Ohio Weekends > Ohio > Zanesville

Nearby places: Dresden, Marietta

Zanesville is located on the Muskingum River, about one hour's drive east of Columbus on Interstate 70. We spent a weekend in Zanesville in late October, 2002 to celebrate David and Kari Burkey's wedding, plus our own fifth wedding anniversary.

Between the motel and church, we drove past Muskingum County's bicentennial barn, painted for Ohio's 200th birthday and captured a picture. A short drive to Dillon State Park provided additional opportunities to enjoy the fall folliage.

Although the wedding didn't give us enough time to visit the extensive pottery shops, we did manage to find a few interesting places to eat.

We almost enjoyed our anniversary dinner at the Old Market House Inn, a downtown restaurant with a pub-like atmosphere. Attempting to be the good husband, I suggested that my wife indulge herself with the "Surf-and-Turf", the usual beef filet and lobster tail, at "market price". I opted for the manicotti. Despite ordering the most expensive item on the menu, my wife found her dinner cold and the lobster rubbery. Not exactly what we had in mind. If they redeemed themselves at all, it was with the bread, provided by Giacomo's, the local Italian bakery. We enjoyed the white and sun-dried tomato varieties so much, we scoped out the bakery. Unfortunately, the bakery is closed on Sunday and will have to wait until another visit.

Based on a recommendation, we found Tom's Ice Cream Bowl, a local institution mentioned by the USA Today in 1998 as one of the 10 best places in the USA for ice cream. The place hasn't changed much in over 50 years. In addition to oversized ice-cream treats, Tom's offers sandwiches, roasted nuts and candies. And an impressive array of Tom's Ice Cream Bowl merchandise.

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Dillon State Park
5265 Dillon Hills Drive
Nashport, Ohio
(740) 453-4377

Putnam Hill Park
401 Market Street
Zanesville, Ohio
Located at intersection of Pine Street and Grandview Avenue. View the famous Y-bridge from the overlook.

Denny's Diner
10 Airport Road
I-70 at Exit 160
Zanesville, Ohio
(740) 450-8387

Giacomo's Bread & More
2236 Maple Avenue
Zanesville, Ohio
(740) 452-7323

Old Market House Inn
424 Market Street
Zanesville, Ohio
(740) 454-2555

Tom's Ice Cream Bowl
532 McIntire Avenue
Zanesville, Ohio
(740) 452-5267

Holiday Inn 4645 East Pike Zanesville, Ohio (740) 453-0771

Zanesville/Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce