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September 2007 Edition

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

   
END SUMMER ON MERRY-GO-ROUND
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Ahh, the carousel ride – a magical experience that always seems to curl up the corners of the mouth.

Who can’t remember the excitement watching, picking and anticipating the animal you want to ride? There is always a moment of happiness and relief when you finally climb onto “the one” you want. And sometimes, disappointment when someone else beats you to it. But sorrow is short-lived because you ride, get back in line and try again – all to the instantly recognizable toe-tapping music lifting spirits all around.

The joy of the merry-go-round (an Americanized term for carousel or carrousel) has resurrected Mansfield, Ohio in many ways. Sixteen years after building the first new, hand-carved indoor wooden carrousel in the US in more than 60 years, the town's spirit soared and business boomed in what has since been dubbed the Historic Carrousel District. A legendary carousel maker even relocated from the East Coast to be a part of the transformed downtown Mansfield.

The Carrousel District is an old part of town that still features Victorian-age buildings, beautifully restored. Many of which exude charm with oak floors, brass lighting and ornate iron fencing. Walk along the brick paved pathways and feel the nostalgia. Quaint little ma and pop shops sell antiques, baked goods, art, floral, coffee and gifts. Some favorite stops reflect the theme. These include Coney Island Diner, Sweet Memories Ice Cream Parlour, Wooden Pony Brewing, and City News – an old-fashioned news stand.

But two fall into the category of “must-see” – Richland Carrousel Park and Carousel Magic.

Richland Carrousel Park is the centerpiece of the district. Located at the crossroads of Main and Fourth Streets, this merry-go-round is rich with history. No expense was spared. The 52 carrousel figures were carved and painted in the Philadelphia-style of Gustav A. Densel, an 1860 German immigrant and carrousel builder. In fact, the two bronze horses standing guard over the main entry walk were cast from old carrousel horses from the Philadelphia area. The carrousel is comprised of hand-carved wooden horses, menagerie figures and mythological Hippocampus. And Antique rounding boards, mirrors and murals make it one-of-a-kind.   

Visitors to this carrousel can gaze at the woodwork above as it is housed in a beautifully constructed wood building allowing the sides to be open-air on nice days, and enclosed during in climate weather. It is even handicap accessible. Guests can get some popcorn, warm pecans and soft drinks at an old-fashioned vending stand. Relaxing wooden rockers surround the carrousel and the air is filled with the sounds of the Stinson Band Organ. There’s even a gift shop with many carrousel mementos to remember the experience.

Richland Carrousel Park is open daily year round except major holidays. It is located at 75 North Main Street in Mansfield, Ohio 44902. For more information, including special September events, call 419-522-4223 or log onto www.richlandcarrousel.com.  

Less than a block down the road, see firsthand the nearly lost art of carousel carving as they are built and restored before your very eyes. The skilled craftsmen at Carousel Magic will share their time-honored techniques of carving, finishing and painting wood carousel figures for customers around the world. They even restore carousel relics from eras long ago.

Carousel Magic offers tours of their productions and can even build you a custom new carousel. In addition, they are even willing to teach you how to carve your own carousel if you have a week to spend in their resident carving classes. A tour of the large shop is a journey through time. When you head back into the world, it is with an entertaining and educational experience of the history of carousel making.

Carousels have been producing smiles and laughter for more than 1,500 years. The earliest evidence of carousels date to the Byzantine Empire, which is now the Italy, Greece, and Turkey region. Carousel-like activities have also been discovered in ancient Mexico and India. Its early form consisted of people tossing back and forth little clay balls filled with perfume. If you missed, you smelled for days. The French called the game carousel and it became an extravagant event of pageantry and horsemanship. In 1680, someone in France came up with the idea of hanging wood horses from arms connecting to a center pole. Riders attempted to spear small rings dangling on the outer edge. It was powered around by a mule or servants.

The Armitage-Herschell Company out of North Tonawanda, New York is credited with designing what is known as the modern-day carousel. In the 1880s, Alan Herschell and partner James Armitage added a platform that rode on a circular track and was one of the earliest to include the catchy organ music that defines the carousel experience today.  

Two main styles emerged in the late 1800s – the Philadelphia style and the Coney Island style.

The Philadelphia style was largely identified with a cabinet maker that emigrated from Germany in 1860 – Gustav A. Dentzel. His shop in Philadelphia created elegant, expressive carvings that were more realistic and regal figures often with militaristic trappings.

