LET’S TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO BRUNSWICK, OHIO.
Hey fellow road trippers!
The City of Brunswick may not seem like an obvious road trip destination, but I am here to prove you wrong. I not only filled one day of exploring—I filled two! If you enjoy experiences, unique shops, thrifting, outdoor stops, and foodie finds, Brunswick should be on your radar for your next road trip.
WHAT IS MARKET 42?
It’s a combination food court and shopping experience—and a great place to spend an afternoon. If you are looking for a gift, a treat for yourself, or just a fun place to browse, the mix of eclectic shops offers something for everyone: homemade items, specialty goods, and even a new plant friend.
Make sure you browse a few of my favorite stops…
BLASTMASTERS. They specialize in custom sandblasted glassware and lazer-engraved accessories. (A great place to start your holiday shopping.)
GIFT MILL RUN – Create your own new plant friend at their custom plant bar.
HANDMADE HAVEN – Local artisan and handcrafted merchandise is what you will find when you visit this shop.
The hardest part of visiting the market is deciding which food vendor to try first. Tropical Bay serves a fusion of Latin recipes, while Local West is known for its amazing gyro. Don’t worry—there are plenty of opportunities to tackle that sweet tooth, too. K’Delicia tempts visitors with Brazilian desserts, Fortune Cookies will have you leaving with a bag to enjoy later, and crepe lovers can head straight to La Crepe Bakery & Café for a favorite sweet or savory combination.
And for those you need a little caffeine. Goldberry Roasting Company is there to help you satisfy your fix with their thoughtfully curated menu.
Before leaving, make sure you stop at Atticus Bread Company for one of their hand-crafted sourdough breads or cinnamon rolls.
For a complete list of current shops and food vendors, visit market42.com. Make sure you also check their event calendar, as special events are held at the market throughout the month.
📍 2099 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH
themarket42.com
EXPLORE MORE FOODIE STOPS
BRANKA’S BAKE HAUS & MARKET
📍 1930 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH
brankasbakehaus.com
If you are a Das Schnitzel Haus fan, you will enjoy their newest bakery and market. Step inside and you will find Old World German and Eastern European foods available to purchase, along with Italian-inspired items. The bakery section is filled with scratch-made treats, including cassata cakes, croissants, and scones. There is even a wine and coffee area. Closed on Mondays.
DONUT LAND
📍 3871 Center Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212
donutlandohio.com
They truly make the donuts. Since 1972, the word has gotten out: if you want one of the best donuts around, you need to get in line at Donut Land. And I mean get in line. That is how many people make a pilgrimage for their fried goodness. Don’t worry—the line moves superfast. As you stand there, you may suddenly feel like you are part of the donut family. Closed Monday.
I sampled, not all at once their blueberry fritter, cinnamon roll, chocolate cake donut, and their maple frosted cream stick. Opinion: I get why they have a donut cult following. The fritter was so big, it was like three donuts in one. They make my top 5 list of donut stops in Ohio.
EUROPEAN SPECIALTY FOOD MART
📍 1257 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH
europeanspecialtyfoods.com
What a surprise! I had no idea there was a European food store in Brunswick. I love shopping specialty food stores, and this one has aisles filled with sauces, noodles, European cookies and candy, dairy items, and more. I even found my favorite Hungarian paprika. They also sell burek by the slice. I didn’t know what it was either—kind of like a pizza. I tried the potato and onion version and found it to have a nice flavor.
LARB THAI RESTAURANT
📍 452 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH
larbohio.com
If you like Thai food, check out Larb Thai. They offer a nice selection of menu items, including lunch portions. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Pick up a menu, grab a seat, then go to the counter to order. Your dishes will be served directly to your table.
OHIO PIE
📍 1315 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH
ohiopieco.com
Ohio Pie is one of Northeast Ohio’s pizza shops with a personality all its own. Their pies have a certain “Ohio Pie” twist. Order in or to go, build your own pie, or try one of their specialty pizzas like Burly Boy or The Heart of It All.
THRIFTING STOPS
Do you enjoy thrifting? Do you find yourself enjoying the “hunt”? If you do, then you will find two stores you can thrift through and a fun antique store to enjoy.
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA THRIFT STORE
1736 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH
voaohin.org
This thrift store was full of items when I visited. I liked how everything was organized into sections. The toy area was well stocked, and the housewares selection was impressive.
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
1733 Pearl Rd, Brunswick, OH
https://goodwillakron.org/
If housewares, clothes, and miscellaneous finds are your jam, this Goodwill store will not disappoint.
BROTHERS ANTIQUES NORTH
2768 Pearl Rd., Medina, OH
Facebook.
If an antique store is more your vibe, just a few miles south of downtown Brunswick is Brothers Antiques North. It’s a great place to find vintage furniture and home décor. I found old galvanized tubs to use in my garden.
