The most romantic day of the year is almost here, and we’re giving you all the tips and tricks to have your Valentine’s Day date night (or weekend) go smooth-sailing.
1. Book Your V-Day Getaway
With multiple short-term rentals all around the lake, you’ll find the best stay for your V-Day getaway! Find lakefront cottages and chic, photo-worthy homes with beautiful waterfront views to make your trip as memorable as possible.
2. Out & About
Located less than 20 minutes from Buckeye Lake, take a relaxing stroll through the pet-friendly Dawes Arboretum with approximately 12 miles of hiking trails! Or enjoy a peaceful walk on the lake with the 4-mile Buckeye Lake walking and biking trail with beautiful sunrises and breathtaking sunsets along the shoreline nearly each day!
3. Gifts Galore
Grab the perfect Valentine’s Day bouquet at Millersport Flowers and pair it with a Valentine’s Day-themed gift basket from Jackie’s Creations, both locally-owned shops in Millersport! Looking for a little more? Enjoy a short drive to the historical village of Somerset, offering unique, small-town shopping such as Gypsy Hawaii Boutique and (Mid) Western Second Hand for quality apparel, accessories, home goods, and more.
4. Donuts, Drinks & Dinner
Morning: Grab a warm cup and brunch from Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters & Cafe on the North Shore and then partake in the sweetest donut date at Dockside Donuts.
Afternoon: Indulge in a scrumptious bite including gourmet burgers, wraps, and desserts, at Horvath’s Harbor or unique sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and more at Chef Shack, paired perfectly with a craft brew from the attached Buckeye Lake Brewery.
Evening: Enjoy the relaxing, southern banks of the lake with a delicious and extensive menu at Buckeye Lake Winery. Afterward, end the night at the new Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern for high-end drinks and a cozy atmosphere.
Map out your trip with the Escape to Buckeye Lake app! Our app allows you to add different shops, restaurants, and more in one easy-to-read list, keeping you on track for the perfectly planned Valentine’s Day right from your phone!
Follow Escape to Buckeye Lake on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on restaurants, activities, and more happening around Buckeye Lake.
As December winds down, it’s a great time to get out and celebrate the end of 2022 around the lake! Support small and get some last-minute shopping done for the holidays with unique gifts for your loved ones or enjoy some activities around the lake during the colder months.
Plan your upcoming lake trip for the new year today and explore what else the region has to offer, including lodging, popular restaurants, activities, shopping, and much more. Whether it be a quick weekend getaway or your next family vacation, book your stay at one of the many unique short-term rentals (via Airbnb or Vrbo) near or on the water, and make Buckeye Lake your next vacation destination!
Don’t Forget!
Winterfest 2023 is coming soon! Mark your calendars for January 28th as we join Benny the Bass to see if he “takes the bait” and predicts an early spring or refuses, which means six more weeks of winter. Winterfest is celebrated with fireworks, activities around the late, live music, art shows, food and drink specials, food trucks, and more. Don’t wait… book your stay now and make sure to grab your Winterfest transportation wristbands with the Ohio Party Bus or the Barr Hopper!
The team at Escape to Buckeye Lake would like to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful 2022! We are excited to be your source for new events, restaurants, and experiences coming soon to Buckeye Lake in 2023. If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for an easy way to stay up-to-date.
Have a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year!
November is known as the month for giving back and what better way to show appreciation for your community than to support those within it! Check out some shops below to celebrate Small Business Saturday this year with those local to you at Buckeye Lake.
*Remember to check or call ahead as the hours of businesses on Buckeye Lake tend to change during the winter season.
For the Coffee Connoisseur
Millersport Coffee | 12045 Lancaster Street, Millersport
Recently expanding into their new location, Millersport Coffee is a must for all your caffeine cravings! Grab a shirt or mug as the perfect stocking-stuffer.
Buckeye Lake Coffee Company | 14675 Zion Road, Thornville
With locally roasted beans by One Line Coffee in Heath, Ohio, Buckeye Lake Coffee Company works with local suppliers to source ingredients for the freshest, highest quality brews. Stop in for a latte, cappuccino, drip coffee or tasty bites!
North Shore Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters & Cafe | 4675 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake
Only a short distance from the North Shore, Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters & Cafe features organically grown, delicious coffee and treats, as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu.
For the Craft Beer, Cocktail or Wine Lover
Buckeye Lake Winery | 13750 Rosewood Road, Thornville
Buckeye Lake Winery offers a full-service restaurant with outdoor & indoor seating and delicious food. Enjoy the Napa Valley experience right in the heart of the lake!
Buckeye Lake Brewery | 5176 Walnut Road SE, Buckeye Lake
Sit back and relax at Buckeye Lake Brewery! Enjoy their tap room serving draft beer, local wine, and bourbon, as well as seasonal winter flavors. Feeling hungry? Add an order from Chef Shack located next door to the brewery.
Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern | 3430 N Bank Road NE, Millersport
Enjoy uniquely crafted cocktails alongside food, wine, and beer at the Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern! Indulge in a menu of crafted cocktails, sandwiches, soups, salads, small plates, and desserts at this stylish restaurant.
For the Foodie
The Blue Heron Kitchen & Pub | 10880 Mill Dam Road, Hebron
Grab a bite, brunch, or a relaxing drink at this upscale eatery in Buckeye Lake Village!
