There’s something really special about lifelong friends. The kind of friendships that stand the test of time through every season of life. We’ve laughed together, cried together, made mistakes together, and somehow we’ve grown up together along the way. We cheer each other on, pray for one another and our families, and even if weeks or months pass without talking, when we’re together, it’s like no time has passed.
I hope everyone has a friend, or a few friends, like that in their corner.
The year we turned 50, we decided to finally take a girlfriends getaway. While it didn’t immediately become the yearly tradition we imagined, after spending time together in Cambridge, I think that may be about to change- though Cambridge will be a hard act to follow.
Why Choose Cambridge, Ohio for Your Next Girlfriend Getaway
Cambridge is less than 90 minutes from Columbus, but this southeastern Ohio destination feels worlds away from the rush of everyday life. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Cambridge offers a slower pace, scenic rolling hills, winding backroads, and a charming downtown filled with historic buildings and small-town character.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to take a deep breath, quiet your mind, and simply relax. Truthfully, I don’t think any of us realized how badly we needed the break from the busyness of life until we found ourselves sitting together, picking up right where we left off in a destination that felt like a set for a Hallmark movie. If you don’t believe me, make plans to visit Cambridge around Christmas when downtown is transformed into a Dickens Victorian Village.
Amid the quieter, slower pace of Cambridge, we learned about the area’s rich glassmaking history and watched artisans at work, explored stops along the new Wild About Wine Trail, spent hours wandering through downtown shops and boutiques, without even making it to all of them, and slept like logs in an adorable cabin on a farm tucked into the countryside.
Day 1: Downtown Cambridge: A Great Place to Start
We met in Cambridge around noon, parked in the free public lot downtown, and started our getaway at the nearby Tourist Information Center. I highly recommend following our lead. It’s a great stop for picking up brochures, discovering local attractions, and chatting with the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. We even grabbed a brochure about the WWII Homefront in Ohio that spans multiple counties. Who knew?
Where to Eat
We ate at the newly opened and gorgeous Brickhouse Market & Deli. Inside you’ll find a selection of things made in Ohio, baked goods, floral bouquets, specialty sodas and other drinks PLUS, a deli with made-to-order sandwiches, served hot or cold. I ordered the 740 Steak Stack and it was sooo good!
While many people stop in for a quick lunch-to-go, we grabbed one of the last remaining seats at Brickhouse Social. I loved the aesthetic of the exposed brick paired with sleek black tables, modern signage, and a space that felt both trendy and welcoming.
Before heading out, we sampled the drink menu at Brickhouse Social. My go-to order anytime I try a new coffee shop is the Chai tea latte and honestly, I’m usually disappointed. But this one? Perfection. The barista nailed it. It was so good, I stopped back in the next afternoon before leaving town for a latte to go.
Spend the Afternoon Exploring Downtown Cambridge
Wheeler Avenue offers a variety of shopping options, from women’s boutiques and antique stores to shops filled with local gifts, home decor, and friendly service that you won’t find in big box stores.
Where We Shopped:
Alley Cat Antiques is a charming antique store with various vendors offering hundreds of items
Black Cat Vintage features three floors of vintage and antique treasures, but the real stars of the store might be the free-roaming black cats that casually wander the store and occasionally greet customers, if you’re deemed worthy.
Country Bits offers a mix of new and pre-owned vintage goods. You’ll find candles, home decor, essential oils, and gift items.
Rooted Botanicals & Teas is a unique shop where you can stop, sip a cup of tea, browse the selection of herbal and traditional teas, and fill up your empty shampoo, body wash, and cleaning products at the Refillery Station. Don’t have an empty bottle? No problem, you can pick up one of those too.
After we’d spent hours meandering in and out of the shops, we decided to head away from downtown and make our way to Thriftopia, a new resale store that had recently opened. They offer an eclectic mix of vintage glassware, home decor items, gently used clothing, books, small furniture, and more. With inventory constantly changing, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Enjoying a Bit of History
We continued to Fletcher Hospital, just a few miles outside of town. Using our brochure as a guide, we tried to imagine what the property would have looked like as a bustling community during WWII when thousands of wounded soldiers were treated there.
The site also housed a German POW camp, adding another layer to this little-known piece of Ohio history. Even on a beautiful sunny day, the land felt heavy and hushed, which only added to the emotion and weight of the experience.