The Coney Island style was largely influenced by Charles I.D. Loof, a Danish immigrant who moved to New York in 1876. His shop was known for carving more fanciful and animated figures that featured highly visible adornments using a lot of jewels.

Other styles emerged over the years such as Country Fair style, which kept figures more simple and portable.  

Demand for carousels boomed in the early 1900s in much of Europe and America. It was the focal point of special events and people would ride while wearing their Sunday cloths and enjoy the breeze rushing through their hair.

Many of these early carousels are now artifacts. Many of which have taken a toll from use and neglect. And these ornate wooden pieces of art and culture are being restored at Carousel Magic in Mansfield, Ohio. Experienced craftsman perform meticulous repairs, painting and carving daily. Their work includes restoration projects and new construction. Their carousel horses and menagerie figures are custom designed and hand-carved one-of-a-kind items. They strive to preserve the endangered art of wooden carousel carving and love to share what they do with visitors.

Carousel Magic offers guided tours of their entire operation Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from May 1 through December 23, 2007 (except Thanksgiving Day). Tours cost $5 per adult and only $1.50 per child 5-12 years old. Carousel Magic also has a gift shop and is located at 44 West 4^th Street in downtown Mansfield’s Carrousel District. For more information about tours, carving classes, etc., call 419-526-4009 or log onto www.carouselmagic.com.

So even though the back-to-school activities may have your head spinning round and round, carve a little time into one more weekend as summer fades to fall and pick out that special horse to climb onto and bob your head to the jaunty music. Afterward, grab a bite to eat, shop and take a tour of carousels past and present. To plan your end of summer merry-go-round ride and adventure, visit www.carrouseldistrict.com.

By Frank R. Satullo
The OhioTraveler

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LADIES NIGHT
From Prom to Weddings
This Formal Wear Shop Has Grown Up

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She's long been dubbed the Queen-of-the-Hill but the hill is gone and now Jo Hall stands before a mountain.

Jo’s little formal wear shop, Hilltop Designs, achieved such a large clientele she relocated it to a much more spacious place to offer a greater supply of the hard-to-find gowns for which she is known to provide. Whether it’s for proms, weddings or other formal occasions, ladies travel from near and far to get THE dress for that special occasion. The old shop sat a-top a hill on a narrow winding road in southwest Ohio Appalachia and Amish country about an hour from Cincinnati. Jo’s nickname –  Queen of the Hill – fittingly came from girls traveling from the Queen City – Cincinnati.

The popularity of the old shop led to a traffic problem and after expanding the parking area twice, Jo decided to move her business to a more convenient location directly off State Route 32 in Winchester just a half hour from the east side of Cincinnati. She spent months preparing the building to capture the charm of the old place. It also adds amenities she couldn’t offer before such as a 4,200 square-foot reception hall, accommodating parties of up to 325 people.

Now Jo is preparing for homecoming, prom and bridal seasons and offering special events and fashion shows to give ladies a comprehensive view of the newest fashions coming for their special night. October 6, 2007 is a special Homecoming Show & Sale, October 11, 2007 is the annual Prom Preview followed by the November 23, 2007 Prom Reveal Show & Sale. In early 2008, for all those ladies who were proposed to over the holidays, Jo plans an enchanting bridal show. In addition, throughout the year, she puts on beauty pageants and other special engagements.

In the Queen City, those in the bridal business have lured women from the suburbs and rural Tri-State surroundings for years. But the trend is reversing. Metropolitan and suburban ladies have learned to go great distances to get the perfect dress and other accessories for that special occasion. Jo, a veteran of the bridal and prom wars has become a force to be reckoned with by her urban and suburban counterparts. Outside her shop is farmland and open countryside. Inside, there’s the frequent sound of, “OOH - AHH!”  

Years ago, Jo used to be frustrated by the townies traveling to the city for their wedding, prom and formal wear shopping. But she has since seen the trend reverse. Now, she gets clientele from as far as 200 miles away and the locals now find it trendy to stay close-to-home for their prom, bridal and formal wear shopping. One of Jo’s favorite comments by those coming to Hilltop Designs for the first time is, “I can’t believe a place like this is in a place like this.” But, believe it or not, Jo says the best form of flattery is the sound of crying. Yes, moms and dads
often shed tears upon seeing their little girl get into THE dress.  

