October Archives

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Take a Minute to See
The Cleveland West Side Market

The West Side Market is Cleveland’s largest and oldest continuously operating public market. It offers food from cultures around the world in an old-world market atmosphere.

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Autumn means Pig Racing Season in Ohio!
Fall farms across the state offer an entertaining sport where pigs hear the dinner bell and race to their bowls of food. Meanwhile, spectators pick their favorites to win and cheer them on. Some farms have taken it to a new level of fun with a sports desk, where commentators provide background on each contestant and play-by-play action.

Over one million LEGO^® bricks make up
the new exhibit Traveling Bricks 

Imagination Station’s new exhibit features 120 incredible creations made of LEGO^® bricks!

Welcome to LEGO^® on another level. Over one million LEGO^® bricks make up the new exhibit Traveling Bricks – it’s the ultimate builder’s dream. This fascinating marvel is included with admission and runs from October 4, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

The exhibit celebrates the history of transportation—on land, through the air, across the seas, and into space. Some of the stunning creations include a 22-foot-long Titanic ship, a 10-foot-long Zeppelin, and a Saturn V Rocket created from 26,000 LEGO^® bricks that stands 9 feet tall. Traveling Bricks offers visitors the opportunity to explore history through the lens of science, creative play, and artistic expression.

Learn about the history of travel through trains, steamboats, cars, jets, and even construction equipment spanning different decades and countries. By blending hands-on fun with a stunning visual experience, Traveling Bricks thoughtfully combines history, technology, engineering, and artistry, one brick at a time.

The 120 awe-inspiring creations cover three galleries, transforming  LEGO^® pieces into sophisticated works of art while providing a play space for kids, or those who are still young at heart, with 200,000 loose bricks to click, snap, and stack together.

Plan your visit to ImaginationStationtoledo.org.

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Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville is a picturesque overnight stay amid the rolling wooded hills of Mohican Country, one of Ohio’s favorite getaways. Enjoy 30 acres of nature surrounding this unique structure. And dine at the Copper Mug Bar & Grille Restaurant, which is also on the property. Plan your visit here.

Fall in Amish Country is filled with spectacular color and simple pleasures that showcase the very best of the season. Fields are dotted with corn shocks, porches glow with mums and pumpkins, and a cup of warm apple cider is the perfect companion for taking in the brilliant autumn leaves. It is a beautiful area to gather with friends and enjoy the many outdoor events happening this season.

Hillcrest Orchard in Walnut Creek is the perfect place to start your fall adventure. Pick your own apples from among rows of Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, and Rosalee apples, where you’ll also find something new—the Amarillo, a sweet, crunchy standout you won’t see everywhere. Fresh-pressed cider, pumpkins, and local produce make Hillcrest Orchards a fall favorite, while other nearby locations like The Farm at Walnut Creek add even more reasons to visit.

Famous for offering the unexpected, The Farm at Walnut Creek is ready to celebrate the season with its annual Fall Festival Weekends. Try your aim with the pumpkin slingshot, let the kids dig into the giant corn box, or watch the Percheron draft horses press sorghum into molasses. Climb the straw castle, enjoy a hearty lunch of barbecue chicken, noodles, beans, and desserts, then relax on a horse-drawn wagon ride to feed giraffes, zebras, bison, and more.  The Farm at Walnut Creek does not accept credit cards, so prepare to bring along cash for this attraction as well as the many roadside farmstands you might encounter along the way.

Adventure continues at Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery, with extended evening hours on Friday, October 3rd and 17th, where guests can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, feed the goats perched on the barn roof, and enjoy fresh popped kettle corn, baked goods, and seasonal treats from the bakery.  Don’t forget to bring along a cooler. Field-to-table fresh produce and goods are a staple of the area, home to some of the best cheese houses and butcher shops, which provide locally sourced meats, cheeses, and eggs.

A day of adventure can leave you with a serious appetite.  Satisfy your cravings with a visit to an Amish-inspired buffet meal at Der Dutchman Restaurant and Bakery in Walnut Creek, The Berlin Farmstead in Berlin, or Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen in Mt. Hope.  The savory broasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, and fresh fruit pies and desserts will satisfy the largest of appetites.

Ohio Amish Country is not meant to be a rushed destination.  Sip, savor, and stay awhile.  Home to several wineries, you can sip local vintages and enjoy live music on most weekends, then cozy up around a campfire to take in the evening stars.  There are endless options for lodging, ranging from scenic campsites to cabins and cottages, charming bed and breakfast inns, and full-service hotels, many of which feature indoor swimming pools, where modern comfort meets countryside tranquility.

Allow yourself plenty of time to explore, and don’t be afraid to venture down the backroads, which offer some of the most authentic experiences.  Go to visitamishcountry.com and click on the events tab for a listing of fall festivals and events, and request a free Map and Visitors Guide to help plan the perfect fall adventure.

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Visit Medina County this October for frights, fairs, and fests! Each community has special events or celebrations to get you into the spooky spirit, and all invite you to Picture yourself in Medina County this October!

Buckin’ Ohio’s season finale, the Tournament of Champions Bull Riding, is Saturday, October 4th. Join them at the ranch, complete with cowboys, barrel races, live music, shopping, food trucks, pre-show children’s activities, and watch the Mutton Busters battle it out for Gold Buckle Dreams. As an added bonus, Spring Mist Farms will be giving horse-drawn carriage rides! Gates open at 4pm and Mutton Bustin’ is at 5:30pm and bull riding begins at 7pm. Bring the whole family for western fun to 8154 Garman Road in Burbank, Ohio. Tickets can be purchased at buckinohio.com.

Black Cat’s Curious Carnival and Psychic Fair is Medina’s premier Vintage Halloween event! On October 11th from 1:00 – 7:00PM, this event will take place on Mill Street and is completely free to attend. You can expect face painting, balloon artistry, curious vintage vendors, author signings, and deals throughout the event. Bonus points if you show up in your best vintage Halloween costume!

Flea Fest at Medina’s Common Ground gives you a chance to bust out the flannel and boots and shop for all your fall favorites! October 11th, from 12:00 – 4:00pm, visit the shops and vendors to find home decor, clothing, art, candles, and a few surprises! Enjoy a bite at Dilly’s Sandwich Factory or a mocktail and cocktails at Pickeback’s and spend some time chatting about all your purchases on the patio.

No trip to Medina County in October is complete until you’ve experienced Scare on the Square in Wadsworth. Main Street Wadsworth presents its Scare on the Square event on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00pm, featuring trick-or-treating, Halloween activities, live music, and family entertainment. Then, the much-acclaimed Wadsworth Thriller brings back to life Michael and all of his zombie friends with performances by local dancers and actors all around the downtown streets. In its twelfth year, the event has grown into a must-see Halloween favorite, watched by thousands. No tickets necessary, just an appetite for a ghoulish good time – don’t miss it!

Spending time shopping with your girlfriends is extra special when you add broomsticks, potions, and deals galore! Experience Medina’s Halloween spirit as you walk the streets when decked out in your best witch’s costume. Main Street Medina hosts its Witches Night Out event on Thursday, October 23, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. With photo contests and specials in charming shops, we bet you’ll add this event to your travel calendar each year.

Looking for a spirited afternoon with the family? Castle Noel offers more than Christmas and is welcoming the Sanderson Sisters for a day of music, mischief, and magical mayhem! Join Winifred, Mary, and Sarah (impersonators) as they cast their spooky charm with hilarious performances, interactive storytelling, and plenty of playful crowd fun. This immersive Hocus Pocus-inspired event offers two ticket options for purchase on Sunday, October 26. Visit their website at CastleNoel.com to purchase tickets and learn more details.

Driving through the countryside and seeing the sites is a perfect way to experience October. The Medina County Parks District presents its Fall Foliage Tour. This self-driving tour showcases farms, attractions, county parks, and historical societies, offering numerous opportunities to capture glimpses of beautiful landscapes and rich fall colors. This 57-year tradition takes place during the area’s peak fall color season, and an annual two-day event makes for an excellent getaway for families, couples, or solo travelers to immerse themselves in harvest vibes and the beauty of Autumn. Stop by Market 42 for a wide variety of dining options while you rest from your travels. Make your plans now to enjoy this local pastime on October 11th and 12th, 2025, from noon to 5pm each day.

You can find these and other events at visitmedinacounty.com. Picture Yourself in Medina County this Fall!

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There’s plenty to fall in love with in Coshocton County, especially during the autumn months! October is packed with family-friendly activities that are not to be missed! Whether for a day or a weekend, Coshocton is the perfect place for a getaway!

Enjoy the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival, October 17 -19, 2025. More than 100 vendors attend to offer handmade crafts, foods, and fine art in Historic Roscoe Village. Watch apple butter being stirred in large cast-iron kettles while enjoying live music on the main stage. Free parking and Living History tours are included with admission. The Roscoe Village shops and restaurants will also be open during the festival. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RoscoeVillage.com.

