Native Clevelanders know how truly magical their city can be. Sparkling lights, the dreamy echoes of live music, and festive decorations greet guests wherever they turn in Cleveland. Yet, the region surrounding the city has its own charm, from the rolling fields of the countryside to the sleepy atmospheres of small Midwestern towns. One small town stands out for its surreal beauty, and it is located only about 45 minutes outside of Cleveland’s borders. Looking for the perfect fairy tale town? Look no further than this small town on a Great Lake.
Welcome to Vermilion, Ohio!
bsheets/Flickr Vermilion is comparable to the coastal cities of dreamy fairy tales. It is quaint, friendly, and magically beautiful.
This enchanting community is enriched by a New England-style milieu.
Doug Kerr/Flickr This “Harbour Town” is a fantastic place to drop anchor and stay a while. This city was once known as the Village of Lake Captains, and it has flawlessly maintained sailor homes of yore. Vermilion’s historic streets are sure to enchant visitors with their unbeatable atmosphere.
The historic district of this cozy community is straight out of a New England painting.
LeeG7144/Wikimedia Commons Small, intimate shops, an ornate blend of architectural influences, and bright bursts of color provide a cheery environment that sets the scene for an unforgettable day. An incredible 16 block historic district greets the eye upon your arrival, and you will fall in love with this community, whether it is for a day or for a lifetime.
Sandy beaches, cultural celebrations, and amazing parks entertain locals and visitors alike.
Jeff Pyle/Flickr Get outdoors and start exploring! Vermilion is overflowing with adventure, as any respectable fairy tale town should be, and you simply must explore the city to understand what makes it so magical.
The coastal culture of this community is enchanting.
Vermilion Ohio Community/Facebook
Vermilion Ohio Community/Facebook Tucked at the mouth of the Vermilion River and Lake Erie, this coastal town is filled to the brim with culture. After all, it is the “Largest Small Boat Harbor on the Great Lakes.” Admire the nautical nature of this incredible community on the public docks, at the lighthouse, or before the home of a captain. If you are lucky, you may even encounter a pirate or two.
In Vermilion, vintage and modern mix with an elegant flair.
Vermilion Ohio Community/Facebook The influence of the pioneers that settled this land and the early sailors that called it home is still evident, preserved in museums and historic structures. Yet modern luxuries, like shopping and fine dining, have effortlessly blended into the antique community.
Like any fairy tale town, locals whisper of something sinister lurking beyond civilization.
Jeff Pyle/Flickr Young people tell the tales of Gore Orphanage like an old nursery rhyme: it’s fantastical, kind of creepy, and honestly unbelievable. The city houses the site of “Gore Orphanage,” which was actually an orphanage known as the “Light of Hope.” Conditions were dreadfully cruel and unclean, and many of the children that lived at the orphanage ran away in the dead of night. When the orphanage finally closed its doors, tales of abuse and even torture could not be forgotten. Legend hunters began exploring the area, as well as that of Swift’s Hollow, and have insisted for decades that the region is haunted.
This quaint town can transport you back to a simpler time.
Main Street Vermilion/Facebook Enjoy handmade ice cream, watch the sunset at the beach, or hang out at the old fashioned soda fountain. Life in Vermilion is laid back and relaxed, a dreamy destination in an alluring natural setting.
Take an evening stroll and see the city come alive by star light.
Vermilion Yacht Club/Facebook There is always something to do or see in Vermilion, and that remains true as night descends over the community. Catch a musical performance, attend an event, or grab a bite to eat. There is no shortage of festivities in this amazing town. And, if all else fails, the scenery is stupendous.
The city is also stunning in all seasons.
Main Street Vermilion/Facebook Vermilion is spectacular year-round, a beautiful setting for a day or weekend excursion.
You will be surprised by the wonders that the “Shore Next Door” hides!
Jeff Pyle/Flickr It seems that there is a multitude of activities to experience in every season. This quaint and magical community is sure to delight.
Vermilion is certainly a community worth celebrating.
Vermilion Chamber/Facebook
Cleveland’s neighboring communities remind us that there is something magical about our region. America’s North Coast is a chic, historic, and friendly place to be, and that attitude is flawlessly captured in Vermilion.
bsheets/Flickr
Vermilion is comparable to the coastal cities of dreamy fairy tales. It is quaint, friendly, and magically beautiful.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This “Harbour Town” is a fantastic place to drop anchor and stay a while. This city was once known as the Village of Lake Captains, and it has flawlessly maintained sailor homes of yore. Vermilion’s historic streets are sure to enchant visitors with their unbeatable atmosphere.
LeeG7144/Wikimedia Commons
Small, intimate shops, an ornate blend of architectural influences, and bright bursts of color provide a cheery environment that sets the scene for an unforgettable day. An incredible 16 block historic district greets the eye upon your arrival, and you will fall in love with this community, whether it is for a day or for a lifetime.
Jeff Pyle/Flickr
Get outdoors and start exploring! Vermilion is overflowing with adventure, as any respectable fairy tale town should be, and you simply must explore the city to understand what makes it so magical.
Vermilion Ohio Community/Facebook
Tucked at the mouth of the Vermilion River and Lake Erie, this coastal town is filled to the brim with culture. After all, it is the “Largest Small Boat Harbor on the Great Lakes.” Admire the nautical nature of this incredible community on the public docks, at the lighthouse, or before the home of a captain. If you are lucky, you may even encounter a pirate or two.
The influence of the pioneers that settled this land and the early sailors that called it home is still evident, preserved in museums and historic structures. Yet modern luxuries, like shopping and fine dining, have effortlessly blended into the antique community.
Young people tell the tales of Gore Orphanage like an old nursery rhyme: it’s fantastical, kind of creepy, and honestly unbelievable. The city houses the site of “Gore Orphanage,” which was actually an orphanage known as the “Light of Hope.” Conditions were dreadfully cruel and unclean, and many of the children that lived at the orphanage ran away in the dead of night. When the orphanage finally closed its doors, tales of abuse and even torture could not be forgotten. Legend hunters began exploring the area, as well as that of Swift’s Hollow, and have insisted for decades that the region is haunted.
Main Street Vermilion/Facebook
Enjoy handmade ice cream, watch the sunset at the beach, or hang out at the old fashioned soda fountain. Life in Vermilion is laid back and relaxed, a dreamy destination in an alluring natural setting.
Vermilion Yacht Club/Facebook
There is always something to do or see in Vermilion, and that remains true as night descends over the community. Catch a musical performance, attend an event, or grab a bite to eat. There is no shortage of festivities in this amazing town. And, if all else fails, the scenery is stupendous.
Vermilion is spectacular year-round, a beautiful setting for a day or weekend excursion.
It seems that there is a multitude of activities to experience in every season. This quaint and magical community is sure to delight.
Vermilion Chamber/Facebook
Looking to visit another incredible beach town? Consider Huron, which offers enchanting views of Lake Erie and a multitude of family-friendly activities.
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