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 NATURE
Little Fish Brewing is a popular craft brewery in Athens offering a variety of unique, locally-inspired beers. Visitors can enjoy their beverages in a relaxed outdoor setting with scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The brewery frequently hosts events and food trucks to complement their craft beer offerings.
2. Athens Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Athens Farmers Market is a year-round market featuring local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items from regional vendors. Open every Saturday from 9am to 12pm, with additional Wednesday markets from April to December, it has been supporting local farmers, foodies, and artisans for over 50 years. The market is renowned for having one of the best selections in all of Ohio, including specialty items like French pastries.
3. Pleasant Hill Vineyards
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Pleasant Hill Vineyards offers visitors a leisurely wine tasting experience in a charming countryside setting. Guests can sample various wines while learning about the winemaking process directly from knowledgeable owners who studied the wine business for years before opening. The vineyard provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding while enjoying locally produced wines.
4. O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum
UNIQUE FOOD AND HISTORY
O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum combines culinary delights with a unique collection of hot dog memorabilia. Visitors can enjoy what many consider the best hot dogs in the region while exploring this specialty museum dedicated to hot dog culture. The establishment serves as both a restaurant and a quirky attraction that celebrates this iconic American food.
5. Dairy Barn Arts Center
ART AND CULTURAL HUB
The Dairy Barn Arts Center is housed in a historic dairy barn and serves as a premier arts venue featuring rotating exhibitions, workshops, and classes. It is particularly famous for hosting the biennial Quilt National exhibition, which has showcased quilting as an art form for over 40 years. The center includes a gift shop offering locally made arts and crafts that reflect the region's creative spirit.
6. Strouds Run State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Strouds Run State Park offers a beautiful lake with limited horsepower boats, maintaining a peaceful environment more in tune with nature. Visitors can rent kayaks and enjoy various outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, and fishing in this scenic natural setting. The park provides a perfect escape from urban life with its well-maintained trails and diverse wildlife.
7. 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 Nelsonville, hosting over 75 events each year. This beautifully preserved theater offers music, performing arts, and cultural events that attract visitors from throughout Southeastern Ohio. The opera house represents an important part of the region's cultural heritage while continuing to provide contemporary entertainment options.
8. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
HISTORIC TRAIN ADVENTURE
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers visitors a chance to ride on a historic, volunteer-operated train departing from the depot in Nelsonville. This family-friendly attraction combines entertainment and education as passengers travel back in time while enjoying the scenic beauty of the region. The railway operates throughout the year, providing memorable adventures that showcase the area's natural landscapes and historical significance.
9. Kennedy Museum of Art
CAMPUS CULTURAL TREASURE
Kennedy Museum of Art is located on Ohio University's campus and features rotating exhibitions of world-class art. The museum serves as an important cultural institution for both the university community and regional visitors interested in visual arts. Its diverse collection and special exhibits provide opportunities for artistic appreciation and education in a collegiate setting.
10. Athena Cinema
HISTORIC MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Athena Cinema is a beautifully restored, century-old movie house that shows current features, documentaries, and classics in downtown Athens. This historic theater maintains its vintage charm while offering contemporary film selections to movie enthusiasts. The cinema also hosts an annual film festival, making it a cultural centerpiece for the Athens community.
11. Ohio University Campus
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL GROUNDS
Ohio University's campus in Athens is rich in history and tradition, offering beautiful architecture and scenic grounds for visitors to explore. The university, founded in 1804, features historic buildings, green spaces, and cultural attractions that are deeply intertwined with the identity of Athens. Visitors can wander through the brick pathways, admire the College Green, and experience the unique atmosphere that makes this campus special.
12. Hocking Hills State Park
NATURAL WONDER DESTINATION
Hocking Hills State Park is the most-visited natural attraction in Ohio, renowned for its stunning beauty in all seasons. The park features dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush forests that provide countless opportunities for hiking, photography, and nature appreciation. Visitors can explore popular sites like Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls while experiencing the region's unique geological features.
13. Brewed on the Bikeway
CYCLING BEER TOUR
Brewed on the Bikeway is a unique craft beer and bike tour that connects multiple award-winning breweries along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. Participants can cycle between locations to sample various locally crafted beers, ciders, and other beverages straight from the source. This attraction combines outdoor recreation with craft beverage appreciation for a distinctive Athens experience.
14. Ohio's Windy 9
MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIAST ROUTES
Ohio's Windy 9 features nine thrilling motorcycle routes through the scenic landscapes of Athens County and surrounding areas. Each route offers distinctive views, curves, and attractions that make them popular among motorcycle enthusiasts seeking adventure on the open road. The well-mapped routes showcase the region's natural beauty while connecting riders to local communities and points of interest.
15. Random House
ECLECTIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Random House is a distinctive shopping destination in Athens offering a carefully curated selection of unique items and curiosities. This eclectic shop provides visitors with a treasure-hunting experience as they browse through an assortment of vintage goods, local art, and unusual finds. The store's character reflects the creative spirit of Athens, making it a favorite stop for both locals and tourists looking for something out of the ordinary.