Posted on by Katie @ ZenLifeandTravel
If you love that small-town feel, you’ll love Cambridge, Ohio and Guernsey County. Located about an hour and a half east of Columbus, this rural area includes lots of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and historic charm.
Because of its proximity to many big cities, it makes a great day trip location or weekend getaway.
Cambridge, Ohio At A Glance
Location: Cambridge is located in Guernsey County in southeastern Ohio, about 75 miles east of Columbus.
Driving Distance To Cambridge From Nearby Cities:
- Columbus, Ohio: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Cleveland, Ohio: 2 hours
- Cincinnati, Ohio: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Charleston, West Virginia: 2 hours
Fun Things To Do In Cambridge, Ohio [Guernsey County]
If you’re looking for a fun day trip in Ohio or have time to stop on a road trip, check out Cambridge/Guernsey County, Ohio! You’ll find lots of small-town activities, plenty of history, and lots of natural beauty.
Even if you don’t know much about the area, you may already be familiar with some of Cambridge’s famous residents. The U.S. Senator and astronaut, John Glenn was born in Cambridge (visit nearby Muskingum County for an incredible tour of his childhood home). In addition, TV and movie star, Hopalong Cassidy, grew up in Cambridge.
The Guernsey County Courthouse in Cambridge, Ohio dates back to the late 19th century.
Mosser Glass Factory and Retail Store
Location: 9279 Cadiz Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Contact: 740-439- 1827 | Mosser Glass
Retail Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Factory Tours: Monday- Friday, 9 to 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Stop in anytime during these hours for a guided tour of the factory).
The work these guys do is impressive! Mosser Glass is a family-owned working glass factory located in Cambridge, Ohio that’s been in business since 1971. You can stop in to visit the gift shop and you can even tour the factory. It’s so cool to watch the glass pieces being made (plus it’s a lot closer than going to see glass blowing in Venice).
The candlestick that I watched being made… it hadn’t even cooled down yet! A Mosser Christmas Tree to add to my collection!
Explore More: If you’re a glass collector or interested in the history of glassmaking, check out the National Museum of Cambridge Glass.
Explore Downtown Cambridge, Ohio
Downtown Cambridge is a quaint area with restaurants, shopping, and historic charm. You’ll find beautiful architecture and locally-owned shops along “Main Street” (which is actually Wheeling Avenue). Here are some highlights that you won’t want to miss.
1. McKenna’s Market: 705 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge | 740-432-0123
Stop by McKenna’s Market for freshly made deli items, local food and snacks, Ohio wines, and even unique candies. This charming shop is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. Dickens Victorian Village: Along Wheeling Avenue between 6th and 11th Streets
If you’re visiting Cambridge during November or December you’ll want to check out Dickens Victorian Village. During this time downtown is transformed into an old-world Victorian Village complete with lights and full-sized costumed figures that line the streets.
3. Theo’s Restaurant: 632 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge | 740-432-3878
Stop into Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and a slice of mile-high pie. This family-owned restaurant has been around since 1931 and is a local favorite.
4. Kennedy’s Bakery: 1025 East Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge | 740-432-2301
Head to a local favorite, Kennedy’s Bakery, for some freshly baked donuts, cookies, cakes, and more. Kennedy’s has been around since 1925 and takes pride in baking from scratch each day.
Explore More: Keep an eye out for the Hidden Spaces Tour, which will be returning soon. This small-group tour will take you in and even under (yes, under) some of the historic buildings in downtown Cambridge! For more information about this upcoming tour, contact Cambridge Main Street.
Salt Fork State Park
Location: 14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, Ohio, 43755
Salt Fork State Park is Ohio’s largest state park and one of the best spots to search for Sasquatch. Yep, that’s right, Bigfoot has been known to wander Salt Fork State Park so much that the park is the home of the Ohio Bigfoot Conference! You can also join one of the park’s monthly Bigfoot nighttime hikes to search for the famed creature. Check Salk Fork’s Facebook page for updated information about Bigfoot activities.
Inside the park, you’ll find hills, valleys, streams, and meadows plus amenities like an 18 hole golf course, a beach, hiking trails, 2 marinas, and Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center.
The park is also home to the Kennedy Stone House which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Great Guernsey Trail
Location: 63500 Corduroy Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
The Great Guernsey Trail is a 14 mile long paved trail that’s suitable for walking or bike riding. The picturesque trail is a great spot to view spring wildflowers or the changing colors of fall.
Nothing But Chocolate
Location: 1218 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Contact: 740-439-5754 | Nothing But Chocolate
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, stop by locally owned and operated, Nothing But Chocolate, for some tasty treats. This chocolate and candy shop is a stop on the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail and is known for its unique take on Halloween chocolates.
Where To Stay In Cambridge, Ohio
While visiting Cambridge, I stayed at Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center. This rustic lodge is located deep within Salt Fork State Park, so it’s a great place to stay if you’ll be exploring all the park has to offer.
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
Location: US Route 22 East, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Contact: 740-435-9000 | Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
Hotel Amenities: Heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, shuffleboard, volleyball, hot tub, inland beach, fitness center, game room
Salt Fork State Park Amenities: Hiking, fishing, archery, boating, Bigfoot watching
Other Cambridge, Ohio Hotels
Hampton Inn Cambridge: 8775 Georgetown Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Fairfield Inn & Suites Cambridge: 8700 Dozer Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Baymont by Wyndham Cambridge: 61595 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Final Thoughts
Cambridge, Ohio/Guernsey County is a rural area located in southeast Ohio that offers plenty of small-town and historic charm. For more activities in southeast Ohio, check out Hocking Hills, Morgan County, and Zanesville/Muskingum County.
If you need help organizing a trip to Cambridge/Guernsey County, don’t hesitate to reach out to the awesome team at Visit Guernsey County for activity ideas and information.
Posted on by Katie @ ZenLifeandTravel
If you love that small-town feel, you’ll love Cambridge, Ohio and Guernsey County. Located about an hour and a half east of Columbus, this rural area includes lots of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and historic charm.
Because of its proximity to many big cities, it makes a great day trip location or weekend getaway.
Cambridge, Ohio At A Glance
Location: Cambridge is located in Guernsey County in southeastern Ohio, about 75 miles east of Columbus.
Driving Distance To Cambridge From Nearby Cities:
- Columbus, Ohio: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Cleveland, Ohio: 2 hours
- Cincinnati, Ohio: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Charleston, West Virginia: 2 hours
Fun Things To Do In Cambridge, Ohio [Guernsey County]
If you’re looking for a fun day trip in Ohio or have time to stop on a road trip, check out Cambridge/Guernsey County, Ohio! You’ll find lots of small-town activities, plenty of history, and lots of natural beauty.
Even if you don’t know much about the area, you may already be familiar with some of Cambridge’s famous residents. The U.S. Senator and astronaut, John Glenn was born in Cambridge (visit nearby Muskingum County for an incredible tour of his childhood home). In addition, TV and movie star, Hopalong Cassidy, grew up in Cambridge.
The Guernsey County Courthouse in Cambridge, Ohio dates back to the late 19th century.
Mosser Glass Factory and Retail Store
Location: 9279 Cadiz Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Contact: 740-439- 1827 | Mosser Glass
Retail Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Factory Tours: Monday- Friday, 9 to 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Stop in anytime during these hours for a guided tour of the factory).
The work these guys do is impressive! Mosser Glass is a family-owned working glass factory located in Cambridge, Ohio that’s been in business since 1971. You can stop in to visit the gift shop and you can even tour the factory. It’s so cool to watch the glass pieces being made (plus it’s a lot closer than going to see glass blowing in Venice).
The candlestick that I watched being made… it hadn’t even cooled down yet! A Mosser Christmas Tree to add to my collection!
