To many, Hallmark movies add a bit of warmth to the coldest months of the year. These typically feature a chilly, snow-covered small town with old-school architecture and a pace that’s just a little bit slower than in the city. Today, we’re going to travel in Greater Cleveland and beyond to highlight comparably quaint and welcoming winter villages in Northeast Ohio. If you see one you like, it’s well worth visiting! You just might find your own happily ever after there.
- Middlefield, Ohio
Nicole Yeary/Flickr Middlefield is an enchanting community near Cleveland, and it makes for a magical winter getaway. This Geauga County community is rich in Amish culture, boasting one of the highest-density Amish populations in the nation. It’s among the snowiest communities in Ohio but, quite frankly, all that snow just adds an extra dose of charm to the landscape. This village is home to less than 3,000 residents, and it’s overflowing with natural beauty as a result. Middlefield, OH 44062, USA
- Northfield, Ohio
The Inn at Brandywine Falls Website You’re looking at the Inn at Brandywine Falls, a charming overnight destination that’s just paces away from a magnificent waterfall. While this area is full of history and intrigue, don’t let its looks fool you; this community of fewer than 4,000 residents has modernized to include a racetrack and casino. While you’re in the area, don’t be afraid to explore the rest of Cuyahoga Valley National Park… it is breathtaking in the winter! Northfield, OH 44067, USA
- Willoughby Hills, Ohio
Tim Evanson/Flickr This Lake County community is slightly larger, boasting a population of just over 9,400 residents; however, its critter count is doubtlessly higher. Pictured here is Squire’s Castle, one of the most amazing features in the Cleveland Metroparks. Originally built for Standard Oil’s Feargus B. Squire, this castle is now open to the elements and totally open to the public. In the winter, you’ll feel like icy royalty (step aside, Elsa) as you dance across this frozen landscape. Willoughby Hills, OH, USA
- Shaker Heights, Ohio
Phil Kalina/Flickr Even bigger than Willoughby Hills, Shaker Heights is home to nearly 30,000 residents… but you’d never know. This vivid community boasts an incredible small-town atmosphere, as well as a fascinating history. It was founded as a Shaker settlement, emphasizing equality, simple lifestyles, and pacifism. Unfortunately, its founders also practiced celibacy – a fact that caused their community to eventually fade away. Today, the community is modern and charming… and locals love its restaurants! Shaker Heights, OH, USA
- Bay Village, Ohio
rabesphoto/Wikimedia Commons You’re looking at Huntington Beach, one of the best beaches in the Cleveland area. Before it was a tourist attraction, this landscape was populated by indigenous cultures… and Lake Road itself was one of the most important trading routes in Ohio before European settlement. Today, this community of nearly 16,000 has a rich history, including a murder case that confounds to this day. It’s also home to all sorts of modern amenities, including a delectable dining scene. Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
- Wadsworth, Ohio
Main Street Wadsworth/Facebook If you haven’t visited Wadsworth recently, it’s worth a trip to this Medina County community of 21,500 people. While it may have once been a farm town, it is now modern… but also beautifully vintage in its atmosphere. In fact, it rather looks like a snow globe once wintertime engulfs the community. Its Downtown district is rich in beauty and culture, and locals love its dining and shopping. Wadsworth, OH 44281, USA
These winter villages in Northeast Ohio are among the most charming places in the area, but they’re far from the only places of interest. What other quaint communities near Cleveland would you say are Hallmark-movie-worthy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Nicole Yeary/Flickr
Middlefield is an enchanting community near Cleveland, and it makes for a magical winter getaway. This Geauga County community is rich in Amish culture, boasting one of the highest-density Amish populations in the nation. It’s among the snowiest communities in Ohio but, quite frankly, all that snow just adds an extra dose of charm to the landscape. This village is home to less than 3,000 residents, and it’s overflowing with natural beauty as a result.
Middlefield, OH 44062, USA
The Inn at Brandywine Falls Website
You’re looking at the Inn at Brandywine Falls, a charming overnight destination that’s just paces away from a magnificent waterfall. While this area is full of history and intrigue, don’t let its looks fool you; this community of fewer than 4,000 residents has modernized to include a racetrack and casino. While you’re in the area, don’t be afraid to explore the rest of Cuyahoga Valley National Park… it is breathtaking in the winter!
Northfield, OH 44067, USA
Tim Evanson/Flickr
This Lake County community is slightly larger, boasting a population of just over 9,400 residents; however, its critter count is doubtlessly higher. Pictured here is Squire’s Castle, one of the most amazing features in the Cleveland Metroparks. Originally built for Standard Oil’s Feargus B. Squire, this castle is now open to the elements and totally open to the public. In the winter, you’ll feel like icy royalty (step aside, Elsa) as you dance across this frozen landscape.
Willoughby Hills, OH, USA
Phil Kalina/Flickr
Even bigger than Willoughby Hills, Shaker Heights is home to nearly 30,000 residents… but you’d never know. This vivid community boasts an incredible small-town atmosphere, as well as a fascinating history. It was founded as a Shaker settlement, emphasizing equality, simple lifestyles, and pacifism. Unfortunately, its founders also practiced celibacy – a fact that caused their community to eventually fade away. Today, the community is modern and charming… and locals love its restaurants!
Shaker Heights, OH, USA
rabesphoto/Wikimedia Commons
You’re looking at Huntington Beach, one of the best beaches in the Cleveland area. Before it was a tourist attraction, this landscape was populated by indigenous cultures… and Lake Road itself was one of the most important trading routes in Ohio before European settlement. Today, this community of nearly 16,000 has a rich history, including a murder case that confounds to this day. It’s also home to all sorts of modern amenities, including a delectable dining scene.
Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
Main Street Wadsworth/Facebook
If you haven’t visited Wadsworth recently, it’s worth a trip to this Medina County community of 21,500 people. While it may have once been a farm town, it is now modern… but also beautifully vintage in its atmosphere. In fact, it rather looks like a snow globe once wintertime engulfs the community. Its Downtown district is rich in beauty and culture, and locals love its dining and shopping.
Wadsworth, OH 44281, USA
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