Chillicothe: Ohio's First Capital
Located in Ross County, Ohio, United States, Chillicothe, OH is roughly 43 miles off Columbus, OH. It can be accessed via the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport. The city's unique name was said to have been derived from an Indian Tribe, although many say it took its name from an Indian term meaning "town of the leaning bank" or "principal town" as it used to be the capital of Ohio from 1803 to 1810. However, more than a thousand years before that, Chillicothe was deemed the center of ancient Hopewell tradition when the Amerindian culture established trade routes going all the way up to the Rocky Mountains. Today, it is the home of several modern-day corporations and institutions like the Ohio University-Chillicothe that sees about 2,500 enrollees annually. It is also host to several notable festivals, athletic events, deluxe shopping stores, and big-chain hotels.
Best Time to Visit
Summers in Chillicothe, Ohio is when tourism peaks. Hotel prices and airfares are reported to be the most expensive during this month, going as high up as $106 per night. Those who are looking to avoid high foot traffic are discouraged to travel to Chillicothe during this season. Instead, consider a trip betweenlate April to early October when the weather is cooler but accommodations are 25% less compared to room rates in July. Temperatures hover in the low 60s, a bit cooler than the average 80s during the high season.
What to Do & Area Attractions
There is never a shortage of recreational facilities and parks to see and experience in Chillicothe including the Yoctangee Park, Pine Street Park, and Manor Park. Even the city's floodwall features a paved bike path for those who want to soak up some sun. The city is home to the 100-year-old Majestic Theatre and is host to numerous athletic events and festivals including the annual Feast of the Flowering Moon Festival in May and the annual Southern Ohio Storytelling Festival in September. While in town, guests may consider staying at Holiday Inn Express Chillicothe East near Hopewell Culture National Historical Park or at the Best Western Adena Inn just 4 miles away from Adena Mansion & Gardens.