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October 2007 Edition


OHIO'S #1 MAGAZINE AND #2 TOURISM SOURCE ONLINE

   
SCREAM IT ONE MORE TIME!
(PLAY VIDEO)

October is last call for Velvet Ice Cream at Ye Olde Mill until spring. So if you scream for awesome ice cream, head to Utica, Ohio before that first snow comes!


Ye Olde Mill is the home of Velvet Ice Cream Company and considered by many as the ice cream capital of Ohio. CNN/Money even declared Velvet as one of the seven best regional ice cream makers in America. Honors such as these were probably not in the wildest dreams of a 15-year-old Lebanese immigrant when he moved to America in 1903. About 100 years later, Joe Dager’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren have all had a hand in making a family business a part of our culture and destination for tens of thousands of people per year.  
 

What started in 1914 as a hand-cranked vanilla ice cream business for a market reach only as far as non-refrigerated ice cream could travel has grown to more than 60 flavors and 500 recipes serving 6 million gallons of ice cream per year. Not only that, but the 20 acre-site in Utica, Ohio has become a tourist attraction featuring Ye Olde Mill – an 1817 historic grist mill with water wheel mirrored in a beautiful reflecting pond. The grounds also provide nature trails, picnic park, playground, buckeye tree grove – and that’s just outside. Inside the historic mill, there is a restaurant, 19th century style ice cream parlor, Ohio’s only ice cream museum and gift shop. Visitors are also treated to fascinating tours that include a view of the factory operations from the ice cream production viewing gallery. Special events are offered throughout the year but none are as wide known as the Utica Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival held every Memorial Day Weekend.
 

Things weren’t always smooth in Velvet’s growth. Along the way from “Grandpa” Joe Dager’s humble beginning to the 4th generation of Dager’s now managing the trademark operation, a couple tragedies nearly ended the blossoming Dager ice cream empire. The first came after Joe moved to Bucyrus, Ohio to tend to a new ice manufacturing venture leaving the Utica company for his son Charlie to run. Charlie was the first to bring Velvet ice cream to the extremely competitive Columbus market combating big city dairies and their political road blocks bent on keeping the outsider out. In 1958, at only 43-years-old, Charlie passed away. But the Dagers rallied together and made the success of their family's business everyone’s top priority.  It was with that commitment the company continued to flourish for nearly 30 more years. Then in 1986, tragedy would strike again. Ye Olde Mill, housing the headquarters of Velvet Ice Cream, burned down to its core leaving only the water wheel of the 1817 landmark. Again, the Dager’s rallied and rebuilt.
 

Today, tours of Velvet’s past and present are given hourly from 11am to 3pm from May 1 – October 31 Monday through Thursday. So head for the rolling country hills of Licking (how appropriate) County and see the remarkably picturesque landscape and architecture of Ye Olde Mill. Treat yourself to a nice meal topped off with delicious Velvet Ice Cream. Afterward, explore the natural surroundings, browse the gift shop or learn a thing or two about America’s favorite dessert in the mini museum.
 

Ye Olde Mill and Velvet Ice Cream Company are located at 11324 Mt. Vernon Road in Utica, Ohio 43080. For more information, see www.velveticecream.com or call 1-800-589-5000.

By Frank R. Satullo
The OhioTraveler

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a-MAIZE-ing FAMILY FARM
Weaves Ohio’s Past Into Its 22 Acres of Corn

The American farm is fast becoming more fable than reality much like mom’s apple pie. But not if the Niederman family has anything to do with it!

Niederman Family Farm has been opening new pastures for Americans of all ages for many years. And from September 14 through November 3, 2007 they are harvesting a mix of agriculture and Ohio history to go with their many other entertaining educational programs and activities.

It’s time for the Harvest Moon Maze and Fall Festival featuring a 22-acre corn maze. But it’s not just any corn maze. It’s living history.

In years past, the Niederman’s have provided purpose to those venturing into the miles of paths carved into the corn field. Along the way are stations that offer trivia. Find all the stations, answer all the trivia, and possibly win a special prize.

“The expectations grow with each passing year,” Said Bethann Niederman. “What’s the design, what’s the theme? We feel pressure to out-do ourselves. And this year, I think we have!”

The Niederman’s are going barnyard for 2007. The corn maze takes the shape of a barn with a turkey, cow, chickens and ducks. But there’s more to the giant maze than first meets the eye. It’s like a magical history tour revealing interesting factoids about the historic farm and fascinating Ohio history that is linked to the region. Forty questions will take people on a journey that explains what people had to do to settle these lands back in the 1790s and 1800s. The farm was originally home to the Gregory family. The Gregorys were personal friends with General “Mad” Anthony Wayne when Southwest Ohio was the gateway to the Northwest Territory. Learn what it was like to be a part of this history. You may be rewarded for it.

