September Archives

Are Needed for “Grand” Events this Month

Lace up those running shoes, and get ready for the annual Grand Lake Marathon . This fast, flat, Boston Marathon qualifying course begins and ends at Lake Shore Park in Celina, Ohio along the shores of beautiful Grand Lake St Marys.

Rookie or experienced runners, escape the concrete jungle and head to the countryside to enjoy a quick loop around the Grand. It’s almost as if Grand Lake was designed to have a Marathon around it…the course is that smooth & flat! While in the country, enjoy friendly, entertaining groups cheering the runners on. For short distance runners, there will also be a Half Marathon, the Grand Lake Marathon 5K, or runners can even choose to do a relay option with their running buddies. There is also a Senior Marathon and a kids’ run. The Grand Lake Marathon truly has a race for everyone and every caliber of runner.

Enjoy music along the journey. When runners get to Lakeshore Park they will be greeted by family, friends, and fellow runners. There’s a terrific after-party filled with music, drinks, great local food, and brews at the annual Taste of the Marathon! The entire community is encouraged and invited down to Lakeshore Park from 10am-2pm on race day not only to watch and support the participants as they cross the finish…but to also enjoy in the celebration with some great live music while sampling local delicious eats and ice-cold brews from different restaurants around the Greater Grand Lake Region. And it’s all at one convenient location. Also, enjoy bounce houses for the kids… and check out the new Splash Pad & Playground while in the Bryson Park District! Complete details for the Grand Lake Marathon are at GrandLakeMarathon.com.

The following weekend is the time to put on lederhosen and do the “Chicken Dance” at the region’s largest German heritage festival, the Minster Oktoberfest in Minster, Ohio.  This annual celebration attracts more than 60,000 people each year and is rated as one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation.  From singing and dancing to the taste of hearty German foods, the annual edition of this event will provide a fun-filled time for all. Topping the list of free entertainment this year includes popular bands such as The Klaberheads, Autobahn, Zinzinnati Beir Band, Reflektion, Karmas Pond, & Steve Rosenbeck!

Mark your calendar, come to Oktoberfest, and watch the spectacular gala parade, featuring colorful floats and marching bands.  Take part in the beer tray relay, the 10K run, the Jug Hoist and a number of other games and competitions. Enjoy the car show, the arts and crafts booths and the Miss Oktoberfest Pageant.  German heritage or not, everyone usually does the Chicken Dance before the evening is over.  For more information, check out MinsterOktoberfest.com for a complete schedule of events.

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 57^th 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.

Sidney Ohio is the Place to Be

Only a short drive from almost everywhere in Ohio, Sidney and the surrounding area offers an incredible variety of fun things to do close to home. Outdoor concerts, festivals, and recreation of all varieties await you in west central Ohio.

A truly special place just outside of Sidney is the Lake Loramie State Park. With its 1,600 acre lake and 30 miles of shoreline, Lake Loramie is one of the original feeder lakes for the Miami-Erie Canal and offers visitors a quiet retreat in rural Ohio. Swim from a sandy beach, hike along the old canal towpath, wet a line from the lakeshore or a rented boat, and spend the night in a shaded campsite or cabin. However you like to unwind, Lake Loramie State Park is the perfect destination to recharge your battery in the great outdoors. Featured at the park during the weekend is the annual Fall Harvest Festival.  Your family is sure to enjoy the antique power show, kids games & activities, craft exhibitors, live entertainment, primitive encampment, and loads of family friendly fun.

The Historic Sidney Theatre presents Dueling Pianos International. You’ve probably heard about them; maybe even seen them before. Dueling Pianos is a fast, funny, and unforgettable evening entertainment. It takes only one song to have the party goers shouting out requests, singing along to their favorites, bantering with performers, and having the time of their lives. After the show, be sure to stop in for a bite to eat and maybe something cold to drink at one of downtown Sidney’s fun bars, restaurants, and bistros.

Here’s something unique. Have you ever met an alpaca? You can in Sidney. Spend the day with the Paulus family as they host Alpaca Farm Day at Count Your Blessings Alpaca Farm. While there you will learn about these inquisitive, unique animals and the luxurious fiber they produce. Offered will be a variety of activities including petting, feeding and leading alpacas, demonstrations, alpaca obstacle course, door prizes, & hayrides. Food and refreshments will be on hand along with live music by Timmy G. & Co. Alpaca products and other farm-related items will be on display and available for sale.

Looking forward to October, be sure to check out the Downtown Sidney Chocolate Walk, Downtown Sidney Ghost Tour, Downtown Sidney’s Fall Festival, and the Lake Loramie Halloween Campout. Details about each and more can be found on the events calendar of the Sidney Visitors Bureau website.

For every leisure and recreation interest, the possibilities are numerous in Sidney.  For more information about all of the incredible attractions in west-central Ohio, be sure to visit the web site of the Sidney Visitors Bureau at VisitSidneyShelby.com.  A quick visit here will tune you into all that there is to enjoy in the area along with a bundle of prepackaged tour itineraries sure to entice you with an eye-popping array of seasonal fun.  It’s all happening in Sidney Ohio – “We’re waiting for you”.

