Explore the Charming Square of Medina Ohio
If you have never taken a road trip to the picturesque town of Medina, which was originally part of the Connecticut Western Reserve area, then you are truly missing the opportunity to explore one of Ohio’s most charming squares. A definite Norman Rockwell painting. The county courthouse towers over one side of the square and the rest of the square is surrounded by unique shops and eateries that offer an afternoon of shopping and exploring around this historic square.
But before you start your adventure at the Square, I suggest that you first stop at the Root Candle Factory. The factory is located just a few blocks away from the square.
Root Candle Factory
623 W Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256
800.289.7668 | website
The founder Amos Ives Root started his candle making business in 1869 by using bees wax. Originally involved in the manufacturing of beekeeping equipment, Mr. Root took his love of beekeeping in a different direction by beginning to roll sheets of beeswax from his hives around wicks to create altar candles for churches. The Root Candle Factory offers a retail store as well as a factory store.
Now it is off to the Square where you will find various unique boutiques, consignment shops, a bookstore, delicious cupcakes and even a model train store to snoop around. Plenty of places to shop and explore to keep you busy the rest of the day.
Historic Main Street Medina
Time to satisfy your hunger pains.
You will not go hungry in Downtown Medina. Eateries and bakeries can be found throughout and around the square. Here are just a few of the selections:
A Cupcake a Day
115 W. Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256
330.389.1247 | website
If you love cupcakes, then this is the place for you. The day I visited they offered a selection of over 20+. There is seating available should you wish to enjoy your cupcake on the spot.
Amusé Euro Bistro
108 Public Square
330-722-6519 | website
This upscale Bistro located on the Square is a great place to enjoy a peaceful lunch or dinner. The classic European menu includes dishes like Pomodora pasta, pizza, chicken paprikash, sea scallops, filet mignon and a delicious French onion soup. Visit their website for updated menu items.
Circles on the Square
28 Public Square
website
Step one. Watch the donuts being made right before your eyes. Step two. Select your toppings. Step three. Enjoy. Step four. Get back in line for more. During our taste test, we found the salted caramel and caramel pretzel to be very good.
The Candy Apple Boutique
109 West Washington, Medina, OH 44256
330.635.0132 | candyappleco.com
If you love candy apples, this is your stop. All their apples are hand dipped and made on premises. They offer an wonderful assortment of toppings, including traditional as well as candy bar toppings, cereal toppings, and more. I enjoyed one of their “Buckeye” apples. Okay, I will confess. I didn’t share it. I ate it all. So good.
The Honey Bee Bakery
23 Public Square, Medina OH 44256
330.725.0912 | website
French macaroons, fresh made breads, brownies, cookies, and specialty desserts can be found here. The bakery has a seating area and offers a selection of coffee, tea, and beverages.
PJ Marley’s Restaurant & Pub
119 Public Square, Medina, Ohio 44256
330.722.6328 | website
This casual eatery located in an old bank building offers a selection of burgers, soups, salads, mac bowls, Root Beer and a selection of craft and tap beers.
Lemonberry Frozen Yogurt
201 S. Court, Medina, OH 44256
301.721.0793 | website
Gelato, yogurt and sorbet can be found at this corner shop.
Get your popcorn fix at
Something’s Popping
47 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256
330.722.3088 | website
May I suggest either the Medina Mash ( White Cheddar & Caramel) or the White Chocolate Oreo?
(If you love popcorn, check out our northern Ohio Popcorn Road Trip post.)
If you are looking for someplace different to have an afternoon break while still staying on the square, may I suggest Miss Molly’s Tea Room. Located within walking distance of the square on W Washington St., Miss Molly’s offers a wonderful light menu as well as an opportunity to explore their gift shop that carries everything from English China to fine lace and purses. For information about Miss Molly’s Tea Room go to missmollys.net.
Miss ‘Molly’s Tea Room & Gift Shop
140 W. Washington St., Medina, OH 44
188-Tea-Cup-1 (888-832-2871) | website
I suggest reservations.
(If you love tea rooms, check out our tea post.)
You will find plenty of places to shop around the square.
The Bookshelf
105 W Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256
330.723.1314 |website
One of our favorite places to find used books, is The Bookshelf. This book store takes in used books, volunteers work the store, and all the proceeds go to Project Learn. A program that supports adult literacy in Medina County.
Medina Gem Co.
