Small-Town Charm in Granville, Ohio

On a cold winter day, we received a letter from reader Pam Kirst, who likes to spend Saturdays in Granville, Ohio, a picturesque college town founded by New Englanders in 1805. She mentions the town's historic inns and village green but then confesses her real reason for going to Granville (35 miles east of Columbus) is to eat chocolate and read books.

She describes a public library with inviting window seats, a neighborhood bookshop, and rival chocolatiers selling sea-salt caramel and English toffee. We put down her note, looked out at the miserably gray sky and thought, Sold.

Even on a damp day, you'll find sparks of color and warmth throughout Granville. Teapots twinkle in Petali Teas, art and gifts fill two floors at Kussmaul Gallery, and young actors shine onstage at Denison University. The chic Granville Millinery Company hosts one- and two-day hat-making workshops, and the rural Welsh Hills Inn serves wine and cheese around a crackling fire.

We perused books at Readers' Garden, and we most definitely checked out those dueling Goumas brothers' chocolate shops -- and even declared a favorite. Though, like Pam, we might need to visit Granville again (and again), just to be sure.

Click ahead for some of our favorite places to shop, explore, eat and sleep in Granville. Pictured: Amy Hamilton of the Granville Millinery Company hosts hat-making workshops in a converted barn outside town.

Granville Welcome Center

Goumas Candyland Try the sea-salt chocolate caramels. (740) 587-4726; goumascandyland.com

Goumas Confections We prefer the vibe at Candyland but love the toffee here. (740) 587-4905; goumasconfections.com

Green Velvet Frilly displays showcase stylish gifts, including Granville postcards made with photos by the owner's husband. (740) 587-0515

Kussmaul Gallery Part art gallery, part colorful boutique, this two-story shop is a gem. (740) 587-4640; kussmaulgallery.com

Petali Teas Sniff different loose-leaf blends to find your fave brew at this sweet shop. (740) 816-1500; petaliteas.com

Readers' Garden Book Store Though small, this shop offers a nice mix of new and used titles. (740) 334-4792; readersgarden.com

Wisp Knitter or not, you'll be tempted by the gorgeous skeins at this pretty yarn shop, which also sells a few completed projects. (740) 587-3593

Pictured: Owner Jennifer Young arranges a bright window display at Kussmaul Gallery.

Granville Millinery Company (pictured) Save your pennies for a workshop with hat maker Amy Hamilton. The $200 per day fee includes materials, food and, of course, your one-of-a-kind, handmade hat. (740) 587-3580; granvillemillinerycompany.com

Denison University Big map kiosks around the 900-acre campus make self-guided tours easy. (Check out the view down to the stadium.) The university is well-known for its arts programs and hosts many concerts, recitals and plays each year. A calendar of events can be found on the university's website. Note that credit cards are not accepted for ticket purchases. (740) 587-6527; denison.edu

Acorn Pub at the Granville Inn (pictured) Warm up with a drink by the fire at this ornate historic hotel. (740) 587-3333; granvilleinn.com

River Road Coffeehouse Profs and students nurse coffee and scones in the thrift shop furniture tucked throughout this mazelike old building. (740) 587-7266; riverroadcoffeehouse.com

Welsh Hills Inn A stately country home blends amenities such as wide-screen TVs and terry robes with personal touches like vases of fresh flowers. Rooms and suites from $175, including breakfast made with farm-fresh eggs. (740) 321-1493; welshhillsinn.com

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