Fall festivals in Southwest Ohio and Christmas events near Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus

Southwest Ohio festivals near Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus are abundant in September, October, November and December. Plan your fall getaway or weekend trip around the special events in Wilmington and Clinton County Ohio. The small town downtown, rural countryside and proximity to major cities makes this one of Ohio's best places to visit for recreation and entertainment for the entire family.

Wilmington and Clinton County Ohio have an open invitation for you to stop in and visit.
Conveniently located near Ohio I-71, festivals, attractions and shopping abound every season but particularly in autumn and holiday seasons where fall festivals and Christmas fun is remembered.

A vacation here offers historical sites, heritage tours, Cincinnati attractions, Dayton attractions, Columbus attractions and access to everything to see and do in Southwest Ohio conveniently located near I71.

So whether you want to go to major attractions like Kings Island or escape to the countryside,
Clinton County is an open invitation!

DANCING HORSES, WORLD’S LARGEST CRAB & DINNER WITH GHOSTS
ARE JUST A FEW OF CLINTON COUNTY OHIO’S PECULIAR OFFERINGS

In tourism, it’s what differentiates you that creates a buzz. And people are buzzing about Clinton County, Ohio’s open invitation to see something completely different.

Just off I-71 in what may be called the Ohio-Triangle of fun about an hour from Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, the small towns and rural countryside of Clinton County has its share of secrets …and they’re getting out! Known for its southern hospitality and world-class convention center, it also has a freaky-fun side featuring dancing horses, the world’s largest horseshoe crab and dinner with a ghost.

Dressage, an Olympic sport, features horses trained to perform movements which are likened to dancing. Wilmington, Ohio’s newly renovated Roberts Arena will host Olympians in this novel sport in a series of shows now through September, 2009. The event is sanctioned by the U.S. Equestrian Federation and U.S. Dressage Federation.

Although Dressage is more a sight of beauty than bizarre, make no mistake, the crab in Blanchester, Ohio is featured in almost every roadside novelty book for one reason – it’s strange. Although the world’s largest horseshoe crab is a spectacle from the outside, you can actually go inside it as well. In fact, weddings have been held there. Its belly seats 65 people. The crab was originally intended for the Baltimore Maritime Museum but ended up in Clinton County, Ohio instead.

Crab may be nice for dinner but have you ever had dinner with a ghost? If not, you may want to brave a trip to Wilmington, Ohio’s Snow Hill Country Club for a taste.

Snow Hill is a beautiful inn built in 1820 and has had Eleanor Roosevelt and Henry Ford as guests. It has also hosted a number of unexplained occurrences through the years.

These astonishing stories are told after the seasonal buffet dinner settles the stomach. The stories are often different because the hauntings never stop. Guests are then encouraged to walk-off dinner by participating in a ghost hunt and are free to roam the property. Ghost hunting equipment is available on-site. You may make your reservation now.

That’s just for starters. Clinton County, Ohio is also a mainstream destination and host of major conventions and conferences at the state-of-the-art Roberts Centre, conveniently located just off I-71 between Cincinnati and Columbus.

Clinton County is where people go for relaxation and natural beauty on roads less traveled. Its great towns and great value extend to a variety of “Ma & Pop shops”, behind the scene tours, special events, unique eateries and fine dining plus lodging accommodations to satisfy any traveler. Historic relics, architecture, and art are also draws to Clinton County where visitors do not have to fight the masses when they tour a museum, shop for antiques, or decide to end their day with a quiet dinner.

Clinton County is rich in its history of bygone days with deep pride for its Quaker heritage. It's a place where unique shopping opportunities prevail, and local artisans display their wares. In Clinton County fresh produce can still be found at roadside stands. Nature is a strong force here, and two area state parks provide every opportunity to enjoy nature at its best.

Clinton County also believes in family festivals. Whether it’s celebrating the 50s and 60s at the annual Banana Split Festival, celebrating the arts at the Wilmington Art & Pottery Festival, paying tribute to the areas' deep agricultural roots at the Corn Festival, or enjoying the thrilling Holidazzle Illuminated Parade & Festival, there is an event for everyone throughout the year.