The 265-acre Niederman Family Farm buzzes with activity every Fall. People will drive long distances for the quality corn maze and festivities that have set Niederman Family Farm apart from others. This operational farm is vast in size and fall fun opportunities. One of the favorite pastimes is a long hayride on a lazy autumn afternoon. Halfway is a stop at the pumpkin patch. Last spring, school groups planted pumpkin seeds in the pumpkin patch. Now it’s time to harvest those pumpkins. Pick your own and carve it up. Who knows, it may be the one you planted. Oh, and there are plenty of barnyard animals to entertain children of all ages. In the evening, gather around a bon fire pit and cozy up with family and friends for stories, a weenie roast and s’mores. You can even take home fresh kettle-corn, cotton candy, caramel apples and plenty other fall treats.

 “Our nostalgic look at the American farm is slow-paced and relaxing fun times for family to really connect,” said Bethann Niederman. “And it’s not just for kids. Family reunions, group retreats and corporate team building exercises are often held here as well. We have very unique accommodations that include a restored 1890s barn with modern amenities or a bon-fire pit area to host groups up to 300 people.”

“One of the major attractions is paintball,” said Bob Niederman. “We have four courses and provide everything you need for a blast with co-workers, friends or perfect strangers.”

If one day isn’t long enough to take in the relaxing sights and sounds of farm life, stay a night at the Gregory Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast located at the farm.

Niederman Family Farm caters to school groups providing entertaining educational tours, family reunions and corporate outings. The farm is conveniently located near I-75 between Cincinnati and Dayton at 5110 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township, Ohio. Call 513-779-6184 or click here for more information.

By Frank R. Satullo

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FINDING FAMILY

During the 1800’s Adams County, Ohio, was an important stop-over for families moving west. Adams County was established in 1797, six years before Ohio was admitted as a state in 1803. Many settlers in Adams County arrived from Pennsylvania by flatboat on the Ohio River and from the south through the Cumberland Gap. In 1797 the historic Zane’s Trace was blazed through Adams County, linking Maysville (Limestone) Kentucky with Wheeling (West) Virginia. Even today in Adams County there are still standing, historic homes and inns that were built along the Zane’s Trace to accommodate the county’s first travelers.   

Many families passing through the county eventually settled in the area and generations of families with ancestors dating back to the late 1700’s are a historic ingredient in Adams County’s colorful past. Searching for family roots has become a national obsession tying families together through a connection from a by-gone era.  

The Adams County Genealogical Society was formed in 1978 to collect, maintain, and preserve all remaining data on families that once lived in Adams County. Three years after its formation members voluntarily walked the cemeteries in Adams County noting the gravesites and recording all the pertinent data from each headstone, including surname, date of birth, military information, and date of death. This information along with marriage and death certificates, newspaper, cemetery, and census records has formed the foundation of a vast library of Adams County’s genealogical past and represents the best hope for uncovering that distant family linage.  

The Adams County Genealogical has complied a listing of cemeteries in all of Adams County’s 14 townships. Each of the 14 townships has a book listing the cemeteries and the names on the headstones for that particular cemetery. The Adams County Geological Society also has a cemetery directory for Adams County, complete with maps showing the location of all 283 cemeteries known in the county and maintains photographic record of each cemetery.  

Recently the Adams County Geological Society has taken on the task of updating the cemetery books in each township finding additional cemeteries and while others through neglect have disappeared. Many of the old cemeteries were family cemeteries with some graves simply marked with field stones. A number of the smaller pioneer cemeteries have been lost over time as a result of property transfers, housing, and various land usage. The oldest cemetery in the county, Founders Cemetery located in Manchester, dates back to 1791. 

There are other ways to find lost relatives through a collection of old records, including obituaries, census records, an extensive collection of family files, and donated research material that the Adams County Genealogical Society has maintained over the years.  

The Adams County Genealogical Society is located at the Adams County Heritage Center, 1-1/2 blocks north of the county courthouse on St. Rt. 247, and is open Thursday and Saturday, noon until 4:00 p.m.  Publications for sale at the Heritage Center include updated cemeteries directories, courthouse records, census records, and the Evans and Stivers-History of Adams County, first published in 1900 is now available. To purchase books and other publications write the Adams Country Genealogy Society at PO Box 231, West Union, OH 45693-0231; or phone at 937-544-8522, e-mail at acgs@bright.net.    

Special arrangements can be made in advance to have the Adams County Genealogy Society library open during off days for a $10 dollar donation.   

Other Adams County organizations which might be helpful in finding lost relatives would be the Manchester Historical Society, 307 Pike Street, Manchester, OH 45144, ph 937-549-3888; and the Adams County Historical Society, PO Box 306, West Union, OH 54693-0306, ph 937-544-8522.  

Finding family is a way to trace ones beginnings, discover the past, and uncover the family history that awaits those who search for it.   

Written by Tom Cross, whose family dates back to 1820 in Adams County
Photo by Tom Cross

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AMUSEMENT PARK OF ...CHILLS!

Cedar Point knows how to make people scream.  

From the towering 420-foot-tall Top Thrill Dragster to the 93-mph Millennium Force, Cedar Point amusement park/resort has some of the tallest, fastest and most scream-inducing thrill rides and roller coasters on the planet.  

