Local dining, wineries, outdoor activities & attractions near The Oaks
Whether you're arriving early, staying the weekend, or looking for something to do between events, our corner of Ohio has plenty to offer. Here's our curated guide to the best food, drinks, outdoor adventures, and local gems — all within about 20 miles of The Oaks at Kiser Lake.
The local pizza spot — gourmet pizzas, 8" subs, sandwiches, and salads. 5.0-rated on TripAdvisor. They deliver right to the venue — perfect for a relaxed evening in!
facebook.com/jimspizzachaletA one-of-a-kind gem at Grimes Municipal Airport — watch small planes land from your table or the outdoor patio. Famous for bison burgers, massive homemade pies with 3" meringue, and great sandwiches.
airportcafeurbana.comCurrently the top-rated restaurant in Urbana. Authentic Mexican cuisine, beloved by locals across the region.
Authentic Mexican street tacos and more — a beloved local taco spot serving fresh, flavorful Mexican food right in downtown Urbana. A crowd favorite with locals and a great casual stop.
facebook.com — Orale Tacos y MasSpanish tapas and a curated wine list right in downtown Urbana. Perfect for a romantic evening out or a relaxed dinner with a small group.
A beloved Urbana original — full-service comfort food with a warm farm-style atmosphere. Great for group dinners.
thefarmersdaughterllc.comElevated pub food with a solid craft beer selection. A great spot for a casual group gathering.
An Urbana institution — old-school burgers done right for decades. Simple, delicious, and authentically Ohio.
Cozy downtown café on the square — great for coffee, lunch, or a light bite before heading back to The Oaks.
cafeparadisourbana.comNeighborhood pub with a welcoming feel — perfect for a pre-event drink or post-dinner nightcap.
The top-rated restaurant for miles around. Casual-fine dining with steak, seafood, French, Italian, and South American influences. Outdoor patio available. An excellent choice for rehearsal dinners or anniversary celebrations.
stellableubistro.comModern cocktail bar and restaurant with creative drinks and food. A local favorite in downtown Springfield.
Contemporary Asian-American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a deep record collection in a vibrant community space. One of Springfield's most distinctive and celebrated spots. Open Tue–Sat, dine-in and takeout.
hihatsocial.comGreat pizza, rotating craft beers, shareable apps, and live music in downtown Piqua. A fun group spot for any evening.
crookedhandle.comWood-fired pizza and pasta in a cozy trattoria atmosphere. Great for a date night or family dinner.
3joes.comHibachi-style dining with entertaining chefs and sizzling tableside cooking. Great for families or a special night out.
Piqua's beloved ice cream shop — dozens of flavors and homemade waffle cones. A local tradition the whole family will enjoy.
susiesbigdipper.comA Champaign County gem with 25 varieties of wine made from locally grown grapes. Commercial kitchen with snacks and hors d'oeuvres. Beautiful paved patio with umbrellas and indoor A/C. Highly recommended.
dragonflyvineyard.comCraft microbrewery on the town square, decorated by local artists. 12 handcrafted taps, scratch-made food, and a rooftop lawn for summer events. Great group vibe.
urbanabrewingco.comA small-batch farm winery on a working family farm. Micro-batch berry wines (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry) and stunning valley views. Bring snacks and settle in — an authentic Ohio country experience.
folckfamilyfarm.netBellefontaine's first brewery, themed around the city's railroad history. Family-run, great atmosphere. Open Thursday–Sunday.
roundhousedepotbrewing.comWine, beer, cider, and mead all handcrafted on-site. Live music and food trucks every Saturday night. Open Friday–Sunday.
daltonunion.comA motor-free lake stretching nearly 2.5 miles — ideal for sailing, kayaking, and canoeing (rentals at the marina). 300-ft swim beach, 5 fishing piers, scuba diving, and picnic shelters.
Hiking: 5+ trails covering 4.5 scenic miles through rolling wooded hills and diverse wetlands, suitable for all skill levels. Also a 10-mile bridle trail for equestrian guests.
Kiser Lake Wetlands Nature Preserve: A protected wetland ecosystem connected by a dedicated trail — peaceful, beautiful, and rarely crowded. Wonderful for birdwatching and wildflowers in spring.
An 18-hole championship course right on Kiser Lake Road, open since 1964 and expanded in 2002. On-site golf pro for lessons. Bar & Lounge on-site — perfect for a post-round drink. Great for guests who want to squeeze in a round before or after the celebration!
lakelandgolfclub.comOhio's oldest nature preserve — a glimpse of what this land looked like 10,000 years ago. Walk a 1.1-mile boardwalk through pitcher plants, rare orchids, and glacial-era wildlife. Guided tours available by request.
cedarbognp.orgA 32-mile paved multi-use trail running through scenic Champaign County farmland, connecting to Ohio's 340-mile Miami Valley Trail network. Great for biking, walking, or running.
miamivalleytrails.orgThe Mad River winds through the county and is popular for fly fishing and leisurely canoeing through scenic Ohio farmland. A perfect relaxed afternoon adventure.
Mature old-growth forest with massive tulip trees, sugar maples, and oaks. Hilly terrain unusual for this part of Ohio makes for rewarding hiking, with spectacular wildflowers in spring and colors in fall.
A 2,120-acre reservoir with sailing, power boating, windsurfing, a swim beach, and excellent fishing. One of the best water recreation spots in the region.
Ohio's best ski resort — 20 trails, a terrain park, and Ohio's largest tubing park (10 lanes, 1,000 ft). Open December through March. A great option for winter wedding weekend guests.
skimadriver.com"America's most colorful caverns" — impressing visitors since 1897. Stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and the famous Crystal King formation. Open year-round. A must-do for guests of all ages.
ohiocaverns.comFrank Lloyd Wright's only Prairie Style home in Ohio — designed in 1906, built in 1908. One of the finest Wright museums in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours available, with a beautiful gift shop. An unexpected gem hiding right in Springfield.
westcotthouse.orgTwo 19th-century limestone castles built by brothers — hand-carved woodwork, frescoed ceilings, and secret tunnels. One of Ohio's most unexpected and charming historic sites. Self-guided tours available.
piattcastle.orgA remarkable WWII aviation museum centered on the ongoing restoration of a B-17 Flying Fortress. Walk through a C-47 fuselage, sit in cockpits, talk with restorer volunteers. Free admission! Pair it with lunch at Airport Café next door.
champaignaviationmuseum.orgHome of America's first concrete street (1891). A charming Victorian downtown with antique shops, local boutiques, and a beautiful Logan County courthouse. Great for a morning stroll.
We'd love to show you around. Schedule a tour of The Oaks at Kiser Lake.
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