Econo Lodge Mansfield

The garden center of Ohio

by Beausoleil

"I grew up in Mansfield, Ohio; left in 1960"

I've been back often, of course, to visit family and friends but I'm no help on hotels. My favorite went out of business years ago.

On the other hand, Mansfield is a great place for an Ohio vacation. It is centrally located to visit the northern part of the state and is the last town before you head into the prairie. Mansfield is still part of the Appalachian foothills so hilly and beautiful with lakes and streams galore.

The downtown is quaint old Ohio and there is modern shopping on the outskirts.

"Mansfield even has a European church"

St. Peter's Catholic church in downtown Mansfield is a magnificent historic building that rivals churches in Europe. It was renovated in the 1980s or 1990s and is still stunning. They have an excellent organ, lovely paintings and beautiful stained glass. It is definitely worth an inspection . . . or attend a service. You are always welcome.

"The historic center has been renovated"

When the malls arrived, downtown died. After some years of this, the downtown was restored. The historic buildings were refurbished; abandoned stores were repopulated and new businesses and activities were brought in. Now it's a fun place to visit with colorful wall murals, clean buildings, parking, a carousel, a lively arts center and several excellent restaurants.

In the area you can visit Malabar Farm State Park, Mohican State Park, Loudenville for canoeing and kayaking, Amish country and the Mid-Ohio Race Track. There is a charming band stand in Belleville and lovely drives in the countryside with several lakes and rivers. Even driving the Interstate (71) is gorgeous in the Mansfield area.