Athens OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Athens, Ohio.
1. Little Fish Brewing
CRAFT BEER PARADISE
Little Fish Brewing is a popular craft brewery in Athens that offers award-winning beers in a relaxed setting. Visitors can enjoy a variety of locally brewed options while taking in the rustic atmosphere. The brewery is a favorite stop along the Brewed on the Bikeway tour, making it accessible for cyclists exploring the area.
2. Athens Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Athens Farmers Market is considered one of the best farmers markets in Ohio, operating year-round on Saturdays and seasonally on Wednesdays. The market features an impressive selection of local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items from regional vendors. Visitors praise the French baker's chocolate offerings and the overall quality of goods available from local farmers, foodies, and artisans.
3. Pleasant Hill Vineyards
SCENIC WINE TASTING
Pleasant Hill Vineyards offers visitors a leisurely wine tasting experience in a picturesque setting near Athens. The vineyard is run by knowledgeable owners who studied the wine business extensively before opening their doors to the public. Guests can enjoy a variety of wines while learning about the winemaking process from the passionate proprietors.
4. O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum
QUIRKY FOOD HISTORY
O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum combines a specialty museum with a restaurant known for serving some of the best hot dogs in the area. The unique establishment features an impressive collection of hot dog memorabilia that visitors can browse while enjoying their meal. Food enthusiasts consider it a must-visit spot for both its culinary offerings and its quirky cultural exhibits.
5. Dairy Barn Arts Center
CREATIVE ARTS HUB
The Dairy Barn Arts Center is a renowned cultural venue that hosts the internationally recognized Quilt National, a juried biennial exhibition celebrating quiltmaking as an art form. The center features impressive fiber arts displays, rotating exhibitions, and a gift shop offering local artisan products. Visitors appreciate both the quality of the artwork and the historic barn setting that houses this cultural institution.
6. Strouds Run State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Strouds Run State Park offers a beautiful lake setting with limited horsepower boats, preserving a peaceful natural environment for visitors to enjoy. The park provides opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and connecting with nature just a short distance from downtown Athens. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's less crowded atmosphere and its commitment to maintaining harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.
7. Hocking Hills State Park
NATURAL WONDER DESTINATION
Hocking Hills State Park is the most-visited natural attraction in Ohio, renowned for its breathtaking beauty across all seasons. The park features popular locations including Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Conkle's Hollow, all within a short drive from Athens. Visitors can enjoy activities such as rock climbing, hiking, fishing, biking, and kayaking while exploring this natural wonder.
8. Ohio University Campus
HISTORIC ACADEMIC GROUNDS
Ohio University campus is rich in history and tradition, serving as the heart of Athens since its founding. The beautiful grounds feature historic architecture, green spaces, and cultural landmarks that visitors can explore on self-guided tours. The university shares a special relationship with the town that extends beyond campus boundaries, creating a unique atmosphere beloved by students, alumni, and visitors alike.
9. Stuart's Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
Stuart's Opera House is a historic venue that serves as the cornerstone of the Public Square in nearby Nelsonville, just a short drive from Athens. The opera house hosts over 75 events each year, making it Southeastern Ohio's favorite place to experience live performances, music, and performing arts. This cultural landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the region's artistic heritage while providing contemporary entertainment options.
10. Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
SCENIC CYCLING TRAIL
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a premier cycling route that connects Athens to nearby attractions and communities. The bikeway serves as the backbone for the popular Brewed on the Bikeway tour, allowing cyclists to visit craft breweries and cider houses along the route. This well-maintained trail provides both recreational opportunities and a practical transportation option for exploring the Athens region.
11. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
HISTORIC TRAIN RIDES
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers historic, volunteer-operated train rides departing from the depot in Nelsonville, just a short distance from Athens. This family-friendly attraction provides an entertaining and educational journey through the picturesque Hocking Valley region. Passengers can experience a nostalgic ride while learning about the area's transportation history and natural beauty.
12. Random House
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Random House is a distinctive shopping destination in Athens that offers an eclectic mix of merchandise in a quirky setting. The store has developed a loyal following among both locals and visitors for its unusual selection and laid-back atmosphere. Shoppers can discover unexpected treasures and one-of-a-kind items that reflect the creative spirit of Athens.
13. Brewed on the Bikeway
CRAFT BEER TOUR
Brewed on the Bikeway is a popular craft beer and cycling tour that connects Athens' award-winning breweries via the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. Participants can sample fresh brews straight from the source at multiple locations or enjoy selections from the 32 beers on tap at the local craft beer hall. The tour also includes the region's cider house, providing a comprehensive taste of the area's thriving beverage scene.
14. The Ridges
HISTORIC ASYLUM GROUNDS
The Ridges is a historic former mental hospital complex that now houses Ohio University facilities, art spaces, and nature trails. The Victorian-era buildings and surrounding grounds offer visitors a glimpse into the region's past while providing walking paths with scenic views of Athens. History enthusiasts and architecture buffs appreciate the preservation efforts that have transformed this once-institutional space into a multifaceted community resource.
15. Ohio's Windy 9
MOTORCYCLE ROUTE ADVENTURE
Ohio's Windy 9 features nine thrilling motorcycle routes that showcase the best riding roads in the Athens region. These carefully mapped routes take riders through picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and scenic overlooks throughout Southeast Ohio. Motorcycle enthusiasts consider these interconnected routes to be among the best in the region for experiencing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.