9 Reasons to Staycation in Mansfield, Ohio

Summer is almost upon us and you may be planning where to go on vacation. While I love to hop in the vehicle and drive into the sunset, a Staycation near home certainly has it’s benefits. A stay close to home can save you travel time, the hassle of reading TripAdvisor reviews while you try to determine where to stay, and may save you money. A staycation can also allow you to explore interesting attractions near home that you would never consider visiting on another time.

9 Reasons to Staycation in Mansfield, Ohio

1. Mansfield has one of a kind Attractions

The Shawshank Redemption, a popular Stephen King movie, was filmed primarily in the Mansfield area. Much of the filming took place at the Ohio State Reformatory, an historic and imposing structure on the edge of town. I always recommend visitors to the area take a tour but I’ve talked to many locals who have never visited this historic icon. Grab some popcorn, rent the movie, and then spend part of the day touring the prison, and driving the self-guided Shawshank Trail- something you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Mansfield has the Carrousel District

Ten years ago, I never would have suggested you visit the Carrousel District unless it was to ride the carrousel. There just wasn’t much there. Now you can shop for antiques, grab a bite to eat, or if you’re with your family and have small children, visit the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum. If you’re traveling with adults or as a couple, stop into the Phoenix Brewing Company for craft beer tasting or sample wines at the Cypress Cellars.

Stroll the area during the day or visit during one of the evening shop hops on the first Friday of the month.

3. Mansfield offers a bit of Nostalgia at the Springmill Drive-In

I prefer to watch movies at home, or in the theater but once each year, I make it a point to watch a movie at the Springmill Drive-In. The last operating drive-in in Mansfield and one of the few remaining in the state, the Springmill Drive-In features two screens for movie-goers.

4. Mansfield entices Race Enthusiasts with Mid-Ohio Raceway

Race enthusiasts flock to nearby Lexington from around the country. Popular AMA Motorcylce and Indy Car Racing are held on the track as well as many car club events. Grab a chair and stake out a spot on the lawn or watch the race from the stands as you cheer on your favorite driver.

5. Get Physical on the Richland B & O Bike Trail

The 18-mile trail runs between Mansfield and Butler and offers scenic wooded views with places to stop along the way. In Bellville, you can hop off the trail and visit the antique stores or grab a bite to eat in downtown or finish the trail and reward yourself with an ice cream cone in Butler.

6. Museums of Mansfield and Richland County 

Elecktra, one of eight robots built by Westinghouse can be seen at the Mansfield Memorial Museum, and is not to be missed. In addition to this downtown museum, you’ll find 12 more Museums in Richland County to visit.

7. Dine in Mansfield

You can grab a bite to eat in the fun and eclectic Coney Island Diner, the oldest restaurant in Mansfield or relax in a more refined setting at Skyway East and dine on Kobe beef. You’ll also find ethnic restaurants, China Town, Athen’s Greek Restaurant, and Saffron Indian Cuisine.

8.  Mansfield offers Year Round Activity

Summer may be on your mind, but Mansfield offers year round activities. The area provides parks for recreation, hiking, fishing, and swimming in warm weather. Visitors and locals can pick blueberries, strawberries, and apples in season. Snow Trails allows guests to strap on skis or a snowboard to brave Mt. Mansfield or fly down the tubing hill with friends.

9. Mansfield is Conveniently Located

Between Cleveland and Columbus, Mansfield is a great base when visting Ohio. Pop on I-71 and head south to Columbus to visit the zoo, art museum, or German Village. Head north into Cleveland and spend the day at Jacobs Field or exploring University Circle. Just over an hour northwest, Cedar Point entices visitors to Sandusky.

Want to learn more about the Mansfield area? Check out these posts:

Family Friendly Staycation Ideas in Mansfield
15 Things to do with the Family at Malabar Farm State Park

I’m excited to partner with other bloggers to offer staycation ideas not just in my area, but all over the country.

Staycation from A-Z

A – D

Phoenix, Arizona — Saving For Someday
Fresno, California — Living A Frugal Life
Orange County, California — More With Less Today
San Diego, California — Southern Cali Saver
Denver, Colorado — Bargain Blessings
Washington, District of Columbia — Kidventurous

F – I

Disney World, Florida — The Happy Housewife
Jacksonville, Florida — Saving The Family Money
Orlando, Florida — Coupon Mamacita
St Augustine, Florida — Simply St. Augustine
Tallahasse, Florida — SwagGrabber
Tampa Bay, Florida — LaToyaEdwards.net
Atlanta, Georgia — Pretty Frugal Diva
Dahlonega, Georgia — Kathys Cluttered Mind
Savannah, Georgia — This Mommy Saves Money
Aurora/Chicago, Illinois — A Savings WOW!
Chicago, Illinois — Entertaining Chicago
Indianapolis, Indiana — Chaos Is Bliss

K – P

Lexington, Kentucky — Homeschool Village
Louisville, Kentucky — The Kennedy Adventures
Northern Kentucky, Kentucky — Simply Sherryl
Carroll County, Maryland — Looking at life CreativLEI
Boston, Massachusetts — Maven of Savin
Battle Creek, Michigan — Pichea Place
Grand Rapids, Michigan — Give Me Neither
Metro Detroit, Michigan — Saving Dollars and Sense
Kansas City Area, Missouri/Kansas — Redefined Mom
Omaha, Nebraska — Family Fun in Omaha
Central, New Jersey — Our Good Life
Cincinnati, Ohio — Adventure Mom
Cleveland, Ohio — Kosher on a Budget
Columbus, Ohio — Cleverly Simple
Dayton, Ohio — Savings Lifestyle
Mansfield & Richland County, Ohio — The Traveling Praters
Miami County, Ohio — Something 2 Offer
Northeast, Ohio — Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring
Portland, Oregon — Frugal Living NW
Harrisburg/Central, PA — Family Balance Sheet
Erie, Pennsylvania — Growing Kids Ministry
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Moms Need To Know
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Coupon High

R – W

Arlington, Texas — Grocery Shop For FREE
Fort Worth, Texas — Coupons and Freebies Mom
Houston, Texas — Melissa’s Bargains
Katy, Texas — Moms Confession
San Antonio, Texas — How to Homeschool My Child
Tyler, Texas — iLoveMy5Kids
Charlottesville, Virgina — How to Have it All
Norfolk, Virgina — The Talking Suitcase
Richmond, Virgina — Vacation Maybe
Seattle, Washington — Thrifty NW Mom
Tacoma/South Puget Sound, Washington — Queen Bee Coupons
Oshkosh, Wisconsin — A Little Bit of This and That

© 2015 – 2016, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.