Amesville OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Amesville, Ohio.
1. Little Fish Brewing
CRAFT BEER AND SUSTAINABILITY
Little Fish Brewing is a popular craft brewery in Athens offering artisanal beers in a relaxed setting. Visitors can enjoy locally-sourced food while sampling award-winning craft brews with an emphasis on sustainability. The brewery features outdoor seating and regular events, making it a social hub for locals and tourists alike.
2. Athens Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND ARTISANS
Athens Farmers Market is a year-round market offering the best selection of local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods in Ohio. The market operates every Saturday from 9am to 12pm, with additional Wednesday markets from April through December. Visitors can find everything from farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal baked goods, including specialty items like French chocolate pastries.
3. Pleasant Hill Vineyards
WINE TASTING AND VIEWS
Pleasant Hill Vineyards offers a leisurely wine tasting experience in a picturesque setting near Athens. Visitors can sample various wines while learning about the winemaking process directly from the knowledgeable owners. The vineyard provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding while enjoying locally produced wines.
4. O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum
GOURMET DOGS AND MEMORABILIA
O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum combines a gourmet hot dog restaurant with a unique collection of hot dog memorabilia. Visitors can enjoy what many consider the best hot dogs in the region while surrounded by fascinating hot dog-related artifacts and history. The specialty museum offers a quirky dining experience that stands out among Athens' food offerings.
5. Dairy Barn Arts Center
ART EXHIBITS AND CULTURE
The Dairy Barn Arts Center hosts remarkable art exhibitions including the internationally renowned Quilt National, a biennial showcase of innovative quiltmaking as an art form. The center features changing exhibits throughout the year, with a particular focus on fiber arts and local artisans. Visitors can also explore the gift shop featuring locally made arts and crafts.
6. Strouds Run State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND NATURE
Strouds Run State Park offers beautiful natural landscapes with a serene lake and extensive hiking trails near Athens. Visitors can rent kayaks and enjoy water activities on the lake, which limits high-horsepower boats to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. The park provides numerous recreational opportunities while staying in tune with nature, making it popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Hocking Hills State Park
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Hocking Hills State Park is the most-visited natural attraction in Ohio, renowned for its stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and hemlock forests. The park features several distinct hiking areas including Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls, each offering unique geological wonders. Visitors can enjoy activities year-round, from summer hiking to winter ice formations and seasonal events.
8. Stuart's Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Stuart's Opera House is a historic performing arts venue that serves as the cornerstone of Nelsonville's Public Square. The beautifully restored theater hosts over 75 events each year, including live music, theater productions, and community gatherings. As southeastern Ohio's favorite place to experience live performances, the venue attracts both renowned artists and local talent.
9. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
HISTORIC TRAIN ADVENTURES
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers nostalgic train rides through the picturesque Hocking Valley region, departing from the historic depot in Nelsonville. This volunteer-operated attraction provides both educational and entertaining experiences as passengers travel through scenic landscapes and learn about local history. The railway offers special themed rides throughout the year, including holiday trains and seasonal excursions.
10. Brewed on the Bikeway
CRAFT BEER CYCLING TOUR
Brewed on the Bikeway combines cycling along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway with stops at award-winning craft breweries and cideries. Participants can visit multiple breweries, sample from dozens of local craft beers, and enjoy the scenic 21-mile paved trail. This self-guided experience showcases both the region's natural beauty and its thriving craft beverage culture.
11. Kennedy Museum of Art
FINE ART COLLECTIONS
The Kennedy Museum of Art, located on the Ohio University campus, houses significant collections of fine art and cultural artifacts. The museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art alongside permanent collections, including Southwest Native American textiles and ceramics. Visitors can enjoy free admission to view both historical and contemporary works in this academic setting.
12. The Ridges
HISTORIC LANDMARK AND TRAILS
The Ridges is a historic complex formerly known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, now partially repurposed for Ohio University facilities and cultural venues. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include nature preserves, hiking trails, and interesting Victorian-era architecture. The site offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
13. Ohio University Campus
HISTORIC ACADEMIC SETTING
Ohio University's campus features beautiful historic buildings and green spaces in the heart of Athens. Founded in 1804, it's the oldest university in Ohio and offers visitors the chance to explore its college green, surrounded by Federal-style architecture. The campus hosts various cultural events, museums, and performances that are open to the public throughout the year.
14. Wayne National Forest
VAST OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Wayne National Forest spans over a quarter million acres across southeastern Ohio, offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities near Amesville. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV use throughout the forest. The diverse ecosystem provides excellent wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and camping experiences in a preserved natural setting.
15. Eclipse Company Store
HISTORIC DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Eclipse Company Store is a restored historic company store now serving as a restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue near Athens. The establishment offers craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and other quality food options in a building dating back to the region's coal mining era. Visitors can enjoy live music performances on the outdoor patio while experiencing a piece of local history.