We had a little time to spare before dinner, so we made a quick drive to the Indian Camp Covered Bridge, a historic bridge built in 1855. The water was rippling under the bridge and the wildflowers had just begun to bloom nearby, making it the perfect detour before heading back to town for dinner.
Dinner at The Forum Restaurant
The Forum Restaurant has been serving the community for decades. This is the kind of longtime family restaurant generations of locals have grown up visiting.
Even though we weren’t starving, we decided to order the Greek Sampler, alongside other Signature Forum Dishes so we could try some traditional Greek dishes like Spanikopita and Tyropita, and we were not disappointed. The food was fantastic, the service impeccable, and the single slice of housemade Oreo pie we shared at the end was truly the chef’s kiss.
Where We Stayed
We began our short drive to The Farm at Old World Garden for our overnight stay and arrived at the Pine Ridge Cabin just as the sun was setting. The cabin was cozy, and I couldn’t help but think how great it would be for a romantic getaway with my husband someday, too, when I had time to fully explore the hiking trails, gardens, and all the property had to offer.
While chairs surrounded the outdoor fire pit and the wood bin was full, we opted instead to kick off our shoes, pull up our hair, slip into our pajamas, and giggle around the fireplace like we were back in Jr. High before eventually falling fast asleep.
I woke first the next morning and quietly slipped outside with a hot cup of coffee to enjoy a few peaceful moments surrounded by chirping birds and squirrels scampering through the property.
Day 2: Beyond Downtown- Glassmaking, Vineyards & Local Brews
We started our day at Kennedy’s Bakery, mentioned by my friend Bill Clevlin in his book, 100 Things to do in America Before You Die. And if you doubt the bakery lives up to the hype, just stop in mid-morning and see how busy they are.
With our sweet tooth satisfied, we made our way to the Mosser Glass. Before our free tour (inquire about availability at the checkout counter), we spent time wandering through the showroom admiring the rows of colorful glassware on display and of course, made a few purchases.
If you have an interest in glassware or simply appreciate the work that goes into handcrafted pieces, you’ll appreciate that every single piece made at Mosser’s is done by hand on their factory floor. Watching artisans create beautiful glass pieces by hand was fascinating, and the gift shop was filled with colorful collectibles and home décor pieces that were difficult to resist. Cambridge has a long history tied to glassmaking, and visiting Mosser Glass offered a wonderful glimpse into that heritage.
Experiencing the Wild About Wine Trail
For lunch, we made our way to Georgetown Vineyards, a stop on the Wild About Wine Trail, where we enjoyed wine slushies and sangria made with their popular concord wine, a delicious wood-fired pizza, and scenic countryside views. Wineries always seem to encourage you to slow down a little, and this was no exception. Sitting together, sipping wine, and enjoying the peaceful setting felt like the kind of simple moment that becomes the highlight of a trip.
After lunch, we toured the adorable upstairs apartment offered as an Airbnb. Decorated in a charming mid-century modern style, the space was both stylish and cozy. Before leaving, we couldn’t resist taking a short hike on one of the scenic trails located right on the property. We chose the trail overlooking Cambridge and the views did not disappoint.
Before heading home, we made one final stop at Guernsey Brewhouse, also on the Wild About Wine Trail. The relaxed brewery atmosphere and unexpected behind-the-scenes tour made a fun ending to our getaway and one last chance to simply sit back and enjoy time together before returning to everyday life.
Guernsey Brewhouse serves house-made ales and craft beer and regularly hosts live entertainment, trivia nights, game nights, food trucks, and more.
Under new ownership, we were able to tour the facility, get a sneak peek behind the scenes, and even meet the brewer. We sampled a flight featuring some of their popular drafts, including the Bobcat, Blueberry Lemon Shanty, Rolling Hills Red, and Cambridge Kush.
What I loved most about this girlfriend’s getaway to Cambridge wasn’t just the food, wine, shopping, or scenic views. It was a reminder that memorable trips don’t have to be complicated or far from home.
If you’re looking for an easy Ohio road trip destination for your next girls’ weekend, Cambridge deserves a spot on your list.
Request your free copy of the 2026 Cambridge Guernsey County Visitor Guide now and start planning your own trip to Cambridge today.