But the park takes screaming to new levels each fall for its annual HalloWeekends event that was recently named the “Best Seasonal Event” for the second consecutive year by the readers of Theme Parks Magazine and was ranked fifth in the “Best Halloween Event” category in Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket Awards.  

This year, HalloWeekends has been extended to seven weekends and will begin a weekend earlier than last year. Beginning Friday, Sept. 14, the park’s fall fright fest will be held Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 28.  

During HalloWeekends, the staff at Cedar Point uses pumpkins, spiderwebs, tombstones, skeletons and a whole lot more to transform the park into an eerie haunted playground. Special live entertainment, including two spell-binding magicians, three haunted houses, four spine-tingling walk-through attractions and kids’ areas, will all help make HalloWeekends the must-see event of the fall.  

New this year for the 11th annual HalloWeekends at Cedar Point will be the Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade. This family-friendly parade will feature six colorful floats, 70 characters, including marching bands, cheerleaders, grand marshals, a custom-designed hearse and more. The Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade will travel along the Main Midway, past Top Thrill Dragster and beyond Gemini on Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. (weather permitting).  

Those guests with no fear will flock to Cedar Point’s three haunted houses and four nighttime walk-through attractions. All of the walk-through attractions are loaded with a thick fog that makes seeing anything in front of you almost impossible.  

These four walk-through attractions: The Fright Zone, CarnEvil, Werewolf Canyon and last year’s new addition, Fear Faire, have a special recipe for frightful fun. They combine a variety of Screamsters, who lurk in the shadows to scare unsuspecting guests, with dark walkways and thick fog.  

Special live entertainment abounds at HalloWeekends. Magician Tim Hill mystifies and amazes audiences in the Centennial Theatre while the comical antics and tricks of Chris Linn are presented in the Palace Theatre in Frontiertown. Along the Frontier Trail, the Red Garter Saloon rocks with “Monster’s Rock! Buried Alive!” Featuring music from the great “hair bands” of the ‘80s and ‘90s, you can’t help but sing along with these “classic” hits from yesterday.  

Other not-so-scary shows and attractions for HalloWeekends include the Midway Monsters who like to strut their stuff on the Main Midway; the haunting tunes of DJ Zombo; and on Friday and Saturday nights, the King Dapper Combo, who entertain guests on the Iron Dragon Midway.  

HalloWeekends has plenty of things to do for young children, too! Besides Camp Spooky where Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Lucy greet guests in their Halloween costumes, The Magical House on Boo Hill, located on the Main Midway, is a fun house built just for little ones. On Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., the park hosts a Kids’ Halloween Show and Costume Contest. Singing, dancing and special appearances by the PEANUTS characters make this show a “must-see” for kids of all ages. The Costume Contest is just for young children and features special prizes, giveaways and the chance for one lucky contestant to be a special grand marshal in the park’s new HalloWeekends parade.  

During HalloWeekends, Cedar Point will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday nights (limited ride availability/Camp Spooky will be closed); noon to midnight on Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. On Sunday, Oct. 7, the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Excluding Sunday, Oct. 7, the haunted outdoor walk-through attractions will be closed on Sundays.  

For more information on Cedar Point or HalloWeekends, guests can log onto cedarpoint.com, halloweekends.cedarpoint.com or call 419.627.2350.

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OCTOBER FESTIVALS & EVENTS
 

Click here for more September festivals and events throughout Ohio

 

Harvest Moon Corn Maze And Pumpkin Patch
(Admission: Call for information) 

  • Open: September 14 - November 3, 2007

  • Location: Niederman Family Farm at 4972 LeSourdsville-WestChester Drive in Liberty Township, Ohio 45011 (between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio)

  • Phone: 513-779-6184

This Southwest Ohio working farm provides the ultimate fall experience! Niederman Family Farm invites you to experience a 22 acre corn maze, pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, take a hayride, visit and feed the barnyard animals and have a picnic. Spend the day, bring your family, school group, church group, scout troop, Mom’s club, or just yourself.  For more info, click here.

Haunted Hayride & Black Bog at Bull Run Farms 

  • When: October (Fridays and Saturdays from late September through the end of October)

  • Location: 6070 Springboro Road in Lebanon, Ohio 

  • Phone: 937-748-2272

Experience the Award-Winning Haunted Hayride at Bull Run Farms! Voted 2003 Best Scare and 2003 Grand Champions by Fox 22 Miami Valley Tour of Terror, you won't want to miss our 16th year of Halloween tradition. Located on over 50 acres of natural woodlands along Bull Run Creek, the 30-minute tractor-drawn haunted hayride brings a new look and feel this year.  Hunker down with your friends and family as you tour the spooky trails, the unexpected lurking at every turn.  Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the woods...After the hayride be sure and take in the evening's entertainment featuring story-telling by the bon fires, the professional stunt bike show showcasing performers from around the world, enjoy the harvest at our on-site concession stand, pick your own pumpkin and if you are really brave, dare to enter the Black Bog.

