Andover, Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor Diners arrive out of curiosity, but head home well-fed when they feast inside this renovated 1862 covered bridge. 440-293-6776.

Archbold, Barn Restaurant This restaurant is next door to the Souder Historic Village, a 19th century living-history complex depicting rural Ohio life. The menu includes bountiful buffets and family-style chicken, ham and beef dinners. 800-590-9755.

Bellville, V& M Family Restaurant This restaurant, located in the downtown area, promises homestyle cooking just like mom's. 419-886-3569.

Bucyrus, Carle's Bratwurst Carle's makes brats on-site. Choose to get yours served in a rye bun with sauerkraut, onion, and mustard. 419-562-7741.

Cincinnati, Graeter's Confectionery Ice cream made the old-fashioned way. 800-721-3323.

Cincinnati, Maisonette Treat yourself to this landmark's five-star French cuisine and service. 513-721-2260.

Cincinnati, Rookwood Pottery Bistro Dine in a restaurant that was previously home to the factory where Rookwell Pottery was created in 1892. The clever entree names on the menu will teach you about the buildings history. Be sure to check out the Incline Burger or the Erkenburger burger. 513-721-5456.

Cleveland, Lucy's Sweet Surrender A cheery Hungarian bakery serving pastries. 216-752-0828.

Cleveland, Stino Da Napoli A landmark Cleveland restaurant with homemade ricotta cake. 440-331-3944.

Columbus, Handke's Cuisine Try their seasonal German cuisine including specials such as the signature grilled Wisconsin veal chop, or the Caesar salad in a Parmesan cheese basket as thin and lacy as a bridal veil. 614-621-2500.

Columbus, Nancy's Home Cooking This eatery oozes with funky character. Pennants, jerseys, and other memorabilia crowd every shelf and hide most of the walls at this den-size shrine to Ohio State University sports and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The cook stands within arms' reach as he dishes up potatoes and gravy. 614-265-9012.

Columbus, The Clarmont Serving the city for more than 50 years, this restaurant with burgundy awnings specializes in friendly hospitality. Just as appealing are the heaping helpings of prime rib and the dry-aged steaks. 614-443-1125.

Covington, Buffalo Jacks At the 1886 brick tavern, owner Jack Maier serves unusual game such as alligator, rattlesnake, caribou, elk and, of course, buffalo. Tamer tastes can opt for deep-fried chicken, prime rib, or Lake Erie walleye. 937-473-2524.

Defiance, Kissner's Tavern-Restaurant Local tavern owners used to serve hungry canal-boat crews during stopovers at this restaurant over 70 years ago. Brothers Bill and Karl Kissner continue the restaurant tradition here, started by their grandfather, John. Ask for the catch of the day. 419-782-1116.

Gambier, Gambier Deli Visit this small-town deli and rent a bike for touring the scenic Kokosing Trail. 740-427-4324.

Granville, Granville Inn You'll feel as though you're dining in an English manor house as you savor house favorites such as the chicken Oscar. 740-587-3333.

Hanoverton, The Spread Eagle Tavern Relax in one of this historic restaurant's seven period-furnished rooms. 330-223-1583.

Jacksontown, Clark's Dining Room Real mashed potatoes, along with ham, steak, and fried chicken dinners, top the menu in this 1950s-style restaurant. 740-323-3874.

Lebanon, Golden Lamb Experience elegant dining, specializing in lamb and beef dishes, at this historic restaurant and inn, which opened in 1803. 513-932-5065.

Logan, The Inn at Cedar Falls Everything at this Ohio Applalachian foothills retreat revolves around the seasons and the bounty from the innkeeper's gardens. 740-385-7489.

Loudonville, Bromfield's Dining Room at Mohican State Park Lodge Savor a prime rib dinner as you enjoy the view in the glass-walled dining room. 419-938-5411.

Monroe, Brandywine Inn Inc. Without inside information, there's not much chance you'd stumble onto this intimate restaurant in a small town between Cincinnati and Dayton. It serves dishes and fine wines from around the world. 513-779-4747 or 513-539-8911.

Napoleon, Riverview Frosty Boy Take a break at Napoleon's old-fashioned sandwich and ice cream drive-in. 419-599-3830.

Troy, La Piazza Pasta and Grill From a grapevine-entwined canopy to lavish antipasto platters, the Anticoli family recreates a slice of Italy. Try the cappellini margherita al fresco (angel hair pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil and mozzarella), along with the restaurant's signature tomato-basil sauce. 937-339-5553.

Waldo, G&R Tavern In this little central Ohio town, fried-bologna sandwiches are the specialty. Customers are full of bologna, as more than 800 pounds of bologna are served every week at the tavern. 740-726-9685.

Walnut Creek, Der Dutchman Restaurant Family-style meals, which include panfried chicken and roast beef, fill tables at this eatery. 330-893-2981.

Waterville, Columbian House For the past 50 years, this restaurant has been housed in an 1828 inn. It's renowned for roast pork tenderloin, and bread pudding with caramel-rum sauce. 419-878-3006.

Waterville, Smedlap's Smithy An 1840s blacksmith shop turned into a restaurant that features dishes such as prime rib. 419-878-0261.

Waynesville, Hammel House Restaurant Enjoy hearty portions of Amish-style foods, sandwiches, and salads at this cozy historic inn, which is also a bed and breakfast. 513-897-2333.

West Chester, The White House Inn This old brick farmhouse was converted into a casual restaurant over 10 years ago. Entrées with Midwest flavors include two lean, center-cut grilled pork chops. 513-860-1110.

Worthington, La Chatelaine French Bakery & Cafe Lunch on from-scratch specialties such as spaghetti à la GiGi or jambalaya. 614-848-6711.

Zoar, The Inn on the River Dine on pasta where 1840s canal boat travelers once ate. 330-874-3770.