Heath Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, eat, stay and things to do in Heath Ohio with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out the local culture, customs, do's and don'ts, and transportation options to help plan your trip.


Introduction to Heath

Located in Greater Columbus, in the state of Ohio, Heath is a charming city known for its historic landmarks, nature trails, and bustling food and drink scene. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or a foodie, Heath offers something for everyone.

In this guide, we will take you on a tour of the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Heath, along with helpful tips and insights to make your trip memorable.

List of Places to Visit in Heath

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Heath Museum and Historical Society - Located in the heart of Heath, the museum showcases the area’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. Hire a guide, and explore the exhibits that feature the different stages of Heath’s past, including the National Road and the Ohio Canal.

  2. Heisey Glass Museum - The glass museum celebrates Heath’s rich glass-making heritage and features over 5,000 pieces of glassware, including rare and unique collections.

  3. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve - Located just outside Heath, Blackhand Gorge is a natural attraction with trails for hiking, biking, and more. The preserve encompasses ancient sandstone cliffs, the Blackhand Gorge itself, and the old Ohio and Erie Canal.

Natural Attractions of Heath: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Fletcher Pond Park - The park is located in Heath and offers fishing, picnicking, trails, and birdwatching opportunities. Fletcher Pond is a popular location for outdoor activities, and visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the pond.

  2. Dawes Arboretum - A 15-minute drive from Heath, Dawes Arboretum is a 2,000-acre nature preserve with over 15,000 types of plants, trees and flowers. Visit the natural attractions such as Cliff Marr Nature Preserve, Red Barn Reserve and Dawes Lake.

  3. Great Circle Earthworks - The Great Circle Earthworks is an ancient civilization site located just outside Heath, it is considered as one of the best preserved Paleo-Indian Earthworks in the U.S. Visitors can participate in various audio and guided tours.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Heath

  1. T.J. Evans Bike Path - A 14-mile bike path running through Heath and the surrounding areas. The trail follows the old Baltimore and Ohio railroad bed and offers scenic views of parks, lakes, and rivers along the way.

  2. Blackhand Gorge Trail - A 4.1-mile paved trail can be hiked, biked, floated or paddled. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve.

Best Things to Do in Heath: Activities and Tours

  1. Explore Downtown - Downtown Heath has numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore local eateries.

  2. Golf Courses - Visitors are in luck if they love golf, Heath has various golf clubs to fit your interest and budget.

  3. Flightseeing Tours - Offering scenic views of Heath from high up in the sky. Planes and helicopters tours let visitors see all the beauty of Heath and surrounding areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Heath

Day 1 - Arrive and explore Downtown Heath

Day 2 - Visit the Heisey Glass Museum and the Heath Museum and Historical Society.

Day 3 - Explore the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve and hike the Blackhand Gorge Trail.

Day 4 - Visit Dawes Arboretum and enjoy the nature preserve and gardens.

Day 5 - Discover and try out Heath’s restaurants and cafes.

Day 6 - Take a round of golf in Heath’s renowned courses.

Day 7 - Take a sightseeing flight tour and see views of Heath from high up in the sky.

Food and Drink Scene of Heath

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Buckeye Candy - The buckeye candy is an Ohio speciality that must be tasted while in Heath.

  2. Barbecue Ribs - With barbecue restaurants sprinkled all around Heath, visitors can indulge in a mouth-watering BBQ experience.

  3. Ohio Apple Cider - Heaths apple cider is perfect for a refreshment during the fall season.

Local Beverages

  1. Buckeye Beer - A local brew made in Ohio with lots of different flavors to try.

  2. Flavored Bourbon - Ohio is recognized for its quality bourbon. Visitors get to explore and have a first hand touch of the aging process.

Where to Stay in Heath: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. The Cherry Valley Hotel and Resorts - A high-end resort in Heath with modern rooms and exceptional hospitality.

  2. Hampton Inn Heath-Newark Fairfield Inn & Suites - The right spot for visitors wishing to stay close to many attractions in Heath.

  3. Rodeway Inn - A more affordable stay-in option for travelers willing to spend less; the guestrooms come complete with a microwave and refrigerator.

What to Buy in Heath: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Heath Violet Strawberries - A local fruit in Heath famous for a refreshing fragrance.

  2. Heath Pottery and Glassware - Heisey glass and pottery are celebrated worldwide for its excellent quality.

Local Culture and Customs of Heath

Heath locals have planted deep roots into their food and cultural traditions. Sunday morning churchgoing is a common culture in this area. Visitors can quickly learn about the culture of Heath by indulging in local festivals or farmers markets.

Best Time to Visit Heath

The best time to visit Heath is from August through November during the fall season when the leaves are changing color and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Heath

Do:

  1. Respect the locals and their traditions.

  2. Visit the local farmers’ market and festivals to experience the culture of the region.

  3. Indulge in the local food dishes and drinks.

Don’t:

  1. Litter in public spaces.

  2. Engage in unnecessary arguments with the locals.

  3. Damage the natural or cultural environments.

Safety and Health

Safety in Heath

Heath is generally a safe area. Travelers should always be mindful of their surroundings, especially when exploring at night.

Health in Heath

The area has excellent health facilities, and travelers are encouraged to have medical insurance before visiting the area to be on the safer side.

Getting to Heath: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Heath

The closest airports to Heath are John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) located 31 miles away and the Port Columbus International Airport (LCK) located 35 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Heath

Heath has various bus stop locations around the town, connecting visitors to several of the most significant touristic attractions in and around the region.

Other Options

Car rentals, taxis, and ride-hailing services are available in the area for travelers who want to get around by themselves.

How to Get Around in Heath

Renting a car is the most popular and convenient way to get around Heath and the surrounding areas. However, bus services are highly accessible, and taxis are another option.

Where to Go Next from Heath: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Newark - Situated just eight miles from Heath and is home to many historical sites like the Newark Earthworks and the Longaberger baskets.

  2. Columbus - The state capital is located just 40 minutes’ drive from Heath and is home to the Ohio State University, Columbus Museum of Art, and Franklin Park Conservatory.

Conclusion

Heath is a charming and beautiful city packed with numerous attractions, outdoor adventures, and significant historical landmarks. Whether you are visiting Heath for the first time or returning for another visit, this guide will be helpful in planning your itinerary.

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