Fall Fun Days Harvest Festival
at Circle S Farms

  • When: Starts in late September and always ends on October 31
    Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to dusk (till 11:00 p.m. for bonfire parties)

  • Location: is 9015 London Groveport Rd., Grove City, OH 43123

  • Phone: 614-878-7980 or call the recorded INFOLINE at 614-878-9462

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, many families, schools, churches, companies and many other groups and individuals annually visit the Fall Fun Days Festival at Circle S Farms, located in scenic southwest Franklin County. Our festival features hayrides to pick a pumpkin, a six acre corn maze, sunflower maze, Fun Hay Barn with slides, Scarecrow Cave, Fodder Lane, petting zoo, weekend entertainment and much more. Private hayrides with bonfire parties are available. There is a full service bakery with many tasty treats including freshly made donuts of all kinds. On the weekends the Pumpkin Cafe is open. Group reservations are requested and walk-ins are welcome. www.circlesfarm.com

Leaders Family Farms And Scream Acres

  • When: September 28th through October 28th 2007. Fridays 6pm until 10pm, Saturdays 1pm until 10pm, Sundays 1pm until 9pm. ScreamAcres opens at dark each night. 

  • Where: Leaders Family Farms located a mile west of Napoleon, Ohio just off of state route 24 on county road 16 

  • Phone: 419-599-1570 

Fun for all ages. You can “get lost” in the twists and turns of a seven acre jack-o-lantern corn maize. Win prizes at Northwest Ohio’s only corn cannon range. Sing and dance on the karaoke stage. Take a scenic and peaceful hayride around the farm. Take your pick of thousands of pumpkins in the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Kids can get “moo-ving” in a cow train, play on the slides or make their way through straw tunnels. For those with young children there’s a special place – Little Farmers Barnyard. It includes a corn box, mini straw jump and inflatables to enjoy. There’s also a wide array of concessions. 

For those who are brave of heart and dared to be scared, explore Scream Acres Haunted Cornfield, Northwest Ohio’s most terrifying field of corn! This separate field of corn has many turns and twists with the added fear of the unknown. With creatures lurking behind the walls of corn you never know who… or what may be “stalking” you! At ScreamAcres Haunted Cornfield “you pay to get in…. but pray to get out!”

Ohio Renaissance Festival  

  • When: September 1 through October 21, 2007

  • Location: Renaissance Park in Harveysburg, OH (conveniently located between Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus in Warren County on State Route 73 between I-71 and I-75)

  • Phone: 513-897-7000

Ohio’s premier family event features 12 stages of continuous entertainment, 7 food and beverage buildings, and more than 130 arts and crafts shops.  Knights, comedy, daring stunt shows, giant roasted turkey legs, bread bowl stews, handmade arts and crafts abound in the authentically recreated 30-acre 16th Century English village. 

Pumpkinfest  At Pigeon Roost Farm
(No Admission charge for market area. $3 per person charge for “Fun Center”/ Corn Maze)

  • When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from late September through October

  • Location: Hebron, Ohio

  • Phone: 740-928-4925

Come Celebrate Fall in the Country. Enjoy a nostalgic family trip back to a working farm, our 25th year and still growing.  See the old barns, friendly barnyard animals, and interesting display of antiques and observation beehive. Choose from thousands of pumpkins in all sizes and shapes, colorful and unique heritage squash, several sizes of Indian corn, corn shocks, straw bales, hard shell and decorative gourds. Young and old will have a great time exploring the “Great Pumpkin Fun Center” with a “goat walk”, Bunnyville, Rocking Ranch, 2005 Corn Maze, aviary, and special toddler area.  The kids favorites—hillside slide, spook straw tunnel and Conestoga corn box are still included.  Food is available on weekends, The “Old Farm Store” and “Country Store” have handmade crafts and a large selection of fall decorations, and the children have their own “Kids Korner” bldg. So come visit and bring your camera to capture some of those special memories.

Zoar Village's Lantern Tours Of The Ghosts
(Admission: $16 per person) 

  • When: by appointment. Fridays and Saturdays in October at 7:30 p.m.

  • Location: Box 404, Zoar, OH 44697 - Located 2.5 miles east of I-77 (exit 93) on St. Rte. 212.

  • Phone: 330-874-2002

Visitors are invited to take a haunted stroll through the village with history and ghost stories told by costumed guides. Overnight accommodations are available at the Zoar Tavern and Inn, and at bed and breakfasts in the village.  For information call 330-874-2170.

Come be a part of history this year at the historic village of Zoar, Ohio. One hundred ninety years ago a group of German Separatists founded the Village of Zoar in the Tuscarawas River Valley of Ohio.  In 1817 they left Germany and came to the United States seeking religious freedom.  Later they formed a communal society that lasted for 79 years, and was one of the most successful communal societies in the United States. Today, many of the buildings the Separatists built still line the main street of the historic village including the Town Hall.  The Zoar Community Association refurbished the Town Hall and operates a Museum where visitors can learn about the history of Zoar and view videos about the Separatists and the Ohio & Erie Canal which the group helped construct.  An audio self-guided tour CD can be rented at the Town Hall so guests can tour Zoar at a leisurely pace.  Call 330-874-2646 for more information.

