Staycation Ideas

Sometimes the best vacations are the ones not far from home! Try a staycation to explore things to do in your own backyard. See below for some budget-friendly ideas for having fun in Fairfield County, Ohio. Make sure to stay tuned as we add more staycations to this page!

For more information, check out our visitor center at 158 W. Wheeling Street in downtown Lancaster, call 740-654-5929, or contact us.

Family Fun Staycation: Pickerington Edition

Discover the fun things to do with family around Pickerington. This community offers an array of activities for those who are young and the young at heart! Whether you enjoy the great outdoors or would rather stay inside, there are plenty of opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime! Uncover more family fun in Fairfield County here.

Enjoy a delicious coffee and treat at Porter's Coffee House and Bakery.

Visit Sycamore Creek Park and stroll through the arboretum, tackle the ninja warrior course, splash in the creek, or explore a covered bridge.

Customize your lunch at Mod Pizza and enjoy exactly what you're craving!

Bounce and play at Get Air Trampoline Park!

Treat yourself at Al's Delicious Popcorn with classic and flavored popcorn!

Play arcade games, bowl, or try an escape room at Rule 3!

Wrap up your day of fun and work together on a DIY project at AR Workshop.

Savory & Sweet Staycation

Are you a foodie? If so, this is the staycation for you! Explore locally owned restaurants and cafes across Fairfield County on this staycation that walks you through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more! Find more places to eat and satisfy your cravings with Tastes of Fairfield County.

Grab breakfast at this quaint, local café just minutes from downtown Lancaster.

Sweeten your morning with a trip to Donut World. Open 24 hours a day, this sweet stop offers a delectable variety of donuts to cure any craving!

Drive to this lunchtime favorite in Pickerington-- Hangry City Grille and Spirits has a menu that can satiate any appetite.

El Pedregal is a favorite spot amongst the Lithopolis community for a reason. Check out this authentic Mexican restaurant for yourself to find out why!

Grab a bite to eat at Baltimore Pint House. This local restaurant is a great choice for lunch or dinner and features a variety of food anyone can enjoy.

Need a sweet treat? Weldon's Ice Cream Factory in Millersport has got you covered! Enjoy a scoop of your favorite ice cream on the front porch as you take in the lake view.

A visit to Candy Cottage in Lancaster is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can also order coffee to-go from this location!

Art Aficionado Staycation

If you’re looking for art, you’ve come to the right place! Historic downtown Lancaster is a prime location to find and create art! This staycation outlines some amazing places to eat before you get started on your artistic journey; then, explore the downtown area to tap into your creative side! There’s lots of art and culture to discover in Lancaster and Fairfield County– find more inspiration here.

Fuel up with a coffee and a tasty breakfast in the modern aesthetic space at Provisions Bakery & Deli.

Experience the gorgeous architecture and the latest exhibition at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio.

Visit The Georgian Museum to discover the work of artisans from the past.

Take advantage of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and enjoy a cocktail while you take a leisurely stroll to explore the murals, sculptures, architecture, and other public works featured in The Lancaster Open Air Art Trail.

Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at The Well. Be sure to check out the handmade gifts, pottery, and textiles available in the shop.

Decorate your canvas and your friends in the Young at Art splatter studio.

Epilogue Bookery offers works by local artists, a friendly feline ambassador, and a cool local bookstore vibe.

Create your own masterpiece at Art & Clay on Main, an accessible art studio where you can paint your own pottery!

Soak up the remarkable ambiance of O’Huids Gaelic Pub while you savor an Irish brew or a delectable dinner.