The Fall Foliage and Farm Tour will take place on October 18–19, 2025. Pick up a map at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds. This drive-it-yourself tour is a complete mystery to those planning to attend. The tour allows guests to see farms not usually open to the public and may include stops at livestock, horse, & dairy farms, timber and furniture makers, vineyards, & historic sites. A lunch stop is also included. It’s a great way to enjoy the fall foliage and learn about the agricultural industry. The Ohio State University Extension, Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District, and the USDA Farm Service Agency host this event. Contact Coshocton County’s branch of Ohio State University Extension at 740-622-2265 for more information.

MMS Aviation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is October 18 – 19, 2025, at 24387 Airport Road in Coshocton. MMS Aviation is adjacent to Richard Downing Airport in Coshocton. For the last 50 years, MMS (Missionary Maintenance Service) has been training pilot mechanics from around the world to serve in far-reaching areas of need. Celebrate 50 years of service in mission aviation with tours of the three hangars, food, and entertainment. Plane and helicopter rides are available for purchase.

The Friends of the Parks 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at 23253 State Route 83 / Coshocton Lake Park. Beautiful fall colors set the scene for this annual race. All abilities are welcome, whether you walk for fun or run to compete. Longer races will take place throughout Coshocton’s Historic Downtown District and Historic Roscoe Village, in addition to the Lake Park Complex, while the 5K will remain within the park. Runners may register at dkraces.com.

Explore McPeek’s Mighty Maze on October 4, 11, 18, 25, and on November 1, 2025, at 24688 County Road 10 / Coshocton KOA. Bring the family and “get lost in the maze!” Open every Saturday in October and on the first Saturday in November, McPeek’s Mighty Maze also includes wagon rides, crafts, ball pit, sand diggers, and other family-friendly activities. Flashlight Nights take place from dusk until 9 P.M.  This non-spooky nighttime version of the corn maze adds some extra mystery to the adventure. Go to McPeeksMightyMaze.com for more information and to get tickets.

Coshocton features a variety of lodging options that include traditional and boutique hotels, camping, cabins, glamping, and AirBNBs, all of which can be seen at www.visitcoshocton.com. 

Make plans today to visit Coshocton, just a short drive from Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh! Call 740-622-4877 for a free information packet.

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In Darke County, the holidays are more than just a season—they’re a homecoming. Whether you were born here, moved here, or are simply visiting, everyone is treated like family when the lights begin to twinkle, and the spirit of the season fills the air.

From festive parades to cozy gatherings, Darke County embraces the true meaning of the holidays: togetherness. Downtown streets glow with cheerful decorations, historic landmarks open their doors to celebrate, and neighbors welcome visitors as if they’ve known them for years. It’s a place where traditions are shared, memories are made, and the warmth of the season can be felt in every smile, every handshake, and every cup of cocoa shared around the fire pits.

This year, Darke County invites families and visitors alike to celebrate the season through a series of beloved holiday events that have become local traditions.

The holiday season kicks off with Hometown Holiday Christmas in Versailles on November 7, 2025. Carriage rides, an activity tent filled with games, cookie decorating, popcorn, balloons, and more, and of course, Santa Claus ushers in the season!

Greenville is the place to be on November 22, 2025! It starts with the Christmas Preview Open House hosted by Historic Bear’s Mill and continues a few miles down the road in Greenville with the Hometown Holiday Lighted Horse & Lighted Vehicle Parade. Come early to cross off that Christmas shopping list at downtown Greenville’s quaint and colorful shops. The evening parade features more than 50 lighted horses, carriages, and wagons, and is followed by the newly added lighted vehicle parade. Greenville’s tree lighting caps the perfect day!

A weekend of wonder follows on December 5-7, 2025! The holiday weekend begins on December 5 with the Historic Bear’s Mill Luminary Walk, a candlelit stroll through the woods to a campfire and camaraderie. Warm up inside at the gift shop filled with unique items and special finds. On December 6, Shawnee Prairie hosts another beautiful luminary walk to the Log Cabin. Inside the Nature Center, hot cocoa and cookies await. Also on December 6, the Bradford, Ohio, Railroad Museum holds its popular Polar Express ticketed event. Get your golden ticket punched, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and see Santa at this wonderful museum.

Chenoweth Trails offers a weekend of family fun December 5-7, 2025. Christmas trees decorated by community organizations, a pavilion filled with crafts and games, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a fun walk through the woods greet visitors. A fee is required.

Make sure to get your ticket for Main Street Greenville’s Sugar Stroll on December 11, 2025. Discounts and deals aren’t the only treats! Ticket holders received cookies and other goodies from participating businesses. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s House!

Darke County is proud to share its holiday traditions with visitors from near and far, and the season wouldn’t be the same without you. From festive lights to hometown parades, from candlelit walks to cozy gatherings, every moment is brighter when celebrated together. Enjoy Darke County this holiday season—bring the family, make new memories, and experience the magic for yourself.

For more information on these events and more, check out VisitDarkeCounty.org!

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A Festive Journey Full of Lights, Laughter, and Local Cheer in Wayne County, Ohio

When the holiday season rolls into Wayne County, Ohio, it brings with it a sleigh full of charm, tradition, and twinkling lights. From cozy cafés and bustling boutiques to wagon rides and caroling choirs, this corner of Northeast Ohio knows how to celebrate the season in style.

The festivities kick off in downtown Wooster with the ever-popular Window Wonderland on Friday, November 21. It’s a night straight out of a Hallmark movie—storefronts decked out in dazzling holiday displays, families sipping hot cider, and Santa making his grand rooftop entrance with help from the Wooster Fire Department. Kids can meet live reindeer, hop on a horse-drawn wagon ride, and hunt for elves hidden around town. It’s the kind of evening that makes you believe in magic again.

Just down the road in Smithville, the holiday cheer continues with Christmas in the Village on Saturday, December 6. Think marshmallow roasting, vintage toy displays, and a pottery sale perfect for gift-giving. St. Nicholas himself makes an appearance, and the whole village glows with old-fashioned warmth and hospitality.

In Kidron, the season gets musical with the Christmas Handbell Benefit Concert at Lincoln Way Vineyards and the Orrville Community Chorus’s 80th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah on December 7. These beloved traditions bring the community together in celebration and song, filling hearts with peace and joy.

Holiday shopping in Wayne County is anything but ordinary. At the Pine Tree Barn, you can cut your own Christmas tree, shop for home décor in a beautifully restored 1868 barn and enjoy lunch overlooking the snowy Killbuck Valley. Downtown Wooster offers everything from artisan gifts to Rubbermaid classics, while Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron and P. Graham Dunn in Dalton serve up handcrafted goods and personalized treasures.

Foodies will find plenty to love, too. Shisler’s Cheese House curates delicious gift baskets, and Des Dutch Essenhaus in Shreve tempts with cinnamon rolls and handmade quilts. Over in Smithville, the Barn Restaurant Complex is home to Toyrifix—a specialty toy store that feels like Santa’s workshop come to life.

Local farms like Bauman Orchards and Rittman Orchards keep the holiday spirit fresh with pies, cider, and seasonal produce. And Ramseyer Farms extends its fall fun into early winter with hayrides and farm-fresh treats.

As December unfolds, neighborhoods from Creston to Orrville light up with festive displays. Whether you’re driving through town or strolling through Wooster’s glowing streets, the sparkle of the season is everywhere.

So whether you’re shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, singing along to timeless carols, or just soaking in the cozy vibes, Wayne County is the perfect place to make holiday memories. It’s a place where traditions are treasured, creativity shines, and the warmth of the season wraps around you like a favorite scarf.

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Autumn in Shelby County, Ohio, is good for the soul. With an enviable variety of “naturescapes” to enjoy, a weekend getaway to Sidney is just what’s needed to rejuvenate your spirit.

Bicycling and hiking enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the fall colors of Lake Loramie State Park in Fort Loramie and Tawawa Civic Park in Sidney. Lake Loramie State Park features a 1,600-acre lake with 30 miles of shoreline, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers seeking to combine both on- and off-water excursions. Here, visitors can pitch their camp on one of 167 sites offering both primitive and RV camping with all the amenities. Those who enjoy the experience of a cabin will find several options situated just steps away from the picturesque Lake Loramie shoreline.

Anglers are sure to love the seasonal sport fishing at Lake Loramie. Crappie, bluegill, and bass are among the most popular species abundant in the lake. Lake Loramie is also perfect for kayak fishing. Those needing a little extra assistance getting onto the water will find the adaptive boat launch incredibly easy to use and so convenient. Additionally, Lake Loramie offers rental kayaks for those who do not bring their own.

Oh, and don’t forget your camera. Lake Loramie State Park is home to an incredible variety of birds and wildlife, including bald eagles, woodpeckers, ducks, blue herons, and hawks. While hiking, you’ll also likely cross paths with deer, fox, mink, raccoon, and squirrel. These species viewed or photographed against the backdrop of spectacular fall color are breathtaking.