Mohican in the fall is on fire, with color of course. The leaves are transforming the hills of Mohican into a brand new landscape full of reds, yellows and oranges. Local farmers markets have pumpkins, mums and more, out and ready to sell. Visitors are amazed at the view of the Clearfork Gorge Overlook as it changes to a sea of color each day. It truly is a sight to behold.

As the Camp & Canoe Capital of Ohio, canoeing is not over. What a treat to float down the Mohican State Scenic River under an arbor of color. Some of the canoe liveries are open through October. It is a perfect time to grab a camera with family and friends and enjoy the serenity of the river.

Fall is full with activities that will keep everyone having fun while enjoying all there is to offer. Whether staying for a week or weekend, discover why Mohican rocks any time of year. Stay in a treehouse, castle, resort, inn, historic bed and breakfast, or a choice of one of many private cabins. Several of the private cabins or cottages have hot tubs, spectacular views; all the amenities of home and some are even pet friendly.

The Mohican Bluegrass Festival returns to Mohican Wilderness Campground. This A family-friendly event that takes place in the beautiful Mohican River. Performances include the Open Highway, The Hillbilly Gypsies, The Cleverlys, and many more. Don’t miss this first-class event.

The annual Oktoberfest at Wolf Creek Grist Mill: Taste & enjoy 100 varieties of domestic and international beer, and wine to support fundraising efforts for Wolf Creek Grist Mill Historic Park & Museum. Live music, games, food, and more. Free busing is offered to and from the event for patrons staying at any of the following sponsorship lodging locations: Red Window Townhouse, Mohican Adventures, Wally World Riverside Resort, Arrow Point Campgrounds Inc, Mohican Little Brown Inn, Blackfork Marken Inn Bed & Breakfast, & The Mohican State Park Campground.

There are plenty of events happening this fall such as the Loudonville Street Fair. Family fun and affordable, with five days of free admission, free entertainment, food, rides, and more.

The Mohican Fall Foliage Drive-It-Yourself Tour: Take a leisurely drive through the Mohican State Park and the Mohican-Memorial State Forest during the peak of the season. Hike or bike the trails and enjoy nature as the trees and wildlife get ready for winter. Then enjoy time at the restaurants and independent stores. Visit loudonvillechamber.com for a map and more information.

October also brings in ghost enthusiasts at Landoll’s Mohican Castle.  Throughout the year, they offer public Ghost Walks. These walks will take one through the history of the property and also allow the opportunity to communicate with the “other side” by using ‘tools of the trade.’ For those wanting to go more in-depth, ask about the possibility of a Ghost Hunt. This will take several hours, and permits the visitor to conduct a paranormal investigation.

During November and December, make sure to plan an individualized adventure in Mohican. Fishing, outdoor sports, and more occur all year long. Hiking trails are open to the public year-round at the Mohican State Park.  Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are available at nearby Snow Trails Ski Resort.

All of this and more await – discover why Mohican rocks!

in Ross County

As summer begins to fade into autumn, the fun and excitement don’t stop in Ross County. Fall activities have grown significantly over the past several years for this southern Ohio destination nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Region. Visitors to Chillicothe and Ross County can expect to find festivals, Halloween thrills, and the natural beauty of the region as the trees begin to show their colors.

The fall festival season begins with the timeless art of spinning tales to entertain audiences during the annual Southern Ohio Storytelling Festival in September. Highly acclaimed national and regional tellers take the stage to weave their tales and showcase their creativity while leaving audiences wanting more. There’s also the Salt Creek Valley Festival that showcases the community of Richmond Dale and provides the fun atmosphere of a small-town event with sites, sounds and tastes of the area. Hirsch’s Fruit Farm offers their Apple Harvest Open House, a weekend of family fun on the farm. The event gives patrons tours of the orchard, opportunities to pick your own apples, and plenty of children’s activities to keep them busy and entertained.

Festivals continue into October with the newest festival, the Chillicothe Halloween Festival and the oldest festival in the county, Fall Festival of Leaves. The Chillicothe Halloween Festival features a variety of family friendly fun, entertainment, and exhibits, along with a haunted house. While the Fall Festival of Leaves celebrates the beauty of the Paint Valley region with crafts, parade, rides, and plenty of your favorite festival foods all in downtown Bainbridge.

The thrills of the Halloween season begin in September with the annual Ghost Walk in downtown Chillicothe. The Ghost Walk features specific locations that you tour to discover the history and the mystery surrounding each of the stops during the event. During your tour, you may capture something unexplainable in a photo or feel a ghostly touch. In October, Bainbridge hosts its Ghost Walk that features many stops along the way where you will hear stories and meet some historical figures along your journey.

For those wanting the Halloween scares, you can find numerous haunted attractions in Ross County. Begin your adventure by trying to survive the Headless Horseman during Chillicothe’s newest attraction, Sleepy Hollow at Haunted Mountain. This event features a live production of Sleepy Hollow that immerses the audience into the story as it unfolds on stage. Then face your fears along a haunted trail and try beating the clock to get out of an escape room – all controlled by the Headless Horseman. Wrap up your Halloween adventure and experience The Last Carnival. This haunted house and haunted trail encompass 4,000 square feet of indoor scares and over 10,000 square feet of outdoor terror.

