Columbiana County, nestled in the heart of Northeast Ohio, has a rich blend of smalltown charm, history, natural beauty, and friendly locals that make it an ideal destination for a two-day weekend getaway. Below are a few suggestions for what to see and do on your trip, but this itinerary only begins to uncover all of the gems this county offers. Get ready to make some memories and fall in love with Columbiana County!
Day 1: Exploring the Region’s History, Culture, and the Great Outdoors
5th Street Historic District, East Liverpool Photo by 636Buster
Morning: Visiting East Liverpool
Your journey begins along the Ohio River in East Liverpool, Ohio, which was once known as the “Pottery Capital of the World.” You will have a full day planned, so we recommend starting with a hearty breakfast. Get the most important meal of the day at one of East Liverpool’s three local restaurants that are open on Saturday mornings. Bricker’s Cafeteria has been an area favorite for generations, serving classic home cooked food such as pancakes, eggs, toast, sausage, and more. They also have a full lunch and dinner menu. Or, check out L&B Donuts and Catering, which offers a variety of breakfast favorites from breakfast burritos to Belgian waffles – and donuts, of course. The East Liverpool Hot Dog Shoppe is best known for its hot dogs, hamburgers, and milkshakes, but their breakfast is delicious too.
Photo by Museum of Ceramics, East Liverpool
Once you’ve filled up, head over to the Museum of Ceramics to take a step back through time as you learn about East Liverpool’s history and the important role pottery played in it. The museum has 4,000 artifacts for viewing over its two floors of exhibits. Get a sneak peek before you go by visiting the museum’s website.
Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center, East Liverpool
You may also have time for a visit to the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center which celebrates the area’s history as well as accomplishments from its notable individuals, such as Lou Holtz, Dean Martin, and Clark Gable.
Afternoon: Lunch in a Converted Bank and Exploring Beaver Creek State Park
Beaver Creek State Park
Before you leave East Liverpool, have a wonderful sit down lunch at Cadence Vault Gastropub, where “community, food, and craft meet” in the renovated Potters Bank & Trust Company building. You’ll never forget their delicious food and stunning atmosphere. Be sure to try their woodfired pizzas and take a peek at the old bank vault!
Next, you’ll head to Beaver Creek State Park for an afternoon of outdoor exploration. The park is over 2,700 acres and offers perfect spots for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and more, all with picturesque views. It’s also home to Beaver Creek Pioneer Village which has a collection of historic buildings reminiscent of the 1800s. Make time to stop at the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center as well. It’s a museum of natural history and a learning center with over 300 mounted specimens of wildlife from Ohio and North America in general. If you have children traveling with you, they’ll love to explore the Kids Discovery Room with its hands-on experiences. Depending on the weekend you visit, you may be able to catch a special event happening at the park!
Evening: Dinner, Drinks, and a Show
Pondi’s, Lisbon
You’ve probably worked up an appetite with your day’s explorations! Pondi’s in Lisbon, OH has been serving the area since 1916 and is a great spot for dinner on a Saturday night. The restaurant is very popular thanks to their varied menu which includes appetizers, salads, burgers, steaks, seafood, pasta, and more. We’d recommend making a reservation ahead of your trip and ordering one of their specials. Their staff is always cooking up something fresh!
Photo by: Birdfish Brewing Co.
If you’d like to extend your eating, drinking, and merriment, Columbiana County is home to several breweries and wineries that you won’t want to miss. They are each different in their own way from their locations to their offerings to their ambience, but you can read all about them in one of our recent blog posts.
After dinner and drinks, catch a show at one of the area’s many theaters. Our talented actors will leave you speechless with their renditions of well-known plays and musicals while our musicians will have you relishing their performances of popular and original songs.
Photo by: Getaway Beaver Creek
When you’re ready to call it a day, you can rest comfortably at one of Columbiana County’s hotels or bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, or even tiny cabins.
Day 2: Well-Renowned Parks, Art, Food, and More
Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens
Morning: Hiking and Biking in Leetonia
Since Columbiana County sits at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, you’ll want to plan for plenty of time to visit our parks during your trip. On the second day of your getaway, we recommend starting the day off with a visit to the Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens. This 25-acre park is recognized by the Ohio Historical Society because it was originally home to the Leetonia Coal & Iron Company. Over 200 coke ovens were built by the company and the community has undergone massive restoration efforts to turn the property into the gorgeous park it is today. Lord of the Rings fans may think the oven remnants may resemble a hobbit village!
Little Beaver Creek Greenway Bike Trail
The park is also connected to the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Bike Trail, which is perfect for walking, running, and biking! The 12-mile trail connects Lisbon, OH to Washintonville, OH and takes its visitors through beautiful woods, farmland, and wetlands. It takes you past the Teegarden Centennial covered bridge and the Sandy Beaver Canal, two other popular historical stops in the county too.
Afternoon: Enjoying Lunch and More in Salem
Salem, Ohio
Salem is just a short drive away from Leetonia, so you can head there next for the afternoon! Start your Salem experience by grabbing a bite to eat at one of Salem’s twenty restaurants. If you’d like brunch fare, LiB’s Market or Raymond’s Ice Cream Parlor will have something to hit the spot. If you’d prefer to catch the big game on Sunday, BB Rooners, Coaches Burger Bar, or The Foundry are great spots. Salem is also home to mouth-watering Italian food as well which can be ordered at restaurants such as Ezio’s Italian Restaurant, or De Rienzo’s Italian Foods. Another recommendation is to check out Boneshakers in the historic Timberlanes Complex.
Burchfield Homestead
After lunch, visit the boyhood home of famous artist Charles Ephraim Burchfield (1893-1967) at the Burchfield Homestead. You’ll learn what inspired Burchfield to become the highly successful painter he was, seeing for yourself the home and landscape that were the subject of many of his paintings. In nicer seasons, you can also tour the scenic garden.
Evening: Relaxing at the Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn
Spread Eagle Tavern
After a busy weekend seeing just a handful of Columbiana County’s must-visit spots, there’s no better place to unwind than the Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn in Hanoverton. Built in 1837, the inn is a gorgeous example of Federal Period architecture and features three floors, 11 rooms, and 12 fireplaces.
Lunch and dinner are available on Sundays, which you can enjoy in one of their seven dining rooms. Making a reservation is recommended. The inn offers a more formal dining experience in the William McKinley room, a more casual experience in the log “barn room”, and every atmosphere in between. You’ll enjoy choosing from their selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees like filet mignon and chicken pot pie, desserts, and wine. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres can also be enjoyed before or after dinner in the Patrick Henry Tavern Room.
You can stay the evening in one of the inn’s guest rooms which vary in size and accommodations. But one thing that’s consistent throughout all the rooms is their beautiful period antique decor and modern conveniences.
If you’d like more privacy, you can also stay in the Hanover House. It is a saltbox house that was built in 1820 and it features several burning fireplaces and two bedrooms. Light snacks and champagne will be available upon your arrival when you choose to stay at the Hanover House, and you’ll also receive full breakfast for two.
Regardless of what room you select, you’ll sleep well thinking of all the happy memories you made in Columbiana County.
As we mentioned previously, Columbiana County has many things to do and see, it’s impossible to fit them all into one trip or blog post! For more ideas on what to do during your trip, you’ll want to research the other cultural offerings and historical sites. Nature enthusiasts should consider all the cycling, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, and horse riding opportunities here. If you’d like to play a round of golf, there are many gorgeous courses too. Every weekend there are special events throughout the county as well that you’ll want to look into. Columbiana County has something for everyone to enjoy. Your stay here will leave you with a deep appreciation of this charming corner of Ohio.