Tawawa Civic Park is also an incredible natural resource. With its 220 acres, Tawawa Park is a wooded reserve perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing, and is a wonderful outdoor location for family get-togethers, picnics, and cookouts.

Well beyond the allure of Lake Loramie and Tawawa parks, Sidney and Shelby County have an incredible lineup of fall activities not to be missed. Now through October 31^st, guests to Crossway Farms will love their Fall on the Farm days. U-pick pumpkins, a sunflower field, and the Crossway Corral Play Zone are great options for family fun. The Crossway Farm Store is perfect for autumn shoppers, offering pumpkins, mums, fresh fruit, veggies, seasonal gourds, jams, jellies, donuts, and coffee cakes. And did we mention the Apple Cider Explosion? This incredible, edible, drinkable creation is a real showstopper.

Another seasonal attraction of note is the Lost Land Corn Maze at Vandemark Farm, offering great family fun in the cooler Autumn temperatures. Here you can zip line, explore their corn maze, challenge your group to a round of mini golf, take a hayride, defy gravity on the giant swing, and work on your game at the golfers’ driving range. The Lost Land Corn Maze is open weekends through November 2, 2025.

The Shelby County Historical Society’s annual Ghost Walk is also a lot of fun (and educational, too). Here, past residents of Sidney and Shelby County share their incredible stories with the living. The Ghost Walk will take place on October 8–9, 2025, in downtown Sidney. Tour times are 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 each evening, with tours lasting 2 hours.

Concluding the Autumn calendar in Sidney is the Downtown Fall Festival on Friday and Saturday, October 10 – 11, 2025. Those attending will enjoy a Chocolate Walk and Craft Show Friday evening, plus Kids Trick or Treat & Costume Contest, a Farmers Market, loads of family fun activities, and more on Saturday morning until 1pm.

Of course, we all know that the conclusion of fun Autumn activities clears the way for the always spectacular Christmas season, making now the ideal time to plan your holiday travel to Sidney. On this online events calendar, you’ll find the perfect place for inspiration to begin new travel traditions.

“Sidney, Ohio… the spirit we share. Come share our spirit.”

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Whether you are traveling solo or bringing the family, plan your fall getaway in Grove City! Here, you’ll find a place that is up for fun and down to earth, a place for adventure that also knows how to help you relax. Spend the day in the town center that is lined with local eats and shops, find great community events that celebrate food and history, or experience the fall leaves on one of the scenic metro park trails.

Start your adventure with a fresh kolache from Pick Em’ Up Joe Coffee Co. or a hot chai latte from Transcend Coffee & Roastery in the town center and take a stroll. Discover five murals that depict Grove City’s heritage, spanning from pioneer times to the mid-20th century. This is part of Grove City’s ArtVenture, which features sculptures scattered throughout the community, primarily in the parks. All of these murals in the town center are outside of local restaurants and shops. Grab a bite to eat, find a locally made gift, or find something to do! Check out a show at the Little Theater off Broadway, break out of jail at Conundrum Rooms, or check your aim at Dueling Axes.

Searching for fall fun in Grove City? Venture to one of many parks and trails and enjoy the changing colors of the trees. Take a hike at Scioto Grove Metro Park, featuring the REI River Trail, where you can cross the Scioto River via the rope suspension bridge for spectacular views. No visit to the area is complete without a stop at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, the largest metro park in Ohio. In addition to its over 8,000 acres, this park is home to a herd of bison, offers ample trails for hiking and biking, and much more. Check out Circle S Farms for their Fall Fun Days through the end of October and grab a pumpkin and yummy treats!

Another fun adventure in Grove City is a Cheesy one – the Grove City Pizza Trek. Eat your way to a free T-shirt!

How it works:

• Register for your Free Grove City Pizza Trek Passport
• Make a purchase of at least $5 and check in by scanning the QR code at the restaurant
• Check in to 6 locations
• Redeem your Free Grove City Pizza Trek T-Shirt that will be shipped right to your door

This is a fun activity for the whole family. Share your Cheesy Adventure on Facebook and Instagram and tag @VisitGroveCity in your journey! Use hashtags #AltogetherAdventure and #GCPizzaTrek.

Keep an eye out for more Passports in Grove City, like the Holiday Cocktail Trail and the Grove City Shopping pass, coming soon! Plus, more Treks will be announced in 2026. Be sure to follow Visit Grove City on social media or sign up for the newsletter.

With so much to see and do, take your time and stay the night in Grove City. With a variety of lodging properties to meet your needs, Grove City offers everything from suites to free breakfast to tiny rooms for the minimalist. Explore all of your options in one place and Book Now!

Need help planning your Altogether Adventure®? Get a free Grove City Adventure Guide Here.

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When the holiday season sweeps through southern Ohio, few places shine quite like downtown Portsmouth. Each year, beginning at Thanksgiving and carrying on through New Year’s—and sometimes even longer—the city transforms into a true winter wonderland with Winterfest, the signature celebration hosted by Friends of Portsmouth. It’s no surprise that Winterfest played a key role in Portsmouth being named a Hallmark Hometown Christmas Town, a distinction that perfectly captures the community’s festive spirit.

A City Sparkling with Holiday Magic

Walking into Portsmouth during Winterfest feels like stepping into a storybook. Twinkling lights frame historic streets, storefronts are decorated with holiday cheer, and the air buzzes with anticipation. From children clutching cups of hot cocoa to families snapping photos in front of glowing displays, every corner of downtown radiates the joy of the season.

One of the most spectacular sights is Boneyfiddle in Lights, a tradition introduced just last year and already a fast favorite. This dazzling display transforms the historic Boneyfiddle District into a glowing wonderland, with new light features added each season. It’s the perfect backdrop for family photos, romantic strolls, and wide-eyed little ones marveling at the magic. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the lights provide endless opportunities to soak in holiday beauty.

Skating, Shopping, and Savoring

The event’s centerpiece is the ice-skating rink, where skaters of all ages lace up and glide under the open sky. The rink has become a beloved tradition, drawing both locals and visitors who want to relive childhood memories or create new ones. Whether you’re wobbly on your feet or a seasoned skater, the rink is filled with laughter, music, and plenty of holiday spirit.

Winterfest isn’t just about sights—it’s a feast for the senses. Local craft vendors line the streets, offering everything from handmade ornaments and cozy scarves to artisanal candles and unique jewelry. For anyone on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift, these booths are a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds. Shopping here means more than crossing off a list; it’s about supporting local makers and artisans who pour heart and creativity into every item.

And then there’s the food. Food trucks park nearby, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas—freshly baked cookies, piping-hot chili, gourmet coffee, and festive treats like kettle corn or peppermint fudge. It’s impossible not to grab a bite (or two) while strolling through the festivities.

Sounds of the Season

Adding to the atmosphere is the steady stream of live music. Local choirs, bands, and solo artists perform holiday classics and original tunes, creating a soundtrack that elevates the entire event. From soulful carols to upbeat renditions of festive favorites, the music invites people to linger a little longer, sip their cocoa, and soak in the holiday vibes.

Cozy Rides and Magical Visits

For those craving a bit of old-fashioned charm, horse-drawn carriage rides provide a magical way to experience downtown Portsmouth. Bundled under blankets, riders clip-clop through the illuminated streets, seeing the lights from a perspective that feels straight out of a holiday movie. It’s a simple yet enchanting experience that families return to year after year.

And of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself—but at Winterfest, meeting him is now more magical than ever. The newly added attraction, Santa’s Magical Elevator, takes place inside the Winterfest gift shop. Families step into an elevator that whisks them away on a whimsical ride to the North Pole, where they’ll be greeted by the jolliest fellow of them all. It’s an immersive experience that makes children’s eyes widen with wonder and gives parents a chance to capture unforgettable holiday photos.

A Celebration for All Ages

One of Winterfest’s greatest strengths is its ability to appeal to everyone. Young children revel in crafts, treats, and meeting Santa. Teens and young adults gather with friends to skate or snap photos in front of dazzling backdrops. Parents enjoy shopping and music, while grandparents delight in the chance to ride in a carriage or watch their families experience traditions they once enjoyed themselves.

It’s this inclusive, community-driven spirit that makes Winterfest more than just an event. It’s a gathering place where stories are shared, traditions are created, and the entire town comes alive with shared joy.

Why Winterfest Matters

Beyond the fun and festivities, Winterfest reflects Portsmouth’s deep sense of community pride. The event is organized by Friends of Portsmouth, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing and celebrating the city. Volunteers, local businesses, and civic leaders work together to ensure that Winterfest continues to grow each year, drawing visitors from across the region and boosting the local economy during the holiday season.

This collaborative effort is part of what earned Portsmouth the title of Hallmark Hometown Christmas Town—a recognition that puts the city in the national spotlight. The designation is more than just a label; it’s a reflection of how Portsmouth has embraced its identity as a place where small-town charm and holiday cheer go hand in hand.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Winterfest promises something special. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, downtown Portsmouth is alive with lights, music, food, and fun. Grab your skates, hop on a carriage ride, shop for unique gifts, wander through Boneyfiddle in Lights, or step into Santa’s Magical Elevator for an unforgettable trip to the North Pole.

This season, let Winterfest be your invitation to slow down, connect with loved ones, and experience the magic of the holidays in a setting that truly sparkles.

Winterfest in Portsmouth isn’t just an event—it’s a feeling. And it’s one you’ll want to return to year after year.

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Grows Fall Family Fun

Nestled in the heart of Brunswick, Ohio, Mapleside Farms is a beloved destination known for its captivating beauty, family-friendly festivals, and vibrant community events. Under the passionate stewardship of Greg and Kelly Clement, Mapleside has transformed into a premier venue that offers a delightful mix of tradition and modern attractions, making it a must-visit for all.

Mapleside Farms is breathtakingly beautiful. Rolling hills and expansive orchards provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It was even voted America’s most beautiful farm in 2011. Visitors can soak in the stunning vistas and experience the raw beauty that has made Mapleside a cherished landmark. If you’ve ever been to Mapleside, you know it offers one of the most incredible views in the Midwest, making it the perfect backdrop for weddings and special events.

Mapleside Farms is renowned for its Fall Festivals that draw families and friends from all over to come out and enjoy Pumpkin Village. Every autumn, the farm transforms into over 100 acres of fall family fun. With attractions like the GIANT Corn Maze, Cow and Pig Trains, scenic Hayrides, and the 311-foot Super Slide, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The themed weekends feature live performers such as princesses, pirates, and superheroes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

The fall also offers a time for adults to play. Mapleside’s Vino The Way offers a chance for people to journey into a special corn maze and seek out drink stations to taste a great variety of wines and beer.

During the summer, Mapleside Farms hosts one of the largest summer concert series in Northeast Ohio, “Concerts Over The Valley.” Every Friday, the farm comes alive with music as guests relax on the hill, listen to various genres, and watch the sunset over the picturesque valley. The winter season brings its charm with Winter Concerts in The Barn, where music lovers can enjoy performances in a cozy, rustic setting, and Breakfast with Santa, where families can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the barn with the big man himself.

For couples seeking a picturesque setting for their special day, Mapleside Farms offers a selection of stunning wedding venues. The beautiful post-and-beam construction of The Barn, The Waterfall, is a picturesque venue that combines Mapleside’s incredible orchard views with its hidden 80-foot waterfall. The Ballroom & Barn at Coppertop provides an idyllic backdrop for weddings and special events of all sizes. With its breathtaking views and charming rustic elegance, The Venues of Mapleside will ensure that every celebration is truly memorable.

Exciting things are on the horizon at Mapleside Farms with the upcoming addition of a winery. Although the winery is not open yet, the anticipation is building. Last year, 1,400 grapevines were planted, marking a significant step in the farm’s evolution. Once open, the winery will offer a selection of fine wines crafted from the farm’s vineyards, providing a perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon with friends or a romantic evening out.

Mapleside Farms is more than just a farm; it is where traditions are honored and new memories are made. From its early days as a humble apple orchard to its current status as a premier event venue, Mapleside Farms embodies the spirit of community, family, and innovation. The Clements’ vision and dedication have created a destination where visitors can unplug, enjoy the simple pleasures of farm life, and experience the magic that has captivated generations. With its rich history and exciting future, Mapleside Farms remains a cherished gem in the heart of Ohio.

Plan your visit today and discover why Mapleside Farms is Northeast Ohio’s premier destination for festivals, events, and family fun.

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in Wayne County, Ohio: A Traveler’s Guide

Calling all birding enthusiasts! If you’re looking for your next feathered adventure, Wayne County, Ohio, should be at the top of your list. Tucked away in the heart of the Buckeye State, this region is a birding paradise waiting to be explored.

Discover Wayne County’s Birding Hotspots 

Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area
Start your journey at Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area, where expansive wetlands attract a dazzling array of waterfowl, shorebirds, and majestic bald eagles year-round. Stroll along the boardwalks for up-close encounters with graceful herons and elusive marshland dwellers.

Secrest Arboretum and Barnes Preserve
For forest-loving species, click here and Barnes Preserve offer serene trails where the melodious songs of warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers echo through the trees. These spots are perfect for both seasoned birders and newcomers.

Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area
Explore the diverse habitats of Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area, known for its expansive marshes, grasslands, and woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species, including waterfowl and raptors, making it a must-visit for birding enthusiasts.

Wilderness Center
Discover the Wilderness Center, a haven for nature lovers with its well-maintained trails and diverse habitats. Keep your eyes peeled for woodland birds and waterfowl amidst the center’s commitment to conservation and education.

Shreve Migration Sensation
Don’t miss the annual Shreve Migration Sensation held in the spring and fall in the charming village of Shreve. Witness the spectacle of thousands of migrating warblers, sparrows, and other species passing through Wayne County during these peak migration dates.

Wayne County isn’t just about spotting birds; it’s about immersing yourself in nature’s wonders. Whether captivated by the vibrant colors of a warbler or awed by the aerial displays of raptors, every moment here is filled with discovery. Pack your binoculars, camera, and comfortable hiking shoes. Wayne County welcomes birders of all levels to explore its scenic beauty and rich avian diversity. Whether you spend a day or a week, you will create unforgettable memories and deepen your appreciation for the natural world.

Ready to spread your wings and explore Wayne County’s birding treasures? Join fellow birding enthusiasts in this captivating corner of Ohio, where every sighting is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our feathered friends. Wayne County awaits — are you ready to embark on your next birding adventure?

Happy birding!

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Marion, Ohio, is a destination worth discovering, and you’re invited to explore all that makes it special!

Most think diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but in Marion, train enthusiasts and rail fans can appreciate Union Station’s diamonds. Built in 1902, the station is bordered by tracks creating eight “diamonds” that have served both passenger and freight trains through the years. Now serving as a museum, guests can enjoy train watching, a trip up to the watch tower, and a tour of the station with marble walls, original oak woodwork, a fabulous stained-glass skylight, and beautifully patterned mosaic tile floors.

The historic Marion Palace Theatre offers a full schedule of musical groups, theatrical performances, and films; all while transporting guests to another place and time.  Created by renowned theatre architect John Eberson, the Palace was built in 1928 and warmly welcomes guests to experience the arts surrounded by a Spanish motif complete with vine-covered stucco walls, authentic statuary, terra cotta detailing, and balconies, and a domed midnight blue “sky” with floating clouds and twinkling stars.

Three presidential sites and a museum touting the accomplishments of local 1920s machinery entrepreneurs also establish Marion as a unique destination.

Marion is home to Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States. Visitors can tour the Hardings’ home, where the famous front porch speech took place. Just across the backyard is the Warren G. Harding Presidential Library and Museum, which offers memorabilia of Harding’s days in the White House. Just blocks away is the magnificent Harding Memorial. This stately, white marble monument marks the site of President and Mrs. Harding’s final resting place.

The Huber Machinery Museum holds a collection of inventions and tells the story of Edward Huber’s accomplishments, including his Huber Hayrake in 1865. Huber was the father of Huber Manufacturing, which later grew into Marion Power Shovel. Two Space Crawlers were built in the 1960s and remain in use today at Kennedy Space Center. Explore more than two dozen antique tractors and other Huber-related machinery.

Not every community can boast a record number of antique popcorn carts, a telephone museum, and being home to Mary Ellen Withrow, the first woman treasurer of the United States, but Marion can. Guests will learn about these stories and more under one roof at Heritage Hall, home to the Marion County Historical Society and Wyandot Popcorn Museum.

Marion offers a popular public art display, The Cardinal Project, featuring 17 individually designed and hand-painted cardinal statues.  A routed walking map is available to guide visitors to a thriving downtown with locally owned shops, activities, eateries, and drinkeries.

For those seeking outdoor adventures in a destination, Marion’s Tallgrass Trail offers a paved 12.4-mile biking/walking trail, beautiful wildlife, and scenic sunsets. Quarry Park is home to a challenging mountain bike trail with stunning views of the Quarry.

Make Lawrence Orchards your destination for a date-day outing or a family weekend getaway. Offering Harvest Saturdays and Applefest, this pick-your-own orchard is a fun location for people of all ages. Shop the market for pumpkins and gourds, fresh-pressed apple cider, Amish foods and baked goods, candies, and more.

You’ll find all of this and more in Marion. That’s what makes Marion so unique and worth the trip. Stay for a day or stay for the weekend. Encounter, experience, and explore all that Marion County, Ohio, offers!

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In Coshocton, Ohio 

There’s something magical about autumn in Coshocton. The rolling landscape of the Appalachian Foothills is the perfect place to enjoy the changing fall leaves. Located within a short drive of Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, Coshocton is the perfect location for a day trip or a long weekend in an area filled with opportunities for rural relaxation.

