As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to plan your vacation. Whether you’re looking for a lively city, a relaxing beach, or the peaceful countryside, the U.S. has plenty of options. If a charming small town is what you’re after, Buckeye Lake, Ohio, should be on your radar.
Buckeye Lake, located about 35 minutes east of Columbus, has been named one of the 15 Best U.S. Small Towns for a Summer Vacation by Travel + Leisure. With a population of fewer than 3,000, this village spans Fairfield and Licking counties, with the lake itself also touching Perry County.
According to Travel + Leisure, Buckeye Lake is a perfect example of classic Americana. The village is cherished for its serene lakefront and numerous water activities.
Visitors can book a stay in picturesque lakefront cottages and start their mornings with a jog or stroll along the four-mile Buckeye Lake Dam Walking & Biking Trail, perhaps enjoying a drink from Millersport Coffee.
For those who love water activities, 3XP Tours offers a unique kayak-biking-brewery expedition. This guided adventure takes you on the lake, along trails, and to some of the best local breweries, wineries, and restaurants.
Alternatively, you can rent a kayak or pontoon for a more independent day on the lake. In the evening, unwind with a glass of wine at Buckeye Lake Winery or treat yourself to ice cream at Weldon’s.
Buckeye Lake is one of only two Midwestern towns to be featured on Travel + Leisure’s Best Small Towns for a Vacation list, the other being Hermann, Missouri. For more details, you can find Travel + Leisure’s full list of the 15 Best U.S. Small Towns for a Summer Vacation online.