23 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256
330.722.4714 | website
If you are looking for that unique piece of jewelry, Anneliese Nefos at Medina Gem Co. is who you need to see. Anneliese is a certified Diamondologist GIA, Guild Gemologist, Appraiser, and Designer. Her jewelry store has been in business for over 20+ years. From custom jewelry to watches to a unique selection of pearls, your going to want to stop and shop. (The store is located inside next to The Honey Bee Bakery)
#MyOhioFun road trip note: Anneliese once worked for Winston Churchill. Read more here.
For those who love Cleveland, I spotted the perfect gift!
“… in recognition of Cleveland’s renaissance as a prime tourist and convention venue.”
One of my favorite stores to step in when I am in Medina is the Gardener’s Cottage. Seasonal decor, textiles, home accessories, home furnishings, unique gifts, and more can be found in this charming shop. The store also changes it’s decor with the seasons, which creates additional shopping opportunities.
Gardener’s Cottage
226 South Court Street, Medina, OH 44256
330.721.6633 | website
The Raspberry and The Rose
241 South Court St, Medina, OH 44256
330.952.1600 | Facebook page.
Unique ladies and jewelry boutique featuring handmade local artisans and today’s latest fashion trends.
The UpTown Shoppe
32 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256
(216) 849-8960
Antiquations
236 South Court St., Medina, OH 44256
330.722.4339 | Facebook page
Customized Designs, Novelty Gifts, Modern Decor.
Perfectly Charming
248 South Court St, Medina, OH 44256
330.723.5080 | website
Affordable vintage and painted furniture, unique accessories, and inspiring decorating ideas to freshen your home.
Enjoy the holiday season all year round at this museum.
Castle Noel
260 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256
330.721.6635 | castlenoel.com
Now that you have explored Medina Square, it’s time to check out America’s largest indoor Christmas entertainment attraction. See NYC animated Christmas windows, Hollywood Christmas movie props, collectible toys and Ralphie’s slide. I would allow about 2-3 hours for the complete tour and to browse their store.
One of my favorite movie props located at Castle Noel is Cousin Eddy’s Trailer from Christmas Vacation. The gift shop also carries the Moose Mugs that were featured in the movie. I use mine every Christmas!
Located also on the grounds of Castle Noel is Alien Vacation Mini Golf. This 3-D mini-golf experience is like no other. Designed and created by world renowned sculptor, Mark Klaus, creator of Castle Noel. For additional information click here.
Enjoy hunting for antiques?
If antiques are your passion, there are many antique stores in and around the city of Medina. Medina Depot Antiques, Medina Antique Mall, and Primitives Only, Antiques to name a few. For a full listing check out visitmedinacounty.com.
Other Medina County stops worth noting:
One of my favorite stops while I am in Medina County, and is located just north of Medina Square by about 20 minutes is Hollo’s PaperCraft store. A wonderful store for paper, envelopes, stationary, scrapbooking paper and miscellaneous party supplies. Their address is 1878 Pearl Rd (R 42) Brunswick and the phone number is 330-225-0911. For more information –hollos.com
If you would like to take a historical side trip while in Medina, Captain and Mrs. Martin Van Buren Bates, “The Giants of Seville” are buried just south of Medina in the town of Seville, Ohio. Mr. Bates was seven feet, eight inches and weighed 470 pounds while his wife Mrs Bates was seven feet, eleven inches and weighed 413 pounds. For additional information click here. The Seville Historical Society at 330-769-3471 offers by appointment the 1st Sunday of every month Noon to 5 pm, except January and February the opportunity to view displays featuring information about the famous couple.
Have you ever been to a bull riding event? Buckin’ Ohio in Burbank hosts pro bull riding events throughout the summer season. Feel brave? Purchase a seat in the tire cage. The cage is placed in the middle of the bull ring which gives you a 360 deg. view of all the action. For the little ones who want to try their had at ridding there is Mutton Busting. (Sheep riding.)
To learn more visit buckinohio.com.
There are other museums located in Medina County, for example the Northern Ohio Railway Museum and the Medina Toy & Train Museum. For additional Medina County historical places and museums visit visitmedinacounty.com.
#MyOhioFun Road Trip Notes:
Make sure you take your camera and wear your walking shoes. Throughout the year, various events are held around the Uptown Gazebo on the square, including free concerts, markets, ice carving displays in the winter and more.
Always pack a cooler. You never know if you may purchase perishables.
For a list of Main Street shops and a map click here.
For more visitor information contact or stop by the
Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
They are located right on the square.
32 Public Square, Medina, Ohio 44256
(330) 722-5502 | (800) 860-2943 | website
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Part of this story ran in 2021. The dates and additional events have been updated for the 2023. Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
