Rome OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rome, Ohio.
1. Selby 100 Mile House & Gardens
HISTORIC SITE AND GARDENS
Selby 100 Mile House & Gardens is a historic site featuring beautiful gardens and a preserved historic house. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained grounds while learning about local history. The site offers a peaceful retreat with educational opportunities about regional architecture and horticulture.
2. Shawnee State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Shawnee State Park offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities in the rolling hills of southern Ohio. The park features hiking trails, fishing spots, boating facilities, and camping areas surrounded by lush forests. Visitors can immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring what locals call 'The Little Smokies of Ohio.'
3. Miller's Bakery & Furniture
AMISH GOODS AND TREATS
Miller's Bakery & Furniture offers a unique shopping experience combining freshly baked goods with handcrafted Amish furniture. The establishment showcases traditional woodworking techniques alongside homemade breads, pastries, and regional specialties. Visitors appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of both the edible and durable goods available for purchase.
4. Portsmouth Raceway Park
HIGH-SPEED DIRT TRACK
Portsmouth Raceway Park delivers exciting dirt track racing entertainment for motorsports enthusiasts. The venue hosts regular racing events featuring late models, modifieds, and other racing classes on its high-banked oval track. Spectators enjoy the thundering engines, competitive races, and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the racing season.
5. Deadbolt - Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms
INTERACTIVE PUZZLE CHALLENGES
Deadbolt - Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms offers immersive puzzle-solving experiences for groups looking for interactive entertainment. Teams work together to solve mysteries and riddles within themed rooms while racing against the clock. The facility provides a fun mental challenge suitable for friends, families, and team-building events.
6. Portsmouth Floodwall Mural
RIVERSIDE HISTORICAL ARTWORK
The Portsmouth Floodwall Mural stretches for nearly 2,000 feet along the Ohio River, depicting the area's rich history through vibrant artwork. Created by artist Robert Dafford, the series of over 60 painted scenes chronicles local heritage from prehistoric times through the 20th century. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of this outdoor art gallery while learning about the region's cultural significance and development.
7. Ghosts in the Attic
UNIQUE ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES
Ghosts in the Attic is a charming antique shop housing an eclectic collection of vintage items, collectibles, and local artifacts. Browsers can discover everything from furniture and household goods to quirky memorabilia and regional treasures. The store offers a nostalgic shopping experience where visitors often find unexpected connections to the past.
8. EAT Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
EAT Gallery showcases the talents of regional artists through rotating exhibitions and a diverse collection of artwork. The gallery features paintings, sculptures, photography, and handcrafted items reflecting local culture and artistic vision. Visitors can appreciate and purchase unique pieces while supporting the area's creative community.
9. Southern Ohio Museum
REGIONAL ART AND HISTORY
The Southern Ohio Museum preserves and displays the artistic and historical heritage of the Ohio Valley region. The institution houses significant collections of fine art alongside archaeological artifacts from the ancient Adena and Hopewell cultures. Visitors gain insights into both the creative expressions and historical developments that have shaped southern Ohio.
10. Arty's Pizza
LOCAL PIZZA FAVORITE
Arty's Pizza serves up delicious homestyle pizza with a variety of traditional and specialty toppings. The casual eatery has been satisfying local appetites with its hand-tossed crusts and quality ingredients for many years. Visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and hearty portions that make this a community favorite.
11. Blake's Pharmacy & Soda Shop
NOSTALGIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Blake's Pharmacy & Soda Shop offers a charming step back in time with its classic soda fountain and old-fashioned treats. Customers can enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, malts, phosphates, and American comfort food in a nostalgic setting. The establishment combines the appeal of a traditional pharmacy with the simple pleasures of a bygone era.
12. Olde Wayside Inn
HISTORIC DINING ESTABLISHMENT
The Olde Wayside Inn is a historic restaurant housed in a building dating back to the early 19th century. The establishment serves traditional American cuisine in a setting filled with authentic period details and local history. Diners appreciate both the hearty meals and the opportunity to dine in a genuine piece of Ohio's past.
13. Murphin Ridge Inn
SCENIC COUNTRY RETREAT
Murphin Ridge Inn provides a tranquil getaway on 142 acres of beautiful countryside near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The inn features comfortable accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy hiking trails, stargazing, and the peaceful atmosphere of this rural retreat.
14. Kentucky Gateway Museum Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center houses extensive collections documenting the history and culture of the Ohio River Valley. The facility includes historical exhibits, genealogical resources, and the renowned Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection. Visitors can explore the region's past through artifacts, documents, and meticulously crafted miniature replicas of historic scenes and buildings.
15. Buckeye Dairy Bar
CLASSIC ICE CREAM STAND
Buckeye Dairy Bar is a beloved seasonal establishment serving up frozen treats and casual eats to locals and travelers alike. The stand offers a variety of ice cream flavors, sundaes, milkshakes, and simple food options perfect for warm weather enjoyment. Visitors appreciate the nostalgic roadside atmosphere and reasonable prices that have made this a regional tradition.