Tiny Waynesville, Ohio, Is A Time Capsule Town That's Irresistibly Charming And Nostalgic
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 28, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Y’all know how much we love small towns here at OnlyInYourState; these little locales are what form the patchwork of our country’s marvelous, multifaceted cultural quilt. Ohio is certainly full of charming small towns, and places like Yellow Springs, Lebanon, Oberlin, Athens, Hudson, and Lima are often touted for their friendliness and livability. A small town that’s often overlooked, however, is one I consider the *most* charming and nostalgic. Here’s what awaits when you visit wonderful Waynesville, Ohio:
The world may have changed since Waynesville was founded in 1797, but a visit to this charming Ohio town feels like stepping inside a well-preserved time capsule.
The Hammel House Inn, 121 S Main St, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA
Waynesville is, quite literally, a historic treasure trove: the 36-acre, five-block Waynesville Main Street Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Wandering through Waynesville's historic downtown is a treat; its nearly 100 historic buildings are well-preserved and full of character, with many home to some of the most darling local businesses and restaurants.
American Pie, 43 S Main St, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA
American Pie (pictured) is one such shop. It's owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jason Thomas and Lee Mershad Thomas and carries artisan home decor items, unique gifts, repurposed home goods, and Thomas' eponymous furniture line. Thomas' pieces are beautiful, heirloom-quality items that will, at some point down the road, become treasured antiques.
In terms of lodging and dining, the Hammel House covers both -- with a side of local history, of course. Used as a tavern as early as 1800, Waynesville held its first election here in 1803, and the current building was constructed as an inn and stage coach stop in 1822.
While the Hammel House is certainly a place to enjoy a proper, sit-down meal, the menu is anything but stuffy. Old-fashioned favorites like chicken pot pie, chicken and rice soup, and pot roast make for a comforting and soul-filling dining experience -- and if you're lucky enough to be an overnight guest, you'll wake up to the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon and French toast!
There's almost always something fun happening downtown, and Waynesville's Christmas in the Village is about as wholesome and charming as it gets. A nod to the traditions and comforts of Christmas past, you'll find the downtown adorned in traditional holiday décor and as cozy as ever. Waynesville's Christmas festival is a holiday event that's often overlooked for some of the region's other festivals -- and definitely worth experiencing at least once.
This holiday festival also presents the opportunity to tour some of Waynesville's most historic homes, decked to the nines for the season. The Friends Home, for example, is lovelier than ever come Christmastime, when its exhibit rooms positively sparkle with historic decorations and whimsical notions.
Museum at the Friends Home, 115 S 4th St, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA
Of course, it's impossible to talk about festivals in Waynesville without mentioning the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival. Held annually on the second full weekend in October, the festival started in 1970 as a humble affair with a handful of vendors and 1,500 visitors; today, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival serves seven tons of 'kraut and attracts approximately 350,000 visitors from across the country!
This is all just the beginning of the historic charm and small-town sensibility that awaits in wonderful Waynesville, Ohio. Visit, and I promise you'll fall in love with all this Buckeye State 'burb has to offer!
Have you been to this beguiling Buckeye State town before? Whether you come for the ‘kraut, the winter festivities, or seasonal farmer’s market, you’re in for quite a treat when you visit Waynesville, Ohio. And if you find yourself in town and wanting to stay longer, consider a stay in this charming guesthouse in nearby Springboro!
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