To see something completely different and receive down-home attention, whether it’s for business or pleasure, call 1-877-428-4748 or see www.clintoncountyohio.com.

Top Banana

America only has one Banana Split Festival. And it’s in Wilmington, Ohio – the birthplace of the banana split. Hazard’s Drug Store in Wilmington created the first-ever banana split in 1907. The town, and America, have celebrated ever since. Today, that same banana split is served at Gibson’s Goodies in Wilmington.

We eat all the time without thinking but we never forget those special places where dining was an experience to remember. Clinton County offers Dinner with a Ghost

in the 1820 inn at Snow Hill Country Club. Guests are treated to a paranormal dinner followed by ghost stories and a ghost hunt. Another out-of-the-norm eatery is Kim’s Classic Diner in Sabina. This old-time traditional railcar-type diner is authentic dating back to 1946. Furbished with original booths, counter tops, stools, floor tile and menu boards, it still serves up 1950’s ambience complete with daily specials and soda fountain favorites.

The Most Famous Crabby Patty of All

Blanchester, Ohio is home to quite a sight – the world’s largest horseshoe crab. Intended for the Baltimore Aquarium, this peculiar roadside attraction has attracted folks from all over the country. And now it even hosts an annual crab fest.

Evel Knievel Meets Elvis Presley
to See The World Record Double Motorcycle Fire Jump
An event of eclectic tastes is gearing up for its second annual edition after the inaugural first year event went far beyond expectations. Where else can you mix a motorcycle rally, martial arts, gymnastics, corn hole and an attempt at the world record double motorcycle fire jump? CrabFest 2009! Oh, there’s also an Evel Knievel and Elvis Presley exhibit.

Witness Dressage at Wilmington’s newly renovated Roberts Arena all summer long featuring horses trained to perform movements likened to dancing. It even features six-time Olympic champion Robert Dover.

Quaker Heritage
The Quaker Heritage Center celebrates the history of the members of the Religious Society of Friends who settled in southwest Ohio, building its culture and its institutions. An important part of the history of America has been the unfortunate tendency to “objectify the other,” whether that be Native Americans, African Americans, foreigners, or the incarcerated. Friends have been our “conscience,” reminding us, forcefully and sometimes with great sacrifice, that there is “that of God in everyone.” The Center honors this historical contribution and the living tradition of Friends, an ongoing commitment to the struggle for peace and justice.

There’s no clay’n around at this annual event where artisan wares are for show and sale at the Roberts Convention Centre. See demonstrations of the diminishing art of hand-thrown pottery by the folks at Grandpa’s Pottery.

The area’s first non-native settlers arrived around 1797 after the lands were set aside for Revolutionary War veterans and dubbed “military lands.” The county took its name from Vice President George Clinton and its most influential residents were the Friends (Quakers), who founded Wilmington College in 1870. It is the only private school in Ohio to offer an agricultural degree. The college features the largest depository of materials outside of Japan relating to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima/Nagasaki. New to the college campus is the Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center. It consists of display areas in the museum/gallery, and a traditional Quaker meeting house, constructed after a model from the 1800’s.

Every community has a favorite son. For Clinton County, this may well be Gilbert VanZandt, a 10-year-old boy that went to war as a drummer with his father during the Civil War. Little Gib was even part of Sherman’s March to the Sea. The boy is immortalized by a special memorial in Port William, Ohio.

Another historic architectural treasure is the Murphy Theatre. Its name sake is Charles Webb Murphy, who owned the Chicago Cubs during their glory years of 1906-1914. Located in downtown Wilmington’s historic district, down the street from the historic 1928 General Denver Hotel, the stately 750-seat theater is still in operation and is home to nationally known acts and theatrical productions.

Clinton County history inspired the design of murals found throughout the area. The Main Street Market Mural covers 1,600 square feet and shows an indoor farmers' market and hot air balloon launch as it was in 1918. Built in 1918, the Clinton County Courthouse is an architectural gem of the Second Renaissance Revival featuring a detailed ornamental plasterwork and a large mural dome.

