London. Berlin. Lisbon. Versailles. Dublin. Oxford.
The names evoke images of Old World splendor and European sophistication. But such names do not belong only to Europe; they also identify Ohio cities and towns with a splendor and sophistication that is all their own. Each would make a fine day-trip or weekend from Cincinnati, and an ambitious driver could visit them all in a loop of just under two hundred miles, starting in Cincinnati.
Oxford
The brick streets of Oxford, thirty-five miles northwest of Cincinnati in Butler County, lead visitors through small-town charm and the architectural grandeur provided by Miami University. Be sure to see the McGuffey Museum, the historic Black Bridge, the DeWitt log house (built about 1805), and the internationally acclaimed Miami Art Museum.
Versailles
Located on St. Rte. 47 in Darke County, in western Ohio, Versailles once boasted some of the largest poultry producers in the country, and poultry is still a key component of the local economy. Visit Fountain Square, Pleasant Ward Park, and Heritage Park, which was created by funds from the annual Poultry Days festival (mid-June), during which about 25,000 chicken dinners are served.
London
A few miles south of I-70 on U.S. 42, is the town of London. The town’s Main Street is enhanced by homes and business buildings in the Victorian, Federal, and Italianate style. The Madison County Courthouse, built in 1892, is among the most striking in the state. Don’t miss the Red Brick Tavern, a former national turnpike rest stop and the second oldest stagecoach stop in continuous operation in Ohio. The 1837 building has hosted six U.S. presidents.
Dublin
Northwest of Columbus is Dublin. The “downtown” area, concentrated around High and Riverview streets, boasts historic structures such as the former Hutchinson Hotel, built in 1835 by town founder John Sells as a wedding present for his daughter, Caroline. The “old stone tavern” (83 S. Riverview St.), was built around 1824 by Eliud Sells, the founder’s son. Dublin’s schedule of annual events is highlighted by St. Patrick’s Day festivities and the Irish Festival in August.
Lisbon
Founded in 1803 (the year Ohio achieved statehood), this Columbiana County is one of the oldest towns in the state. Six covered bridges dot the area, and the Old Stone House Museum and Jacob Picking Building claim distinction as the oldest stone house and oldest brick building in Ohio, respectively. Morgan’s Monument, five miles south of town, marks the northernmost point reached by the Confederacy during the Civil War. The Johnny Appleseed Festival happens there every September.
Berlin
Berlin is the second-largest town of Holmes County (which holds one of the largest concentrations of Amish families in the U.S.). Berlin’s quaint streets host a variety of fine restaurants, country shops, historical homes, and exceptional museums, including the Mennonite Information Center. The town hosts Berlin Days in September and a Christmas in Berlin weekend in late November.
These are not the only Ohio villages and towns with European namesakes, of course. A complete list would have to include Toledo, Athens, and Moscow (population 224), among others. But a visit to any—or all—of these six will reward even the most frugal traveler, and show off some of the most unique experiences the Buckeye State has to offer.
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