Maybe you’re simply looking for a getaway destination before the hectic holiday season begins, Ross County has you covered with plenty of activities for a relaxing weekend. Explore the season by visiting the many historical sites and attractions such as Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Adena Mansion & Gardens, and the Ross County Heritage Center as well as many others. For outdoor recreation and enjoyment, the five State Parks offer activities as well as nearly 200 miles of trails to take in the great outdoors. You may also want to take in a show at one of the historic theatres or enjoy an evening sipping wine at the local winery and vineyard.

When hunger strikes, you won’t have any problems finding a restaurant to satisfy your cravings. Although there are many chain restaurants nearby, you can find the local flavor in downtown Chillicothe and throughout the surrounding communities. Enjoy everything from homestyle comfort foods to gourmet dishes all with unique flair and atmosphere.

At the end of the day, you can rest knowing you will get the best in southern Ohio hospitality with your choice of hotel, cabin or bed & breakfast location. All located just minutes away from attractions, events, restaurants, and outdoor recreation.

Begin planning your trip by visiting the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at VisitChillicotheOhio.com or by calling (800) 413-4118. Don’t forget to request your official Ross County Visitors Guide.

Feature Video of the Month
Downtown Wooster, Ohio

This month’s feature video showcases
downtown Wooster, Ohio
and its wide variety of unique shopping experiences, plus delicious foods and interesting eateries throughout downtown.

Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler

This exhibition features campaign posters, photographs, clothing and other historical items associated with the eight U.S. presidents with Ohio ties, telling the stories of the unique marks they left on the U.S. presidency and their roles in Ohio, U.S. and global history.

The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio in Lancaster displays historical items that tell the collective stories of eight U.S. Presidents with Ohio ties in an interactive exhibition for all ages.

The exhibition, The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies, will go beyond the typical historical and political narratives of the lives and work of former U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft and Warren G. Harding to focus on the lesser-known aspects of their lives and contributions to U.S. and global history. The exhibition will foreground Ohio’s important role in the history of the U.S. presidency.

“The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies provides a rare opportunity for the state of Ohio to explore our shared history, and to discover the strength and history we bring to the nation as Ohioans,” said Elizabeth Brown, executive director of the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio.

Stephen George, senior advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio History Connection, advised the early planning of The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies, which showcases the period during which Ohio was at the fulcrum of U.S. political and cultural life.

“These Presidents range over the course of 80 years, from 1840, when Ohio kind of asserted itself as an important place on the political map of the United States, all the way to 1920, when we elected our last president, Warren Harding,” said George. “Ohio was really at the center of American culture and American politics for those 80 years. When you study each of these presidents, you get an idea as to where the country was at a given time.”

Within the broader context of U.S. political history, The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies will emphasize some of the stories of Ohio’s U.S. Presidents that often don’t make it into the history books.

“The exhibition will focus on not necessarily the typical stories you know about the presidents,” said exhibition curator Christine Fowler Shearer.

Some of these stories show the significant marks that Ohio’s presidents left on the U.S. Presidency and the nation. For instance, the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution came into law during the presidency of Ohioan Ulysses S. Grant. Coming nearly five years after the end of the Civil War, that amendment holds that U.S. citizens will not be denied the right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” The amendment was ratified in February 1870, during Grant’s first term as president.

Other “surprising legacies” include the inauguration of lighter presidential traditions that continue today. Benjamin Harrison and Caroline Harrison were the first U.S. President and First Lady to have a Christmas Tree in the White House, and Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes started the tradition of the annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House Lawn.

The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies will tell the stories of all eight U.S presidents with Ohio ties through campaign posters, photographs, clothing from the presidents and First Ladies and other historical artifacts on loan from seven major historical collections throughout Ohio and in Indiana. A timeline from Benjamin Harrison’s birth in 1833 to William Howard Taft’s death in 1930 also will highlight U.S. and world events, along with personal events of the presidents’ lives.

“In a history exhibition, there’s a little bit of everything, which is what’s fun about it,”  said Fowler Shearer.

“Florence Harding gave a forum especially to women in our country,” said Sherry Hall, director of the Harding Presidential Sites. “Her husband was the first president elected by both men and women. She invited women artists, scientists, athletes to the White House and gave them a forum. She had press conferences, which she called chats, with just women journalists. And she really tried to show that women could be a strong voice.”

According to the Ohio History Connection’s Stephen George, “So many of these First Ladies were pretty remarkable. Mrs. Hayes certainly was one of the very first, if not the first, (First Ladies) who exhibited a great deal of influence over the political tone of the administration of her husband. And we don’t think of President Taft as an extraordinarily vibrant personality, but Mrs. Taft smoked and she enjoyed a cocktail, she was against prohibition, and she really was the driver of her husband’s career.”

