Last month, we kicked off our summer road trip series, Hit the Road, with an outdoor adventure Hocking Hills. If you checked it out, we’d love to hear about it.
This month, we’re continuing the series with a 30-mile trip to Delaware, Ohio for a quick getaway. From breweries like Restoration Brew Worx to the Alum Creek State Park, Delaware offers a little bit of everything — making it the perfect end-of-summer vacay.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
- Drive time: ~35 minutes from downtown
- Est. population: 221,435
- Avg. high in July: 82°
Bring comfy walking or hiking shoes for Delaware State Park’s trails. | Photo by @_pegasus16
🎟️ Things to do
Delaware State Park, 5202 US 23 N.
Bring a towel + hang on the beach by the water, or throw on some hiking shoes and explore this 1,300-acre area.
Barley Hopsters, 1 N. Sandusky St.
With 650+ different beers available, consider this a craft beer fan’s mecca. Barley Hopsters lets visitors select their beer straight out of standing coolers which can be enjoyed on site, taken home, or poured in a DORA cup to-go.
Antiquing on Sandusky Street
Grab a cold brew from Coffeeology and browse its antiques + handmade goods for sale, then venture along Sandusky Street. You’ll find Delaware Antique Mall, Sandusky Street Antiques, and Sandra Rose’s Antiques — all within walking distance of each other no matter which one you start with.
Try a signature cocktail from Mohio Pizza Co. which features a seasonal menu. | Photo by theCBUStoday
🍔 Grub to eat
Mohio Pizza Co., 23 N. Sandusky St.
Share a wood-fired pizza + sip back cocktails that were dreamed up by the Mohio bartending team.
1808 American Bistro, 29 E. Winter St.
Treat yourself to an upscale meal with high-quality ingredients like the 48-hour short rib, or the wild mushroom risotto. Happy hour is Wednesday-Friday from 5-7 p.m. + signature cocktails are $5.
Victor’s Taco Shop, 186 S. Sandusky St.
Sometimes a road trip calls for a no frills, quick lunch and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this small shop serving up big flavors. Whether you’re after carne asada burritos as big as your head, or dunking some chips in queso, we just recommend bringing an appetite.
Grab a brew from Barley Hopsters + enjoy this patio view. | Photo via VRBO
🏨 Overnight accommodations
If you get a wild hair and decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
The Pottery House Downtown Delaware
Book a stay at this cozy, two-bedroom VRBO home which is just a three minute walk from downtown.
Georgia’s Bed & Breakfast, 76 N. Franklin St.
This spot has been a place for travelers to rest for decades in Delaware and it still holds true to some of its old school ways — you have to call to book your stay. It’ll be worth the extra leg work when you are sitting down to a famous breakfast from Diane, current owner of the bed + breakfast.
JourneyBNB Peaceful House
Looking to book a stay for a large crew? This VRBO home, located near Ohio Wesleyan University, can sleep up to eight people thanks to its three bedrooms.