Museums are usually the best place to archive a community’s history. Clinton County is home to several notable collections. The Clinton County Historical Society Museum features a collection of sculptures and paintings by world-renowned Quaker artist Eli Harvey and a collection of Native American photography by Carl Moon. The Sara Rose Museum, built in 1896, is in an elegant Victorian mansion, which is designed in lavish, ornate Queen Anne architecture. Generations of style and decor range from the formality of the late 19th century to the casual comfort of the 1940s and 1950s. Ancient History has come alive at Freedom Biblical Museum. It offers one of the finest collections of ancient biblical artifacts complete with scriptures, coins, weapons and writings. There are even authentic crucifixion nails, Sumarian tablet, papyrus writing fragments and a perfume/oil juglet among many other notable artifacts.

Martinsville Covered Bridge has survived to present day and helps maintain Ohio’s status as the second leading state in number of covered bridges.

A variety of parks preserve natural history. These include Cowan Lake State Park, Caesar Creek State Park, Culberson (Dean A) State Nature Preserve and Collett Woods Nature Preserve.

· Caesar’s Creek Flea Market

· Caesar’s Creek State Park

· Cherrybend Pheasant Farm

· Clinton County Courthouse

· Clinton County Historical Museum

· Clinton County Rails to Trails

· Collett Woods Nature Preserve

· Cowan Lake State Park

· Culberson State Nature Preserve

· Downtown Wilmington

· Elks 797 Golf Club

· Freedom Biblical Museum

· General Denver Hotel

· Gibson’s Goodies

· Grandpa’s Pottery

· Lucy & Ethel’s Country Tea

· Kim’s Classic Diner

· Main Street Market

· Majestic Springs Golf Course

· Martinsville Covered Bridge

· Murphy Theatre

· National Weather Service

· Peace Resource Center

· Quaker Heritage Centre

· Roberts Arena

· Roberts Centre

· Sara Rose Museum

· Snow Hill Dinner with a Ghost

· Snow Hill Golf Course

· Wilmington College

· World’s Largest Crab

· Boating, Sailing and Fishing

· Camping

· Golfing

· Hiking, Birding and Biking

· Horseback Riding

· Hunting and Skeet Shooting

· Shopping

· Swimming

BACKGROUNDER
Clinton County in Depth

Open Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. Features hundreds of antique and collectible vendors inside and out.

Camping, horseback riding trails, swimming, waterskiing and boating are available on this 2,830-acre lake. Forty-three miles of hiking trails traverse the 4,700-acre park. Hunting and fishing are permitted in certain areas.

This 368-acre grain farm is stocked with large ring neck pheasants with hunting permitted from September through April. Dining on pheasant is also available year-round on this wonderful farm.

Built in 1918, the courthouse is an outstanding architectural example of the Second Renaissance Revival, complete with detailed ornamental plasterwork and a large mural dome. The entire courthouse recently underwent extensive restoration, the effects of which can be seen throughout the structure. Even the interior of its massive dome has been reworked to its 1918 luster.

This county museum allows the visitor to reflect on Clinton County’s history and is home to several notable collections. Included are a collection of sculptures and paintings by world-renowned Quaker artist Eli Harvey and a collection of Native American photography by Carl Moon. When you tour the museum, listen as the museum’s staff brings history to life and tell of the people who shaped this area. Genealogies and histories important to the area are also housed in this former residence of General James W. Denver.

Recreational opportunities abound at this state park that is open year-round. This 7000-acre state park offers 254 campsites, 27 family cabins, 1000 acres of beaches, 4 miles of hiking trails, 1 mile of mountain bike rails, and 700 acres of water. Enjoy sailing, swimming, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The 10 hp limit on Lake Cowan creates a sanctuary for sailboats.