Interactive touchscreens Younger visitors to The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies will enjoy the exhibit’s eight (8) interactive touchscreens, chronicling the lives of each of the Ohio presidents. The screens will feature animations and sound effects that bring to life the presidents’ stories. All of the touchscreens will also be collected in a mobile application that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Classes The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio’s Wendel Center for Art Education will also present classes in conjunction with The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies. Visit www.decartsohio.org for information and registration.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) marked a major accomplishment in its first-ever capital campaign with the acquisition of four historic Zephyr railcars. This addition to the fleet enables CVSR to provide new programming and experiences within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including 360-degree views in two of the Vista Dome cars, and offer a new heritage rail experience that exemplifies cross-country travel during the 1940s-1960s.

“The acquisition of the Zephyr railcars was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said President and CEO Joe Mazur. “We not only are preserving history, but giving hundreds of thousands of people the opportunity to have one more way to travel through and experience Cuyahoga Valley National Park.”

Dubbed “the most talked about train in America,” the California Zephyr made its inaugural eastbound run on March 20, 1949 with service between San Francisco and Chicago that covered 2,525 miles and took an average of 2.5 days to complete. The train offered an unparalleled leisure travel experience that is perhaps best demonstrated in a 1950s promotional film. The California Zephyr offered sophisticated dining experiences with linens and china; sleeping compartments that ranged from the elegant staterooms complete with bathrooms, showers, drawing rooms, and bedrooms, to the cozier “roomettes”; and Vista Dome cars with windows on every side—including the ceiling—to provide breathtaking panoramic views of the passing mountains, rivers, and countryside. The California Zephyr operated as a passenger train for 20 years, and its 77 cars were later sold to different companies and private owners. Over the years, the majority of these stainless-steel cars have all but disappeared from America’s railways, having been sold off (often to foreign countries), scrapped, or simply left in storage and fallen into complete disrepair.

The four-car Zephyr trainset consists of two Vista Dome cars, a sleeper car and a baggage car. CVSR already owns the Silver Bronco, another Vista Dome observation car that was part of the original California Zephyr trainset. With this acquisition, CVSR becomes one of the nation’s few railroads in possession of four cars from the original California Zephyr fleet.

The Silver Lariat was built in 1948 by the Budd Company for the Burlington Railroad as a dome coach for service on the California Zephyr. A large dining and lounge area seats 42 passengers (36 at tables) and is equipped with a full bar with a freezer capable of storing 200 pounds of ice. From this room, passengers can access the Vista Dome above, which provides panoramic views and seating for an additional 24 passengers at tables. A unique feature of this train car is The Pony Express, a restored original mural by Mary Louise Lawser that was commissioned by the Burlington Railroad when the car was built. Silver Lariat also features restrooms; a full commercial kitchen with two ranges and two half-size convection ovens; registered monogrammed china service; original white damask California Zephyr table linens; and a full sound system with CD, iPod, and PA.

The Silver Solarium was built in 1948 by the Budd Company for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. It was one of the six dome/sleeper/observation cars specifically built for the California Zephyr. Ownership of the car was transferred to Amtrak in 1970 after more than 20 years of service between Chicago and San Francisco, and Amtrak retired the car in 1980. Silver Solarium was placed in storage for decades and fell into disrepair until Amtrak sold it to a private owner. Today, Silver Solarium has been fully renovated and has been operating as a private car, delighting passengers with stunning views from its Vista Dome and observation lounge. The car also features three double bedrooms with enclosed toilets, sinks, and showers that sleep up to 11 guests, a drawing room, and a stateroom. The observation lounge seats 11 in classic railroad lounge chairs upholstered in frieze fabric, and the Vista Dome car seats 24 in booth seating at tables. The Silver Solarium also features a full commercial kitchen with a range that includes a half-size convection oven, an original bar with a carved linoleum façade, and a sound system with CD and iPod. 

The Silver Peak was built in 1940 by the Budd Company for Burlington Railroad and assigned to the Denver‐Ft. Worth “Texas Zephyr.” Originally built as a coach/dormitory/baggage car, the coach area was used as the Jim Crow section of the train. When the Jim Crow laws were found to be unconstitutional, it was converted to a full baggage car. The car is equipped with a great deal of storage space; a workshop section that features an 8‐foot work bench with a drill press, bench grinder, band‐type cutoff saw, table saw, and a variety of power and hand tools; and a commercial refrigerator and chest freezer.

The Silver Rapids was built in 1948 by the Budd Company and served as a transcontinental sleeper car that provided coast to coast transportation for almost 20 years. The car was removed from theCalifornia Zephyr service in the 1960s when most transcontinental sleepers were discontinued, and changed ownership from the Pennsylvania Railroad to Amtrak, which retired it in the early 1980s and sold the car to a private owner. After extensive restoration work that included interior and mechanical upgrades, Silver Rapids is now one of the most versatile sleeper cars in service. The car features eight one‐person roomettes, each with a small sofa, folding wash basin, a vanity and large mirror, and a bed that folds out of the wall. Further down the hall are six double bedrooms, each of which sleeps two (one in an upper berth and one in a lower berth), has its own enclosed restroom with folding sink and outlet, and is equipped with either a long sofa or a short sofa and folding chair for relaxing throughout the day. The six double bedrooms can also open up to form three suites that sleep up to four guests each. Other features include a general public toilet and large shower in the main area and a small galley style kitchen.

