country Inn, right here in Bucyrus. For many years, we’ve helped guests celebrate anniversaries, renew their spark, or simply catch their breath.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to plan a rewarding staycation in Ohio and tell you about some places you’ll want to add to your list.
What Is a Staycation?
A staycation is a form of travel where people step out of their daily routine and into a getaway experience without leaving their region.
Instead of traveling across the country or overseas, they book a local inn, a short-term rental, or a boutique hotel, and use it as the setting for rest, connection, and discovery. The distance is shorter, but the mindset remains the same: treating time away as a true break.
Why More People Are Choosing to Stay Close
The rise of the staycation comes from a mix of practicality and desire.
Travelers want ease. They are tired of the fatigue that comes with airports, delayed flights, and long drives that consume half the trip. A staycation removes those barriers and creates space for relaxation from the moment the bags are packed.
Cost is another factor. Guests can spend less on transportation and invest more in memorable experiences such as spa treatments, private dining, or cultural outings.
There is also a growing appreciation for what is nearby.
Many Ohioans are realizing they have world-class parks, vineyards, theaters, and historic sites within a short drive. A staycation allows them to experience their state with fresh eyes, deepening pride in their own community while enjoying the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Enrich Your Staycation with Day Trips
A rewarding staycation balances calm with exploration. Choosing a central place to stay makes it easy to add short excursions to the itinerary. A day trip to a nature trail, a local museum, or a regional food hub provides stimulation without draining energy.
At the end of the day, travelers return to the same comfortable base, creating a rhythm of discovery and rest that makes the time away feel both varied and restorative.
Why Ohio Is the Right State for Staycations
Ohio works well for staycations because it is easy to get around. Most of the state’s most-visited places are two or three hours apart at most.
This means a couple in Columbus can drive to the wineries of northeast Ohio for the weekend, or a family in Toledo can spend a day in Cleveland without worrying about long travel times.
The distances are short, and the experiences feel different enough to refresh anyone who needs a break.
The variety across the seasons gives people a reason to plan staycations throughout the year.
In spring, wildflowers brighten the trails and farmers markets reopen. Summer brings lakefront towns to life, with boating, beaches, and community festivals. Fall draws travelers to the hills for views of the changing leaves, and vineyards welcome guests for harvest events. Winter shifts the pace with cozy inns, holiday lights, and theaters staging seasonal performances.
Varied geography adds even more options. Lake Erie to the north offers wide open water and island towns. Central Ohio combines farmland with cultural hubs like Columbus. Southern Ohio is known for caves, rolling hills, and historic sites that feel far removed from daily routine.
Whether the goal is outdoor recreation, local food, or simply a quiet escape, Ohio has choices within reach for every kind of traveler.
5 Activities & Events Near Bucyrus, Ohio
- Glassblowing Workshops – Mansfield Art Center (Mansfield)
From 1PM to 7PM, check for available dates
Create a keepsake together in beginner-friendly glass classes.
- Upper’s Fantasy of Lights – Upper Sandusky
Late November through December 31, annually
Drive-through holiday light show at Harrison Smith Park with festive displays.
- Richland B&O Bike Trail – Mansfield to Butler
Open year-round
Paved rail-trail linking Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, and Butler for easy cycling or walks
- Buckeye Imagination Museum – Mansfield
April to November, closed on Mondays
Hands-on play museum that’s great for a lighthearted afternoon, especially for families on staycation.
- Charles Mill Lake Park – near Mansfield
Open year-round, most amenities spring through fall
Lakeside picnics, fishing, paddling, and relaxed shoreline time.
Day Trips That Make an Ohio Staycation Amazing
One of the best parts of planning a staycation in Ohio is the opportunity to mix calm with discovery.
Anchoring yourself in one place gives you the comfort of a familiar base while opening the door to short adventures that break up the days with fresh scenery, food, and history.A single weekend can feel like three distinct experiences when you add thoughtfully chosen day trips.
Here are some ideas across the three regions of Ohio that travelers often overlook yet find especially rewarding.
Northern Ohio: Lakeside Charm and Cultural Landmarks
Northern Ohio carries the character of Lake Erie while weaving in small towns, historic industries, and cultural centers.
Many people think only of Cedar Point or Put-in-Bay when they picture this region, but it holds far more than amusement parks and island bars. Quiet wineries, historic shipyards, and artistic neighborhoods make this area a strong choice for staycation day trips year-round.
- Marblehead Lighthouse and Village: The lighthouse is the oldest on the Great Lakes still in operation, and the surrounding village offers antique shops and a handful of family-owned cafes that keep the pace slow and welcoming.
- Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham): A 70-acre botanical garden along the Vermilion River, with themed plantings and shaded walking paths. It’s stroller-friendly and an excellent choice for travelers asking where to go with toddlers.
- Cleveland’s West Side Market: Instead of the Rock Hall, spend a few hours at this historic food market. Over 100 vendors showcase global and regional cuisine, giving a taste of the city’s diverse heritage.
- Milan Museum & Edison Birthplace (Milan): Small-town history presented with care, two complementary sites that illuminate local industry, innovation, and daily life; easy to pair with a stroll around the historic village square.
- Lake View Cemetery (Cleveland): This is not just a cemetery but a collection of sculpture, architecture, and landscaped grounds. Families often stop here for peaceful walks and to visit the Garfield Monument.