Enjoy a ”self-guided” walking tour of downtown Wilmington, the county seat. This commercial district, on the national register of historic places is a national and state designated Main Street Community. An impressive display of architectural designs can be seen. Stop in at one of the downtown establishments for a bite to eat or for some shopping.

Ancient History has come alive in Blanchester, Ohio. The Freedom Biblical Museum has become a tourist site to see located in Freedom Worship Baptist Church. It's one of the finest collections of ancient biblical artifacts you will see complete with scriptures, coins, weapons, writings and more.

Experience a banana split the way it was first made in Wilmington in 1907 at this specialty ice cream shop, named one of Ohio's 10 best places to get ice cream by Ohio Magazine. Featuring 51 flavors.

The diminishing art of hand-thrown pottery is demonstrated as you watch at this showroom and pottery facility, located on the family farm. Grandpa’s offers beautiful and functional pottery in many styles and designs.

Hosting elegant country Tea Parties in their private home with a beautiful country setting in Wilmington, Ohio. A trip to Lucy & Ethel's will refresh the mind and renew the sprit. Sip a cup of fine loose leaf teas and enjoy the view while being pampered in a relaxed, graceful setting. Take tea with Lucy & Ethel and experience a world gone by! Their tearoom and great room provide a perfect setting for all occasions. Whether you are planning a bridal shower tea, anniversary tea, thank you tea, birthday tea or just getting together with friends, they will make your visit a delightful experience.

Sabina, a township about 15 miles east of Wilmington, can boast of Kim’s Classic Diner and classic it is! This 50’s style diner offers daily specials housed in an authentic ’40’s diner with an impressive history. Built in 1946 by the Patterson Vehicle Co. of Patterson, NJ. the diner still retains its original manufacturer identification plate and was the 55th diner built in 1946. This Silk City Diner was formerly run as the old Greenville Diner in Greenville, NY and previously operated by the Sicliano family just after their purchase during the 1940’s. The diner was even included in a book entitled The American Diner written by Michael Karl Witzel.

The "Main Street Market" mural on the west-facing wall of 63 W. Main Street covers 1,600 square feet and shows an indoor farmers' market and hot air balloon launch. Clinton County history inspired the design of the mural, mainly a hot air balloon launch that took place on the corner of Main and Walnut Streets in Wilmington around 1918.

Ohio ranks second in the nation in the number of covered bridges still standing, with about 140 in the state. More than half of these still carry traffic over rivers and streams. One of these bridges is in Clinton County. Located West-Northwest of Martinsville on Martinsville Road in Clark Township, is a covered bridge built in 1871. This classic bridge crosses the Todds Fork Creek of the Little Miami River. Although many covered bridges gave way over the years to flood and fire, and to the technology that replaced the wooden peg with the metal bolt and the broad timbers with narrow steel, the Martinsville Bridge has survived.

Charles Webb Murphy, who owned the Chicago Cubs during their glory years of 1906-1914, built this landmark in downtown Wilmington’s historic district. The stately 750-seat theater is home to nationally known acts and theatrical productions from September through May. When you drive down Wilmington’s Main Street, you can’t help but see the marquee of the Murphy Theatre, nostalgic of another era.

This facility operates 24-hours a day, year-round and is responsible for weather forecasting for a 56-county area in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This center broadcasts weather forecasts, warnings, and houses the Ohio River Forecast Center. The ORFC produces flood guidance for a 13-state area.

Wilmington is a Quaker related college, and the Peace Resource Center (PRC) exists as one of the major ways to implement the peacemaking and reconciliation elements in the Mission Statement of the College. The Center was founded in August, 1975 when Barbara Reynolds, Quaker peace activist, formally presented her Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial Collection to the College. A permanent exhibit highlights 4 stories designed to inform and inspire. The Wilmington College Peace Resource Center has a long-standing commitment to peace and justice. Since 1975 it has taken an active role in providing peace education materials both locally and throughout the country.

The Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center is a facility dedicated to celebrating the local, regional and national history of the Religious Society of Friends and is located at Wilmington College. The center features 1,261 square feet of display area, and a traditional Quaker meetinghouse. The Quaker Heritage Center celebrates the history of the Religious Society of Friends who settled in southwest Ohio, as well as their contributions to America and its culture. Quakers have a long history of activism on issues such as peacemaking, civil rights, racism and social justice. Visiting exhibits and speakers are just part of the experience.

Southwest Ohio’s premier show arena, Roberts is busy year-round as the venue for various horse shows and events. Nowhere else in the region can you see so many breeds performing in the show ring, each displaying their own special attributes.

The Roberts Centre is a complex comprised of a full-service Holiday Inn, a Max & Erma’s Restaurant, and the state-of-the-art Roberts Conference Centre, located at I-71 and St. Rte. 68, Exit 50, in northern Clinton County. The conference facility offers more than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, six meeting rooms and four ballrooms, 2 executive board rooms, a 6,000 square foot patio, 1,400 complimentary parking spaces, and drive-in dock, all on one floor. The Roberts ballroom opens to reveal more than 60,000 square feet of unobstructed meeting and event space.

Built in 1896, this elegant Victorian mansion is an excellent example of lavish, ornate Queen Anne architecture. Each generations’ sense of style and decor can be witnessed, from the formality of the late 19th century to the comfort and casuality of the 1940s and 1950s.

Guests are treated to a fine-dining experience with buffet-style service of seasonal fare during an intimate candlelit setting. Following dinner, take a tour of the old Inn and learn more about the history of Snow Hill. The tour is sure to keep everyone peering over their shoulders, anticipating what will happen next. The Inn has all new EDP recordings and photos to share. A ghost hunt begins after the dinner and tour, when the group is encouraged to explore on their own. Cameras and flashlights are allowed. This is the time when group members can try and capture positive proof of the “dearly departed.” This annual fall event is by reservation only.

This independent, co-educational, four-year, career-oriented, liberal arts college was founded in 1870 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It is the only private school in Ohio to offer an agricultural degree. The college features the largest depository of materials outside of Japan relating to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima/Nagasaki, a computer and learning skills center, and the unique Peace Resource Center. New to the college campus is the Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center. It consists of display areas in the museum/gallery, and a traditional Quaker meeting house, constructed after a model from the 1800’s. It has been said that Wilmington College is perhaps the most visible and influential and lasting evidence of Quaker heritage in southwest Ohio.

The World's Largest Horseshoe Crab sits in the small town of Blanchester along S.R. 28. The structure was constructed by Academy Award winning designers of Farren & Associates for the Baltimore Maritime Museum in Baltimore Maryland. It was then bought by the Creation Museum for a creation fossil display in Hebron, Kentucky and then donated to Freedom Worship Baptist Church in Blanchester. The Crab sets at the entrance to the town in a Biblical scripture garden. The Crab is also used as a pavilion and is capable of seating up to 65 people inside and even more outside.

Perfect for cyclists, hikers, walkers, and nature lovers, two paved recreational trails stretch five miles, connected by a new urban trail. Plans for several miles of additional connecting trails are being planned.

There are several examples of large hunks of Canadian granite erratic rocks deposited in the Preserve. Look for them along the 1.25 mile hiking loop that circles the forest perimeter.

This 238-acre preserve is one of the few examples of the ”white swamp forest” which once covered the uplands of southwestern Ohio.

The 797 Elks Golf Club offers 18 holes with watered fairways and is a very walkable course. Driving range and practice green compliment this facility.

Eighteen-hole public golf course. Bent grass tees, fairways and greens make up this beautiful course taking you across rolling meadows, winding streams and wooded terrain. Fully irrigated with native grasses for the links-style rough.

A semi-private Championship Golf Course of 6,449 yards and a Par 70. The golf course has bent grass tees, fairways and is home to the best greens in southwest Ohio. This golf course has been home to many PGA events over its 81 year history and has been blessed by world class golf professionals such as Tommy Bolt. Snow Hill currently hosts the Greater Cincinnati PGA Pro-am during the summer. The club is just 10 minutes away from Wilmington.

