6 Best Bets in Licking County, Ohio
Licking County is a great place to live, as residents will attest. No matter what the activity, whether it’s dining at delicious restaurants, sipping craft beers or getting outdoors, Licking County has options aplenty. Here are some best bets for things to see and do in Licking County.
In This Article
Outdoor Adventure
There’s no more gorgeous place in all of Licking County than The Dawes Arboretum. This natural haven is full of trees, gardens and trails, with almost 2,000 acres in total, including 12 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking.
From the cypress swamp to the Japanese Garden, there’s no shortage of natural beauty at The Dawes Arboretum, where conservation is king and adventure is guaranteed.
Granville Inn is also conveniently located near the Denison Golf Club at Granville, which is known for being one of the best public courses in the Midwest.
Whether golfing or exploring the extremely charming downtown area, you’ll be sure to have a memorable stay.
Local History
It’s worth taking a trip to the Newark Earthworks for a taste of local history. Consisting of three sections — the Great Circle Earthworks, the Octagon Earthworks and the Wright Earthworks, this National Historic Landmark is known as the “official prehistoric monument of the State of Ohio.” These earthen mounds were originally built by ancient Native Americans over 2,000 years ago, and were used by the Hopewell culture for gathering, ceremonies and worship. In total, the land originally encompassed roughly 3,000 acres — the largest in the world — though only 206 acres have been preserved.
Date Night
Exquisite interiors, inviting ambiance, delicious food and drinks — these are all the ingredients that make for the perfect date night. Luckily, there are some great options in Licking County that hit the mark.
In Newark, 1922 on the Square serves up meticulously crafted dishes and cocktails, all set against an art deco backdrop that adds a special flare to the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Gourmet Market and Deli
For those who love to cook, finding high-quality ingredients is essential to success – especially when it comes to meat. Al’s Meat Market has been “meating” this demand for more than 50 years, offering Grade A, USDA cuts of beef, chicken and bratwurst, not to mention other top-notch deli meats, cheeses and more.
Meanwhile, Palumbo’s Italian Market offers a more specialized selection, including Italian wines and pre-prepared food you can take to-go. Its sandwiches are also to die for, so be sure to stop for lunch while you’re doing your shopping!
Craft Beer
It’s easy to find a place to grab a beer in Licking County, as there are multiple small brewing companies that produce incredible drinks.
For example, the Granville Brewing Co. specializes in Belgian-style beers and ales and has been a staple in Licking County for over a decade. Folks near Buckeye Lake tend to frequent Buckeye Lake Brewery, while nearby Newark has a couple of standout options as well. Shipp Brothers Brewing has more than 34 self-service brews on tap. Trek Brewing Co. is another great option, especially with its family-friendly taproom.
Overnight Stay
Looking to get away, but don’t want to go too far? Take a trip to the beautiful village of Granville, where the stunning Granville Inn offers attractive accommodations. Originally built in 1924, this picturesque, Tudor-inspired inn has a restaurant and luxurious amenities like specialty linens and bath products.
Get to Know Licking County
Want to learn more about living and working in Licking County, OH? Check out the latest edition of Livability Licking County, Ohio.