Fun and Unique Things to do in Downtown Wooster, OH

Welcome to Wooster, Ohio! Nestled in the heart of northeastern Ohio, just 50 miles south of Cleveland, Wooster is a charming town brimming with history, unique attractions, and delightful surprises. If the name sounds familiar, it might be due to the renowned Wooster paintbrush, a staple in the painting world since 1851. Whether you’re drawn to the historic Quimby building currently housing E & H Ace Hardware, where a surprising elevator awaits, or seeking relaxation in the serene Salt & Serenity Grotto, Wooster has something for everyone. From exploring quaint specialty shops to savoring locally roasted coffee at Sure House Coffee Roasting Co., this town promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we highlight the best of Wooster, a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

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Where is Wooster?

Wooster is located in northeastern Ohio. Cleveland is the closest big city about 50 miles north of Wooster.

Fun Fact: If Wooster sounds familiar… this may be why. Wooster, Ohio is the home of the Wooster paintbrush (they make my favorite small handle brush for cutting in- the Shortcut). They’ve been in business since 1851 and have been located in Wooster for over 170 years.

Where to Park

Downtown parking can be a nightmare in certain towns. Wooster wasn’t one of them. There are multiple public parking lots around town as well as street parking.

What to Do in Wooster

E & H Ace Hardware 115 S Market St, Wooster, OH, 44691

Yes, you read that right. The downtown Ace Hardware is a historic building to visit in its own right. The Quimby building has housed multiple businesses including W. M. Annat Co. which sold dry goods from 1879-1991 and Rubbermaid from 1993-2021.

But, the fun reason to visit this Ace Hardware, other than walking around the historic building and smelling the scent of a hardware store, is the elevator! You did read that correctly!! This elevator is like nothing I’ve ever seen or been inside of before. I was unsuspectingly standing and waiting for the door to open and when it did- there was an outdoor patio set up in the freight size elevator. There was a couch and chair and even small birds hanging from the ceiling from bungee cords that bounced up and down when the elevator moved. It was soooo cool and unexpected. Of course we had to ride it to each floor and back down again.

The first picture is the outside of the ACE Hardware in Wooster, OH. The second and third pictures are of the elevator and of me inside an elevator at E & H Ace Hardware in Wooster, OH, holding a cup of coffee. I'm dressed in a white jacket, ripped jeans, and tan boots, smiling at the camera. The elevator walls are decorated with large sunflower wall art and various product advertisements, including lawn care items and power tools.

The Salt & Serenity Grotto 111 S. Buckeye St., Wooster, Ohio 44691

I wanted to do something “couple-y” so I booked us a Himalayan private salt cave for 2 at The Salt & Serenity Grotto. Dominic was a little leery, but agreed to it. We both enjoyed it and it was so relaxing. For 45 minutes, we relaxed on zero gravity recliners while listening to water trickling and calming music. The private cave also has the added benefit of the Himalayan salt detox foot domes to enhance the experience.

To me, the private salt cave was worth it. We were able to spend some quiet time together without the awkwardness of others in the room. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to relax quite as much with strangers in the room. You can read about the benefits and services here.

A collage of three images featuring The Salt Grotto in Wooster, OH. The first image shows the exterior entrance of The Salt Grotto with a sign on the window. The second image shows Angela and Dominic smiling while relaxing in lounge chairs inside the salt room. The third image displays a close-up of two people’s feet, covered in blue shoe covers, resting on a salt detox foot dome on the glowing salt floor.

Secrest Arboretum 2122 Williams Rd, Wooster, OH 44691

The Secrest Arboretum is on the campus of The Ohio State University and part of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. This FREE arboretum has walking paths, manicured gardens, and so many different types of flowers and trees. The campus is not downtown so you will need to drive to it, but it’s less than a 10 minute drive. It’s worth the drive and really close by so I wanted to include it on the list.

We went during spring break and everything wasn’t in bloom yet but the grounds were still beautiful to look at and walk through.

A collage of three images showcasing Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, OH. The first image shows the exterior of the Secrest Arboretum and Education Center, surrounded by green lawns and a leafless tree. The second image captures Dominic playfully climbing a large, circular metal structure in the garden. The third image depicts Angela sitting on large stone slabs on a grassy area, enjoying the sunny day.

Shopping

The downtown area has many cute specialty shops that you could spend an afternoon roaming through. Some of the ones I recommend to stop in are: Olive Lane Oils & Vinegars, Blue Spruce Boutique, and Wooster Natural Foods.

A collage of five images showcasing downtown Wooster, OH. The first image shows a street view featuring Union Tavern and other storefronts with a clear blue sky. The second image highlights the Blue Spruce Boutique with its vintage finds sign. The third image captures a view down a main street with parked cars and historic buildings in the distance. The fourth image shows the entrance of Books in Stock, a local bookstore. The fifth image displays a street lamp with a banner that reads "Downtown Wooster" against a backdrop of street signs and buildings.

Where to Eat

Our first morning in town, we had breakfast and our cup of morning Joe at Sure House Coffee Roasting Co. 151 South Market St., Wooster, OH 44691. They offer locally roasted coffee beans and an extensive coffee and tea menu in a very modern, urban setting. While they don’t serve breakfast foods, they do have some delicious pastries to go with your cup of coffee. It was a nice, light breakfast.

A collage of three images featuring Sure House Coffee Roasting Co. in Wooster, OH. The first image shows the exterior of Sure House Coffee, a quaint storefront with a sign and large windows. The second image displays several bags of Papua New Guinea coffee beans on a wooden shelf inside the shop. The third image captures a pour-over coffee setup on a wooden counter with three drippers and a paper cup beneath one of them.

Our second morning in Wooster, we ate breakfast at Undergrounds Cafe. It’s literally located downstairs from street level. They serve breakfast and lunch and have a full espresso bar. It’s a perfect start to get your caffeine burst to prepare you for a day of walking and shopping. They had fun breakfast sandwich names like the Charleston which was avocado on toasted multigrain bread. Oh yeah, and it was tasty.

A collage of three images featuring Undergrounds Cafe in Wooster, OH. The first image shows the exterior of the cafe, with a classic brick facade and a sign that reads "Undergrounds Cafe." The second image captures the entrance of the cafe, highlighting a welcoming chalkboard sign and a glimpse of the interior. The third image shows the inside seating area of the cafe, with several tables and chairs arranged under an industrial-style ceiling.

We didn’t eat lunch or dinner in Wooster because we ended up being in other towns sightseeing each day. Some restaurants that looked good and got good reviews were Mariola Italian 365 E. Liberty Street Wooster, OH 44691 and Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern 215 N Walnut St Wooster, OH 44691. You can dine in the original jailhouse of Wooster which is now registered as a historic landmark. The tavern is casual dining and the steakhouse is fine dining.

Other Places to See in the Area

Wayne County put together an area tour of attractions to see in the area when you’re visiting Wooster. One of the stops is the J.M. Smucker Store. This place is a must see if you’re in the area. Check out my blog post about our visit and find out about the coolest souvenir ever!

Wooster Wrap Up

Wooster, Ohio, may be a small town, but it packs a punch with its rich history, unique attractions, and warm, welcoming vibe. From the quirky charm of the Ace Hardware elevator to the serene escape of the Salt & Serenity Grotto, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences. Stroll through the downtown area, browse specialty shops, and savor local flavors at cozy cafes. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Wooster has something special to offer. So, next time you’re in northeastern Ohio, make sure to visit Wooster—you’ll leave with a heart full of fond memories and perhaps a new favorite paintbrush!