Jo has five children and 10 grandchildren. As a mother and grandmother, she has learned that subtle things can go a long way. Over the years, she has become not only an expert on dresses and formal wear, but as a mother and grandmother, she knows how to please girls and boys of any age. She literally touches nearly every dress and tux that leaves her shop to be sure it is perfect.  

What is it about Hilltop Designs that enabled it to achieve such growth from a hard-to-find, out-of-the-way location miles from anything? Atmosphere, friendliness, and fashion knowledge for sure, but Jo says it’s more to do with offering what others don’t.  

• Hard-to-find prom and bridal gowns by top designers such as Tiffany.

• Accommodating women’s sizes 28+ and men’s tuxedos sizes 4-70.

• Cutting edge metropolitan fashion for any occasion at country prices.

• Custom embroidery and professional alterations along with many other fine touches stores playing the numbers game don’t have time to bother providing.

• Hilltop Designs also provides all the accessories for any formal engagement including jewelry, shoes, purses, gloves, veils and floral. 

When asked what will determine the success of her new prom and bridal shop, Jo replied, “Tears. I want people to cry ‘it’s so beautiful,’ just like I’ve seen time and again at my old place when a girl tries on THE gown!”   

It’s this down-home warmth, charm and beauty that have built the Hilltop Designs mystique, reputation and Jo's nickname, "Queen of the Hill." Why else would ladies drive to the country for formal wear?  

Current fashions by leading prom and bridal gown designers include: 

• Bridal Gowns by Jasmine, Roberta, Bonny, and Dere Kiang. Mother of the Bride, Brides Maid, and Junior Brides Maid dresses by Alexia Designs.

• Prom dresses by Tiffany, Precious Formals, and Jasmine.

• Tuxedos by Ecko, Ralph Lauren, Lord West, Fubu, Andrew Fezza, Perry Ellis, and Jean Yves will also be showcased.

Hilltop Designs is now open Monday through Saturday from 10-5 at 9764 Tri-County Road in Winchester, OH 45697. It is a straight shot on Route 32 East out of Cincinnati about 30 minutes from Eastgate Mall. Call 937- 695 - 5545 for directions. For more information, simply Google “Cincinnati prom and bridal” and click the first result or type ohiotraveler.com/bridal_shop.htm.

By Frank R. Satullo

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WINGS OVER COSHOCTON

In September, when the summer heat wanes and the sounds of school buses creep back into daily life, people in and around Coshocton County will begin casting glances skyward.

It was around the same time, last year, when rare and unusual aircraft began filling the early autumn skies above the river valleys and farmlands of this east-central Ohio County. The sounds of their engines reverberated throughout historic Roscoe Village, creating a striking contrast as horse-drawn buggies moved to the distinctly modern cadence of piston aircraft engines. 

High overhead, sleek aerobatic aircraft joined with classic, lumbering biplanes; their bright colors accentuated by the perfect blue skies that are so common during that time of year. Venerable war birds from the “Greatest Generation” of the 1940’s shared the sky with their modern-day brethren, clearly illustrating why the U.S. military remains the world’s preeminent fighting force. 

Some were trailing colored smoke, others were rolling and tumbling through the sky, but they were all heading to one location – Richard Downing Airport in Coshocton, Ohio. 

Tucked away within the picturesque hills of Coshocton County, Richard Downing airport has been hard at work over the last few years making a name for itself among flyers and non-flyers alike. 

Their public relations efforts began years ago, with the design of their new airport terminal building and its surrounding facilities. The airport is lucky enough to be situated amongst some of the most beautiful countryside in Ohio and, from day one, the architects wanted to incorporate the natural beauty of the area into their design plans. As a result, the terminal building’s lobby offers an unobstructed view of the scenery, which only gets better as you step outside onto the tarmac apron. 

The airport’s renovated facilities have been combined with a staff of friendly and efficient employees to create what is widely considered to be one of the best small airports in the nation.  

With the aviation crowd thrilled by the airport’s new look and excellent service, the staff at Richard Downing then turned their attention to the non-flying public. They wanted a way to showcase their airport while building community rapport and educating the public about the services that Richard Downing provides. 

The solution was an easy one. They needed an air show. Thus, Wings Over Coshocton was born. 

Last year, the inaugural Wings Over Coshocton air show featured a wide assortment of aircraft and events, deftly mixing sleek and colorful airplanes with the natural beauty of the countryside. This year’s show promises to be bigger and better. 

