What’s Happening in Southeast Ohio.
Life in OhioSE
Craft Beer, Local Eats, and Live Music: Southeast Ohio’s Most Vibrant Downtowns
Posted on September 25, 2025
Southeast Ohio doesn’t just invite you to visit—it pulls you in with open arms and says, “Stay a while, why don’t you?” Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a business owner searching for a place that feels like home, these little pockets of life offer a fulfilling visit. This is where good beer, local flavor, and live music are just part of the deal. Let’s take a tour through some of the region’s most vibrant downtowns.
Athens, OH
Athens is what happens when a college town grows up without losing its soul. It’s a blend of sustainability, creativity, and a little bit of quirk—just enough to make you feel at home.
Downtown Athens
With street art tucked into alleys, indie shops lining Court Street, and music pouring out of local venues, this downtown beats to its own rhythm. Court Street is the heart of the action, with locally owned boutiques, quirky bookstores, and gift shops that invite you to explore.
Local Flavor
Independently owned and unapologetically Athens, Little Fish brews beer that’s good for the soul and the planet. Most of their grain and hops come from Ohio, and the brewery runs on a mix of solar power and wind credits. This is beer with a conscience—and with every sip, you're supporting local agriculture and sustainable energy.
Jackie O’s isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a philosophy of care. Alumni-owned and fueled by solar panels, the brewpub powers nearly half of its operations with renewable energy. They grow ingredients on their own Barrel Ridge Farm, ensuring farm-to-table freshness, and donate food to the Community Food Initiative to support local families. Jackie O’s captures the heart of Athens: intentional, innovative, and community-driven.
Arts and Culture
Billboard called it “one of the best-kept secrets,” but you don’t have to keep it a secret if you don’t want to. Think of this festival as the anti-Coachella—small, intimate, and tucked into the picturesque hills of Southeast Ohio. Past headliners like Tyler Childers, The Avett Brothers, and Lucinda Williams have serenaded audiences under the stars. Even better? The festival is committed to being zero waste, diverting over 92% of trash through recycling and composting.
Ohio Brew Week Festival This festival turns the town into a craft beer paradise, with local brewers showcasing their best creations.
Chillicothe, OH
Chillicothe is the kind of town that feels like flipping through the pages of a well-worn novel—full of history, charm, and just enough surprises to keep you hooked. As Ohio’s first capital, you can tour Gov. Thomas Worthington’s well-preserved mansion or grab a drink at Old Capitol Brewing.
Arts & Culture
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
No mention of Chillicothe is complete without a nod to its newly minted World Heritage Site. At the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, you can wander through ancient earthworks and travel back 2,000 years to when Indigenous communities shaped these towering mounds and sprawling earthen enclosures across southern Ohio.
Right in the heart of downtown, the Majestic Theatre has been entertaining guests for nearly a century, making it the oldest continuously operating theater in the country. Whether you’re catching a comedy show, a concert, or celebrating a milestone event, the Majestic offers a bit of old-school charm wrapped in new memories.
Local Flavor
Set inside the beautifully restored, 143-year-old Machinery Hall, The Pour House serves up chef-inspired dishes alongside 30 draft taps, craft wine, and cocktails. Here, live music, trivia nights, and good company are always on the menu.
Set along the Paint Creek, Fifty West Brewing offers more than just great beer—it’s a full experience. 50 West Brewing takes comfort food and craft beer to a new level with burgers inspired by regional flavors, a kid- and dog-friendly outdoor beer garden, and private spaces perfect for any celebration.
Historic Downtown Strolls and Shops Downtown Chillicothe is the perfect place to wander. You’ll find everything from cozy coffee shops to antique stores. The community vibe is real here—this isn’t the kind of downtown you rush through; it’s one you savor.
Whether you’re catching a live show, sharing a pint with friends, or wandering through centuries-old streets, Chillicothe invites you to slow down, stay a little longer, and make yourself at home.
Marietta, OH
Marietta started in 1788 and keeps getting better with age. As the first settlement in the Northwest Territory, it has a knack for balancing old-world charm with new-world adventure. From its forested trails to its riverside dining, Marietta invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and create memories that stick around long after the river fades from view.