The Zephyr railcars will be used for CVSR’s excursions and special events.

“We are committed to preserving and improving our fleet so that visitors from Northeast Ohio and around the world continue to have the opportunity to create shared family memories while experiencing history aboard vintage train cars as they travel through Cuyahoga Valley National Park,” Mazur concluded.

Feature of the Month
MADE IN WAYNE COUNTY TRAIL

This month’s feature video showcases
the Made in Wayne County Trail

Discover Wayne County’s locally made products by exploring over 20 interesting places from small family businesses to household names. This video explores just a handful.

Where can you have it all this fall? Clinton County!

Fests – check.  Farms – check. Frights – check. Outdoor delights – check! And the list goes on.

Conveniently located between Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton – Clinton County is inviting. In fact, their motto is, “An open invitation.” You’re invited to check out the festivities, agritourism, spooky and outdoor destinations.

October festivities are as bountiful as the harvest. First up is the Fall Harvest Bash & the Great Pumpkin Bash featuring more than 30 acres of a pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn mazes, live music, and other family-oriented activities. Don’t miss the pumpkin catapult!

Speaking of which, another crowd favorite is the Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival. It may be obvious that it features giant slingshots chuckin’ pumpkins into the air. It also has delicious hot foods, desserts and plenty of hayride and corn maze fun.

In-between festivals, you can always stop by Ray Storer’s place otherwise known as Grandpa’s Pottery. The old barns are a pleasant setting where you can see a potter at his craft. He’ll hand throw a new creation while you wait. Storer’s pottery pieces have been featured and sold at the Cincinnati Art Museum and have been showcased at the Wilmington Pottery and Art Festival.

If you love horses, Clinton County is home to the Buckeye Draft Horse Show, Mid Ohio Dressage Horse Show, Central States Horse Show and the Country Heir Hunter Jumper Horse Show. If you love animals in general, put Horsefeathers Farm on your checklist of fall destinations. This is a rare experience. Under the sponsorship of the Cincinnati Zoo, Horsefeathers Farm specializes in the propagation of the endangered Parma Wallaby. You can get up close and even pet the animals. Other Australian animals that guests may interact with include the Emu and Island Bearded Dragon. This is the perfect country setting for a picnic by a pond with swans and a whole lot more.

October is also a time for crisp nighttime haunts! The Lantern Light Wagon Ride and Corn Maze are offered on Saturday nights along the old stone roads of a historical farm. Only lanterns light your way. Peer through ruins of what once were the tribal hunting grounds and the tracks of the “Old Sheepskin” line. You’re bound to cross paths with trappers, Indians, frontiersman and pioneer settlers eager to share some tales. This lantern ride is a family-friendly, historically based ghost tour.

If you’re looking to raise the hair on your neck, catch the Wilmington Haunted Hollow Ride. There are three attractions at one location featuring Slaughter Hotel, Nightmare Asylum and fire breathing semis chasing unsuspecting victims through the fields. Perhaps you like to slow things down and enjoy the autumn season for its natural wonders. Cowan Lake State Park has hiking trails through the spectrum of color as trees shed their leaves. The lake offers boating, sailing, and fishing. The water may be cold but the beaches are still great for a fall stroll. Campfires and cottages bring family and friends closer to S’mores and stories. The Cowan Lake Fall Campout offers a kids costume contest, movie and popcorn at the shelter house and a campsite contest. Categories for the campsite contest are scariest, best use of lights, best theme or special effects. All weekend long there are contests, games, activities, music, wagon rides and even a pet costume contest. Kids can trick or treat too.

If the evenings become too crisp, take in a hot show at the historic Murphy Theatre in downtown Wilmington. Its old-fashioned, grand marquee still casts its light after 100 years. Legends played in the ornate theatre, rich in architecture and pageantry. In the fall, guests can look forward to a variety of modern acts and movies.

Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler

There’s nothing like late summer for glamping.  The days are still nice and long, the weather more moderate and the cool, clear nights are perfect for a campfire and star gazing.

According to Glamping.com, “Recently, a global trend has caught fire that offers outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recreation. It’s called glamping, a new word for a new kind of travel, defined as glamorous camping.  When you’re glamping, there’s no tent to pitch, no sleeping bag to unroll, no long journey to find a bathroom. Whether you’re staying in a tent, yurt, airstream, pod, igloo, hut, villa, cabin, cube, teepee or treehouse, glamping is a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury.”

Nowhere in the Midwest is there a better place for Glamping than the Hocking Hills.  Conveniently located in southeast Ohio, just an hour from Columbus, the Hocking Hills are Ohio’s natural crown jewels.

Long known for the multitude of cabins peppered throughout the Hills amongst the region’s famous parks and forests with prehistoric caves, waterfalls, deep ravines and scenic clifftops, the Hocking Hills was a Glamping mecca before it became a global trend.

In addition to the cabins and lodges there are some really unique lodging options.  There’s treehouses, Tipis, Yurts, a Caboose and even Gypsy Wagons.  Enjoy hiking, ziplining, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing and rappelling during the day then retreat to a little Glamping in a truly unique setting.

