Explore a Charming Riverside City in Ohio with Hometown Vibes, Quaint Shops, and Historic Trails

When passing through Ohio’s many small towns and cities, it’s easy to see why its slogan is “Ohio, the heart of it all.”From Adams Lake State Park offering interactive trails for a captivating nature escape to Chagrin Falls and its cascading falls and cozy cafes, Ohio is a state rich in history, scenery, and activities. And for travelers who crave a little small town charm, Defiance, Ohio is the perfect venture. With a population of just over 17,000 people, Defiance, the seat of Defiance County, was built at the confluence of the Auglaize River and the Maumee River. And this riverside city has attractions that will get any visitor to appreciate its cozy hometown-feel including historic trails that offer nature at its finest and shop that range from  antique stores to fun little boutiques to coffee shops and so much more. 

Spring and autumn is when Defiance really shines. To welcome spring, the city puts on the annual Lilac Festival & Street Fair in Downtown Defiance. If you want to see some great live music, shop for some arts and crafts, or try some of the latest and best foods, this festival has you covered.   

Defiance shines in the fall, too. It offers some of the most vibrant fall foliage one could see, making the list of 55 of Country Living’s Best Fall Towns in the U.S. for Foliage in 2023.

Defiance is home to a variety of dining havens. If you’re craving a classic breakfast then Bud’s Restaurant is perfect for you. Located at 505 W 2nd Street, Bud’s serves up old-fashioned diner-style food and they’re best known for their pies. For visitors wanting some drinks and fun with their dinner, Barney’s Bar & Grille on Main Street serves up tacos, burgers, beer, and bar games. And for a perfect dessert, Dee & Gee’s Dairy Bar located at 27951 Ayers Plsnt Bend Rd has your sweet tooth covered as they offer goodies such as ice cream to shakes and malts.

In addition to their many solid food options, Defiance offers great places for shopping, like Eclectic Wallflower Boutique, a mother and daughter-owned shop located on 520 Clinton St. selling everything from thrift finds to jewelry to formalwear to figurines. Fort Defiance Antiques is another spot not to miss as the store, located on 402 Clinton St, has an inventory of antiques, textiles, books, toys, and even military memorabilia. If you’re all shopped out, then two trails worth exploring include the Buckeye Trail, which spans over 1,400 miles and loops around the state of Ohio. Another trail worth visiting is the Defiance Reservoir Walk & Nature Trail at 1261 Precision Way. Taking this trail is a delightful opportunity to do some bird watching or take in the serenity of the natural landscape around you. The upper trail allows visitors to take in splendid sights of the reservoir. The stone walkway’s total length is 1.25 miles long. 

Visiting somewhere in the state like a small town like Wooster that’s full of rich history and eclectic attractions is one way to celebrate Ohio’s history. Another is to visit Defiance and see old Fort Defiance at the intersection of Fort Street and Washington Avenue, a site which was utilized by General Anthony Wayne after he was commissioned President George Washington to build forts along the western edge of Ohio in 1794.