If you’re seeking classic charm, historic architecture, and quiet village green spaces, hop into your rental car and head east toward Licking County. Just 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Columbus lies a countryside escape anchored by Granville, a picture-perfect town designed to mirror 19th-century New England villages.
Stop 1: Granville Village & Denison University
Founded in 1805 by settlers from Massachusetts and Connecticut, Granville feels straight out of a storybook. Gas-lit street lamps, white picket fences, Greek Revival and Victorian homes line Broadway, the village’s main thoroughfare.
Park along Broadway and begin your stroll. Grab breakfast or coffee at Village Coffee Company, then browse the curated shelves at Village Books. Walk up College Street to the picturesque hill-top campus of Denison University, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley countryside.
If you’re staying overnight or stopping for lunch, The Buxton Inn (operating continuously since 1812) and The Granville Inn offer elegant historic dining and charming dining rooms.
Stop 2: Dawes Arboretum – A Living Tree Museum
Just 15 minutes east of Granville via Ohio Route 16, The Dawes Arboretum spans over 2,000 acres of trees, gardens, and natural habitats.
What makes Dawes unique for road trippers is its famous Auto Tour—a slow, scenic 4-mile paved drive that loops through diverse plant collections, around a mirror-like lake, and past the iconic hedges spelling out “DAWES ARBORETUM” in gigantic letters visible from the air. Step out of your vehicle to explore the serene Japanese Garden, complete with a reflection pond, stone lanterns, and a wooden bridge.
Stop 3: Newark & The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
Finish your day trip in neighboring Newark to explore ancient human history. Central Ohio is home to the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Indigenous Americans between 1,000 and 2,000 years ago.
Drive to the Octagon Earthworks or the Great Circle Earthworks in Newark. These massive, precision-engineered geometric earthen walls served as ceremonial spaces aligned with celestial cycles. Walking along these ancient earthworks is a humbling experience that connects visitors to the deep history of North America.
Car Rental Tips for the Licking County Route
- Driving Environment: Enjoy smooth State Route highways and peaceful country roads (Ohio State Route 16 & State Route 37).
- Speed Limits: Small towns like Granville strictly enforce low speed limits (25 mph in town centers)—keep an eye on your speedometer!