On the Square: Medina

When you tell locals that you’ll meet them “on the Square”, there’s no confusing the rendezvous location. Uptown Park in Medina, better known as Public Square, or simply, “The Square” has been the center of Medina for county government, social events, holidays, and festivals for nearly two centuries. Originally a public space used for grazing farm animals, the Square today anchors a nine-block historic district placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and is often cited as one of the finest Victorian commercial historic districts in the country. 

Named one of the Best Hometowns in Ohio by Ohio Magazine, there is always something to do or see in Medina, but weekends are the best time to spend a few hours walking the district, shopping, eating, hiking through the diverse park system, or taking some time to sit on the Square and relax. 

Beginning May 25, the Medina County Farmers Market takes to the Square every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm. The Market of more than 60 vendors features the best in locally grown produce, flowers, organic meats and cheeses, jams, jellies, and fine art. After shopping the Market, catch brunch at one of fifteen independent diners and restaurants in the district, or do some shopping at retail icons such as Whitey’s Army Navy Store or Medina Hardware.

No trip to Medina would be complete without a visit to ROOT Candles at 623 West Liberty Street, just west of the Historic District. Known nationally as “The Best Candle in America”, this family-owned company still churns out thousands of candles every day in a dizzying array of colors and scents. 

For over 150 years, The Medina Community Band has been presenting free concerts on the Square on Friday evenings in June and July from 8:30-9:30pm. Other events include Art in the Park, a one-day juried fine arts show that features 130 artists on July 21st; Jazz Under the Stars, presented by ORMACO of June 8, July 13, August 10 and 31, from 7-9pm; the Medina International Fest on August 24th; a family-friendly Halloween Harvest Fest on October 18-19; and the hugely popular Medina Candlelight Walk which kicks off the official holiday season and runs November 15-17. 

Medina City and County parks offer a wide variety of activities and nature centers. It’s easy to plan a day trip for a picnic in the woods, to watch birds, or to take a walk or bike ride on one of the many trails. If your tastes run a little more on the educational side, make sure you take the family to Ormandy’s Train and Toy Museum, or the Little Whiz Fire Museum, both located near the heart of town.

It’s easy to get to Medina from any direction and an affordable way to Day Trip! For more information visit www.medinaoh.org, www.mainstreetmedina.com, or www.visitmedinacounty.org