Warm sweaters? Check. Thermos filled with hot chocolate? Check. Trusty four-wheel-drive “sleigh” with plenty of horsepower? Check. You’re all ready for a great holiday excursion! But where to go? This year, treat the family to a grand tour of beautiful Medina County. Within daytrip driving distance of Cleveland and Akron, Medina offers that rare combination of small-town coziness and big-city flair.
Christmas Every Day
Start your expedition at Castle Noel, 260 South Court Street, Medina, Ohio 44256. Touted as America’s largest indoor, year-round Christmas entertainment attraction, Castle Noel has the world’s largest privately owned collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes. Guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
Ready to refuel? Enjoy the cuisine at one of Medina’s many eateries, like Miss Molly’s Tea Room, 140 West Washington Street, Medina, Ohio 44256, where the Victorian age is deliciously on display on a menu replete with pastries and other fare. Or brush up your Irish brogue and raise a glass at Gandalf’s Pub & Restaurant, 6757 Center Road, Valley City, Ohio 44280. If you’re looking for some holiday cheer, visit Medina County wineries, including Filia Cellars Winery, 3059 Greenwich Road, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281, and Jilbert Winery 1496 Columbia Road, Valley City, Ohio 44280.
Shop Til You Drop
Next, find that perfect present at one of the many boutiques, gift stores, specialty outlets, antique shops, or fashion emporiums found throughout Medina County.
You can also take part in several candlelight walks. The City of Medina and A.I. Root Candle Company will host the annual Medina Candlelight Walk November 17-19 around Medina square. This three-day affair annually attracts up to 40,000 people and includes holiday light displays, the lighting of the Christmas tree in Medina’s lovely gazebo, fireworks, a parade, and much more.
Likewise, Wadsworth, Ohio, holds the Wadsworth Candlelight Walk on November 17 starting at 5:30 pm. You can take a horse and carriage ride, watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, visit Santa, view ice sculptures, win the raffle and sample the delicacies they offer. You can also attend Christmas in the Valley, an annual holiday festival including a parade held in Valley City, Ohio, December 9-10. Say “Hi” to Santa in his horse-drawn carriage!
To end your day, retire to one of Medina County’s welcoming B&Bs or hotels to recharge your batteries for tomorrow’s fun. The award-winning Spitzer House Bed & Breakfast, 504 W Liberty Street Medina, Ohio 44256, features private baths in all guest rooms. Or try Reutter’s Roost Bed & Breakfast, 2267 Columbia Road, Valley City, Ohio 44280. Nestled in a 1913 Queen Anne style house with a wraparound Victorian porch.
Start planning your holiday getaway today. Download our visitor’s guide at visitmedinacounty.com.