- Sip on the Shores of Vermilion: The Vermilion Valley vineyards don’t draw the crowds of Geneva but deliver equally rewarding wine tastings, many with weekday hours for couples looking for quieter experiences.
Central Ohio: Nature, Creativity, and Family-Friendly Retreats
Central Ohio blends natural escapes with cultural variety. While Columbus draws attention with its zoo and arena district, many smaller destinations within an hour or two bring surprising richness.
This region is especially appealing to families and couples who want options that shift easily between activity and rest.
- Glen Helen Nature Preserve (Yellow Springs): More peaceful than the nearby Clifton Gorge, Glen Helen offers accessible trails, waterfalls, and wildlife education programs. It’s stroller-friendly and perfect for families looking for a less-crowded outing.
- The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology (Newark): An interactive museum that combines science, history, and hands-on exhibits. A smart choice for families seeking both fun and learning.
- Ohio Glass Museum (Lancaster): A reminder of Ohio’s role in glassmaking, with live demonstrations and exhibits that change often enough to keep locals returning.
- Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (Columbus): Free to visit, this museum at Ohio State University preserves the history of comics and cartooning. Couples and families alike find it engaging and different.
- Dawes Arboretum (Newark): A living museum of trees and gardens spread over nearly 2,000 acres. Many of the paths are paved, making it accessible for guests with limited mobility.
- Velvet Ice Cream Ye Olde Mill (Utica): A working mill that doubles as a visitor center for one of Ohio’s most loved ice cream brands. It offers factory tours, a playground, and plenty of dessert.
Southern Ohio: History, Hills, and Hidden Beauty
Southern Ohio feels distinct from the rest of the state. The land folds into hills and valleys, and the pace slows down in towns where history feels close at hand.
It’s a place where ancient sites sit beside Appalachian trails, and small theaters stage performances that linger long after the curtain falls. Travelers who prefer uncrowded, less-touristed destinations often find this region the most rewarding for day trips.
- Leo Petroglyph and Nature Preserve (Jackson County): A little-known sandstone outcrop with carvings attributed to the Fort Ancient culture. The surrounding trail loops through quiet woods.
- Fort Hill Earthworks and Nature Preserve (Highland County): An ancient Native American hilltop enclosure paired with 1,200 acres of hiking trails. It is quieter than Serpent Mound but equally significant.
- Chillicothe’s Pump House Center for the Arts: A restored Victorian water pump house turned gallery that now showcases regional artists. The exhibits rotate often, and admission is free.
- Campus Martius Museum (Marietta): Built on the original site of the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, the museum focuses on early frontier life. It pairs well with a paddlewheel tour on the Ohio River.
- Shawnee State Park (Portsmouth): Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians, the park features lakes, trails, and cabins that offer an authentic backcountry feel without requiring rugged backpacking.
- Great Serpent Mound Scenic Byway: Beyond the mound itself, the drive includes charming small towns, rolling farmland, and stops for local dining. Weekday travelers often find wineries and cafes open along the route.
HideAway Country Inn Is the Ultimate Staycation Base
Central positioning makes Bucyrus a natural fit for travelers who want a staycation without long drives. HideAway Country Inn sits almost in the middle of the state, close to major highways yet surrounded by farmland and quiet.
That balance makes it easy to reach while still feeling removed from the rush of city life.
Easy Access from Major Cities
The inn’s location places it within a short drive of Ohio’s largest population centers.
Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo are about two hours away, while Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati average two and a half to three. This means nearly half the Midwest can reach Bucyrus in less time than it takes to get through airport security.
The geography makes spontaneous weekend plans realistic and midweek escapes possible. It also allows travelers to treat the inn as a central base for exploring northern vineyards, central forests, and southern hills without the need to relocate.
More Than a Place to Stay
HideAway Country Inn pairs convenience with experiences that feel tailored. Couples choose rose petal turndowns or wine tastings. Food lovers book chef-led cooking classes or learn about pairing from a certified sommelier.
Outdoors, wooded trails welcome pets, stargazing decks give clear views of the night sky, and wildlife adds a sense of place. Guests looking for deeper engagement can add yoga, massage, painting, or sculpting to their itinerary, while business groups rely on the inn’s privacy for focused retreats.
Choose Your Sanctuary
Every suite has its own personality, giving travelers the chance to match their space to the kind of stay they have in mind. Some are designed for rustic comfort, others for spacious elegance, or intimacy and romance.
Among the most requested are:
- Hunter’s Den Loft Suite – Rustic and warm, ideal for autumn or winter escapes.
- Country Oak Loft Suite – Spacious, with a private spa bath and fireplace for evenings that linger.
- Cherry Luxury Suite – Gentle lighting and deep comfort, perfect for couples looking to reconnect.
So Much To Find So Close to Home
To be honest, you could do much worse than having a staycation in Ohio. There is plenty to do around here, and you don’t have to jump through hoops and travel a million miles to get to the good places.
Maybe we don’t have the ocean or the mountains, but you’d be surprised by how much Ohio has to offer if you just know where to look.
The first step on your journey is always the hardest, but we are here to help! Just get in touch with us through the Contacts page on the HideAway Country Inn website, and all other details of your trip will fall into place.
