*This post is sponsored by Visit Fairfield County, all of my opinions are my own.*
We’ve lived in 4 different states in the last 8 years. Every single place we’ve lived at has been outlined with fun small towns that have so much to offer!
Looking back, I wish we would have done more exploring during our time in Birmingham, Lexington and Savannah… but the truth is, I was working full time and Jeff was traveling a lot. We probably did the most exploring in Savannah, even though we were only living there for a summer — what a fun summer that was!
I’m originally from Ohio and when we moved back, I was at first extremely reluctant. It wasn’t nearly as exciting to me as the other towns we had lived in, but after 4 years being back I know it’s the right place to raise our family.
That being said, we are starting to explore some of the wonderful small towns around Ohio and seeing what amazing things they have to offer.
Most recently, we took a mini getaway to Fairfield County, Ohio. Lancaster is the original home of General Sherman, and the town is proud of that moniker with several statues, parks and even lattes named after Sherman.
The Fairfield County Visitors Bureau hosted us and set us up with great accommodations at the The Holiday Inn Express Lancaster, where the friendly staff hooked us up with a suite and fresh baked cookies. The kids even had a chance to spend some time swimming in the pool, which to be honest was their favorite part!
Our first stop was at the AHA! Children’s Museum. The kids had a blast at this hands-on experience. Eden was drawn to the stage and microphone, ha. Adam loved all of the construction equipment models, Luke was all over the place trying all of the displays, even Jude had a chance to explore.
Our next stop was a quick lunch at The Pizza Cottage, arguably the best pizza in Ohio and worth the drive!
We then ventured to downtown Lancaster to explore the cafes, shops and beautiful wall murals. When chatting with the folks in Lancaster, it’s obvious that the downtown is really undergoing a progressive revitalization. I love to see that in small towns.
We hopped back in the van to check-in to our hotel and take a quick rest. Before heading off to Bob’s Backyard Barbeque for dinner. The staff was so incredibly friendly and made us feel so special. Not to mention, the ribs were just as good as the ones we used to eat in Birmingham!
Dessert followed at Extreme Creamery, we had never had rolled ice cream before. It was absolutely delicious, and so fun to watch being made.
Sunday morning started out with another swim and continental breakfast at the hotel before we bundled up to hike Rising Park. The short hike up was probably my favorite part of the trip… and the views were so incredible. The kids did great on the hike.
After working up an appetite, we traveled back to downtown to have the very best brunch at JB’s Downtown Grill. HOLY WOW! The cinnamon roll French Toast is what dreams are made of. Jeff got the Belly Buster Breakfast, and I enjoyed made from scratch garlic and chive biscuits with gravy. We also had the chance to meet the owners Beth and Jamie who were the nicest people and welcomed us with the warmest hospitality.
Last, but not least the kids bounced around Jolly Hoppers bounce houses to get all that energy out. They even got to make their own stuffed animals to go.
We can’t recommend Lancaster enough, it’s filled with so many family friendly ventures, wineries and rich history.
Thank you Visit Fairfield County for your hospitality. We will be back for sure!
Leave a Reply