Cozy Open Roads Getaway

Begin your getaway by grabbing breakfast to-go from a local café. A warm coffee and a flaky pastry make the perfect road-trip companion as you head out onto the open roads. Plan your day using Union County’s covered bridge routes, which showcase the winter landscape at its best. Open fields stretch toward the horizon, bare trees line the road, and the quiet scenery creates a peaceful, reflective drive. Take your time and enjoy the journey—pull off at scenic spots, snap a few photos, or simply settle into the steady rhythm of the countryside. Be sure to stop at Pottersburg Covered Bridge, where historic charm meets winter scenery. Walk through the bridge, admire the craftsmanship, and take in the calm surroundings before continuing on your route.

For lunch, pause at Ramsey’s Parkway for a unique pizza or sub, or head into an uptown district along your drive for a local restaurant experience. Warm comfort food and a relaxed setting make for the perfect midday break. While you’re nearby, stop at the Honda Heritage Center to explore the automotive history of one of the world’s most innovative brands and add an unexpected cultural stop to your open-roads adventure.

As the day winds down, make your way to Historic Uptown Marysville for dinner. Try Trusthouse Kitchen for Southern-inspired home cooking, or choose another cozy restaurant where hearty winter dishes and welcoming atmospheres invite you to linger. After dinner, enjoy a short stroll through uptown and consider grabbing a beer at Ill Mannered Brewing Company, Happenstance Brewing Project, or Camp Brewing Basecamp before returning to your hotel or rental. With lights glowing and the streets quiet, it’s a peaceful and fitting end to your first day on the road.

Start your second day with brunch at McKinleys' Grille or Yeasty Boys for a home-cooked meal before hitting the road again. Easing into the morning with comforting dishes and warm drinks before heading back out on the road. After brunch, continue your open-roads adventure with a scenic drive toward Richwood, where quiet stretches of countryside and small-town charm set an easy pace.

Stop for lunch at Chef’s Parlour for handcrafted ice cream, sundaes, or a light bite, or enjoy a classic, comforting meal at Kelly’s Kitchen. From there, head to Richwood Lake Park for a peaceful walk around the lake. Winter brings a calm beauty to the area, with still water, bare trees, and wide-open views that invite you to slow down and soak in the scenery.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a drink at Bokes Creek Orchard, Rhetoric Brewing Co., or Ravenshurst Champagne Cellars, each offering a welcoming place to relax and reflect on the weekend. Wrap up your getaway with a drive north to Mount Victory, where antique shops line the streets and browsing feels especially cozy in winter. It’s a charming final stop before heading home, rounding out a two-day open-roads escape filled with scenic drives, hidden gems, and small-town discoveries.