Ohio Magazine's Best Hometowns, Nelsonville

Visitors are surprised at the small Athens county community of Nelsonville which is home to Rocky Boots.

"They are usually amazed that something like this is in a town this small," said Kevin Deaton.

It's an outdoorsman's dream come true. While boots are the big seller, visitors can get a meal and a deal.

"We get a lot of buyouts from QVC and HSN (including) women's apparel, women's shoes at drastically reduced prices," said Deaton.

One shopper told ONN's Denise Alex she got five pairs of shoes for $100.

But Rocky Boots isn't the only draw to Nelsonville.

Sue Maxwell runs the only bed and breakfast in Nelsonville, the historic Mead House.

"It's a grand old house with a unique history. It was owned by a family of doctors for many decades," said Maxwell. "We're so near to all of the interesting things to do, not only the public square just a block away but we're within 10-20 minutes of all the parks."

Downtown Nelsonville features the historic square arts district. People from all over the world come to browse the galleries and studios.

"What's really cool is that they host final Fridays. The last Friday of the every month and you can see a lot of the artists making their own pieces," said Jenna Dill.  "About 10 years ago, most of these store fronts were empty, and now it's a thriving arts district with Stuart's Opera House and you've got the café on the corner."

Foolbrooks Café is housed in the former Dew Hotel. The historic building is famous for it's balcony where presidents Taft, McKinley, Harding and Roosevelt all campaigned.

Stuart's Opera House, built in 1879, is one of Ohio's last remaining fully operating opera houses.

"Stuart's Opera House reaches audiences far and wide outside of here, so we attract people to Nelsonville and then they discover Nelsonville," said Tim Peacock.

The theater seats 400 and is one of the county's top tourist attractions.

There's also shopping at Tish's Treasures which showcases unique city and state items.

"We do custom gift baskets with local made products," said Christina Johnson.

Then there's also the educational structures of Nelsonville. Dr. Ron Erickson said Nelsonville and Hocking College go hand-in-hand.

"A large percentage of the city is actually populated by our students," said Erickson.

Nearly 6,000 students call Hocking College home, and many stay after gradution. It's a college that prides itself for it's unique programs.

"An internationally awarded culinary program, a nationally recognized equine science program," said Erickson "It's in an economically depressed region, everyone knows that, but it doesn't  break their enthusiasm to really try and move the city forward."

If you're in the mood for a ride on the rails, Nelsonville is home to Hocking Valley Scenic Railway which is run by volunteers. Tourists love to take the train.

"About 40,000 (people) a year, the season runs from Memorial Day to the last Sunday in October then picks up again in November," said Deaton.

Nelsonville in only five miles, but it's fabulous small town feel makes it one of Ohio's Best Hometowns.

"It's my home and I really like it, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," said Deaton.