Dinner And A Ghost Tour
(Admission: Tours are $30 - pay at the door - which includes a charming dinner and ghostly tour The separate Midnight tour is $40) 

  • When: 2007 - October 5&6, 12&13, 20 and 26. November 2&3, 2007
    (Sign-in from 5:30 to 6:00p.m. followed by dinner and tour. The Midnight tour sign-in is from 10-10:30p.m.)

  • Location: Snow Hill Country Club in New Vienna, Ohio  45159

  • Phone: 937-987-2491(Reservations required for both events)

Currently, Snow Hill functions as a full service restaurant, Spirits Bistro, and a private golf course.  However, Snow Hill is also the home of many spiritual encounters!  To date, thousands of EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) and strange pictures have been collected!  Therefore, Snow Hill invites you to share in the hauntings this fall!   

As well join the Haunted Midnight Lantern Ghost Tour, new this year!  The midnight tour is a once in a lifetime event, where you actually get to participate in your own ghost investigation. You are welcome to collect your own evidence! Night vision cameras, cameras, and recording equipment welcomed! Midnight Tour is $40 and are on the same evenings as Dinner and A Ghost Tours. Sign-in from 10 to 10:30 followed by activities.  

Snow Hill Country Club was built in the 1820’s by the Harris Family from Snow Hill, Maryland.  For nearly a century the Harris family operated the home as a stage coach inn and tavern.  The inn was enormously successful, and soon became the social hub for Clinton County.  It passed down through the family, and at one point housed a tunnel in the basement that went almost a mile underground to another home.  The Inn soon fell into disrepair when one of the Harris children reclaimed her ancestral home and refurbished it to its present grandeur. 

Great Outdoor Adventure

  • When: October 5-7,  2007

  • Location: Hocking College Campus in Nelsonville, Ohio

  • Call:  740-753-7133

Activities that take place in the great outdoors can be found at the Great Outdoor Adventure.  Visit with Jungle Jack Hanna and the Columbus Zoo, compete in ACEnet’s Showcase of Regional Flavors, be part of an effort to break a Guinness World Record Bike Parade, canoe down the Hocking River, take part in a fishing derby for kids, see Big Air Dogs compete in what might be called a long jump into water, NASCAR show cars, chain saw carving demos and auctions, wood crafts and horse log skidding.  A “Walk Thru Time” is an encampment and display that portrays several eras in history and includes activities at Robbins Crossing, a reconstructed log cabin village.  Ride the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s caboose shuttle and enjoy the fun where there’s something for everyone, regardless of age.

Fort Rowdy Gathering 

  • When: October 6-7, 2007 (First full weekend in October (Sat., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

  • Location: Community Park, Covington, West U.S. Route 36, Covington, Ohio

  • Phone: 937-473-5439

From the hovering lights of campfires, frontier enthusiasts gather in groups playing guitars, drums and washboards much like small trading villages once participated in the 1800s. The weekend begins with an old-fashioned hometown parade on Saturday but the highlight of this festival is the mountain man encampment located next to the Stillwater River.  The event and parking are free to the public.

Holmes County Antique Festival 

  • When: October 6-7, 2007

  • Location: Historic Downtown Millersburg, Ohio

  • Phone: 330-674-6781

The festival features a Classic Car Parade, Firemen's Parade and Grand Parade. In addition, there are 25-30 Antique Dealers, Arts and Crafts, 5-K Run, Antiques, continuous entertainment and great food. Take a walking trip through the village and view the Downtown Window Museum, shop in unique stores and then tour the Victorian House and enjoy the beautiful Fall season in Holmes County.

Lebanon Antiques Show
(Admission: $6 - good for both days) 

  • When: October 6-7, 2007

  • Where: Bowman Primary School off  St. Rt. 123 and Hart Road in Lebanon, OH

  • Phone: 513-932-1817

One of Ohio's oldest antique shows. This year’s seventy antique dealers feature antiques and decorative accessories from three centuries. One can examine and purchase formal and country furniture, paintings, pottery, textiles, jewelry and more.  The show provides an excellent opportunity for new collectors to learn about their interests.  Long-time collectors often find that special piece to add to their collection.  

Algonquin Mill Fall Festival
(Admission is Free)

  • When: October 12-14, 2007

  • Where: Algonquin Mill Farm in Carrollton, Ohio 44615

  • Phone: 330-627-5910 or 330-627-0103

Love old mills? How about fall foliage? Great! Head to the Algonquin Mill Fall Festival for a pioneer style festival featuring an operating early 1800's steam powered flourmill and sawmill, antique power show, old railway depot with model train layouts, many quality crafters, and delicious home-cooked food.

Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival
(Admission: $4, children younger than 12 are free)
 

  • When: October 13-14, 2007

  • Where: Ashtabula County Fairgrounds in Jefferson, Ohio

  • Phone: 440-576-3769

Take a fall color tour of 16 covered bridges throughout Ashtabula County. Upon request, free tour maps are available. This annual event is family-oriented and includes children’s activities, contests, crafts, a parade, draft-horse pull, quilt show, farmers market, entertainment, great food and antique engines, tractors and automobiles.

Mohican Lumberjack Festival & Fall Foliage Tour
(Admission for the Lumberjack Fest is $2 but under 16 Free)

  • When: October 13-14, 2007

  • Location: Old Wally Road and Central Park in downtown Loudonville, Ohio

  • Phone: 419-994-4789 or 1-877-2MOHICAN

  • Web Site: www.loudonville-mohican.com

Looking for Fall fun? Look no further. Come see lumberjacks speed carving, axe throwing, power sawing, log climbing and jousting and a whole lot more. It’s exciting. It’s educational. It’s great entertainment for the whole family! There’s even an old-fashioned horse pull you won’t want to miss.  

The lumberjack festival has a competitive element as it features world-class champion lumberjacks highlighted on the ESPN Great Outdoor Games. But it’s not all about cutting down the competition, plenty of history and comedy are stacked high as well.  

The two-day festival also presents pumpkin carving, scavenger hunt, kettle-cooked popcorn, fresh pressed apple cider, and a whole lot more. 

See the complete schedule of events at www.loudonville-mohican.com.  

While you’re in Mohican, take advantage of Ohio’s beautiful eastern rolling hills and fall foliage at its peak. This drive-it-your-self autumn adventure explores the scenic back roads of Mohican country. The tour includes stops in historic downtown Loudonville, Cleo Redd Fisher Museum, The Wolf Creek Pine Run Grist Mill, and Nature Walks through the trails of the Mohican State Park. Get up and personal with the changing season and enjoy a bike ride into town on the new bike path.  

Everyone needs a day in the country, especially in October. There’s no better place to be than amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest at a time buzzing with excitement from the lumberjack show in the heart of an old-style Victorian-era town, Loudonville. Whether you come for the fun or the scenery or both, you’ll be glad you did. 

Olde Thyme Herb Fair
(Admission is Free) 

  • When: October 13-14, 2007 (Second weekend in October)

  • Where: Manchester, Ohio

  • Phone: 937-549-2484 or 1-800-71-HERBS

Olde Thyme Herb Fair at Lewis Mountain is a heady mix of aromatic and medicinal herb lore, down-home music, quality crafts, good food, and a wide array of workshop-style classes. It is an irresistible attraction for homemakers and craft enthusiasts. Herbfest happens the second weekend of October, perfect timing for peak fall color on the surrounding Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio.     

Sauerkraut Festival
(Admission is Free)
 

  • When: October 13-14, 2007 (Second full weekend in October)

  • Location: Waynesville, Ohio

  • Phone: 513-897-8855

The people of Waynesville may debate whether they are the Antiques Capital of the Midwest or the Home of the Sauerkraut Festival but make no mistake they have lots of both. And some say antiques and sauerkraut saved this little town. Either way, more than 11,000 pounds of sauerkraut are cooked up for the annual festival. Some of the more unique recipes for visitors’ indulgence include sauerkraut ice cream, brownies, doughnuts and pizza. The local folks urge that just because it’s made with sauerkraut doesn’t mean it tastes like it. Awards are given to those with the largest cabbage, greenest cabbage and most “congenial” cabbage. Featured attractions are the antique car parade, arts and crafts show, German bands and folk dancers, entertainment and good old-fashioned spelling-Bee contests.

Hallzooween
(Call for admission information)

  • When:  October 13 -14, 20 -21 & 27 -28, 2007 from 12 – 6 p.m.

  • Location:    Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 

  • Phone:    513-475-6124 or 1-800-94-HIPPO

Little ghouls, boys and animals can enjoy three spooktacular weekends of fun. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during HallZOOween from 4 – 8 p.m., young frankensteins (12 and under) can trick-or-treat their way around the Zoo.  Along the way, guests may encounter Pumpkin Pandemonium – the Zoo animal’s version of trick-or-treating, including Gorilla Pumpkin Hunt, Snow Monkey Pumpkin Hide & Seek, Elephant Pumpkin Smash, Indian Rhino Apple Bob and Polar Bear Pumpkin Bob. Other activities include a Little Creatures Carnival, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch, spooktacular train ride, scare-ousel, strolling characters, face painting, and mini pumpkin decorating activities. This event is FREE with Zoo admission. For more details, please call 513-475-6124Little ghouls, boys and animals can enjoy three spooktacular weekends of fun. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during HallZOOween from 4 – 8 p.m., young frankensteins (12 and under) can trick-or-treat their way around the Zoo.  Along the way, guests may encounter Pumpkin Pandemonium – the Zoo animal’s version of trick-or-treating, including Gorilla Pumpkin Hunt, Snow Monkey Pumpkin Hide & Seek, Elephant Pumpkin Smash, Indian Rhino Apple Bob and Polar Bear Pumpkin Bob. Other activities include a Little Creatures Carnival, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch, spooktacular train ride, scare-ousel, strolling characters, face painting, and mini pumpkin decorating activities. This event is FREE with Zoo admission. For more details, please call 513-475-6124

Pumpkin Show (Circleville)
(Admission is Free)
 

  • When: October 17-20, 2007 (always 3rd Wednesday through Saturday of October)

  • Location: Circleville, Ohio

  • Web Site: pumpkinshow.com

Great pumpkins Charlie Brown, this is said to be Ohio’s oldest and largest pumpkin celebration. It hosts seven different parades in half as many days. This includes the Pumpkin Parade, Pet Parade and Baby Parade to name a few. The events also include a Big Wheel Race, world’s largest pumpkin pie, a pumpkin toss, pie eating competition and Fun Show. Additional contests of interest include hog calling, egg toss and pumpkin carving. Many displays, arts, crafts and live entertainment also accompany the festivities as well as plenty of pumpkins, squash and gourds.  