Recreation
Wayne National ForestJust a short drive from downtown, Wayne National Forest offers over a quarter-million acres of outdoor bliss. Hiking trails wind through forested hills, alongside babbling streams, and past wildlife that roam freely. Whether you're into mountain biking, kayaking, or simply soaking up the autumn leaves, this forest is an all-access pass to nature at its finest.
Arts & Culture
Marietta EarthworksIf ancient civilizations intrigue you, the Marietta Earthworks will blow your mind. These remnants of the Hopewell culture—built between 100 BC and 500 AD—offer a glimpse into the past with massive mounds and earthen paths that once covered much of the town. Even casual wanderers can appreciate the sense of mystery and craftsmanship these structures evoke.
Local Flavor
Boathouse BarbecueThis riverside gem serves award-winning ribs, wings, and chili. Whether you arrive by car or boat (yes, they have their own dock), you’ll find a warm welcome, daily specials, and excellent craft beer selections.
The Riverfront Bar and GrillStep inside the Lafayette Hotel’s dining room and be transported to the golden age of riverboats. The Riverfront Bar and Grill pairs modern comfort food with a touch of old-school elegance.
Downtown Strolls and Shopping
Marietta’s walkable downtown feels like a step back in time, with beautifully preserved architecture and a collection of unique, locally owned shops. Antique hunters, food lovers, and fashion enthusiasts alike will find treasures tucked inside every storefront.
Millersburg, OH
The Center of Holmes County, in Amish Country
Millersburg feels like a time capsule cracked open just enough to give you a peek into the magic of slow living. Horses hitched to posts, rolling green hills, and pies that could make grown adults weep with joy—this is the real deal. Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery is the place to start if you need proof.
Downtown Millersburg Shops Browse wooden bowls, stone vases, Amish-made clothing, and furniture—all crafted nearby. This isn’t mass production; it’s heritage craftsmanship, where every piece tells a story.
Local Flavor
Millersburg Brewing CompanyNothing pairs better with small-town charm than craft beer. Millersburg Brewing Company serves up brews alongside live music, making it a local gathering spot for friends and visitors alike.
Arts & Culture
This beautiful mansion—now a museum—is located in the heart of Ohio's largest Amish settlement. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 28 room Queen Anne style home serves as the society's museum of Victoriana and collection of Holmes County history.
Zanesville, OH
Zanesville will surprise you—it’s the kind of town where a historic Y-shaped bridge keeps you on the same side of the river (don’t think too hard about it) and where art and community intersect in beautiful, unexpected ways.
Downtown Strolls
People drive out of their way on road trips to see the Y-Bridge, which may be why people often call Zanesville “Y-City.” Nearby Zane’s Landing Park hosts the annual fireworks show each year. You can also explore the Zanesville Museum of Art and local art studios, enjoy a treat at Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl, stroll through local shops, or grab a bite.
Arts & Culture
The Y-Bridge Arts FestivalHeld every August, this open-air festival is a favorite in Southeastern Ohio, featuring over 75 artists, live entertainment, and hands-on activities for kids. It’s a weekend of creativity where the whole family can get involved.
This local artist sculpts life-sized bronze statues, many of which are featured in monuments around the state, and throughout Zanesville.
Secrest Auditorium and Music Hall This lively concert hall has one of the largest stages in Southeastern Ohio. Its walls have echoed with performances from Art Garfunkel to the Oakridge Boys, and you’ll find live music and shows on stage regularly.
Local Flavor
The Downtown ExchangeThis renovated Italianate building now hosts food vendors, co-working spaces, and events. Try tacos or hibachi from local vendors, then settle into a co-working nook to get some work done in style.
Weasel Boy Brewing and Y Bridge BrewingBoth breweries are must-stops for craft beer lovers. Weasel Boy leans into time-tested methods for their unique brews, and takes an active role in community events, supporting local businesses, charities, artisans, and providing a space for music, art and rich fellowship to coexist. Y Bridge Brewing offers a community vibe—complete with sports viewing, local gatherings, and dog-friendly events.
Southeast Ohio’s downtowns are more than destinations—they’re stories waiting to be discovered. Come for the craft beer and local eats, stay for the music and memories, and leave with a heart full of stories worth telling.
SHARE