For more than 50 years, guests have been enchanted by Historic Roscoe Village, America’s Canal Town. Stroll the brick-lined streets and visit historic buildings, now home to shops, restaurants, and pubs. Self-guided Living History tours about life in the village in the 1830s are available daily. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of those who lived where you now visit. In addition, the all-new Lanterns & Legends Tour includes family-friendly spooky stories featuring Roscoe’s residents who have long passed and will be offered on limited dates for the last two weeks in October. Tickets for Lanterns & Legends must be ordered in advance.

The Shops of Roscoe Village are locally owned and housed within historic buildings. These include a candy store, multiple clothing boutiques, art studios, decor shops, and a store dedicated to the hardworking local makers of Coshocton County. “Visitors love the variety of items available in the shops,” said Mindy Brems, director of the Coshocton Visitors Bureau. “The shops are filled with handmade leather goods, locally made food and wines, home decor, bath & body, clothing, fine jewelry, pottery, woodworking, candy, and American-made flags.” It’s the perfect place to start on your holiday shopping.

Roscoe Village has four great dining options spanning multiple cuisines to suit every taste. Huck’s Tavern has gourmet hot dogs and a specialty item each day, as well as excellent craft cocktails and plenty of televisions, perfect for game day. Indian Bear Cork & Coffee is your go-to destination for day-trip fuel with a full coffee and espresso menu, as well as salads and sandwiches on their lunch and dinner menu, and ice cream to finish. Roscoe Barbeque Company serves up delicious Texas-style barbecue with plenty of outdoor seating options next to the basin of Triple Locks Park, a historic landmark of Roscoe Village’s canal history. Lastly, The Warehouse Steak N’ Stein is a pillar of the Coshocton culinary world, and with an expansive menu and a full bar; it is sure to have something for everyone. Learn more at RoscoeVillageShops.com.

If you can’t fit all the fun into one day, make your visit an overnight stay with special packages available at Coshocton Village Inn and Suites. The Coshocton Package includes tickets for the Living History tour in Historic Roscoe Village, coffee mugs with hot chocolate, a meal voucher, a voucher for a “Pop in and Paint” experience at Rust Decor, and a gift card for Coshocton Supply Co.

In addition, there are many other charming and local lodging options. The Roscoe Boutique Motel, newly renovated and updated, is located conveniently right off State Route 16 as you enter Coshocton from the west, and it is also pet-friendly, so bring your furry companions. The Bell Tower, located in LeRetilley Event Center, has a birds-eye view of Coshocton and is available as an add-on to an event center booking. McKenna Lodging boasts 12 properties total in the Coshocton County area, 8 of which are located right in Historic Roscoe Village. All lodging options can be found on Visit Coshocton.

The Annual Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival takes place every October.  The smell of fresh apple butter fills the air during this event, which recaptures the flavor of an old-time harvest celebration. Watch fresh apple butter being stirred in copper kettles over open fires while enjoying delicious food, live music, free activities for kids, craft & food vendors, the history of the canal town, and more! Live music during the festival includes performances by The Wayfarers, Barefoot McCoy, and many more talented artists. Discounted tickets may be purchased online at roscoevillage.com. Stick around into the evening hours for the Lanterns & Legends Tour, which will be available on Friday and Saturday after the festival. Tickets for these special tours must be purchased separately from festival tickets and in advance.

See more of the beautiful area on the OSU Extension’s Fall Foliage & Farm Tour. This self-driven tour route is a mystery until the first day, when maps are distributed at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds. Travel through the county, making stops along the way, and learn about various aspects of farm and agricultural life in Coshocton, all while immersing yourself in the warm-toned scenery of the changing leaves.

Coshocton County has plenty of other activities to enjoy while visiting the area, including a performance of Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical at Triple Locks Theater or Clary Gardens, which features a scarecrow trail throughout October.

Get your free visitor packet today online or by calling (800)338-4724.

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The holiday season is just around the corner. From Halloween to the New Year, a lot of celebrating comes with these last three months of the year. And with it comes a lot of cooking and baking.

The secret to wowing your holiday guests with mouth-watering taste is definitely in the ingredients.

It’s no secret that many Amish recipes at Amish are scrumptious. But buyer beware; there are plenty of faux Amish labels that may be the difference between party success and party mess. Authenticity means a willingness to journey to a place where, as they say, the proof is in the pudding.

Welcome to the modest, rustic Amish shop renowned the country over for having superb ingredients to create wonders in your kitchen. Welcome to Yoders Bakery and Furniture, tucked off Ohio State Route 32 in Seaman at the edge of Appalachia.

The authentic Amish-owned and operated marketplace features a full bakery, deli, and grocery. Aside from their full line of ingredients for cooking and baking in the bulk foods section of the store, the bakery has a wide variety of freshness coming from the ovens to the shelves and gone by day’s end. Whether you crave pies, cinnamon rolls, or fresh-baked bread, the aroma floating in the air says it all.

Peanut butter pretzels will be lucky if they make it to the parking lot without being devoured. Next to the bakery is the full-line deli where you can pack a cooler with a wide variety of cheese and meat selections to bring back home or go out to the shade trees and have yourself an autumn picnic while the kids play on Amish-made playground sets.

Fill a grocery basket with bulk food selections for baking or cooking at home, including hard-to-find ingredients. The store also sells an enormous selection of canned foods, sugar-free foods, and old-fashioned candies.

That’s just the appetizer.

If you need to dress up your meal or dessert presentation, Yoder’s also specializes in Amish-made baskets, candles, quilts, and even dining tables, plus much more. This is not a quick trip to a big box store. This is a leisurely day spent tantalizing the senses.

Lots of jokes surround fruitcake gifts around the holiday season – but at Yoders, it’s serious business!

Yoder fruitcakes have created a legend of their own – in deliciousness. That’s why the modest Amish shop gets orders nationwide. That’s why it is best to order early in the fall season.

This is not a quick trip to a big box store. This is a place for leisure shopping to find that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for even the most finicky person to shop for.

If, in the holiday hustle and bustle, you don’t find an afternoon to escape the stresses of “convenience” shopping, there’s always mail-order – albeit, it comes without the pleasantries of visiting an out-of-the-way Amish landmark.

Yoder’s Bakery and Furniture is at 2621 Burnt Cabin Road off SR 32 in Seaman, Ohio. They are open Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Sunday). Call 937-386-9995 or visit https://www.yodersbakeryandfurniture.com/.

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Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks has officially become a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural (UNESCO) World Heritage Site! This is the first designation within Ohio and features eight sites in central and southern Ohio.

Five of the eight sites are in Chillicothe (Ross County) and managed by Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. National Park sites include Mound City Group, which offers a Ranger staffed visitor center, Hopeton Earthworks, Hopewell Mound Group, and Seip Earthworks. The fifth location, High Bank Works, is not open to the public as it is used for archaeological research. Ohio History Connection operates the other three sites. Two are in Licking County, the Great Circle Earthworks in Heath and the nearby Octagon Earthworks in Newark. The Great Circle Earthworks offers a visitor center, and the park is open to explore; however, the Great Circle Earthworks is not currently publicly accessible. There is an observation deck that will provide a bird’s eye view of the earthworks. The final site, located in Oregonia (Warren County), is called Fort Ancient. This site is unique as it is the largest and best-preserved hilltop enclosure.

Upon arrival at the sites, you may feel a sense of calm and peace settle over you as you stand before these prehistoric earthworks. Constructed more than 2,000 years ago, these earthworks reflect the intelligence of these early Native Americans and how advanced their skills were for their time. Take a moment to think about how these ancestors constructed these monumental structures. They used pointed sticks, clam shell hoes, and shoulder blades of deer and elk to create hoes for digging into the earth. They carried soil one basketful at a time to move the earth to create these magnificent earthworks. These individuals were expert engineers as they created precise geometrical shapes such as squares, circles, and octagons to enclose their sacred spaces and replicated these designs throughout the southern and central Ohio region to construct numerous complexes.

If that alone isn’t impressive, their exceptional knowledge of astronomy to build lunar and solar alignments into their construction is astounding. Many sites have special alignments throughout the year, with some locations aligning with the summer solstice, others with the winter solstice, and at least one site that aligns with the complex 18.6-year lunar cycle. Using modern technology to map and precisely integrate these alignments into a construction would be an astonishing feat. However, these ancestors created these points by utilizing only the tools of their time and their understanding of astronomical events.

Take a moment to reflect on your journey to each of the eight sites as you travel by vehicle. These early Native Americans traveled similar distances without using motorized vehicles, the modern-day highway system, and GPS navigation. It will give you a sense of the distances that these ancestors traveled to attend ceremonial gatherings. Much like today, they gathered for celebrations as we do today when traveling for weddings, funerals, and other life occurrences.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthwork is truly an exemplary site that upholds the values of a World Heritage site with its universal value to humanity and its cultural significance. UNESCO made the inscription official for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthwork on September 19, 2023. They are part of the prestigious list that includes iconic global sites such as the Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, Stonehenge in England, and the Grand Canyon, to name a few. This inscription marks the twenty-fifth World Heritage site in the United States of America and the first in Ohio.

Learn more about this designation and these sites by visiting the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau at VisitChillicotheOhio.com.

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Welcome Home to Tuscarawas County!
Adventures on the Other Side of Amish Country

The Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau likes to share with folks that the county is filled with small towns that tell big stories. A case in point is the beautiful village of Sugarcreek, where you can dance along with the Oompah-pah band of the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, which performs at the top and bottom of each hour. Afterward, discover the roots of the community at the Alpine Hills Museum and marvel at the artistry of the Brick Wall Sculpture, which illustrates the tales of life in this scenic Swiss heritage village. When you are ready to eat, enjoy local flavors at Park Street Pizza, Dutch Valley Restaurant, or Amish Country Donuts, to name just a few local Sugarcreek favorites.

Bolivar stories go back to the construction of Fort Laurens- Ohio’s only Revolutionary War Fort. Learn the drastic measures the brave soldiers took to serve on the Ohio frontier at this volatile time. After taking in the history, enjoy browsing the antique shops in downtown Bolivar and feed your appetite at Canal Street Diner or Sublime Smoke. If you are ready for a cold brew, stop by Lockport Brewery and enjoy a handcrafted beer.

National Historic Landmark District, Historic Zoar Village, has a big story to share! Known as America’s most successful Communal Society, residents began to call Zoar home in 1817 as residents arrived seeking religious freedom. Enjoy the architecture of the original brick and timber structures, the museums, the bakery, and the large garden. With special events throughout the year, you may even want to visit during one of their special event ghost tours to hear from one of the original residents!

Dover has a downtown filled with friendly merchants and locally owned diners- not to mention a hand-crafted candy store, a cupcake shop, and several that provide offerings for your home! When you are ready to explore, stop by Riverfront Park to ride the artistically created swing or try your arm on their disc golf course! The museum offerings include an original Victorian Home, J. E. Reeves Victorian Home, and Carriage House Museum; a museum sharing the life story of a master carver, the Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens; a museum mentioned in Ripley’s Believe It or Not that tells of stories of those who have passed at the Famous Endings Museums. Do not leave without a sweet treat from Eiler’s candy shop or enjoy a meal at Pangrazio’s, Mindy’s Diner, or El Pueblito Mexican Bistro. Dover has more than enough to do for a day or more!

Travelers looking to add to their wardrobe will enjoy the shops in downtown New Philadelphia, whose merchants offer styles for the whole family. With cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and art galleries, you will enjoy this city and its many boldly colored murals. Enjoy a live performance at the Performing Art Center on the Kent State University campus at Tuscarawas. Their show season is filled with favorites, headline acts, and even those lesser known. Historic Schoenbrunn Village is located on the east end of the city and tells the stories of David Zeisberger and his efforts to share Christianity with Delaware Indians. Downtown New Philadelphia is a food paradise with numerous local dining stops set to please every craving- you will not be leaving hungry! From fine dining, cafes, and casual spots with outdoor seating, you will savor and long remember the delicious meals you enjoyed in downtown New Philadelphia!

The village of Gnadenhutten has a tragic story tied to Schoenbrunn Village. After you visit the museum, walk over to the local café, Tents of Grace, and browse the home accessory shop just down the block, too.

Have you traveled to Dreamsville lately? Discover Dennison and tour the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum to learn about this famous song’s tie to this Tuscarawas County community and the importance of this iconic American railroad depot. Families will want to celebrate the magic of the “Polar Express” train ride held annually on multiple early December dates. For more information and tickets, visit www.dennisondepot.org. Dennison will be opening a new ice-skating rink this holiday season, too! When ready to eat, enjoy a meal at Lucielle’s Lunch Stand, the Dennison Yard, Pangrazio’s, and a local brew at Holy Moly Brewing Company.

Visit Uhrichsville and learn the tales preserved in the Uhrichsville Clay Museum, which shares pieces of folk art and stories from American industrialization. When it is warm outside, does an afternoon at a water park sound like a cool idea? Do not miss the Uhrichsville Water Park for an enjoyable time with the whole family!

Newcomerstown is proud to share the stories of former residents Cy Young and Woody Hayes! Visit the Olde Main Street Museum while taking a step back in time to see the collections these favorite sons have on display. Summer season, take in their Second Saturday celebrations that fill the downtown with vendors, food, family fun, and live music!

Within the scenic Appalachian rolling hills of the county are grand arts adventures complete with theatres, murals, sculptures, and even quilts on barns! There are local growers, farm markets, trails, rock climbing, dog parks, ten wineries and four breweries, and plenty of homemade ice cream shops. Tuscarawas County is in the heart of Appalachian Ohio and is on the other side of Ohio’s Amish Country. You will be greeted with warm welcomes everywhere you go throughout your visit, and finally, exhausted from your adventures here, you will sleep comfortably in one of our many clean, comfortable lodging options!

Visit www.TravelTUSC.com, call 800-527-3387, or stop by the Welcome Center at 124 East High Ave, New Philadelphia, to learn more.

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Southeast Ohio Offers Variety of Autumn Hiking Options

Autumn doesn’t just signal the much-awaited return of football. It’s also a sort of unofficial preseason for Ohio’s unbeatable fall hiking. Before the temperatures drop and the leaf peepers come out to play in the fall foliage, here is some “trail mix” to enjoy that illustrates why Guernsey County, Ohio, is the perfect place to take a hike.

As Ohio’s largest state park, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of activities and amenities within Salt Fork’s more than 17,000 breathtaking acres to delight the whole family: fishing, swimming, golfing, horseback riding, and more. And, of course, there’s hiking – miles and miles of gorgeous Eastern Ohio flora and fauna. The park offers 15 official trails, ranging from easy trails and cave routes less than half a mile long to a 6.86-mile section of the Buckeye Trail (part of an ambling 1440-mile loop around the state). A new family-friendly Storybook Trail was added late last year near the campground, creating a unique opportunity to improve childhood literacy and develop an early love of the outdoors. The new trail, beloved by the young and young at heart, features the picture book “Wonder Walkers” by Micha Archer and follows two young explorers who venture outdoors.

The next stop on your outdoor adventure should be Seneca Lake Park. Seneca Lake Park offers several miles of natural surface hiking and biking trails throughout the woods surrounding the park’s large and beautiful lake. Seneca Lake Park’s website advises hikers, “Most trails are very challenging with unpredictable trail conditions, so please use caution and be prepared with proper footwear.” Popular routes include the Beech Tree Ridge Trail, Schoolhouse Trail, Cemetery Trail, and last but not least, the aptly named Lakeside Trail.

The Buckeye Trail also crosses Seneca Lake property and can be accessed from the Cemetery or Beech Tree Ridge Trails.

If you want a unique hike, visit The Butterfly Habitat at The Wilds. This walking trail winds through a 10-acre area of prairie, wetland, and woodland planted with flowering plants selected especially to encourage butterflies to flourish.

Located just across from The Wilds’ main parking lot along International Rd., the Butterfly Habitat is a great addition to your experience at The Wilds, either before or after your safari tour. The Butterfly Habitat is available to visitors during regular hours at no additional charge (a $7/vehicle parking fee still applies).

Finally, you can’t stop in Guernsey County without enjoying the Great Guernsey Trail. The trail offers a 14-mile round-trip biking, running, or walking trail along a paved, low-grade path. Coal Ridge Park and Trails, a new addition to the Great Guernsey Trail, consists of several walking trails that cross woods and open areas and include a lake that allows non-motorized boating, camping, and fishing.

There are two trailheads. One is at 35000 Corduroy Road in Cambridge, and the other is at 204 Main Street in Lore City. Both entrances offer restrooms and dog parks. Designated as a National Recreation Trail (NRT) in 2020, the Great Guernsey Trail is now part of the national database of NRT trails and is one of only 24 trails in Ohio with this distinction.

Make sure your next trail leads you to Guernsey County, Ohio. For local and seasonal happenings and highlights to round out your next hike, see VisitGuernseyCounty.com .

For more information, contact the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB office at 627 Wheeling Avenue, Suite 200 in downtown Cambridge, call 740-432-2022, email info@visitguernseycounty.com, or visit VisitGuernseyCounty.com.

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This isn’t your ordinary county museum. It has rare birds riding a Ferris wheel, a full-body iron lung, a display showcasing the things locals choked on over the years, and the infamous gangster Dillinger behind bars. All that and more are at the Allen County Museum.

In the taxidermy gone wild exhibit, there are several mechanical dioramas that play out scenes starring preserved dead animals. They are fascinating pieces with an entertainment quality that has stood the test of time. The myriad of moving gears and other mechanical pieces bring imagination to life if nothing else. In one, a bunch of birds rides a Ferris Wheel. In another, the animals ride Noah’s Ark. The Ark is over a hundred years old. A local shoe store owner used to turn it on to amaze kids after they purchased a pair of new shoes. It’s fun to watch when it’s running, but it’s not turned on that often anymore.