Apple Butter Stirrin'
(Admission is Free) 

  • When:  Friday, October 19 – Sunday, October 21, 2007 (10-6 Fri & Sat and 10-5 Sun)

  • Location:  Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio

  • Phone:  (740) 622-9310 or (800) 877-1830 

The annual Apple Butter Stirrin' festival offers visitors a chance to take in the sights and smells of both historic Roscoe village and the beauty of the autumn season.  The event offers musical entertainment including Blue Grass, 60s, 70s and 80s Hits and a barbershop quartet, an invitational craft show, a spelling bee, a hog-calling contest, a pumpkin-decorating contest, a pie baking contest, a quilt raffle, a special children’s activity area, living history tours and canal boat rides.  Also, of course, there will be apple butter stirrin' over an open fire, and historic artisans throughout the village, demonstrating their skills.  

Historic Roscoe Village is a 19-th-century living history community depicting life in Ohio's canal era.  The Village is located on State Routes 16 and 83, near the junction of US Route 36 in east-central Ohio.  For more information on Apple Butter Stirrin’ or Roscoe Village, please call (740) 622-9310 or (800) 877-1830.

Fall Festival Of Leaves
(Admission is Free)
 

  • When: Third weekend in October (October 19 - 21, 2007)

  • Location: Bainbridge, Ohio

  • For further info, email: info@fallfestivalofleaves.com

See the autumn colors in the hills and valleys of the village of Bainbridge. The community is open to all visitors for their annual festive event to celebrate the season. It hosts parades, pageants, flea markets and a midway with entertainment for all. In addition, there is a pedal tractor pull, arts and crafts plus several self-guided scenic tours of the beautiful colorful landscape. 

Statehouse Ghost Tours
(Call for ticket info)  
 

  • When: Oct. 19, 20, 26 & 27 at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

  • Location: Ohio Statehouse at Third near Broad Streets in Columbus, Ohio.  

  • For reservations, information or tickets, contact Miss Emma at 614-387-1086 or ghosts@csrab.state.oh.us.

A two-headed calf, chess figures made from prisoners' bones and other macabre curiosities will be featured as tall yarns spun with facts come to life on this tour guided by costumed guides carrying oil lamps through the vaulted passageways of the Statehouse which is observing its 10th anniversary of restoration. 

Visitors will encounter the most famous ghosts among Halloween tours in greater Columbus. They may catch a glimpse of a lovelorn President Lincoln dancing in the Senate Chamber. Or they may see and hear chilling stories of the President Harrison Horror, the lobbyist who never left, the wolves of Wolf Run and a ripe body in the Rotunda. 

This year’s event will also feature free potion-making for kids of all ages. The Museum Shop will be open until 9 p.m.; food such as finger sandwiches, owl-eye cookies and spider cider will be available in the Capitol Café by Shane's. Miss Emma’s boarding-house-style dinners will be available for groups of more than 20. 

Tours are limited to 40 people. Tours begin at 7 p.m. and run on the half hour with the last tour at 9:30 p.m.  Special scheduling may be arranged for school or scout groups.

Doll & Bear Show And Sale
Olentangy Valley Doll Club of Ohio 
(Admission:
Adults $4.00 and Children $1.00) 

  • When: October 28, 2007

  • Where: Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, Ohio (4 miles north of the airport or exit I-270 at Morse Road/Easton)

  • Phone: 614-457-1447

Antique, Collectible, Modern, Artist Dolls, Bears and Related items. Doll Display: Dolls of Color. Food Available, Door Prizes and Free parking.

German Village Oktoberfest
(Admission: $8.00 – Adults; Children twelve and younger FREE) 

  • When: September 28-30, 2007
    Friday, September 28, 5:00PM – 1:30AM
    Saturday, September 29, 12:00N-1:30AM
    Sunday, September 30, 12:00N-8:00PM 

  • Where: South Grant & East Livingston Avenue in Columbus, OH  43215

  • Phone:  614-221-8888 

German Village Oktoberfest is a celebration that blends a time-honored German festival with the vitality and charm of a thriving urban neighborhood. Oktoberfest features traditional German polka as well as various other styles of music, a variety of authentic German food and other festival favorites.  Don’t miss Marketplatz filled with artisans and unique shops.  Join us at Grant & Livingston for “one of the top 100 events in North America!” 

 

Click here for additional festivals and events throughout Ohio

 

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BEST DARN _ IN OHIO

SO YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE BEST DARN __ IN OHIO?
I’ll be the judge of that!