In addition to the lovely, lingering late summer weather there’s plenty of fun and festival activity in September.  Check out the Ohio Paw-Paw Festival at Lake Snowden in Albany.  Test your endurance at the annual Hocking Hills Indian Run.  Pick your challenge at this 60k, 40k, 20k, 10k or 5k trail run departing from the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.  Ohio’s largest free air show will take to the skies at the Vinton County Airport.

The Annual Hocking Hills Artists & Craftsmen Show and Sale will be  part of the Hocking Hills Fall Fest in Historic Downtown Logan.  In addition to all the wonderful one-of-a-kind works of art the weekend will include live music, food trucks, kid’s activities and a Chili cook off.  Historic Downtown Logan is coming back to life with new shops, eateries and performance venues, all conveniently located just a short drive from your Glamping headquarters in the Hocking Hills.

How about a little moonlight adventure?  There’s MoonShine Full Moon Zipline Tours, Night Flight Rappelling Adventures and canoeing on the Hocking River under the full moon.

September is still summer so get out and take advantage of the perfect summer Glamping getaway to the Hocking Hills.

It seems as if summer vacation season gets shorter and shorter. Schools remain in session until well into June and teachers and students are back in the classroom by mid-August. This leaves about eight weeks for the traditional family vacation. Popular vacation destinations are often crowded and prices are at their peak. Thank goodness for September!

For anyone not tied to a school schedule, and there are millions of us, the world is our oyster. Summer weather continues, all the attractions are open and the pace is far more relaxed. September in the Hocking Hills is the perfect destination for a Second Summer vacation. No need to travel far to feel like you’re a million miles from home.

Begin your Second Summer by selecting the accommodations best suited to you. Looking for a getaway with a special someone or maybe just a solo trip? Hocking Hills has a wide variety of cabins, cottages and Inns providing as little or as much seclusion as you desire. Need to immerse yourself in Mother Nature once more before the cold wind blows? Award winning campgrounds, tipis, Gypsy Wagons and camping cottages set the stage for nature’s late summer serenade.

Get the gang together for a football weekend at one of Hocking Hills’ luxury lodges. It’s your own private resort complete with gourmet kitchen for all those game-time goodies, great room with plenty of seating and a big TV for the big game. After the game relax on the deck or around a fire as you soak in the last sunlight of the day.

Once you know where you will lay your head it’s time to plan a few adventures. With more than 50 ziplines the Hocking Hills is the Canopy Tour Capital of the Midwest. If you prefer to stay a little closer to the ground take an all-terrain Segway tour or canoe trip to Ohio’s largest natural bridge, Rockbridge State Nature Preserve.

Trade your in-box for a tackle box and drop a line in Lake Logan. The catch of the day may be Northern Pike, Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Catfish or Saugeye. While you’re waiting for a nibble be sure to watch for eagles and hawks overhead and Blue Heron, swans and ducks on the lake.

Test your endurance at the Annual Hocking Hills Indian Run. This trail run winds through vast wooded areas of the Hocking Hills State Park and Hocking State Forest, crossing streams, deep gorges, shimmering waterfalls and lush forests, leading uphill and down. The Indian Run is the ultimate challenge to a runner’s power of concentration.

When you’re ready to relax tour the region’s four wineries. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Hills as you taste the creations of these local vintners. Stroll through a vineyard, picnic on a patio and enjoy a little live, local music (weekends).

Before long it will be time to park your baby for a winter’s rest so get out and cruise Car and Driver Magazine’s “Midwestern driving roads of choice”. Begin your country cruise at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center where you will find the Hocking Hills Road Tour map featuring multiple routes for maximum scenery while taking into consideration the importance of road quality to you and your baby.

September is for savoring. Savor your Sweet September Summer in the Hocking Hills.

Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati is FREE! And it hits the mark when it says it impacts communities by providing changing arts experiences that challenge, entertain and educate. There is regular changing over of exhibitions throughout this architectural gem called the best new building since the Cold War by the New York Times. Yes, it’s a piece of art in its own right both inside and out and on every floor. A variety of mediums are sure to electrify the senses and forge great conversation. It is a place of genius, innovation and inspiration. And regularly, a whole new world rotates in calling you back for a revisit. Learn more at contemporaryartscenter.org/.

This award recognizes Ohio’s standouts in tourism. More details about the award and all award recipients are at ohiotraveler.com/standouts-in-ohio-tourism/.

in Southeast Ohio

When thinking of the fall colors, it’s easy for one’s mind to travel to the spectacular, quintessential views of New England and the cool, crisp air of New Hampshire and Vermont. The country roads gently traversing the storied colonial hills of America’s first heartland have been host to many a visitor to the region.

But what if those similar views and similar adventures can be had in a historic area that is hidden right out in the open and just a close day’s drive away? What if Ohio’s own scenic wonderland of Southeast Ohio and the Hocking Hills could take you away to those spectacular fall views?

