Historic Downtown Cambridge

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Cambridge is located approximately 80 miles east of Columbus, in Guernsey County. With the convenient location at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 77, Cambridge attracts many short stay visitors. But just a few miles off the interstate, sits charming Historic Downtown Cambridge, a small historic town with Americana charms along the Historic National Road (US 40). A visit to Guernsey County, Historic Downtown Cambridge, and Georgetown Vineyards is a wonderful weekend escape to dine and shop local, and to explore the beautiful surrounding natural Ohio landscapes!

Historic Downtown Cambridge, was founded in 1803, and named after Cambridge, Maryland. With its location along Zane’s Trace and the National Road, Cambridge quickly became a center of trade and lured several industries to develop in the 1800’s. With buildings originating from the mid-to-late 1800’s, the historic district delights visitors. The charming historic district is home to small, locally owned businesses which are located in the beautifully restored historic buildings. Taking a stroll down Wheeling Avenue (the historic National Road), visitors can find antique and home décor shops, an Art Market, candy and coffee shops, a restored marketplace, historical museums, a theatre, and locally owned restaurants. I love visiting charming, historic downtowns, like Cambridge, to stroll along the historic streets, to support local shops, to dine at local restaurants, and to learn about the history of a charming Ohio city!

Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

Cambridge, OH Courthouse ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Historic Downtown of Cambridge, OH ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

Below are just a few of the many charming places to visit in Historic Downtown Cambridge:

The Guernsey Kitchen is located in a restored building from the 1800’s. Originally, a drug store, the Guernsey Kitchen now serves comfort food instead of pharmaceuticals. Recipes feature fresh ingredients from locally sourced Ohio producers. This home-style diner meshes modern conveniences with a yesteryear feeling. Guernsey Kitchen is a great place to savor local Ohio flavors for lunch or dinner!

Guernsey Kitchen ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Guernsey Kitchen ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

McKenna’s Market shares the other half of the historic 1800’s building that houses the Guernsey Kitchen. Originally, the marketplace was an eatery called The Guernsey Dairy Lunch (hence the name Guernsey Kitchen). Renovations of the historic building exposed the original ceilings, brick, hardwood and beautiful mosaic tile floors! Pictures from the early 1900’s are displayed on the wall, showcasing the original décor of this beautiful building! The marketplace now features Ohio made products such as; candies, cheeses, honey, hot sauces, meats, pastas, soaps, and so much more! There is a deli counter to grab local meats and cheeses, order a fresh-made deli sandwich or to enjoy a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream while exploring this wonderful gem in downtown Cambridge! Previously, a wall separated the two businesses, now, the two are connected, making a visit to the Guernsey Kitchen and McKenna’s Market a great way to sample local Ohio products!

McKenna’s Market ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com McKenna’s Market ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

McKenna’s Market ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com McKenna’s Market ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

McKenna’s Market ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com McKenna’s Market ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

Art Market 649 is a small art gallery in the historic downtown district. This open space showcases the creativity and talent of local artists. Artists are welcomed to paint at the gallery, and classes and workshops are offered to enhance your creative side. This wonderful venue beautifully showcases the artistic abilities of the talented locals!

Art Market 649 ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Art Market 649 ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com Art Market 649 ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

In the late 1800’s, deposits of natural gas and oil were discovered near Cambridge, which led to the creation of the glass-making industry. The Cambridge Glass Company produced quality glassware from 1902 to 1958. The National Museum of Cambridge Glass showcases glassware from the internationally known Cambridge Glass Company. The museum features over 6000 pieces of highly-collectable glassware, the Cambridge Glass goes Hollywood exhibit, and visitors can watch old films describing how the glass was made, view the beautiful glassware dated from 1902-1958 , and can see original factory items (doors, shelving, etching plates, etc.). When visiting the museum, say hello to Cindy, the Museum Director. With several family members whom worked at the Cambridge Glass Factory, she gives first-hand knowledge about the beautiful glassware!

The National Cambridge Glass Museum ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com The National Cambridge Glass Museum ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

The National Cambridge Glass Museum ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com The National Cambridge Glass Museum ~ www.ohiogirltravels.com

Historic Downtown Cambridge is a charming town in the heart of Guernsey County. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with beautiful surrounding landscapes, friendly locals, wonderful locally-owned businesses, and historic charm, a visit to Cambridge will delight visitors! Historic Downtown Cambridge and Guernsey County is a perfect weekend escape to explore the surrounding rolling hills, to dine and shop local, all along the historic National Road.

A special thanks to Jonett from A Taste of Ohio/Ohio Getaways for being my personal tour guide of Cambridge and sharing your enthusiasm about this charming city!

Thanks for reading!

Heather

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6 Comments

  1. Barbara Likes Price says:

    I was born and raised in Cambridge, Ohio, and one thing I know is, if you didn’t visit Theo’s for a Coney Island hot dog or Kennedy’s Bakery for their Chinese Tea Cookies, pastries and donuts, you should definitely go back and try them. I live in Jacksonville, Fl and they are the reason I still go back and visit Cambridge when I can.

    1. Hi Barbara! Lucky you, to have been raised in such a charming Ohio town (and to live in Florida)!! Unfortunately, both Theo’s and Kennedy’s were closed, since it was 4th of July weekend. But I do plan to return to visit both of those places, I have heard wonderful things about them!! Thanks for reading my blog post!!

      1. Barbara Likes Price says:

        I have begun following your belong and look forward to more of your postings.

        My husband and I will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in May and my only wish is to celebrate it in Cambridge where we were married. You can be sure there will be a visit to Theo’s for a coney island hot dog and to Kennedy’s Bakery where we will place a big order to bring home and fill up the freezer. Also, we will visit Sugarcreek, Ohio to visit the Amish Restaurants.

        1. Wow! Congratulations on 50 years of marriage!! How wonderful to spend an amazing anniversary milestone where you were married!! I hope you have a lovely time in Cambridge and reminisce about the wonderful times that you and your husband created there!! 🙂 Thanks for following my blog, I hope you enjoy my future posts!

  2. Debbie Robinson says:

    Looking forward to seeing you again at our OACVB Conference this week where you will be presenting!

    1. Hi Debbie! Thank you!! I am looking forward to seeing you as well!! Make sure you say hello!! 🙂

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