One of the more bizarre collections may take your breath away. It displays objects removed from the esophagus, bronchial tree (lungs), and larynx of patients of doctors Estey C. Yingling and Walter E. Yingling. Yes, they collected these from their practice during the 1930s to the 1960s. Each item is marked with the date, the age of the patient, and the patient’s name. Looking at many of the items may make it difficult to swallow.

The “Iron Lung” or “Drinker Respirator” was invented in 1929 by Phillip Drinker.  The display says this was the first widely used mechanical device capable of artificial respiration. It was used to treat victims of respiratory paralysis, often caused by Polio. The patient’s body, excluding the head, was placed in the tank. A rubber collar was fitted tightly around the neck to avoid pressure on the windpipe and larynx and to prevent air leakage. As the pressure in the tank decreased the patient’s chest expanded, moving air into the lungs. When tank pressure returned to normal, the lungs released the air.

Lima had the distinction of holding captive the outlaw John Dillinger in 1933. He was jailed for robbing a bank in Bluffton, Ohio. But before he could be tried for his crime, Dillinger’s gang members busted him out of the Allen County Jail. In the process, they shot and killed Sheriff Jess Sarber. They even locked the sheriff’s wife and deputy in the jail cell. The scene is replicated in the museum with Sarber sitting at his desk and Dillinger peering through the cell block bars at him.

Oddities aside, The Allen County Museum in Lima, Ohio is serious about history. The museum itself has a 100+ year history.

While turning the street corner upon approach to the museum, a stunning two-story glass wall showcases an 1893 Shay Geared Locomotive engine. Inside, visitors may explore the exhibit up-close.

The main museum features 42,000 square feet of fascinating exhibits. It took an entire room to display the model built by a local couple depicting George Washington’s plantation – Mount Vernon.  The exhibition galleries feature the area’s history of geology, Native Americans, canals, Civil War, locomotives, and Lima’s oil fields, once the largest known in the world.

Many of the exhibits have that “cool factor” that prompts the inevitable, “Wow! Check this out.”

The museum is kid-friendly and features plenty of hands-on experiences in the Children’s Discovery Center and a Children’s Garden. Little visitors can sit around the fire (not a real fire) in the Indian mud huts. They may stare in wonder over the huge model train display illustrating and demonstrating railroad town culture. Stop in the one-room school for a quick lesson. If anyone “acts up,” there’s a tall, pointed Dunce Cap on a stool in the corner.

The Allen County Museum grounds have much more to explore than the many treasures inside the main complex. The MacDonell House is a Victorian mansion open for tours depicting the high life on what used to be known as Lima’s “Golden Block.” The nearby Log House interprets pioneer living in 1848.

Although this museum is in a historic small Ohio town, it is widely recognized to offer more than many of its “big-city” counterparts. Its diverse and extensive collection has more than 250,000 archival and material items putting it in the league of some of the finest museums around.

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun! 

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A destination for guests seeking a truly unique experience, whether passing through the area, visiting a local business or celebrating one of life’s memorable moments.

Hotel Versailles is rich in tradition and history while generously making room for innovation, inspiration and invention. This hotel was designed and developed to ensure all visitors to Versailles feel its hospitality. With Silas, the hotel’s spirited restaurant and lounge, and its event space, the 1819 Room, Hotel Versailles creates a modern, world-class experience perfect for any occasion.

The boutique hotel offers 30 rooms, including six suites, enhanced amenities, a fitness room as well as a courtyard and patio. Throughout the space, you will find locally sourced products, showcasing the wonderful artisans and purveyors the region has to offer. This even includes the pillows, sheets and towels in the guest rooms. Not only are they some of the finest quality, but they also come from Cincinnati-based Standard Textile Company, Inc.

“There are additional surprises from our region in our private bar program, extra amenities and retail offerings. Providing basic amenities and a comfortable night’s sleep is guest service but creating a true sense of place and a memorable experience—that’s true hospitality. Our guests will notice items they had no idea were from right here in our region, even if they’ve spent their entire lives here.” – Jack Olshan, Managing Director of Hotel Versailles.

Throughout your visit, make sure to gather in the hotel’s restaurant and lounge, named Silas Creative Kitchen + Cocktails, aptly named for the eclectic mix of cuisines, wines and cocktails inspired from across the world using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Silas culinary team prides themselves on delivering the freshest dishes in unexpected ways—continuously updating the menu to reflect the latest local harvest. Featuring an array of indoor, outdoor, lounge and private dining, as well as a consistent rotation of live entertainment, each visit will be different than the last.

“Silas utilizes and sources the highest quality, sustainable produce and proteins from the surrounding area. By partnering with our local vendors, like Winner’s Quality Meats, King’s Poultry Farm, Weaver Eggs, local Ohio farms and our own farm at Sycamore Bridge, Silas creates a unique and memorable culinary experience unlike anything in Ohio.” – Aaron Allen, Executive Chef

Are you looking for an event space for a corporate meeting, family gathering or wedding? The 1819 Room at Hotel Versailles is served by Silas and is designed to host group sizes up to 200 with its own courtyard overlooking the historic town square. The space is equipped with its own bar, audio-visual technologies, private bathrooms, a coat room and an infant care room, making it ideal for any occasion.

During your stay at Hotel Versailles, experience the variety of shops and attractions Versailles and the surrounding communities have to offer. Book a round of golf at Stillwater Valley Golf Club, taste the local wine selection at the Winery at Versailles, order a craft brew at Endless Pint Brewing or peruse the countless boutique shops. There is something for everyone.

At Hotel Versailles, you will enjoy an experience that is both sophisticated and surprising. Friendly and fancy. Modern and memorable. You’ll find nooks and crannies for community and conversation. Warm and inviting like the people who live and work and love there.

To learn more about the hospitality and culinary experience, follow Hotel Versailles and Silas on Facebook and Instagram @hotelversaillesohio and @silascreativekitchen. Visit hotelversaillesohio.com to reserve your next experience.

Dayton-area visitors now have a new option for spending a night beneath the stars: trailside camping.

These sites join MetroParks’ 23 existing camping options, which include front-country campsites, accessible by motor vehicles, and backcountry campsites, accessible on foot. The trailside campsites support travelers without a motor vehicle who are passing through the region and need a place to stop before continuing their journey.

“Trailside camping fills a niche to support hikers, cyclists, and paddlers who are traveling through Montgomery County on the paved trail network, water trails, and long-distance hiking and bicycle touring routes,” said Brent Anslinger, MetroParks’ outdoor recreation program manager. “These travelers may be out for a few days or on a multi-month adventure that covers thousands of miles. Trailside camping is one more critical amenity that welcomes adventure seekers to the area.”

The new trailside campsites are located along seven long-distance touring routes that run through Montgomery County:

• Buckeye Trail
• North Country National Scenic Trail
• Great American Rail-Trail
• Chicago to New York City Bicycle Route
• Great Miami Riverway Alternate to the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route
• U.S. Bicycle Route 50
• Great Miami River Watershed National Water Trail

The sites also support Dayton’s designation as a Trail Town of two long-distance trails, the Buckeye Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail, and build the region’s growing reputation as The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest. Trailside camping also supports MetroParks’ 10-year comprehensive master plan and park master plans.

“Dayton is The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest in part because of all the regional and national trails and routes that pass through the area, including Ohio’s only National Scenic Trail and only National Water Trail, among others,” Anslinger said. “It’s exciting to invite people traveling these routes — as well as anyone seeking multi-day experiences on Miami Valley Trails, the nation’s largest paved trail network with more than 350 miles to explore — to experience Montgomery County and the Great Miami Riverway in a new way.”

Trailside campsites are open year-round. Each can accommodate two small tents and up to six people, with a two-night maximum at the same site. Camping is by permit only but can be booked in advance or on the spot by visiting metroparks.org/reservations.

These primitive trailside camping sites are located in shaded areas with a restroom nearby in three MetroParks:

• Island MetroPark, 101 E. Helena St. — located near the Great Miami River Trail and along the Great Miami River Water Trail on the northern edge of the park near a new prairie.
• Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Rd. — located between the Mad River Trail and Buckeye Trail
• Taylorsville MetroPark, 2000 U.S. 40 — located on the south side of the dam along the Great Miami River Trail

To develop its trailside camping options, Five Rivers MetroParks worked with local, regional, and national partners that share the strategic goal of enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities that allow people to connect with nature. Partners include Bike Miami Valley, the Great Miami Riverway, Buckeye Trail Association, North Country Trail Association, National Park Service, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and Adventure Cycling Association. Sources from these organizations can be provided upon request.

Celebrating nearly 60 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParks is a nationally renowned park system accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. Five Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Educational programs and recreational opportunities are offered year-round for all ages. To learn more about Five Rivers MetroParks, log onto www.metroparks.org or call 937-275-PARK (7275).

