Day 1: Small Town Charm and Creative Finds
Back to Top of ListWinter is the perfect season to slow down and explore Union County’s charming uptown districts. With walkable streets, locally owned shops, creative studios, and welcoming cafés, a two-day getaway centered on different uptowns offers the ideal blend of relaxation and discovery.
Enjoy lunch at a local favorite like Der Dutchman, where classic comfort dishes feel especially fitting on a winter day. Afterward, spend the afternoon tapping into your creative side at Hammer & Stain Plain City. Hands-on projects provide a cozy way to pass a chilly afternoon, and wandering the uptown streets in between stops allows time to admire winter window displays and soak in the area’s small-town charm. Be sure to stop into Front Porch Home to browse their beautifully curated selection of home décor and seasonal accents.
For dinner, settle in for an upscale meal in Uptown Plain City at The Clocktower Kitchen, known for its farm-fresh, chef-curated menu. If dinner timing doesn’t work, their brunch is equally worth the visit. End your evening at Taphouse at Retreat 21, where crafted wine and cider, farm views, and a welcoming atmosphere create the perfect close to your first day. Sip something seasonal, relax indoors by the warmth, and enjoy the easygoing pace of a winter night.
Day 2: Art, Shopping, and Local Flavor
Back to Top of ListSleep in at one of our comfy hotels in Marysville, then start your second day with a delicious pastry at a local café in Uptown Marysville. Warm coffee and comforting muffins, and danishes will make an ideal start before heading out to explore. Take a leisurely walk through the historic uptown, where brick buildings and quiet streets create a peaceful winter atmosphere. Pop into local boutiques and specialty shops, such as Union Station 1820 or Plumm Home, browsing handcrafted items, home décor, and unique finds that reflect the town’s creative spirit. Between stops, wander the uptown streets and take in the simple beauty of winter storefronts and architectural details of Marysville's historic buildings.
Enjoy lunch at an uptown favorite like Leon’s Garage or Old Town Food Hall, then spend the afternoon tapping into your creative exploration. Visit hands-on studios and community art spaces where you can paint, craft, or create something memorable to take home, such as Marysville Art League or Crooked Door Studio. Later in the afternoon, stop at Chef’s Parlour for handcrafted chocolates, gelato, or seasonal treats. After your sweet stop, take a peaceful walk around the nearby lake, enjoying the quiet winter scenery, still water, and bare trees reflecting the calm of the season.
Wrap up your weekend with dinner in Uptown Marysville before heading out for a final winter toast. End the night at Dalton Union Winery & Brewery or House of Spirits, where you can enjoy locally crafted wine, beer, or spirits in a warm, inviting setting. It’s the perfect way to unwind and reflect on a weekend filled with creativity, comfort, and small-town charm.