Traveling to Logan and the Hocking Hills, it’s easy to get lost in the vast areas and myriad of activities available starting September and right on through October. Nearby Nelsonville—and further down U.S. 33, Ohio University’s hometown of Athens—provides very similar results for a traveling couple on a romantic weekend getaway or the growing family taking in the world one mile’s breathtaking view at a time.

It is in a traveler’s great interest to first make a stop at the Hocking Hills Visitor’s Center (Website: www.explorehockinghills.com; Phone: 1-800-HOCKING) off Ohio Route 664, less than a mile away from U.S. 33 on the north end of Logan. There, friendly volunteers will assist with the area events of the weekend (or weekday—the fun doesn’t end on the weekends!), attractions, parks, shopping and much more. The Athens area also has many events and attractions, and the friendly visitor center operated by the Athens County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (1-800-878-9767) is just as valuable of a resource too.

Some of the more notable events of the region include the 17th Annual Paw Paw Festival, Appalachian Color in the Hills Festival, Ohio Smoked Meat & Barbecue Festival, Annual Hocking Hills Indian Run, The Plains Indian Mound Festival, Starbrick Clay National Cup Show —plus many more!

A drive along Ohio’s “Windy 9,” a curvy, care-free escape through the hill country is, of course, a given—not to mention the views that can be had along the backroads off the state highways. Those county road drives are among the best without question!

But in addition to the obligatory leaf drives, what else is one to do? The area boasts of many activities, including the world-famous Hocking Hills State Parks, providing some of the more amazing natural scenes Ohio has to offer—Cedar Falls, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs, Ash Cave. Then there are the man-made (or human-assisted) but still great activities like canoeing the tranquil Hocking River (with two top-notch canoe liveries at your service), cruising the zip lines of Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, biking/walking the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway or Moonville Tunnel Trail, taking in a relaxing guided horseback trail ride, culturally-stimulating art walks, plays and musicals at Stuart’s Opera House—and that’s just scratching the surface.

Another must-do activity while in the region is a train ride aboard one of Ohio’s top tourist trains. The all-volunteer-operated-and-managed Hocking Valley Scenic Railway operates trains every Saturday and Sunday through October before taking most of November off in preparation for an equally-busy season. Following the November hiatus, the trains travel the rails once more before the close of the operating season for the annual—and very popular—Santa Trains and, later, the New Year’s Eve Train—with an impressive fireworks display. In October, the schedule expands out into the weekdays, offering more options to see the leaves via train. The quaint depot is located in the historic town of Nelsonville, once an industrial center of Ohio. Once aboard, the diesel-powered train—a history lesson itself—takes passengers along an approximately two-hour round-trip ride along the Hocking River Valley through Haydenville, another brick and clay tile center. Historic sites, events, anecdotes and the area’s current active industries are pointed out along the way via the on-board live narration. Fares vary on fall trips and special event trains (such as the All-Caboose Train, Labor Day Train, and Robbery Train). The Robbery Train, offered three times throughout the year, is one of the most popular events of the schedule and always sells out. Kids under the age of 3 years old do ride for free on every train (unless otherwise specified). Food and drinks aren’t provided but are permitted on the train. Pets, however, are not permitted except for certified service animals. Group rates are available as well for non-special event trains. A vintage steam locomotive is scheduled to be put back into service soon, so you’ll want to keep tabs on that as well. But for now, it’s safe to assume that one of the equally-historic diesels will be pulling the train during a visit. Many cabooses and other railroad cars, including an impressive snow plow, are also available to see around the depot while you wait for the train. Information on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway can be found at www.hockingvalleytrain.org or by calling 740-249-1452. The non-profit group is also very active on social media, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/hvsry), Twitter (@hvscenicrailway), and Instagram (@hvscenicrailway). It’s a lasting experience not to be missed!

Food options are as varied as the area, from fast food to true local establishments, one won’t go hungry for sure. Just a small sampling of local eateries include The Boot Grille, Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, Kiser’s Barbeque, Avalanche Pizza, Caleb’s Coffee, Casa Nueva, Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ, The Olde Dutch Restaurant, and Tammy’s Country Kitchen. By no means is the list comprehensive but its easy to get a picture of what’s available.

Lodging? Even more plentiful and varied, it’s much easier to just log on to the Hocking Hills Tourism Association’s website (www.explorehockinghills.com) and the website of the Athens County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

So, that trip to New England this fall? The close-to-home enticement of Southeast Ohio is arguably much more compelling and provides a charming escape with Southern-style hospitality, great cultural events, amazing natural beauty, and a rich history that rivals any region in America. Without a doubt, it is an experience that will have you making this regional visit a late-year vacation tradition for many years to come!

in Wayne County, Ohio

It’s no secret that Central Ohio is known as one of the best places to view the changing colors of autumn. Pair this with the scenic back roads of Amish Country and you’ve found yourself a picturesque match made in heaven.

Wayne County likes to celebrate fall in a grand style with festivals, tractor pulls, farm tours and car shows.

Here is a sample of some of October harvest season celebrations.

