If you’re visiting the Castle in the next few months and aren’t sure of your itinerary, carve out some time to visit the city of Lancaster – a perfect day trip for families, couples, and friend groups alike. Lancaster is located around 45 minutes from the Castle, and you’ll be sure to find plenty to eat, see, and do. Lancaster is home to a walkable downtown area, nice parks,  and its own collection of local restaurants. Keep reading to see what we recommend you check out during your visit to Lancaster!

What to Eat

Cherry Street Pub – 202 N. Cherry Street, Lancaster – As one of the highest rated restaurants in Lancaster, this gem is definitely worth a stop on your trip. Everything Cherry Street Pub has on their menu is homemade and freshly prepared. Stop by 7 days a week from 11 AM – 11 PM and check out what they have to offer or take a seat at their famous bar that was built in the 1900s. Their libations range from craft beer to specialty mules and cocktails.  Bison burgers, reubens, chicken salad, pulled pork mac and cheese, pierogis… the list goes on and on! People rave about the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff which makes Cherry Street Pub somewhere to return to again and again.

Ale House 1890 – 149 West Main Street, Lancaster – There’s something for everyone at Ale House 1890! Ale House 1890 isn’t just a gastropub with an amazing food and drink lineup, but an event space too. They pride themselves on serving high quality ingredients no matter if it’s dinner for two or catering for your event. They schedule live music on some weekend nights and host tap takeovers for local charities. Find things from Leitnaker Angus Farm steaks to pecan crusted chicken… or maybe you’re feeling some shrimp and grits? Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, you’ll be sure to find something delicious at Ale House 1890.

What to See

Wahkeena Nature Preserve is home to a nature center, hiking trails, an abundance of plants, native orchids and more than 100 species of birds. This 150-acre preserve lives up to its name, meaning “most beautiful”. For more information about Wahkeena’s programs and plant bloom list, visit their website. Wahkeena stays open to the public until mid-November.

Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve is 75 acres and is located in the Sugar Grove Region of Hocking Hills near Lancaster. Their website states “a relatively strenuous hike to the top of the dry ridgeline affords a view of the Hocking River Valley to the east”. Head this way if you’re looking for more of a challenging hike, totaling just around 1.2 miles. Bundle up and go explore – perhaps you’ll snap some photos to show our Innkeepers when you return!

What to Do

Ohio Glass Museum & Glass Blowing Studio hosts classes to the public starting at only $30 per person. These classes can be as simple as ornament and bead making and as in-depth as learning technique, creating paperweights, and even creating glass flowers! You have the option to take a guided tour which takes around 1.5 hours and it includes exhibits, a short movie, and glassblower demonstration. You are also welcome to explore the exhibits on your own. Be sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out to see what handmade treasures are available for purchase – perfect for knocking a few people off your Christmas list!

Art & Clay On Main is a must! Whether you are staying to paint or just stopping by for a treat from Square 7 Coffee Shop inside, Art & Clay On Main has something for everyone. Some of their popular events feature Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP), a wheel throwing studio, and a summer art camps for kids. Both Art & Clay and Square 7 are social enterprises of the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities. That means that the shops serve as places where people with developmental disabilities can receive training and employment.

Aha! A Hands-On Adventure is perfect for kids of all ages! Aha! is an 8,000 square foot facility that is home to over 60 hands-on exhibits. Children from 6 months to 8 years of age can become explorers, scientists, engineers, and artists. They have places for kids to create art, play banker to learn about money, dig for fossils, and so much more. Check out their website for a full list of activities. Admission is $8 per person.

Molly Smith

Molly Smith is a member of the Ravenwood Detective Agency, and loves to hunt zombies. Her passion for guest satisfaction and love for event planning led her to Ravenwood Castle.