In scenic northeast Ohio, Wooster remains a secret even to many locals, and since it’s a college town, we’ll start with a lesson: The double o sounds like book, not boost.
By Cynthia Earhart Source: https://www.midwestliving.com/wooster-ohio-8743049

The 1870s Wayne County Courthouse, with its distinctive clock tower, reflects the historic feel of downtown Wooster, Ohio. PHOTO: CLIFF FRANKS/BUCKEYE DRONE

Tucked away in Ohio’s rolling Amish Country—south of Cleveland and northeast of Columbus— Wooster looks from the map to be a homespun spot. But when I visit, I find something much different: a painstakingly preserved downtown with charming brick-walled shops, eclectic restaurants and a stylish little hotel.

The vibe feels surprisingly urban. The town was founded in 1808, and standing under soaring oaks on the College of Wooster campus, I’m struck by the ornate 19th-century architecture (as well as the resident black squirrels). Add a stroll in a peaceful arboretum, and it all makes for a pleasant weekend away.

12 p.m. Lunch Date

Local ingredients (this is Amish Country, after all) and an all-scratch kitchen makes Broken Rocks Cafe and Bakery a hometown fave. Settle into the warm, washed-in-wood interior for bright, bold flavors—like seasonal veggies on pizzas and a peach-glazed pork chop. Hit the bakery in back for a take-home loaf of the signature sourdough.

1 p.m. Shop Around

Look for apparel, handmade gifts and decor at Blue Spruce Boutique. PHOTO: COURTESY OF BLUE SPRUCE BOUTIQUE

Browse among more than 85,000 used and rare books at Books in Stock. PHOTO: NAHOMY GARCIA

Wooster’s quaint downtown has been reenergized through creative renovations and thoughtful design. Check out Local Roots Market and Cafe for artists’ wares and regional foods; Books in Stock for used and rare finds; Operation: Fandomfor pop culture collectibles; and farmhouse-fancy Blue Spruce Boutique for women’s clothes and housewares.

3 p.m. Winter Walk

The 110-acre Secrest Arboretum, open year-round, feels especially peaceful after a snow. PHOTO COURTESY OF SECREST ARBORETUM

Secrest Arboretum, a 110-acre botanical garden open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk, features more than 3,500 specimens. Meandering along paved paths through towering trees and themed gardens brings escape and serenity, especially if you luck into snow.

4:30 p.m. Tap Out

Sip on award-winning beers at JAFB Wooster Brewery. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAFB WOOSTER BREWERY

This is serious beer and there’s a wall of medals to prove it. The suds at JAFB Wooster Brewery range from hop-heavy to malty rich to classic European styles like the gold-medalist Hefeweizen. The historic-meets-industrial setting feels like a friend’s rec room, but with gigantic live-edge picnic tables.

6 p.m. Check In

The building that houses the St. Paul Hotel dates to the 1800s, but has been reimagined to provide a contemporary lodging experience. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. PAUL HOTEL

In a building well over a century old, the 16-room St. Paul Hotel has a sleek, sophisticated air. Clean-lined, modern furnishings look sharp against original brick walls, and reclaimed tin ceilings adorn the lobby. Thoughtful details include in-room Continental breakfast, comfy robes and heated bathroom floors.

7 p.m. Prime Time

The City Square Steakhouse delivers fine dining in a building that dates to 1878. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY SQUARE STEAKHOUSE

An intimate setting that whispers romance sets the stage for dinner at The City Square Steakhouse. Deftly prepared steaks, chops and seafood pair with polished service, classic cocktails, an impressive wine list and craveable desserts—think rich, warm butter cake—to round out an upscale evening.

8:30 p.m. Next-Door Nightcap

Wind down your day with a creative cocktail at Grigio. PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYNE COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Conveniently located two doors down from the St. Paul Hotel, Grigio crafts expert cocktails like a cherry Old-Fashioned or a spiced rum martini. Sip your drink in the softly lit lounge or tote it back to your room—the street is in a designated outdoor refreshment area.