In the center of Licking County, just east of Columbus, you will find Granville. This is just a really pretty little town , which also is the home of Denison University. Founded in 1805, it was originally settled by folks from Granville, Ma., looking to move west. Current population is around 3200 people.It is not a particularly easy place to get to. It is about 15 miles north of I 70. There are numerous state routes out of Columbus to the west and Newark to the east to get you here, but it is not exactly along the beaten path. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful drive through some of Ohio’s prettiest farmland. The village itself is situated midst the rolling hills at the beginning of the Appalachian range.
I will be honest. If you are looking for splashy and excitement, this isn’t the place to go. The stores are OK, but not great. Many of them are closed reflecting the general economy. It has several sidewalk cafes and restaurants, all of which are worth a close look. There are several museums along the street highlighting the history of Granville and Licking County. The library looks like it was taken right off an MGM sound stage. The entire town and surrounding countryside are picturesque in the extreme, and the people are so friendly, and there are so many trees. It is a great place to park your car and just walk around and enjoy its outstanding atmosphere. Scenery is its strong suit. It is gorgeous in the summer, and must be simply breathtaking in the fall. Is that Jimmy Stewart walking down the sidewalk??
On Saturday, there is a farmers market in the center of town with plenty of street parking. The central intersection is 4 cornered with gorgeous churches. The sidewalks are wide, which accommodate the strollers as well as the local runners and bicyclists. It is an extremely affluent community with lots of expensive real estate, and it shows. This is upper middle class small town America.
Two inns are on opposite sides of the street. The Buxton Inn is a series of connected, fully restored houses. Great common areas with individually decorated rooms are the centerpiece of this beautiful facility.
Across the street is the more famous Granville Inn. Built in the style of an English Tudor Manor complete with arches and attendant views, it offers 30 rooms along with a consistently good, award winning restaurant which draws folks from all over the state. It is listed on the National Register of Historic places. It is stunning.
There are also several B & B’s located in Granville. One is nicer than the next. If you are into this type of atmosphere, spend some time and research. It will be worth the effort.
If you are going to stay for the weekend, play 18 holes at the award winning Longaberger Golf Course, one of the top ranked public courses in the United States. Designed by Arthur Hills, one of the top golf course architects around, you will find it hard to believe you are on a public course. Another choice is The Granville Golf Course, right in Granville, a 1924 classic designed by Donald Ross. It plays along the gentle hills and is filled with stunning vistas and views. It ranks 4 stars from Golfer’s Digest.
Denison University is a liberal arts school devoted entirely to undergraduate education. It is an elite school, and has a history of associations with major United States icons such as the Rockefeller family. It is the quintessential liberal arts college campus, and is worth an hour of time to stroll around its manicured landscape, and enjoy the views from the top of the hills. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.
And so is Granville. Spend a day or weekend. You will leave refreshed and rested.