MAKE SURE YOU STOP AT…
HOLLO’S PAPER CRAFT, INC.
1878 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH
hollospapercraft.net/book.html
You do not need to be a scrapbooker to enjoy time at this specialty store. I find myself stopping in anytime I am in the neighborhood for drawing paper, ribbons, colorful envelopes, and old-fashioned library card pockets and cards for my Little Free Library. You are sure to find something you didn’t know you needed. Closed Sundays.
GET OUTDOORS AND EXPLORE
SUSAN HAMBLEY NATURE CENTER
1473 Parchen Blvd., Brunswick, OH 44212
medinacountyparks.com
Get close to nature with a visit to Brunswick Lake. The area includes a 13.2-acre lake, walking trails that pass wetlands, a wheelchair-accessible paved 1-mile trail, picnic tables, and an accessible fishing platform. The Nature Center offers an indoor bird observation area, a library area, displays of native animals, and a kids’ area.
The Nature Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m., except some holidays.
SEASONAL EXPERIENCES
🍎 MAPLESIDE FARMS
294 Pearl Rd., Mapleside, OH
This area farm opens in the fall to celebrate apple season. Check their website for fall events and details about their bakery. During the summer, the farm hosts concerts.
HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM & PARK
4613 Laurel Road, Brunswick, Ohio 44212
brunswickhistory.com
Outdoor Market: Sunday at the Farm happens seasonally.
2026: June 14–October 4 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Check their Facebook page for updates.
ROAD TRIP IDEAS: NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Here are a few easy itinerary ideas to help you plan your Brunswick road trip. Mix and match stops based on your schedule, appetite, and shopping style.
ROAD WARRIOR WEEKEND ESCAPE
Day 1:
🔹Start at Donut Land for coffee and one of their famous donuts.
🔹Spend the afternoon exploring Market 42 for lunch, shopping, and sweet treats.
🔹Check in at Hollo’s Paper Craft, Inc. or Brothers Antiques North for even more shopping.
🔹Wrap up the day with pizza from Ohio Pie or dinner at Larb Thai Restaurant.
Day 2:
🔹Morning! If you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, head over to Cool Beans for cup of their Java. Locals know just how good their coffee selections are. Grab a bag a beans to brew in your coffee maker when you return from your adventure.
🔹Browse the European Specialty Food Mart and pick up a few road trip snacks.
🔹Stop at Branka’s Bake Haus & Market for lunch or bakery treats.
🔹If you have extra time, head to Brunswick Lake to enjoy a leisurely walk and get close to nature.
FAMILY ADVENTURE DAY
🔹Start the morning at Donut Land for a fun breakfast treat.
🔹Head to Hollo’s Paper Craft, Inc. for craft and art supplies.
🔹Spend time outdoors at the Susan Hambley Nature Center and Brunswick Lake.
🔹Enjoy lunch and shopping at Market 42.
🔹End the day with games, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade fun at Scene75 Entertainment Center.
SCENE 75
3688 Center Rd., Brunswick, OH
scene75.com/
If you are looking for a place where you can drive around a go-kart track, ride bumper cars, go on a laser tag mission, or play arcade games, Scene75 is your spot.
ENJOY A GIRLS’ GETAWAY
🔹Map out your plan over coffee and a fritter at Donut Land.
🔹Spend the morning thrifting at Goodwill and Volunteers of America.
🔹Channel your creativity at Hollo’s Paper Craft, Inc.
🔹Enjoy lunch, shopping, and dessert at Market 42.
🔹While at the Market, stop at Gift Mill Run and enjoy time at the custom planting bar.
🔹If you still have room in the car, swing by the European Specialty Food Mart or Branka’s Bake Haus & Bakery. Don’t forget to bring a cooler.
SUGGESTED NEARBY OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
COMFORT SUITES BRUNSWICK TOWN CENTER
1464 Town Center, Brunswick, OH
Choice Hotel- Brunswick
Although I have not personally stayed here, I have heard great things from my travel partners at the Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
GET THERE
Where is Brunswick, Ohio located?
Driving distances:
Cleveland – 30 miles
Columbus – 125 miles
Cincinnati – 230 miles
Pittsburgh, PA – 140 miles
Toledo – 120 miles
Youngstown – 80 miles
My Ohio Fun Road Trip Notes:
- Always pack a cooler. You never know if you may purchase perishables.
- Visit each locations website/Facebook page before heading out for current open times.
- Although most locations take credit cards, remember small businesses still have to pay the credit cards fees. So pay with cash when convenient.
LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION
For more visitor information contact or visit
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
KEEP ON EXPLORING!
~Diane
(Article original post: July 8, 2026)
Editor’s note: Article and photos, unless noted by: Diane, MyOhioFun.com
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.***
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