Top 10 Things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio
Welcome to Chillicothe, Ohio's very first state capital and a city that is known for its restaurant scene, museums, entertainment venues, and easy access to nature. Our team at Woodland Heights Apartments has put together a list of our favorite restaurants and activities to make it easy for residents to enjoy the city we call home.
Top 5 Restaurants in Chillicothe
The Coop Chillicothe
Breakfast is widely recognized as the most important meal of the day, providing fuel for everything that life throws your way between sun-up and sundown. Luckily for Chillicothe locals, breakfast is The Coop’s specialty! Featuring classic egg-centered meals, hearty bowls, and pancake specials straight from the griddle, the menu has something for every palate. Faithful fans of The Coop highlight the cinnamon French toast, the “hometown” burrito, and the quinoa-based “California” bowl. Start your day off right with something from The Coop’s morning-ready menu.
Lievita
Lievita is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant in downtown Chillicothe that is built around a health-focused ethos. As a result, the menu is a veritable ode to fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are bought from regenerative Ohio farms. Of course, Lievita excels when it comes to pasta, with exemplary dishes like the chicken parmesan, the brisket stroganoff, the pasta alla vodka, and the langostino lobster scampi. They also feature artfully plated entrées, signature sandwiches, and superfood quinoa bowls. Be sure to leave room for dessert! Lievita is well known for its crème brûlée, carrot cake, and cannoli dip.
Hooks Pizza On The Hill
One of Chillicothe’s most highly rated pizza joints, Hooks Pizza On the Hill is a family owned and operated restaurant that serves some of the best ‘za in the region. Fans online have said the pizzeria is “dangerously good,” delivering “possibly the best pizza I’ve had in my life… no exaggeration.” Each pizza pie looks like a work of art, with marinara, melty cheese, fresh toppings, and thick crust around the edges. The most popular items are the classic pepperoni pizza, the supreme pizza with tons of veggies, and the margherita pizza. For those looking for alternatives, Hooks Pizza On the Hill also has crisp salads, roasted subs, and tasty appetizers. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong at one of Chillicothe’s favorite eateries.
Hana Japanese Steakhouse
Hana Japanese Steakhouse is your go-to for Japanese cuisine in Chillicothe, featuring an extensive menu of sushi, hibachi, noodles, bento boxes, soups, and salads. The special rolls are handcrafted by Hana’s professional sushi chefs with a mix of unique and traditional ingredients. Take the “Las Vegas Roll” for example— it’s a deep-fried masterpiece with spicy tuna, cream cheese, and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo. Or consider the extravagant “Dynamite Roll” packed with white fish, tuna, avocado, and baked scallop! There is something for everyone to love at Hana Japanese Steakhouse.
Roosters
There’s nothing quite as tasty as a basket of chicken wings, hand breaded, tossed in your favorite sauce, and prepared with a side of crisp celery and ranch dressing. Roosters, self-described as a “fun, casual joint,” has built a restaurant empire throughout the Midwest by perfecting and delivering some of the country’s tastiest chicken wings. They offer fourteen delectable sauces including “Honey BBQ,” “Sweet Thai Chili,” and the super spicy “Mango Habanero.” If you’re craving something other than wings, Roosters’ menu also features pizzas, burgers, soups, and salads. Located just fifteen minutes from the Woodland Heights community, Roosters is THE destination for wings in Chillicothe.
Top 5 Activities In Chillicothe
Located on the west side of the city, just a hop, skip, and jump away from Woodland Heights Apartments, Junction Earthworks Preserve is one of Chillicothe’s most captivating cultural gems. The preserve features nine large mounds that were built for ceremonial purposes by an indigenous group known as the “Hopewell.” Spread across 70 beautiful acres, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the Hopewell culture while experiencing a stunning natural landscape featuring flower-speckled meadows, riparian forests, and the Paint Creek tributary, which flows east into the Scioto River. Junction Earthworks Preserve is a must-see.
If you’re looking to hike, kayak, or float, the North Fork Creek Trail is one of the city’s most easily accessible nature spots. Open year round, visitors can put in just west of Chillicothe and glide east on Paint Creek while taking in the scenery and identifying the local wildlife. The entirety of the Great Lakes region was formed by the movement and melting of ancient glaciers. Those with a keen eye for geological history will be able pick up clues on how the landscape was shaped. This 3-4 mile float is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Being the state’s very first capital, the city of Chillicothe is a key historical center in Ohio. The Ross County Historical Society, founded over one hundred years ago in 1896, aims to preserve the storied history of the region by curating exhibits, collecting artifacts, and putting together programs for visitors of all ages. The facilities include the centralizing Heritage Center, the McKell Library, a research center with thousands of books and historical documents, the Franklin House, a family home built in 1907 with original interior and exterior, as well as the Knoles Log House, a reconstructed 1820’s farmhouse that shows how Ohioans lived pre–Industrial Revolution. There’s no doubt— Ross County Historical Society provides Chillicothe-ians with an incredible opportunity to explore local history.
Looking for a cozy place to catch a game, meet a friend, hear live music, and enjoy a cold beer? The Crosskeys Tavern is THE place to go in Chillicothe. Known as a lightly themed Irish bar, the atmosphere inside the tavern is enhanced by neon four leaf clover signs, mirrors marked by the classic “Guinness” label, stringed lights, and various flourishes of green. At the back of the tavern, live music can be heard throughout the week, with especially high energy on the weekends. Crosskeys is also known for its tasty menu, featuring signature sandwiches like gyros, Reubens, hamburgers, and more. The good times just keep rolling at The Crosskeys Tavern.
Don’t let the name fool you— the Chillicothe Antique Emporium is much more than your standard antique store. Situated downtown on Main Street, Chillicothe Antique Emporium is a one-of-a-kind establishment with a large collection of working pinball and arcade machines, a full 1950’s soda bar, and of course, an impressive variety of antiques. Spread across three floors, visitors can spend hours just browsing the wares, trying out the pinball machines, and topping it off with a chilly shake or malt. The soda bar also serves hot popcorn, pizza slices, and more. Antique aficionados will also find something to love, with a collection that features eclectic decorations, jewelry, furniture, dishware, cutlery, and so much more.