Denison University is located in Granville, Ohio known for its quaint atmosphere and New England feel, just 30 miles from the state capital of Columbus. A small, private, liberal arts institution the picturesque, campus is home to approximately 2,300 students. Main Street Granville is an easy walk with an assortment of restaurants and shops.  

Visitor Information: Tour Denison

Transportation: Students fly in and out of Port Columbus International Airport approximately 31 miles from the center of school. There is also a Greyhound Bus Station in Columbus. There is no Amtrak service to Columbus, the train routes only serve Toledo, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. 

Stay: The historic Granville Inn, built in 1929 is a popular tourist attraction and a charming place to stay fresh off a 9 million dollar renovation and expansion. The Inn still feels authentic and boasts an impressive all-new version of their famous Tavern and Oak Room. Another historic property and top choice in Granville is the Buxton Inn--new owners have recently renovated the 1812 inn which some tease is haunted, see here . The Orchard House, 4 miles from town on 12 acres of farmlands is a special B&B, ranked as one of Ohio’s top inns. The Broadway Guest House is a unique small batch lodging offering three different options: a loft, a studio or a 3-bedroom guesthouse. Approximately 8 miles from campus over in Newark, check in to Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree by Hilton or the Hampton Inn.

Coffee: Village Coffee Company and River Road Coffee House (with a second location in Newark) are the top choices in town for a morning brew.

Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at SteamRoller Bagel or at old school, vintage style diner Aladdin Restaurant. Village Coffee Company has excellent bagel sandwiches, making for a one-stop morning pit stop.

Lunch: Want to grab a quick bite before hitting the road—students highly recommend the Italian sandwiches at Palumbo’s. Everyone loves the noodle and tofu bowls and other Vietnamese food at Mai Chau on Prospect. Other good choices include Moe’s Original Bar B Que, or Alfie’s Wholesome Food for a healthy fix. Reservations are highly recommended for lunch at the Tavern at the Granville Inn, also a popular spot for Sunday brunch.

Dinner:

Casual: Students state you can’t leave Denison without trying the The Broadway Pub spinach dip, one of the starters on a menu with something for everyone from salads to burgers to larger entrees.  It’s a family affair at Day Y Noche, a great spot at all times of day (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner) for delicious Mexican fare.

A Step Up: Enjoy fine dining and historic surroundings at the Oak Room in the Granville Inn. It’s approximately a 20-minute drive, but we hear Hudson 29 is worth the trip for delicious American fare.

Sweets: There may be 26 locations of Whit’s Frozen Custard in Ohio, but it all began in Granville in 2003. The custard is made fresh daily--go see why students cry when Whit’s closes for their winter break.

Local Attractions: Granville is an example of preservation at its best with over 100 buildings listed under the National Register of Historic Places. Explore historic sights such as the Greek Revival Avery Downer House, Buxton Inn, Granville Inn, The Homestead at Denison University and the Alligator Effigy Mound. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike the 36-mile trail that connects Granville to the nearby Ohio cities of Newark, Johnstown and Alexandria.