Looking for a leisurely day trip in Central Ohio? Buckeye Lake, Millersport and Thornville are all a short drive away from Columbus. They provide entertainment, delicious food and a great learning experience.
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Buckeye Lake Coffee Co
If you’re like me, you like to start your day off with a delicious cup of coffee. Buckeye Lake Coffee Co., located at 14675 Zion Rd. in Thornville, can serve you up a great drink along with a cozy setting. They have seating indoors and outdoors, both providing views of the canal.
During my visit, I was greeted by a barista who provided top notch service: cordial, friendly and humorous. He mentioned that he was going to stir my iced mocha clockwise and counterclockwise to make it delicious. I don’t know if that makes a difference, but I can say that the drink was blended to perfection.
Working from home, but need a quiet getaway? BLCC offers high speed internet to help you accomplish all you need to get done (including yet another Zoom meeting). Just don’t forget your earbuds.
Horvath’s Harbor
Buckeye Lake Coffee Co. is in the front of the building and Horvath’s Harbor, a full line restaurant and tap room, houses the back of the building. They offer an extensive selection of bourbon, craft beers and wine. I have not had the opportunity to eat here yet, but I’m looking forward to trying their New York Reuben sandwich.
Ample, comfortable seating is available on the main floor, the upstairs loft area, on the outdoor deck and out on the patio. They have upcoming plans to pave the patio and install multiple fire pits for a great evening ambiance.
Paved Trail
Buckeye Lake State Park has recently installed a 4 mile paved trail along the lake. It’s a great place to walk/jog/rollerblade/bike. It’s very relaxing to be along the water, watching the wildlife and checking out the cute houses along the way. There is a large parking lot by the boat ramp. The path will take you past The Boat Yard Tavern & Grill and Dips on the Lake (ice cream). They provide bike and kayak rentals.
The parking lot for the trailhead can be reached by taking State Route 79 from I-70.
Water Recreation
Buckeye Lake is a great place to enjoy your favorite water sport. You can bring your own means of watercraft (motor boat, jet ski, kayak, sailboat, paddleboat, inflatable) or you can rent kayaks.
Ice cream
No trip to Millersport is complete without stopping at this iconic landmark for a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream. For almost 80 years kids and adults alike have walked across the old, wooden plank floors anticipating the fresh, hand dipped ice cream this area has grown to love. Weldon’s sits at 2887 Canal Dr. in Millersport. The large front porch looking, out onto the canal, is the perfect location to sit and watch the boats as you challenge the sun to melt your ice cream before it’s gone.
Covered Bridge
The Charles Holliday covered bridge is one of 17 covered bridges in Fairfield County. Ohio has a total of 125 to enjoy. They are each unique. What I love about this one is the flooring. The wide, plank boards seem to emit a history a person could only long to know. There is an old church bench inside, so you can sit for a moment and imagine the horse drawn carriages walking across. The bridge is located on the grounds that host the annual Millersport Sweetcorn Festival. The easiest way to find the bridge is to park in the Lion’s Club parking lot and then look for the large sweetcorn signs. 2905 Chautauqua Blvd. Millersport, Ohio
Relive history
Thank goodness for preservation. By saving the past, we can all get a better understanding of what life was like during a different era. Millersport offers a few different antique stores to take you down memory line as you browse through their merchandise. At the Lion’s Club Sweetcorn Festival site, you can walk up to rocks that were once part of the lock system that ran from the northern part of Ohio all the way south to the Ohio River. There are also two adorable buildings to check out. If you were born before 1980, you will probably remember pulling up to a similar full-service gas station like the one on display. The general store is right next to it. These historical buildings and monuments offer a great opportunity to learn from and to teach the younger generations.
Whatever you choose to do for the day at Buckeye Lake, I’m sure it will be relaxing and fun. Please share below any pictures you have of you outing.
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