Visitors flock to Delaware County, Ohio in autumn for many reasons: cooler temps, great events, fall colors and flowers. And visitors can still enjoy being outdoors!
The big headliner to start Delaware County’s fall is of course the Delaware County Fair and the Little Brown Jug. Fair week begins with the well-known All-Horse Parade. It features horses, ponies, wagons, carriages, even cowgirls and marching bands, but not motorized vehicles! It’s a three-mile circuit, starting and ending at the fairgrounds. It’s quite the crowd-pleaser.
The Delaware County Fair begins that weekend and leads into the Little Brown Jug on Thursday, which is the third and final race in the triple crown of harness racing. Said to take place on the fastest half-mile track in the world, The Jug attracts visitors, owners, horse enthusiasts, and the curious from across the country and beyond. Jug attendees can place friendly wagers on their favorites, or just enjoy the races and the crowd. Later in the evening, finding great dining throughout Delaware is a cinch. There are restaurants to satisfy every palate.
Also, county visitors like to take in other events such as the Powell Octoberfest or Powell Street Market; Farmers’ Markets in Sunbury, Delaware and Powell; and the Delaware State Park Fall Festival or the Harvest Fair at Stratford Ecological Center. The Powell Street Market has something for everyone in the family. Afterwards, visitors can go to one of Delaware County’s nearby Preservation Parks to explore habitats, farm life of the past, and just enjoy the change of the season.
Powell’s Oktoberfest is for those visitors over the age of 21. It features all the best fall faire: craft beverages, German food, and live music. This is a ticketed event. Travelers should plan accordingly.
Visitors coming at the end of October who want to explore the arts and have a bit of fun can check out The Arts Castle Haunted Castle Tour. Other activities include walking tours of Downtown Historic Delaware and the Ross Museum of Art exhibits on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus.
Of course, the attraction for outdoor enthusiasts really comes in the first three weeks of October: peak fall colors! They can take in the colors at the Alum Creek State Park Fall Fest, which also has a Haunted Trail and other activities. Another option is to enjoy the 57th Annual Ohio Gourd Show and learn about the different types of gourds with demonstrations, crafts and workshops.
If visitors come for a weekend of beautiful fall foliage, they can rent a kayak or canoe and really see the leaves from a different point of view. Several venues rent equipment on the weekends throughout October. Visitors may also enjoy camping in one of the state parks. It’s the chance to be close to the beautiful colors and on the water one more time before winter sets in.
Delaware County is a great place for an adventure this fall. Plan the right excursion and plenty more information regarding accommodations, activities, and attractions at www.visitdelohio.com.