• Fall Fun Festival at P. Graham Dunn in Dalton
• Apple Festival Days at Bauman Orchards
• Autumn Discovery Day at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster
• Apple Dumpling Weekend at Whispering Hills Campground in Shreve
• Colonial Williamsburg Festival at Pine Tree Barn & farm in Wooster
• Enchanted Forest at Wilderness Center in Wilmot
• Winery Harvest Festival at Troutman Vineyards in Wooster
• Community Heritage Day on James Road in Moreland
• Farm Tour in Southwest Wayne County
• Bucket & Beans Car Show at the Historical Society in Marshallville
• Apple Butter Making at Smithville Historical Society
• Kidron Beet Festival in Sonnenberg Village
• Fall Festival at Ramseyer Farms in Wooster

Secrest Arboretum, part of The Ohio State University’s Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, is the perfect place to view the changing colors. Open daily from dawn to dusk, you are invited to hike or bike the many trails or take a leisurely stroll through one of its gardens.

Organize a family outing to Ramseyer Farms Maze Adventures and Pumpkin Patch this fall. You can make friends with the farm animals, get lost in one of their many mazes, shoot a potato in the spud slinger, take a hayride into the fields to pick the perfect pumpkin or just sit back and enjoy the scenery while munching on a bag of freshly made potato chips. Visit them online at ramseyerfarms.com.

Nothing tastes as good as an apple fresh from the tree and Wayne County’s pick-your-own orchards won’t disappoint offering special dwarf size apple trees so everyone in your family can experience the delight of picking an apple right from the tree. Our Farms & Farmers’ Market section of our brochure lists hours and weekend festival dates for these farm attractions.

For a complete list of Wayne County festivals and activities see the Visitors Guide and Calendar of Events on line at http://wccvb.com/ or call 800-362-6474 to receive a free copy.

So grab a sweater, pack up the family car and come see why “Fall is Best of All” in Wayne County, Ohio!

is a Labor Day Weekend Must

Come join a peaceful setting of yesteryear when visiting the Ft. Rowdy Gathering in Covington, Ohio. A depiction of a bustling, small trading village set in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s is what you will experience when you enter the Covington Community Park during Labor Day weekend.

Falling leaves and the smell of open fires lure you to the “Gathering” along with the homemade foods and arts and crafts that will have you wanting to linger throughout the weekend.

If you love good food and a great time, just amble on down to the Fort Rowdy Gathering for the taste sensation of a lifetime. Your nose will enjoy the aroma and your mouth will water in anticipation of the wonderful choice of foods you can enjoy at the Gathering.

You could be one who enjoys lemon shake-ups or strawberry shake-ups served by the Piqua Aikido Club. Or maybe you will be lured to the tent of the Covington Church of the Brethren and the Covington Outreach Association to get a taste of their delicious homemade chicken and noodles along with the great fall favorite, apple dumplings. (Hurry-they sell out quickly!) They also have coffee and hot chocolate and a large variety of cookies and donuts.

If you are looking for a snack, you might want to visit the Covington United Church of Christ booth for a sugar waffle with your beef barbeque sandwich, IBC Root Beer or Cider. French fries, shredded chicken sandwiches, brats burger, mini corn dogs, pumpkin rolls and funnel cakes can be purchased from the Covington Eagles Aux.

St. John’s Church is cooking up cabbage rolls along with mashed potatoes. Take along their fresh fruit cups for dessert. Boy Scout Troop 76 will have brats, metts, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, nachos and cheese and loaded nachos.

Young Life of Miami Co is serving pork fritters, blooming onions, breaded chicken sandwiches, cheese sticks and poppers. Check out their breakfast of gravy and biscuits or the mountain man breakfast. If you like pulled pork sandwiches and chips stopover to A.B. Cole Post 80 American Legion.

Cannons Fast Pitch will be cooking up steak and pizza burgers. If you are looking for something to put on top of your pie or apple dumplings stop by Fort Rowdy’s ice cream booth. They will feature Susie’s Big Dipper ice cream.

As you can see, they try to please everyone’s appetite and avoid duplications so you can have a big choice when it comes to the taste buds. Now there have to be several items mentioned that could lure you down to the Gathering-and they know you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of it.

The Fort Rowdy Gathering is not only a gathering of people but a gathering of crafts also. They strive to bring you a wide variety of talent and interests at this event. There are ceramics of all kinds, country crafts, painted wooden items, angel food cakes, decorative afghans and throws, flower arrangements, blacksmithing, painted pumpkins and gourds, do it yourself sand art, and period trade goods just to name a few.

Free live entertainment will be provided on the festival side, as well as, food vendors from local non-profit organizations and craft vendors. Encampment activities include: Hawk & knife, spear throw, bow shoot, lizard pull, flint & steel, cooking contest, and rolling pin & skillet toss along with many games and contests for the children. Prizes will be awarded at camp meetings. A Sunday morning worship service will be held at the encampment stage.

Authentic demonstrations, contests, games and entertainment add up to fun and enjoyment for the whole family. And the 208’ long portable footbridge will carry you across the scenic Stillwater River to the Mountainman Encampment and a true feeling of the life of a by-gone era.

Covington Community Park is located on St. Rt. 36, just west of St. Rt. 48 north of Covington. The “Gathering” runs all day and offers free admission and parking.