Being a sober individual can sometimes make you feel like an outsider in a society—especially when you’re trying to avoid bars, sporting events, and other places where alcohol is readily available. Fortunately, an abundance of sober things to do in Ohio exists if your goal is to have fun while staying abstinent from drugs and alcohol.
Check out these 10 sober activities in Ohio that can help you stay on track with your recovery.
1. Visit the Dry Mill
Sober bars are increasing in popularity throughout the U.S. to encourage people everywhere to drink less and maintain a sober, healthy lifestyle—especially those in recovery from addiction.
The Dry Mill is a sober bar that will soon be opening in Columbus. The bar will feature coffee drinks, locally sourced craft sodas, and a variety of alcohol-free beer and cocktails. This alcohol-free place will allow adults to socialize and enjoy many of the same amenities as a typical bar but without alcohol.
2. Tour Ohio Art Museums
Ohio is home to several major art museums, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Toledo Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art, which is internationally renowned for its collections of Asian and Egyptian art, has a permanent collection of more than 61,000 works of art worldwide. The Toledo Museum of Art is significantly smaller than the museum in Cleveland but offers a greater collection of glass art and 19th- and 20th-century European and American art.
Art therapy is commonly offered at many drug and alcohol rehab centers to help patients express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions using various art forms. If you received this therapy in rehab, you may have a fond appreciation of art and be able to interpret it better than most. Consider visiting various art museums in Ohio as part of your recovery plan.
3. Tour the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland is informally known as the birthplace of rock and roll. If you’re a music enthusiast, visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to gain an in-depth look into the history of this music genre. You’ll learn numerous fun facts about rock and roll and get the opportunity to check out several floors of memorabilia, including costumes worn by performers, their former instruments, and other random items that carry significance in the world of rock.
If you received music therapy while in recovery, this museum may be an enjoyable experience. This attraction is located at 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard in Cleveland, right on the harbor next to other fun museums and restaurants.
4. Spend a Weekend at Hocking Hills State Park
As one of the most beautiful natural spots in Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is an ideal weekend getaway for those who love spending time outdoors surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. This park, established in 1924, has a diverse landscape that includes waterfalls, gorges, jagged cliffs, and rock formations. Visitors to this park can engage in several activities during their stay, such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and ziplining.
Pack your camping gear and spend the weekend at one of the park’s hundreds of campsites. Hocking Hills State Park is ideal for those in recovery who want to stay fit and active and who enjoy disconnecting from technology while reconnecting with nature.
5. Explore the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Located in Columbus, the is home to hundreds of exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and glass artwork by Dale Chihuly. The conservatory is smack-dab in the middle of 90 acres of botanical gardens that will keep you incredibly busy during your visit.
Botanical gardens are often peaceful, serene, and quiet. Many people visit these gardens to relax, meditate, read, or create works of art. Spend the day wandering the grounds, with a break to eat lunch at the conservatory’s Garden Cafe. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a popular site among those in recovery who want a low-key and quiet day away from life’s daily stressors.
6. Shop the West Side Market
Nutrition is a critical component of addiction recovery; healthy foods can help your body heal after a period of drug and alcohol misuse. Many addiction treatment centers include nutrition therapy and counseling in their rehab programs to teach patients how to maintain a healthy diet while in recovery.
If you live in or near Cleveland, spend an afternoon shopping at the West Side Market to try a variety of fresh, healthy, and unique foods. Located at 1979 West 25th Street, this old public market established in 1840 features about 100 vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, nuts, seafood, baked goods, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals.
7. Drive Through Amish Country
Ohio is home to one of the country’s largest Amish communities. History experts suggest that Holmes County may be the first county in the U.S. where the majority of its residents are Amish. Spend the day driving through Amish Country, which begins in Holmes County and spans several counties, including Wayne, Tuscarawas, and Coshocton counties.
While on your drive, you’ll have the opportunity to see horse-drawn buggies, farmers at work and several roadside stops where you can buy Amish goods, including furniture and locally made foods. If you’re in recovery from addiction and drug dependence, a visit to Amish Country can give you a glimpse into a simpler, hard-working lifestyle that may put things into perspective and make you appreciate what you have.
8. Explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Located between Cleveland and Akron along the Cuyahoga River, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a refuge for those who want to get lost among hundreds of native plants and wildlife. The park features several waterfalls, an old railroad, and plenty of hiking trails that allow you to explore and view its various sights.
Go fishing or biking, or take a scenic train ride for an opportunity to glimpse deer, beavers, and eagles. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also known for its clear view of the night sky, where astronomers and other space enthusiasts gather to gaze at stars and planets. This park is ideal for those who want to reconnect with nature and stay active while recovering from addiction.
9. Tour the Ohio State Reformatory
Located in Mansfield, this spooky historic prison was built in 1886 and remained in operation until 1990, when it was ordered to be closed by the U.S. Federal Court. The prison has gotten featured in several movies and TV shows, including “The Shawshank Redemption.” Visitors can take tours led by former inmates to view its grounds and cell blocks. One of the best times to visit is Halloween when the prison gets converted into a haunted house.
Many crimes that lead to imprisonment are influenced by drugs in some way, whether a person committed a crime to obtain money to buy drugs or because they were under the influence. Even if your addiction did not cause you to become involved in any crimes or illicit activities, touring the Ohio State Reformatory can make you feel thankful you sought treatment before your addiction led to more serious crime-related problems.
10. Become an Ohio Foodie
Ohio is known for several iconic foods you can find only in the Buckeye State. If you live in Ohio and haven’t tried all of the foods it’s known for, now is the perfect time to visit different restaurants to identify the businesses that prepare them the best and to also discover new potential favorite meals. Plus, anyone new to Ohio will want to know about the best foods and restaurants, and becoming an Ohio foodie will make you everyone’s go-to expert.
Chili dogs, corned beef sandwiches, paw fruits, and homemade ice cream are some of Ohio’s signature foods. Spaghetti topped with cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella and Buckeyes (desserts made with peanut butter and chocolate) are other state signature favorites. Discover the venues that serve the best versions of these foods, then share your findings with your sober friends.
Recover from Addiction at Indiana Center for Recovery
Indiana Center for Recovery in Bloomington, Indiana, is located just hours away from every city in Ohio. Our addiction treatment center offers a variety of drug and alcohol rehab programs that can help you or your loved one experience long-term recovery from addiction. Contact us today at (844) 650-0064 to learn more about our many addiction treatment services.