Lexington - Mansfield, OH

In the early 1800s, land speculator Amariah Watson, Jr. founded Lexington. Its streets soon became home to hotels, taverns and grist mills, and in 1839, Lexington was recognised as a village by the government.

Although the original hotels and taverns no longer exist today, you can learn about the area’s history by paying a visit to Richland County Museum on West Church Street, where artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries tell of the area’s rich history. You can also find other art and culture destinations nearby, including the Mansfield Art Center. To experience Lexington’s famous Blueberry Festival, visit the village in August.

When it comes to eating and entertainment, Lexington’s Main Street does not disappoint, with a variety of options lining the street and surrounds.

Paul Revere’s Family Restaurant pleases the eye with interesting American Revolution memorabilia, while helpful staff serve customers satisfying comfort food. Providing diners with convenient parking, big food portions and small prices, the restaurant suits not only families but all kinds of diners. Go for a pancake breakfast, or take someone out for a special dinner. Start with fried sauerkraut balls before moving on to popular dishes, such as traditional spaghetti and meat sauce or sweet potato casserole.

Fans of Chinese food visit popular neighborhood restaurant Happy House on East Main Street. The intimate restaurant serves good food fast, providing for both sit-in customers as well as those on the hunt for tasty take-out on their way home. Friendly service and a varied menu help to enrich the dining experience. Try a typical but authentic Chinese staple, such as chow mein or chop suey, or experiment with something less familiar but equally satisfying, such as Singapore chow mei fun. Vegetarians don’t miss out here, with Happy House’s tofu and veggie meal and other scrumptious dishes on offer.

Sometimes, the urge to get your sweet fix after a gratifying meal proves too difficult to resist. Lexington’s answer comes in the form of JB’s Drive-In Restaurant on Delaware Road, a local favorite for ice cream. The family-style restaurant provides efficient, friendly service and a range of treats, both savory and sweet. Try a chicken Parmesan sandwich, and finish it off with a nutty waffle cone served with a mix of vanilla and chocolate soft-serve ice cream.

Those looking for late-night fun visit various bars in the area. The Happy Grape on East Main Street provides a warm atmosphere and a range of wine. For more evening entertainment and a choice of nightclubs, go the short distance north to Mansfield or even further for Cleveland’s diverse nightlife.

U.S Route 42 passes through Lexington, running in an east-west direction from Louisville all the way up to Cleveland. A quick drive east from the village along Route 42 gets you onto Interstate 71, and from here, you can head to Columbus in the south or Cleveland in the north. Ohio State Routes 546 and 97 also cut through Lexington, taking travelers to many surrounding destinations, including Ontario, Galion and Loudonville.

Residents of Lexington live in a car-dependent area. Taxi services are limited, and Uber does not operate in the area. No public transit system reaches this community. However, the area is small, making walking and biking attractive options to get around. Although you may not find dedicated bike lanes, and some residential streets lack sidewalks, most of the main roads have them.

Lexington residents enjoy plenty of wide-open spaces in and around the area that are available for free public use and allow dogs on a leash, including Lexington Community Park on Plymouth Street. The park invites visitors to enjoy its 30 acres of outdoor amenities, including ball fields, playgrounds, volleyball courts and picnic pavilions. Also located on Plymouth Street, the 47.5-acre Patriot Park can be used for soccer, picnics, jogging and other activities.

The village hosts various events through the year, many of which occur in the Village Square, such as Memorial Day ceremonies and the Light up Lexington in December, not to mention Lexington’s annual Blueberry Festival, known state-wide. The event takes place in Lexington Community Park in August, providing residents and many visitors with four days of family-friendly entertainment.

Residents pay about seven percent less to live in Lexington compared to the average cost of living in Ohio and about 15 percent less than the national average. Renters pay, on average, $458 for a one-bedroom residence. The price of gas in Lexington runs 1.5 percent higher than the national average, and a bottle of beer at a local pub costs around $3.

Lexington’s Main Street is the place to shop locally, with a number of quirky stores catering to residents. Get lost amidst an assortment of unique products at Crafty Clutter. The shop specializes in quality crafts, candles, light accessories, prints and maple tree baskets. Whether you want to decorate your garden or find inspiration for a friend’s birthday gift, the shop offers great browsing potential.

Farther along the road, on West Main Street, Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop provides locals with beautiful flower arrangements that are fit for any occasion, from a simple arrangement to cheer up a loved one to delicate wedding bouquets. Reasonable prices and personal assistance ensure customers keep returning.

As for grocery shopping, Lexington provides residents with options including Geyer’s Markets and local butcher shop Mary Anne’s Meats. A short distance north, you can also choose to shop at Kroger and Save-A-Lot. Also in this direction, find Wayne's Country Market, providing customers with fresh produce, gifts and events, such as wine and beer tasting.