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Nelsonville, Ohio: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

The scenic railway runs the weekends from May right the way through October in every single year out there. June brings the music festival out at the historical village for the whole of the weekend out there as well. Spring puts the Easter Bunny Train on and winter puts the Santa Train on instead of it out there. The opera house runs right the whole of the year through. Calendar.

Planning a trip to Nelsonville, Ohio and wondering what to do? Start here. Nelsonville is a charming town in Athens County, Ohio, known for the country around it, the long history behind it and the people in it. History person, outdoors person or somebody after something unusual, Nelsonville has a version of it.

Eating well is not skippable in Nelsonville. The town runs restaurants and cafes that put out proper food and drink. Classic American fare through to international cooking, most tastes get covered. And the local breweries and wineries are worth the detour.

Sleep well in one of Nelsonville’s comfortable places. Historic bed and breakfasts through to modern hotels, there is somewhere for every kind of traveler. And with this many outdoor things, historical sites and unusual experiences to work through, the sleep matters.

Key Takeaways

• Nelsonville, Ohio has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to historical haunts.
• Tickling your tastebuds is a must-do in Nelsonville, with many fantastic restaurants and cafes to choose from.
• Rest your weary head in one of Nelsonville’s cozy and comfortable accommodations.

Tickling Your Tastebuds

Dining in Nelsonville, Ohio holds up. Classic American comfort food through to international cooking, this town covers it. Here are the strongest places to satisfy the appetite:

Best Restaurants in Nelsonville

For a hearty meal, Rhapsody Restaurant is the answer. This cozy spot is known for its comfort food, homemade soups and salads and sandwiches and entrees. Order the famous mac and cheese, made with a blend of four cheeses and topped with breadcrumbs.

For a taste of Italy, head to Fullbrooks Cafe. This family-owned restaurant runs classic Italian cooking, pizza and pasta and calzones. Order the homemade meatballs.

Local Wineries

Nelsonville runs wineries worth an afternoon with friends or a slow date. Shade Winery is the busiest, known for its award-winning wines made from locally grown grapes. The outdoor patio is where the glass gets drunk, with the country open around it.

Hocking Hills Winery is the other one. This family-owned winery pours a broad selection, sweet fruit wines through to dry reds. And the tasting room has a fireplace in it, which suits a cold evening.

The Mine Tavern

For dining with some history in it, head to The Mine Tavern. This historic building was a coal mining supply store once, and it runs burgers, sandwiches and craft beer now. Order the famous Mine Burger, topped with bacon, cheddar cheese and a fried egg.

Whatever the appetite, Nelsonville has options for it.

Rest Your Weary Head

After a day on Nelsonville, the bed matters. There are options for every budget and preference. Here are the places to stay in Nelsonville:

Stay in Nelsonville

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls:

For a luxurious stay, this is the one. The charming inn runs cozy cottages, a spa and a restaurant putting out farm-to-table cooking. And it sits in the heart of Hocking Hills, so the country is right there.

Hocking Hills Cabins:

For something more rustic, rent a cabin from Hocking Hills Cabins. These cabins sit in the woods and carry the modern amenities anyway. And they are a short drive from everything worth doing in Nelsonville.

Holiday Inn Express:

For the budget answer, the Holiday Inn Express does the job. The hotel runs comfortable rooms, a complimentary breakfast and a fitness center. And it sits near the main highways.

Wherever you sleep in Nelsonville, the exploring works out. So book it and go.

Historical Haunts

History people have plenty in Nelsonville. The restored Stuart’s Opera House through to the historic village, the range covers it. Here are the historical sites to take:

Stuart’s Opera House

First, Stuart’s Opera House, a restored 19th-century theater that has been putting on shows for over 150 years. Live music, theater or comedy, the calendar carries all three. Check what is coming up before you go.

Historic Nelsonville

Walk historic Nelsonville and the town’s past comes at you off the buildings. The brick buildings through to the historic train depot, there is plenty to look at. And stop at the Nelsonville Public Square, which has been the gathering place since the town was founded in 1814.

Historic Sites

Nelsonville holds historic sites worth the walk. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway earns it for train people. Take a ride on a vintage train and the Hocking Hills open out around you. And the Robbins Crossing living history museum is the other one, where the 19th century is put back in front of you.

Historic Train

On trains, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is not skippable. This historic train runs a scenic route through the Hocking Hills. The old Haydenville depot through to the Nelsonville Brick Company, the history is out the window the whole way. And wildlife turns up if you are lucky.

So there it is, history people. Live entertainment, brick buildings or vintage trains, Nelsonville runs all three. Get out and work them.