Come celebrate the birthplace of the banana split with a wonderful weekend festival the second weekend of June. This festival features 1950’s and 60’s collectibles, music, and ”fun stuff” from the poodle skirt and hot rod post-World War II era, and a huge cruise-in featuring muscle cars from the time period. Featured each year on Friday and Saturday night are concerts performed by well-known groups from the 50’s or 60’s. The banana split was first made in Wilmington at Hazard’s Drug Store in 1907.

Come celebrate agriculture as Clinton County honors one of the area’s biggest industries with a three-day extravaganza the weekend after Labor Day in September featuring antique farm machinery, all types of food made from corn, crafts, and the Corn Olympics! Also, shop for crafts and antiques galore.

Eight days of action in July with live entertainment, harness racing, an antique tractor pull, tractor pull, and a demolition derby. If you enjoy animals, be sure to catch the Junior and Senior Fair shows of cattle, sheep, hogs, rabbits, chickens, horses, and pets. Find out what a great county fair is like.

This festival guarantees to thrill, chill and excite. An annual Labor Day weekend event, the day is full of excitement with a cycle rally ride, games and activities for children, food of all kinds, craft tents, an Evel Knievel and Elvis Presley exhibit, martial arts and gymnastic demonstrations, a corn hole tournament, continuous live entertainment on two stages, and much more. A highlight of the 2009 festival will be a world record double motorcycle fire jump.

Downtown Wilmington closes its streets and opens its doors for everyone to see this hometown all lit up, from the twinkling decorations to the thousands of lights decorating the nighttime parade, which arrives downtown at 7pm. Santa Claus will end the parade and be available afterward to hear the kids wish lists. Indoor carnival games, delicious food and strolling musicians help bring in the holiday season.

This annual event sponsored by the Knights of Columbus #3369 is sure to put you in the German spirit by providing a day full of authentic food, Bavarian spirits, German and contemporary music, and plenty of fun and laughter.

Bluegrass and acoustic music have outsold and outgrown all other American music forms in the past decade and Ohio has always been a home to many great outdoor music events. However, this event which takes place twice a year is the area’s only indoor Bluegrass festival. Past performers have included Female Vocalist of the Year-Rhonda Vincent, Bluegrass Vocal Group of the Year-Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, as well as Third Tyme Out, JD Crowe and the New South, Jim Hurst and Missy Raines, the Larry Stephenson Band, gospel singer and songwriter Paul Williams and many more nationally known musicians and bands. Interviews, storytelling and workshops are also part of the on-stage excitement.

This annual event arrives in July and features an upscale art and pottery show and sale. Artists can be watched demonstrating their handiwork.

Clinton County is conveniently located in southwest Ohio within an hour’s drive of the metro centers of Cincinnati and Columbus, and within 35 minutes of Dayton. Interstate 71, the north-south corridor through central Ohio, runs through the northern part of the county. Wilmington, the county seat, is located in the northern part of the county with easy accessibility via I-71 and a network of state highways. The location of Clinton County makes it a superb location for those wishing to “meet in the middle” for a meeting, conference, trade show, convention, military show, reunion, wedding reception, and the list goes on and on.

Clinton County is within an hour’s drive of three international airports. A municipal cab service provides transportation within the county.

While largely agricultural, the county also offers a sophisticated industrial base. Transportation services have long been a major employer in the county.

Call Debbie Stamper, Executive Director of the Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau and find out by phone, schedule a customized tour or have specific information mailed. Phone 1-877-428-4748 or 937 382-1738, e-mail dstamper@clintoncountyohio.com or visit www.clintoncountyohio.com.

Top Banana

The Most Famous Crabby Patty of All

Blanchester, Ohio is home to quite a sight – the world’s largest horseshoe crab. Intended for the Baltimore Aquarium, this peculiar roadside attraction has attracted folks from all over the country. And now it even hosts an annual crab fest.

BACKGROUNDER Clinton County in Depth

BACKGROUNDER
Clinton County in Depth