Combining the graceful aerial ballet of formation aerobatics with radical gyroscopic tumbles and heart stopping head-on madness, the American Firebirds will be headlining the show. Pilots Jack Knutson and Jae Walker take to the skies in their Extra 300S aircraft and are guaranteed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Making his second appearance at the Wings Over Coshocton Air Show, former fighter pilot Jim “Fang” Maroney will once again be at the controls of his deHaviland "Super" Chipmunk. A crowd favorite, Jim's air show routine is filled with thrilling maneuvers and precision flying in a unique and historic aircraft. 

Two world-renowned air show acts will be making their first appearances at this year’s Wings Over Coshocton. The first, the “Misty Blues”, is an all-woman skydiving team. Comprised of nine women from across the United States, the Misty Blues have been performing at air shows for nearly two decades. Members of the team have accumulated 35 world records and more than 40,000 jumps. 

During freefall, the women will perform aerobatic maneuvers while trailing colored smoke and reaching speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour. They will also perform a patriotic flag jump to begin the show. 

The second world famous performer scheduled to perform at Wings Over Coshocton is wing walking legend Tony Kazian. 

In the spirit of the great wing walkers of the 1920's and 1930's, Kazian will board a Super Stearman biplane for a performance on and around the wings of the aircraft, while reaching speeds of 180mph.  

Winner of the 2007 Bill Barber Memorial Award for Showmanship, Kazian performs without a parachute or safety cable - following in the footsteps of his mentor and father, Johnny Kazian.  

In addition to the aerobatic performances, a number of aircraft are scheduled to make fly-by appearances during the show including a massive KC-135 Stratotanker and an L-39 Albatross.

Although much of the action at this year’s Wings Over Coshocton air show will be in the skies, there will be plenty of excitement on the ground, too. The staff at Richard Downing has scheduled a variety of aircraft to appear as static displays – allowing the public to get “up close and personal” with everything from a Russian jet trainer to a WWII-era cargo plane. 

Following its huge success last year, the Kid’s Fun Zone will be even better this year. Featuring numerous inflatable attractions and play areas, a petting zoo, animal rides, clowns and much more, access to the Kid’s Fun Zone is free with your admission to the show. 

Also appearing at this year’s show, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary will offer an informational exhibit of live birds from in and around the state. The Wings of Valor Art Exhibit will also be on-hand, displaying their incredible collection of aviation related artwork. 

Live music, helicopter rides, great food, friendly people… the list of attractions goes on and on. Wings Over Coshocton 2007, to be held on Saturday, September 15^th at Richard Downing airport, is shaping up to be another huge success. 

So, if you cast your eyes skyward this September and see an unusual aircraft making its way across the sky, it might be heading to Coshocton County for the Wings Over Coshocton Air Show. If you’re looking for an exciting, family-friendly way to spend a day, just follow its lead. 

The Wings Over Coshocton Air Show, at Richard Downing Airport in Coshocton, Ohio, will be held on Saturday, September 15^th. Gates open at 9:00am, with the show beginning at 2:00pm. General Admission tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-10 and free for children under 3 years of age.  

For more information, please visit the Richard Downing airport website www.coshoctonairport.com or call the airport at (740) 622-2252.

By John Cameron

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AMISH HARVEST
Celebrates 30th Year in SW Ohio

The seasons are about to change from summer to autumn and Ohio prepares for this most festive period with fairs and festivals galore – all sharing a common ingredient – food. September and October are traditionally time for harvest and one place celebrates this American tradition unlike anywhere else. After all, it’s their livelihood and has been for 30 years.  

Welcome to the Wheat Ridge Amish homestead of the Miller family, nestled in southern Ohio Appalachia country. The daughter, sons and grandchildren of Harry and Lydia are hard at work baking and building as usual to get ready for Fall and the 30^th anniversary of Miller’s Bakery, Furniture and Bulk Foods.  

In appreciation for their loyal customers spanning the past three decades, Miller’s plans a special customer appreciation day October 6, 2007. Patrons can count on great sales, delicious Amish BBQ chicken, baked beans, Cole slaw, fresh baked pie, homemade ice cream, coffee and drinks.  

But wait, there’s more. 

The Millers are also planning a Thanksgiving sale November 23 and 24, 2007. It features 10 percent off all indoor furniture in stock. And from December 26, 2007 through January 1, 2008, the Millers will have an end of year clearance sale. All of this is the family’s way of showing its appreciation for the loyal customers that head to southwest Ohio Amish country for great baked goods and handmade furniture since the Miller family transitioned from farming to retail sales in 1977. 