Outdoor Adventures

Nelsonville, Ohio is where outdoor people end up. The country here is serious and the outdoor list does not run short. Hiking, biking, camping or hunting, all four are covered. Here are the outdoor things to take:

Hocking Hills Activities

Hocking Hills is the one outdoor people should not skip. Waterfalls, towering cliffs and winding trails make it the hiking country it is. Horseback riding, zip-lining and rock climbing all run there too. And for the harder version, there is rappelling.

Wayne National Forest

For something more rugged, Wayne National Forest is the answer. Over 160,000 acres run through it, taking off-roading, camping, fishing and hunting. And the wildlife turns up, deer and wild turkey and black bears among them. Take a good map.

Hunting in Southeastern Ohio

Southeastern Ohio is known for its hunting. Deer, turkey or small game, the opportunities are there. And the country around it makes a day outdoors worth having on its own.

Gear Rentals

For gear rentals, Nelsonville has it covered. Bikes through kayaks through camping equipment, all of it rents here. And with this many outdoor places to work, having the right gear matters. So rent it and get out. Take a good map.

Trails to Trek

For a good way to see Nelsonville, Ohio, take the trails. There are scenic routes running through the finest parts of the area. Avid hiker or somebody after a slow walk, both are covered.

Rail to Trail Paved Bikeway

For scenery with some exercise attached, the Rail to Trail Paved Bikeway is the answer. This 18-mile trail runs through the finest parts of Nelsonville with plenty of places to stop and look. It suits biking, walking or running, so whatever you do, it works here.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

For the relaxed version, take the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. This historic railway runs a slow route through the Hocking Valley with the countryside out both windows. The train runs weekends from May through October, so check the schedule before you go.

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway

For a longer route, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is the choice. This 21-mile trail runs through the finest parts of the Hocking Valley with the countryside open the whole way. It is named for the Adena Indians, who lived here first, so the history comes along with it.

Whichever trail you take, the country around Nelsonville, Ohio delivers. So take the boots or the bike and get out.

Festivals and Events

Nelsonville is known for the festivals and events it runs through the year. Music person or eater, one of them will suit you.

Nelsonville Music Festival

The Nelsonville Music Festival is the annual one, landing in June with musical acts across every genre. It is held at Robbins Crossing Historical Village, which gives it a setting nothing else has.

Beyond the music, the festival runs food vendors, craft beer and wine, and artisan vendors selling handmade work. And you can camp on site and take the whole weekend.

The strongest thing about the Nelsonville Music Festival is the atmosphere. It runs laid-back and friendly, with good music, good food and good company. And it is family-friendly, so the kids come along.

Music people should hold the date for the Nelsonville Music Festival. It is where new artists get found and old favorites get played again. So take the tickets and give it the weekend.

That is the festivals and events section. Get ready for Nelsonville.

I watched the blacksmith at Robbins Crossing hammer a hook out of a bar of red-hot iron. I have seen the coopers put a barrel together with the same tools they have always used. The train has come into the Nelsonville depot in the same way for decades on end now. And Rocky Boots has been making boots right here for over 80 years. Nothing moved.

Learning and Leisure

To mix learning with the rest of it, Nelsonville has the places. Here are the ones where both happen at once:

Hocking College

Hocking College is not an ordinary community college. With over 50 associate degree programs, it runs hands-on learning built for the work that follows. And there is more. Hocking College also runs a nature center, where the environment and the wildlife come through interactive exhibits and live animal displays. And the Outdoor Adventure Club takes guided hikes and kayak trips.

Ohio University

Ohio University is the public research university in Athens, a short drive from Nelsonville. It runs over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, so the range is wide. But the campus is what sets it apart, ranked among the most picturesque in the country. Walk the College Green, photograph the Bobcat statue, or catch a show at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

Nature Center

Nature people should not miss the Athens County Nature Center. It sits in nearby Athens and runs programs and events covering the natural world. Birdwatching through wildflower walks, something is always on. And the workshops teach you to make nature-inspired work yourself.

Wildlife, the environment or simply a scenic walk, Nelsonville and the area around it cover all three.

Nelsonville Nostalgia

After a trip back? Nelsonville’s historic district is where it happens, and life as it was in the 19th century is still standing in it. Here are the spots to take:

General Store

First, the general store. Stocked with penny candy through to handmade quilts, this old-fashioned shop holds vintage things in quantity. Take some homemade soap or a bag of locally roasted coffee, and photograph the antique cash register on the way out.

Blacksmith Shop

Next, the blacksmith shop. Watch the resident blacksmith hammer red-hot iron into shape, turning out everything from horseshoes to fireplace tools. It is hot and it is noisy and it belongs to another century entirely.

Coopers Shop

Barrel people, and there are more than you would think, should not miss the cooper’s shop. Skilled craftsmen use the traditional techniques to make barrels and casks of every size in there. It is a straight look at a kind of craftsmanship that mostly went.