Buckeye Lake Margaritas Restaurant & Cantina | 4675 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake
Experience the taste of Mexico right in central Ohio! Enjoy authentic Mexican food and delicious drinks just minutes from the lake.
Pappy D’s Island House | 2977 Greenlawn Ave, Millersport
Situated on Leib’s Island, Pappy D’s Island House is a casual, cozy space for family and friends. Book your next holiday party or event in the newly renovated space upstairs with customizable catering options, with bartenders and servers available!
Papa Boo’s | 11356 Avondale Road, Thornville
Now open year-long, Papa Boo’s is the lakeside place for fun and food! With live music and a full bar, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the water of Buckeye Lake in any season.
Horvath’s Harbor | 14675 Zion Road, Thornville
Cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy a broad selection of wines, craft brews, bourbons and delectable food at Horvath’s Harbor!
Hometown Hot Dogs | 12031 Lancaster Street NE, Millersport
At Hometown Hot Dogs, you’ll find delicious homemade food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Along with their gourmet hotdogs, locals rave about their comfort food, including soups, sandwiches, daily specials, and the best burgers around!
For the Decorator
Buckeye Lake Place | 12041 Lancaster Street, Millersport
For unique lakeside-inspired gifts or perfect home decor pieces, visit the carefully curated, high quality selection at Buckeye Lake Place with vintage goods, nautical items, antiques, logo wear, and home decor.
Jackie’s Creations | 12185 Lancaster Street, Millersport, or located in the LakeBound Boardwalk at 12408 Lancaster Street, Millersport
Located in Millersport, Jackie’s Creations has all your gift basket and decor needs! Great for anniversaries, birthdays, and more, stop by for the next perfect present!
Oak Creations | 2474 Blacklick-Eastern Road NE, Millersport
Find reasonable and affordable selection every day at Oak Creations in Millersport! Offering Amish-made furniture, home decor, accessories, Tiffany lamps and more.
Picadilly Vintage | 12033 Lancaster Street, Millersport, or located in the LakeBound Boardwalk at 12408 Lancaster Street, Millersport
With everything from shabby chic to rustic elegance, Picadilly Vintage provides a trendy new twist on vintage home furnishings!
Melissa & Patti’s Unique Finds | 14547 Township Road 1061, Thornville
Melissa & Patti’s Unique Finds is a gift and home decor shop with handmade and refurbished furniture featuring nautical, beach styles to rustic, country styles. You can also find crafts and antiques, as well as custom work!
Smith Girls Art Gallery | West Bank Road NE, Millersport
Smith Girl Arts Gallery is home to the artwork of local watercolorist, Gayla Smith. The Gallery is adorned with Gayla’s original paintings and museum quality prints. Grab note cards, stickers and a variety of stocking-stuffers from their website!
For the Stylist
Yellow Sundress Resale Boutique | 4675 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake
The Yellow Sundress Resale Boutique features a variety of styles to spruce up your wardrobe. Browse cute clothes, fun accessories and essential home décor items.
The Lake’s End | 9075 Boundaries Road #9400, Thornville
Shopping for the outdoors-person in your life? The Lake’s End in Thornville offers a selection of Carhartt apparel, Oakley gear, Wolverine boots, Redwing boots, Irish Setter boots, and more! Their services also include screen printing, embroidery, custom banners, and graphic design for all your custom needs.
Check out more places to shop at Buckeye Lake as well as more local food options.
Keep connected with upcoming events at Buckeye Lake! Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and download our Escape to Buckeye Lake app.
The weather’s getting colder and the leaves are falling… but that doesn’t mean there aren’t exciting things still happening at Buckeye Lake! Check out these 5 fun fall things you can do in and/or around the water this season.
1. Fall Fishing
Who says you can’t cast a line year-round? Even during the chilly Ohio months, fishing is still a top activity amongst the lake. Check out the lake fishing map for more information on finding your perfect catch!
2. Snag a Bite
With over 30 bars and restaurants surrounding the lake, there’s always a good place to grab a bite to eat. Cozy up beside the outdoor fireplace at Horvath’s Harbor or the Buckeye Lake Winery and enjoy the beautiful views right on the water, or grab a refreshing drink or plate from Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern or the Blue Heron Kitchen & Pub. Just a reminder that as the weather changes, so do the hours of most businesses around the lake! Make sure to call ahead for the most accurate hours of operation.
3. Cozy Up With a Cup
Looking for a hot brew to keep you warm? Check out Buckeye Lake Coffee Company, Millersport Coffee, and Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters & Cafe for all your caffeinated cravings this autumn!
4. Outdoor Autumn Adventures
Stretch your legs before the snow falls! There’s a myriad of outdoor activities around Buckeye Lake to keep you out-and-about this autumn season. Whether you’re looking for walking trails, bike paths, or excited to enjoy the wildlife, the Buckeye Lake area has it all.
5. Book Your ‘BNB
Whether it be lakefront cottages or unique, photo-worthy homes, find the perfect place for you and your party to enjoy the lake life and dive into autumn. Near or far, Buckeye Lake is the perfect place with lots to do, no matter the weather! Make sure to check out annual festivals happening around the lake including upcoming fall festivals on our event calendar.
Be in-the-know with all things Buckeye Lake! Check out our upcoming events, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and download our Escape to Buckeye Lake app.
