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I have to admit — I’m really loving this “Explore Ohio” series! Not only does it give me a chance to give ya’ll a virtual tour of my favorite places, but it’s a way of reminding myself exactly why I love living here. There is always somewhere new to explore — like these kid-friendly things to do in Amish country!
Well on my recent trip to Wayne County I spent a whole 24-hours in Wooster, Ohio. Wooster, pronounced Wuh-stir, is just 35-miles southwest of Akron — but, until recently, I had never been!
Boy was I surprised!
Besides surprised, I was also very nervous because this trip to Wooster was an overnight — and would mean my very first overnight without Miss Bea. But upon check-in at the St. Paul Hotel, I completely ‘checked out’ from my children. No joke.
First of all, the St. Paul Hotel?? Gorgeous! Absolutely stunning. With 17, newly renovated rooms, this unique boutique hotel has culture written all over it!
Here are my other must-see spots in Wooster, Ohio!
Broken Rocks Cafe. Fresh baked bread, exposed brick, delicious seasonal eats — what more could you want!? I had the chicken salad sandwich (which comes on amazing focaccia!) and a side of jojos. Jojos are basically seasoned + deep fried potato wedges. It’s a regional thing to call them jojos. I never understood it until I moved to Akron.
The Ohio Light Opera. This professional opera company is located on the Wooster College campus and features operettas and musical theater from June through August. They perform several shows a day, and several different shows at a time!
We happened to catch them during a rehearsal for Say Anything, and, even though we only caught about 30 minutes, I seriously could have stayed and watched them perform all day!
Our group was lucky enough to also go on a little backstage tour, where we saw so many people hard at work! Costume design, set design, and all of the props!
Faithful Little Cupcake. A bakery that specializes in all kinds of specialty cakes, but also sells cupcakes in their storefront, has a passion for ‘paying it forward.’ For every wedding cake sold, the bakers donate a birthday cake to a child that, otherwise, wouldn’t have one.
Blue Spruce Boutique. This boutique is life, y’all. I mean, imagine a smaller, more inexpensive version of Anthropologie + Magnolia combined into one! I could have spent hours and all of my bank account in this store! In fact, the next time I’m in the market for something fancy shmancy, I’m heading here!
Tulipan Hungarian Pastry and Coffee Shop. Think of the most divine little coffee shop and pastry shop. This. This is it. The pastries and intricate, hand-painted cookies were not only beautiful to look at, but were some of the best flaky baked goods I’ve ever eaten.
Basil Asian Bistro. I’m a bit tough on Asian restaurants, but this one meets the cut 100%! They offer all kinds of sushi, traditional asian dishes, as well as thai dishes!
1 You must try the dry ice martinis.
2 The calamari is the best I’ve ever had. Perfect amount of spices/salt/pepper and crunch!
3 My pad thai was on par with what I hold to very very snobbishly high pad thai standards. I can’t help it. I just really love pad thai! 😛
We were excited to hear that the owner of this restaurant also owns two more closer to us in Akron, so we’ll definitely be back to see him very very soon!
Sure House Coffee. On a whim I swung into this coffee shop near our hotel. I walked in and I totally knew it was my kind of coffee shop. With air plants on the wall and a limited menu (think pour overs, brewed coffee, and simple espresso combinations), I could tell the coffee would be fabulous. So I ordered a coconut milk latté to-go, but I so wish I could have stayed!
Even though our kids were not with us on this trip to Wooster, there was not one single place on this trip that I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing them along. And I just love finding new family-friendly day-trip destinations! I can’t wait to come back and explore more.
And now, a giveaway! That’s right – I’m hosting a giveaway for a $25 gift card to one of my favorite places to shop here in Ohio (and they do have a lot of locations elsewhere, too!) — Giant Eagle! Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter!
Thank you to HER Realtors for sponsoring todays post and giveaway. As always, all opinions herein are my own!
I almost went to college in Wooster simply because I fell in love with that sweet town. Isn’t it just the best? And oh my goodness, that hotel is GORGEOUS! Glad you had a great time 🙂
Born and raised here in Wooster. The town has come a long way. So proud.
Wow it looks like you had a great time!
We live in Medina and I sometimes work in Wooster – this gives me some ideas of places to go!
Such a cool place that you stayed! I think exploring new cities is so much fun… and I’ve been doing the same around where we live too! 🙂 Great post girl!
I used to go to Wooster with my grandpa! He was a painter and he only bought Wooster brushes. I haven’t been there in probably 20 years!
Looks great! And love the commentary 🙂 x
That hotel looks amazing! What a fun trip!
Ohio is one of the states I haven’t been to yet but definitely want to. What a cool trip!
My favorite family activity is hiking. Both my boys love to explore new places.
My favorite summer activity is going for ice cream!
That hotel room!?! Amazing! And that food…yummy! This series is inspiring me to think about maybe road tripping south to explore Ohio more! Where in Ohio do you live?
“Family friendly” has a different meaning for me since I don’t have kids – basically anything I’d do with my mom. 😉 Is that weird, at age 33?! Ha. Lately, she & I have been doing all kinds of fun stuff together. My favorite is to catch shows with her, from the orchestra to Billy Joel!
PS: I think your Rafflecopter links to the wrong Giant Eagle!
OMG thank you!! Just fixed it – how embarrassing!
The funniest part is that apparently I have some friends in common with that guy!
What a fun place to explore. I’ll have to add this to my list.
I have lived here my whole life and never once thought Wooster had so many neat things to do!! I want to plan a trip now! Thanks!!
Wooster has so much more than I knew. We are there tons in the winter for gymnastic meets. I can’t wait to look for a few of these places. Thank you!!
Favorite Family event – grilling out dinner and going for ice cream.
We love hiking!!!
Tom grew up just outside of Wooster, yet we’ve never been to any of these places. Definitely great ideas for when we visit. We have done quite a bit further south in Holmes county, though.
I’ve been really enjoying your Explore Ohio series. So many cool little places so close to home 🙂
Super fun!!! That hotel look amazing!! ARen’t heated floors the coolest ever?! One of our friends has his master bathroom floors heated and it’s SO neat! Those restaurants look pretty delish also, looks like you guys had so much fun! I would say our favorite family friendly activities at the moment are either going to the swimming pool since it’s like 100 degrees right now, or our favorite indoor play place Kids Up. My boys LOVE to run around and play there and it wears them out so we all sleep good! LOl!
Would love to visit Ohio someday ! Great guide!
I visited Wooster last year and am planning another trip this summer! There is so much to do and see!