Plan a fall road trip to Youngstown & Mahoning County and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, top-quality golf courses, award-winning wineries, world-renowned art museum, and family fun events.

Fall Color in Mill Creek MetroParks
Enjoy the beautiful fall color in Mill Creek MetroParks. With forty-five miles of scenic trails to explore, boardwalks, paved walkways, and unpaved trails take visitors through the diverse lands and scenery of this breathtaking park. At Lanterman’s Mill & Covered Bridge, one of Mahoning County’s most historic landmarks, enjoy the scenic overlook of Lanterman’s Falls, the covered bridge, and hiking trails. Stroll through Fellows Riverside Gardens and enjoy seasonal displays and scenic vistas.

An Outdoor Recreation Guide gives more information about trails and other outdoor activities to help you plan your adventure in Youngstown.

Play a Round!
Fall is the perfect time for golf in Youngstown and Mahoning County. The Youngstown area has been ranked #4 in the country for top-quality, affordable public courses. Whether you want to tackle a Donald Ross-designed course or a links-style course, there are plenty of challenges awaiting you.

New golf simulators will be open this fall in the Waypoint 4180 Center, adjacent to Kennsington Golf Club in Canfield, and will allow you the virtual experience of playing courses from around the world.

Stay-and-Play Packages are available at area hotels, so grab your clubs and get ready to tee-off. The  Youngstown Golf Guide includes information on all 12 local courses.

Enjoy Award-Winning Wineries
The Youngstown area is home to five beautiful wineries, each with their own unique ambiance. Enjoy scenic outdoor patios, glistening lake views, stunning fall sunsets, and sprawling vineyards. Food options range from snacks and flatbreads to full-menu restaurants. Learn more about the local wineries in the Wineries & Breweries Guide.

Visit The Butler Institute of American Art
The world-renowned Butler Institute of American Art is a must-see on any visit to Youngstown. Known as “America’s Museum”, The Butler is the country’s first museum dedicated to works created solely by American artists. Its ever-expanding collection now exceeds 22,000 pieces in all media types, dating back to 1710.

On display until November 22 is America’s Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher. This traveling exhibition showcases a body of work that represents a quarter of a century of Clyde Butcher’s photographic expeditions into the American Everglades. Through the breathtaking images, the viewer is beckoned into the image and becomes part of this mysterious and primeval place rarely seen by humans.

Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.

Fall Family Fun
White House Fruit Farm welcomes guests throughout the fall season to enjoy their orchard-fresh apples, seasonal produce, homemade donuts, and apple cider. The Budgie Bird Barn is open Friday-Sunday for an up-close experience of feeding multiple parakeet (budgie) birds right out of your hand. Their Fall Gift Barn & Pumpkin Pavilion are open through October 31. Find fall décor and mums, and a variety of pumpkins and gourds. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Visit throughout the week and enjoy fall on the farm.

Get lost in over 21 acres of corn at Maze Craze in New Springfield. The best corn maze in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Maze Craze was featured as one of the top ten corn mazes in the country in 2018 in the USA Today poll. This year’s design is A Christmas Carol, and it has four separate mazes that will fascinate and entertain all ages. Open weekends through November 1.

Plan Your Fall Road Trip!
Download the Travel Guide and other information at youngstownlive.com.

Road Trip Worthy
Giant Roadside Mural in West Central Ohio

It’s meant to surprise, delight, and spark conversation, and the new Giant Roadside Mural: Tribute to Apollo 11, in west-central Ohio, certainly does all that and MORE!

Each year famous roadside muralist, artist John Cerney chooses a topic or theme and donates one of his works of art to a community or organization. Last year’s 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing got him thinking about that feat and the man who took those first steps onto the moon.  Cerney of Salinas, California, contacted the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce early in 2020 and offered to donate one of his murals if the right location could be found.  The local group, First on the Moon, took on the project and the rest, as they say, is history.

Cerney painted the various components in his studio in California and then traveled cross-country to deliver and construct it on site.  The mural is located about three miles east of Wapakoneta on US 33.  It is viewable from the westbound lane.  Creney’s giant works of art can be found in 28 states and Canada, this is Ohio’s first Cerney mural and it is a great excuse for a fun road trip.

After checking out the giant roadside mural, you will want to continue into Wapakoneta and visit the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.  Fall and winter hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 4pm.  They abide by strict cleaning protocols and offer a safe museum experience.  While there, be sure to take a selfie with the two bronze statues of Neil Armstrong.   One depicts him as a youth dreaming of someday becoming a pilot and the other as an adult in flight gear, having accomplished that long-held dream.

Complete your road trip with a visit to historic downtown Wapakoneta.  It is filled with wonderful, unique shops and great places to grab a snack or a meal. If your sweet tooth needs a fix, stop by Winan’s Chocolate + Coffee for their decadent candies or Cloud 9 Café for their scrumptious homemade fudge.  There is a third bronze statue of Neil Armstrong, downtown. This one depicts him waving to the crowds as he did during a huge Homecoming Parade following his trip to the moon.

Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler

Labyrinth Provides A Path For Quiet Reflection

The paths to success at Ohio Wesleyan University now include 86 majors, 57 minors, and one stone labyrinth.

Thanks to generous donors, the university completed the installation of a 47-foot-diameter labyrinth inspired by one of the world’s oldest walkable labyrinths – an 800-year-old path at Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. Both labyrinths feature rosette-style centers, resembling the intricate rose windows found in the gothic cathedrals of Northern France.

Ohio Wesleyan’s labyrinth includes 17,600 stone pavers, with about 30 percent of the stones being cut by hand. The labyrinth, located in a grove of trees between the newly renovated Merrick Hall and the Delaware Run, is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.

OWU’s labyrinth was designed by well-known labyrinth architect Robert Ferré and installed by Debi and Marty Kermeen of Illinois-based Labyrinths in Stone. The labyrinth is slightly larger than its inspiration and is unique in that its pavers rest on a concrete base rather than being set directly into the ground.

The goal of her California-based nonprofit organization is to “pepper the planet with labyrinths,” including a new initiative to create a series of interconnected “Veriditas Legacy Labyrinths.” Ohio Wesleyan’s labyrinth will be only the third such legacy labyrinth in world. The others are located in La Falda, Argentina, and Jacksonville Beach, Florida – and each contains a piece from the other two in support of an interconnected global community and peace.

The labyrinth is a gift to the university from the family of OWU Life Trustee Kathleen “Kathe” Law Rhinesmith, Class of 1964.

“I’d like to believe it’s a place where each person who comes here will find something,” Rhinesmith said, “whether that be a casual and peaceful walk or a deeper moment of self-discovery and self-reflection. … My wish is everyone who comes here will come away with some quiet new perspective on their life or the world around them.”

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. It is located in Delaware, Ohio. Learn more at www.owu.edu.

Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler

The City of Murals has a new mural…and one with national and local significance.

Long known as a steel and coal city, Steubenville, Ohio began transitioning into a community that encouraged art and history in 1986. Over the years since, 25 larger-than-life depictions of significant people and places in the community were painted on buildings throughout the downtown. The last two murals – one of Steubenville native son, Dean Martin with his Rat Pack buddies and another of a frontier pioneer – were painted in 1997 at a nearby shopping complex.

“The murals drew many visitors,” explained Judy Bratten, Director of the Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Center. “But due to budgetary constraints, the murals and some of the buildings they were on were not maintained. We have lost three, and another will soon be gone as its host building is being demolished. That’s why we have worked to renew the project with this Civil War mural.”

The newest mural as of 2015, located on the west side of N. 3^rd Street in downtown Steubenville, is a 35-foot tall by the 70-foot wide portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in the telegraph office of the War Department in Washington, DC. With him are two men who had called Steubenville home: Edwin McMasters Stanton, Secretary of War, and David Homer Bates, telegrapher. The painting captures the strain of office as the men communicated with troops at various battles, directing their movements and sending supplies. Artist Ruston Baker of Millersburg, Ohio became engrossed with the project, reading and studying, and seeking information to make it as accurate as possible while making it accessible to the general public. Even as he was painting, people who worked in the area came by to talk, make suggestions and ask questions.

“Local residents will probably get used to this mural over time. But visitors to Steubenville will see it and take in the history of this small town,” noted Baker.

Bratten noted that several current murals are being “refreshed” and there are plans to have more new ones as soon as other accessible sites are chosen.

“The murals are just one of the projects in the city that enhance the quality of life and draw tourists to the area. The other endeavor that began almost 30 years ago was the reconstruction of Historic Fort Steuben on its original site overlooking the Ohio River,” Bratten explained. “The Fort is now fully rebuilt with exhibits and artifacts in every building. In addition, there is now a beautiful Visitor Center, Fort Steuben Park, and the Berkman Amphitheater offering live music throughout the summer.”

A free map of the murals is available in the Visitor Center, but additional booklets are for sale and give detailed information about the murals. A step-on guide provides entertaining stories of the murals and the city for group bus tours. For more information contact the Visitor Center at 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.