Harry and Lydia Miller settled in West Union, Ohio’s small but growing Wheat Ridge Amish community in 1977. Originally, they were farmers raising hogs, cattle, and sheep.  

On the weekends, Harry, Lydia and their six children baked. Their surrounding community loved everything out of the Miller’s oven and came to buy what they desired straight from the farmhouse kitchen until 1988.  

Then, Gerold Miller and his wife Becky took over baking and carted the goods to a tiny 10x16 building to sell the baked goods. The 10x16 building grew to 24x36, and then 32x64.  

Returning from trips to Holmes County in Northeast Ohio, the Miller’s offered furniture for sale from the bakery. The more they brought back the more that sold. Finally, a separate building was dedicated to this side business. They converted what used to be a barn near the store and used it for many years. Today it’s a warehouse.  

With newer, larger buildings sprouting up on the grounds, the Millers had plenty of room and could now serve the tour bus groups that discovered their farm. They started selling bulk foods, spices, cheese, jellies, lunchmeat and more. People couldn’t get enough of the Holmes County cheese and trail bologna. Soon, they outgrew another building.  

It was about this time, Gerold started selling lawn furniture and the business continued to boom so Gerold brought in his siblings to help manage everything. Daniel and his wife Mary helped with the furniture store. Larry purchased the baking equipment from Gerold since he and his wife Esther had been the lead bakers for the past several years. In 1996, Larry built the present day bakery building. The bulk foods store became the responsibility of Harry Jr. and his wife Leah. By now, Malinda moved to Indiana with her husband Alva Jr. and the youngest brother, David, moved to Florida.  

Last fall, the furniture store expanded, adding on another 12,000 square feet. Today, the Miller’s 300 acre farm has homes for those that live there, including the old farmhouse, 34,000 square feet of furniture under one roof, plus much more outdoor furniture, gazebos and barns outside. Across the parking lot are the bakery and bulk food buildings.  

30 years after the first loaves of bread, pies and other baked goods filled the southwest Appalachia air with Miller’s baking fresh from the over, a family celebrates their blessings. To show appreciation for the employees and customers that have been so kind to them over the decades, they plan to give back in the form of numerous sales planned throughout the year.  

Although Harry Miller has since passed, his legacy lives through this close-knit Amish family. It probably won’t be long before newer or larger buildings are built to keep up with growth. Some of Harry’s 20 grandchildren will eventually assume responsibilities from their parents and keep Miller’s Bakery, Furniture & Bulk Foods alive for many more years.  

Miller’s Furniture Store provides a full-line of quality hand-crafted interior and outdoor furniture, including playhouses. Inside Miller’s Bakery & Gifts Store people can watch as the fresh baked goods come out of the kitchen oven. Miller’s Bulk Foods Store has a variety of special spices and ingredients to make just about anything. Their most popular items are the variety of meats, cheeses, jellies and homemade candy.  

The Miller’s are continuing the family tradition of 30 years by providing the best possible Amish baked goods, Amish-made furniture and Amish bulk foods. This authentic Amish family-owned and operated business attracts folks from hundreds of miles away. Their motto developed over the years is “If we don’t have it, we make it.” 

Miller’s Bakery, Furniture and Bulk Foods is open Monday through Saturday 9 – 5. They are located at 960 Wheat Ridge Road in West Union, Ohio 45693. You may call them at 937-544-8524.

By Frank R. Satullo

SINFUL EATING PLEASURES

Do you like to cook?  Or would you rather eat?  Ohio’s Historic West boasts some of the state’s best cooking and eating attractions.  Try these guilty pleasures. 

Beautiful farmland, formal gardens and a modern production facility await you in the rolling hills of Robert Rothschild Farm, located just outside Urbana.  You will feel yourself relaxing in the serenity of the herb and flower gardens, as well as the raspberry fields covering over 170 breathtaking acres. Experience the world-renowned and award-winning gourmet foods and discover the enticing aromas created in our kitchen.  Experience simple elegance. Information on Robert Rothschild Farm is available at www.robertrothschild.com or by contacting the Champaign County Visitor Bureau at 877-873-5764 or www.champaignohio.com.  