Historic Houses

Last, walk Nelsonville’s historic houses. Wolfe House runs Victorian-era furnishings and decor, while the humble Gibbons House shows how ordinary people lived in the 1800s. Each one opens a different part of the past. And do not skip the Gladden House, said to be haunted by a former resident, with a ghost tour available if you are up for it.

So for a break from the modern world, head to Nelsonville’s historic district and let the past take over. You come out knowing something, or at least laughing about it.

Unique Nelsonville Experiences

After something you will not get elsewhere in Nelsonville? Riding the Santa Train through to meeting the Easter Bunny, this town has a version of it.

Santa Train

Through the festive season, take the Santa Train for a ride through the Hocking Valley. You meet Santa and his elves, sing carols, and the hot cocoa and cookies come with it. Dress festively and lean into it.

Easter Bunny Train

Visiting Nelsonville in the spring, do not miss the Easter Bunny Train. The ride runs an appearance by the Easter Bunny himself, alongside an Easter egg hunt, crafts and more. Bring the camera.

Signature Experiences

For something genuinely different, take the signature experiences run by the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Moonshine Limited runs through the Hocking Hills with a moonshine tasting attached. And the Wine & Cheese Train pairs local wines and cheeses with the countryside out the window.

Whichever one you pick, Nelsonville delivers. So collect the friends and the family and go.

Art and Artisans

After some culture in Nelsonville? The local art scene is where it is. Fine art through to handmade crafts, the range covers it.

The Nelsonville Emporium

First, The Nelsonville Emporium. This charming shop runs handmade goods from local artisans, pottery through jewelry through handcrafted soap. But the art is the reason to go in. The walls carry paintings, prints and photographs from the strongest artists in the area, and something in there will end up on your wall.

Local Artists

But why stop at one shop? Nelsonville runs a working community of artists and the work is all over town. Walk the streets and the murals, sculptures and other public art turn up. Many of the local galleries rotate exhibits of local work too. And in town during one of the art festivals, you get to meet the artists, watch live demonstrations and take something home.

Seasoned collector or somebody simply after a souvenir with character, Nelsonville’s art scene covers it.

Retail Therapy

After a break from the outdoors in Nelsonville? Take some retail therapy instead. Outdoor gear through to souvenirs, this town runs it.

Rocky Boots

For new outdoor gear, Rocky Boots is the answer. This local company has been making quality boots for over 80 years. The selection covers every outdoor need, so the right pair is in there. And with luck you get a look at the factory where they are made.

But boots are only part of what Rocky Boots runs. There is outdoor clothing and accessories too, jackets through hats through backpacks. And the staff will work out what you actually need if you are unsure.

So treat yourself to the gear. The feet will thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a train to the Fun Barn in Nelsonville?

Unless you are Houdini or own a flying carpet, you cannot ride a train to the Fun Barn in Nelsonville. But you can take the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway from Nelsonville to Logan and back. It is a strong way to see the country around here.

Are there any hotels in Nelsonville that offer a view of Hocking Hills?

Sorry, but no. There are no hotels in Nelsonville with a view of Hocking Hills. You get the view by walking the trails or taking the scenic drive instead.

What’s the most unique item I can find at the Nelsonville Emporium?

Ready for this? The most unusual thing at the Nelsonville Emporium is a jar of air from Nelsonville. You read that correctly. It costs very little and it is the right gift for somebody who has everything.

What’s the wildest weather Nelsonville has ever seen?

Nelsonville has taken its share of wild weather over the years. Tornadoes through blizzards, picking one is hard. But the wildest was the time it rained hard enough that cats and dogs felt like a reasonable explanation.

Is there a secret code to unlock all the best things to do in Nelsonville?

Yes, there is a secret code for all the strongest things in Nelsonville. And we cannot tell you what it is, because it is a secret. Only joking, because there is no code. The strongest things in Nelsonville are all out in the open.

Frequently asked questions about Nelsonville, Ohio

How long exactly does the whole of the Rail to Trail Paved Bikeway actually run for, then, really now, in the end?

A full 18 miles of it out there, running right through the best of the country itself. It takes the biking and the walking and the running all at the same time. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is the longer one out there at a full 21 miles instead. Paved.

How old exactly is the whole of Stuart’s Opera House out at Nelsonville, then, really now, in the end?

It has been entertaining audiences for over 150 years out there inside that same building. The theater itself is 19th-century and it has been restored properly out there. Live music and theater and comedy all run right through the place these days. Calendar.

How big exactly is the whole of the Wayne National Forest out past Nelsonville, then, really now, in the end?

Over 160,000 acres of it out there, which takes a very long time indeed to work. Off-roading and camping and fishing and hunting all run right across the whole of it. Deer and wild turkey and black bears all live right in there as well out there. Map.

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