Play a video of the Best Darn _ In Ohio or Play Bizarro Ohio Video

Over the years I have traveled to every nook and cranny of Ohio covering tourism news for Ohio’s #1 magazine online – www.ohiotraveler.com.  

I am known as THE OhioTraveler and have been invited as a guest to talk about Ohio attractions on many TV and radio shows. I have heard many claims of those stating they are or have the best darn __ in Ohio! Whether it’s a burger, inn, festival, exhibit, or whatever, I’ll be the judge of that from October 2007 through September 2008. But don’t worry, my mommy taught me that if you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t say anything at all. Therefore, I will only report places that I feel are truly one of the best darn __’s in Ohio. Whatever __ is. Each monthly edition of OhioTraveler will feature at least one such person, place or thing.  

Although I travel around Ohio often, I’ll need tips pointing me where to go. For example, I know first-hand the best darn bologna sandwich in Ohio is at the G&R Grill in Waldo because several people told me to try it. You may ask, “Where’s Waldo?” And I’ll tell you that and more. About 30 of my trips have been documented on video and posted free along with articles and everything else at www.ohiotraveler.com, including a light-hearted look telling everything about Waldo’s G&R Grill.  

So if you think your community has the best darn (secret, tall-tale, eatery, oddity, unique shopping, attraction, park, etc.) in Ohio, e-mail news@ohiotraveler.com and I will make sure I get there between October 2007 and September 2008 to see for myself. After all, I end up everywhere in Ohio in the course of a year.  

I’ll even publish when The OhioTraveler is coming to town to judge your best darn __ in Ohio! 

By Frank R. Satullo
Owner/Editor, OhioTraveler.com – Ohio’s #1 magazine online.
 

SECRET VIEWS OF OHIO

Send your secret views of Ohio to news@ohiotraveler.com.
Must be  open to the public!

If you have a little explorer inside you just waiting to make a discovery or  venture where few have been, you'll enjoy the secret views of Ohio.

Much in the spirit of our nationally reported GraveQuest adventures and the geocaching phenomenon fast-becoming a mainstream recreational activity of the new millennium, Secrets of Ohio will take you to breathtaking places in the state that are just not publicized much. For geocachers, it is an introduction to waymarking, where the destination is the cache. For those that have no idea what geocaching or waymarking are, don't worry, the sights/sites revealed can be found without techno gadgets in this new way in which we hope to lead you to rare Ohio sights and sites.

Below are two secret views of Ohio. We encourage you to share yours. List a description of what you'll see or provide a picture. Explain how to get there and what level of difficulty is the trek. If you use geocaching coordinates, great, but also provide written directions so all may partake in the exploration.

Secret Views of Ohio:

1. There's a secret Wetland in North Royalton, Ohio. It is in the limits of the Cleveland Metroparks' Mill Stream Run Reservation and was created in part because of the disturbance of a nearby wetland by South Park Mall in Strongsville, Ohio.

To get there, park on the edge of West 130th Street across from 16624 W130 St., Strongsville, OH  44136. You will see a metal road block before a path starting at the treeline on the East side of the street. Enter there and follow the path as it winds deep into the woods. Eventually, it takes a hard left and a dip bringing you out into a hidden paradise of natural splendor.

The wetland here will usually be frequented by a wide-variety of waterfowl. The view is wide and far as this open space is expansive and surrounded by tall trees.

If you desire, there's more exploring to do. Walk to the Northwest corner of the wetland area and turn left and follow whatever trail you can pick up. It goes to a river and if you go far enough, you can hike up a cliff and get a wonderful bird-eye view of the valley.

2. Nearby the first secret view of Ohio, there's something in the woods that shouldn't be amidst the trees. You can discover it by following these directions.

From I-71, exit at the Route 82 East exit (Royalton Rd) toward North Royalton. Head East on this road and at the bottom of a hill, turn right onto Valley Parkway. As you make the bend, turn right again onto Royalview Lane. Park off on the left just before this road makes a sharp right turn up a hill.

There should be an opening in the treeline where you'll find the trailhead. It is a circular trail, albeit a couple miles. Bare right and head uphill on the trail. Once you ascent is leveled out, the trail turns left/east. Start looking through the trees on your right side for something that should not be there. If you find an oil drill, you went too far. I know, that shouldn't be in the woods either but that's not the sight you're after.

Once you find it, venture either way on the trail to get back.

Send your secret views of Ohio to ohiotraveler.com.
Must be open to the public!

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Thank you for visiting
OhioTraveler.com eMagazine

Published by:
ZoneFree Ohio Marketing & Public Relations
Specializing in Public Relations & Internet Marketing

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October Festivals & Events

a-MAIZE-ing Family Farm

Yesteryear's Hot Spot

Finding Family

Bizarro Ohio - Flushed Away

Color-drenched Autumn Walks

Count on Fun at Dracula Musical

Amusement Park of ...Chills!

Best Darn __ in Ohio! (Videos)

Ohio Legends & Folklore

Video Rewind - Favorites

Main Travel Directory

Editor-In-Chief: Frank R. Satullo

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