Young’s Jersey Dairy is a family owned and operated dairy farm famous for its ice cream creations… the “State’s Best Milkshake” as stated in Ohio Magazine.  They have a working dairy farm, two restaurants, a bakery and two wonderful gift shops with many collectibles.  Family entertainment options include miniature golf, a beautiful driving range, a batting cage, petting goats and other animals and of course watching the cows being milked. Information is available at www.youngsdairy.com or by contacting the Clark County Visitor Bureau at 800-803-1553 or www.springfield-clarkcountyohio.info.  

In the adorable town of West Liberty, nestled in a refurbished train depot is Marie’s Candies. Marie’s Candies opened its doors in 1956, and its reputation for old-fashioned, high-quality candies spread across the countryside.  During a visit of Marie’s today, you’ll receive delicious free samples of chocolates and candies.  Staff members will share the history of this candy company that will make the story of the business come to life. Information is available at www.mariescandies.com or from the Logan County Visitors Bureau 888-LOGANCO or www.logancountyohio.com.  

From the shops in Switzerland to the upscale stores in New York and San Francisco, one would expect to find a high-end artisan chocolate to tempt their taste buds, but in a small, farming community in the heart of the Midwest? Ghyslain Chocolatier located in Union City, was founded by Ghyslain Maurais who has created high-end chocolates that rival the best choolatiers in the world. What makes Ghyslain’s chocolates even more unique was the development of his signature hand-painted    chocolates. Information is available at www.ghyslain.com or by from the Darke County Visitors Bureau 800-504-2995 or www.discoverourlegends.com.  

Explore the KitchenAid Factory in Greenville to find the number one American made stand mixer.  During this one-hour walking tour, guests will be escorted through the KitchenAid factory.  Visitors can browse through antique KitchenAid memorabilia and shop for first quality KitchenAid products, accessories, gourmet foods, other well-crafted kitchen items as well as refurbished KitchenAid products at factory direct prices. Information on Kitchen Aid is available at www.kitchenaid.com or by contacting the Darke County Visitors Bureau at 800-504-2995 or www.discoverourlegends.com.  

Once you’ve seen the beloved mixer being made, travel to Downtown Greenville to the KitchenAid Experience Center to get your hands “floury” while creating apple dumplings in the one-of-a-kind, all KitchenAid kitchen. While the apple dumplings are baking, explore the largest display of KitchenAid portable appliances on Earth in this grand showcase. Browse through antique KitchenAid memorabilia in the heritage museum and purchase refurbished products at factory direct prices.

The Winery at Versailles in located in Darke County.  The Winery offers many opportunities to unwind and relax in a country setting.  Take a tour of the facility. Sit a spell while sampling an array of wines, everything from dry Cabernets to fruity Catawbas to Ports and sparkling wines.  Browse the gift shop to purchase wine and wine-related items.  The Winery also offers gourmet dinners, “Steak Fry” nights, a wine and jazz festival and many other special events throughout the summer months. To learn more visit www.wineryatversailles.com or contact the Darke County Visitors Bureau at 800-504-2995 or www.discoverourlegends.com.  

Established in the late1800’s and now in its 4th generation of family ownership, Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees is one of the oldest family owned and operated chocolate confectionaries in the country. You will love the wonderful assorted chocolate selections, hand-wrapped caramels and delicious brittles. You can also enjoy the freshly roasted coffee bean selections. Winans, the best resource for premium chocolates, handmade the same way for generations, fresh roasted gourmet coffees and gifts that delight everyone. Information is available at www.winanscandies.com or from the Miami County Visitors Bureau 800-348-8993 or www.visitmiamicounty.org.  

The Spot Restaurant made its beginnings from a man named Spot Miller who in 1907 brought his chuckwagon into town and set-up business at the corner of Court Street and Ohio Avenue in downtown Sidney. The current facility is a fine example of the streamlined Art Moderne architectural style with its smooth, unornamented wall surface faced with gleaming white porcelain tile. The restaurant has been featured on the cover of the Ohio Magazine. Information is available at www.thespottoeat.com or from the Shelby County Visitors Bureau 866-892-9122 or www.visitsidneyshelby.com.  

For more information about cuisine and attraction options throughout Ohio’s Historic West, please go to www.ohioshistoricwest.com. 

Click here for additional festivals and events throughout Ohio

Food-Fest! Eat'em-up Yum!

Ladies Night (video)

Wings Over Coshocton

Sinful Eating Pleasures 

Norman Rockwell In Akron

Habitat for Butterflies

The Hunt is On

Amish Harvest in 30th Year

Book Fest Reflects Ohio