Rural Adams County, Ohio is about 70 miles east of Cincinnati. That makes it a great destination for a day trip if you live in the suburbs of the city. Adams County offers natural beauty, hiking, lots of gift shops for shopping, and good food.
Parks
Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve – Of all the parks I’ve been to in Adams County this is my all time favorite. It’s a two mile trail system so it is easy to walk in a short period of time. I love all the interpretive placards. One of the neatest spots on the trail is where you can actually see a visible fault line. This trail is well maintained though it does get slippery with wet weather. Use caution, the trail goes near high drop offs so children should be closely supervised.
Adams Lake State Park – This park has a small lake with ramp for nonmotorized boats. I am planning to take a paddle board here in the future. The water is calm and I’ve never seen the place very crowded. There is a shelter that is good size, but in need of upkeep that can be rented. There are some short hiking trails here with a bit of incline that are nice. There is also a paved trail that runs along one side of the lake that is flat and easy to walk.
Serpent Mound State Memorial – Serpent mound is a prehistoric effigy thought to be anywhere from 1000-2000 years old. Since 2009 it has been managed by the Arc of Appalachia. If you have time to visit be sure to take in the view from the tower. Friends of the serpent have lighting ceremonies on the summer and winter solstice.
Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve –
Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve –
Brush Creek State Forest – When the weather is right lots of people come here to hunt mushrooms. If you have horses this forest has a great bridle trail. It’s a fairly steep climb to get to the ridge top if you are hiking, but once your are at the top the bridle trail is great for hiking too. Another trail I’ve hiked here is the Stone Quarry Ridge trail. It’s a real doozy and not especially well traveled or maintained so in summer it can be pretty rough to follow.
Plum Run Prairie
Seaman, Ohio
Cruisers Diner – This is a cool looking 50’s diner styled restaurant that makes a good stop for a burger or sandwich. Portions are good for the price. It’s clean and the servers are polite and efficient. You’ll love their homemade cakes and pies!
Keim Family Market- This Amish market is right off Route 32 with lots of good food, gift shop, patio furniture, out buildings and more.
Hickory Hollow Primitives– This tiny gift shop is not too far off route 32. It offers friendly service is with good quality gifts, home decor, cook books, and more.
West Union, Ohio
West Union Flower Shop – I really enjoy visiting this clean and festive gift shop. Service is friendly and fast. Prices are good and so is the quality.
YesterYears Home Primitives – I love this gift shop. It has so many great items for the home including furniture.
Miller’s Bakery Bakery, Furniture, & Bulk Foods
Lace and Grace Boutique – This is a new gift shop boutique on West Main Street that carries women’s apparel and accessories.
Peebles, Ohio
Greene Beanery Coffee Roastery – This coffee shop has a relaxing atmosphere. My soup and coffee were delicious. Free W-Fi. Good prices and good quality. Excellent service: friendly, helpful, speedy, and polite.
Mel’s Main Street Grille– We are neighbors to this restaurant meeting frequently at the back door. We like to go here for coffee, soup or a sandwich. The desserts always look delicious (so far we have been being good not indulging our sweet tooth 🙂 ) I’ve heard to come early if you are going to go for the Wednesday night chicken dinner – it’s rumored to be so good that sometimes they sell out.
Gospel Connection – Loved the inspirational gift items! I bought some wall art and notepad sets with bible verses. Small space but plenty of items to browse. Clean store with friendly, helpful service.
Vine Street Atelier – This is our creative space to relax, draw, paint, sew, craft, stamp, color, write our content, shop, and enjoy each other’s company. Follow us on Facebook to find out about our latest creations or events.
Manchester, Ohio
Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant – The vineyard is right on the Ohio River with great views of the river and vineyards from the restaurant.
Entertainment
Red Barn Convention Center – Plan a trip to Adams County around one of the events or concerts held here. This facility is conveniently located right off Route 32 in Winchester, Ohio.
Click here for more scheduled events in Adams County.
Other places nearby Adams County that you may enjoy are Maysville, Kentucky and Ripley, Ohio.
Little Gift Shop OH 