Explore More: If you’re a glass collector or interested in the history of glassmaking, check out the National Museum of Cambridge Glass.
Explore Downtown Cambridge, Ohio
Downtown Cambridge is a quaint area with restaurants, shopping, and historic charm. You’ll find beautiful architecture and locally-owned shops along “Main Street” (which is actually Wheeling Avenue). Here are some highlights that you won’t want to miss.
1. McKenna’s Market: 705 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge | 740-432-0123
Stop by McKenna’s Market for freshly made deli items, local food and snacks, Ohio wines, and even unique candies. This charming shop is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. Dickens Victorian Village: Along Wheeling Avenue between 6th and 11th Streets
If you’re visiting Cambridge during November or December you’ll want to check out Dickens Victorian Village. During this time downtown is transformed into an old-world Victorian Village complete with lights and full-sized costumed figures that line the streets.
3. Theo’s Restaurant: 632 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge | 740-432-3878
Stop into Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and a slice of mile-high pie. This family-owned restaurant has been around since 1931 and is a local favorite.
4. Kennedy’s Bakery: 1025 East Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge | 740-432-2301
Head to a local favorite, Kennedy’s Bakery, for some freshly baked donuts, cookies, cakes, and more. Kennedy’s has been around since 1925 and takes pride in baking from scratch each day.
Explore More: Keep an eye out for the Hidden Spaces Tour, which will be returning soon. This small-group tour will take you in and even under (yes, under) some of the historic buildings in downtown Cambridge! For more information about this upcoming tour, contact Cambridge Main Street.
Salt Fork State Park
Location: 14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, Ohio, 43755
Salt Fork State Park is Ohio’s largest state park and one of the best spots to search for Sasquatch. Yep, that’s right, Bigfoot has been known to wander Salt Fork State Park so much that the park is the home of the Ohio Bigfoot Conference! You can also join one of the park’s monthly Bigfoot nighttime hikes to search for the famed creature. Check Salk Fork’s Facebook page for updated information about Bigfoot activities.
Inside the park, you’ll find hills, valleys, streams, and meadows plus amenities like an 18 hole golf course, a beach, hiking trails, 2 marinas, and Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center.
The park is also home to the Kennedy Stone House which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Great Guernsey Trail
Location: 63500 Corduroy Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
The Great Guernsey Trail is a 14 mile long paved trail that’s suitable for walking or bike riding. The picturesque trail is a great spot to view spring wildflowers or the changing colors of fall.
Nothing But Chocolate
Location: 1218 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Contact: 740-439-5754 | Nothing But Chocolate
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, stop by locally owned and operated, Nothing But Chocolate, for some tasty treats. This chocolate and candy shop is a stop on the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail and is known for its unique take on Halloween chocolates.
Where To Stay In Cambridge, Ohio
While visiting Cambridge, I stayed at Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center. This rustic lodge is located deep within Salt Fork State Park, so it’s a great place to stay if you’ll be exploring all the park has to offer.
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
Location: US Route 22 East, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Contact: 740-435-9000 | Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
Hotel Amenities: Heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, shuffleboard, volleyball, hot tub, inland beach, fitness center, game room
Salt Fork State Park Amenities: Hiking, fishing, archery, boating, Bigfoot watching
Other Cambridge, Ohio Hotels
Hampton Inn Cambridge: 8775 Georgetown Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Fairfield Inn & Suites Cambridge: 8700 Dozer Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Baymont by Wyndham Cambridge: 61595 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Final Thoughts
Cambridge, Ohio/Guernsey County is a rural area located in southeast Ohio that offers plenty of small-town and historic charm. For more activities in southeast Ohio, check out Hocking Hills, Morgan County, and Zanesville/Muskingum County.
If you need help organizing a trip to Cambridge/Guernsey County, don’t hesitate to reach out to the awesome team at Visit Guernsey County for activity ideas and information.