in Western Ohio
Late Summer and Fall excursions in Ohio are some of the best of the year. As the summer season starts to wind down, now is the time to begin planning your next getaway.
Located just 35 miles north of Dayton on I-75 is the City of Sidney. In and around Sidney, you can take a factory tour at Airstream, one of the best in the US, and visit their Heritage Center, which displays the foremost collection of Airstream memorabilia found anywhere. Later, how about an afternoon curated wine tasting at the Austeria Wine Boutique in downtown Sidney? In addition to more than 900 varieties of domestic and imported wines, Austeria offers an incredible variety of small plates and charcuterie to enjoy while you sip. Their outdoor patio is an ideal space for recharging and relaxing.
Downtown Sidney is always a popular destination with a variety of quaint shops, locally owned restaurants, and lively bars. The Moonflower Effect and Ivy Garland are great gift shops to pick up something special for a friend or yourself. Murphy’s Craftbar + Kitchen and The New Rainbow Bar & Grill are always good choices. Murphy’s features locally sourced ingredients in their varied menu of tasty dishes along with 48 taps of your favorite beers. The New Rainbow is best known for great sandwiches, cold drinks, and craft cocktails. The walls of this downtown bistro are adorned with rock and country music memorabilia that Dave Shadoan, the owner, has collected over the years. Their outdoor tiki bar offers live music and a fun island vibe.
Another local favorite is The Bridge Restaurant. The Bridge offers a selection of steaks, chops, and fresh seafood in a lovely setting. Guests can dine in or “Al Fresco” on their beautiful outdoor covered patio. For lighter fare and a unique menu of healthy choices, Greenhaus Coffee is the place to go for delicious coffee and fresh, tasty breakfast and lunch bites.
Through October, Downtown Sidney hosts one of the best farmers markets you’ll find anywhere. Favorite selections include fresh veggies, jams and jellies, locally grown herbs, flowers & mums, homemade doughnuts, and more. Another attractive seasonal option is the Fall Harvest Festival at Lake Loramie State Park. Arts & crafts galore, great food, live entertainment, and power equipment displays make this a fun outing for all who want to get out and enjoy the early Autumn season.
Golfers take note… Shelby Oaks, the Sidney Moose Golf Course and Arrowhead Golf Club are outstanding choices. Some of the best golf of the year is played in September and early October. The greens are fast and the fairways lush. Before putting your clubs away for the season, how about one last round in Sidney?
For Autumn color, Tawawa Park in Sidney and Lake Loramie State Park in Minster are prime viewing locations. Both offer picturesque bike/hike trails, birding, and an abundance of cool, fresh air to rejuvenate your soul. Mid-October is typically THE best time for optimal viewing.
No kayak, no problem. Lake Loramie State Park offers serve-yourself kiosks where you can rent a kayak, paddle, & life jacket to undertake your next aqua adventure. Their all-abilities boat launch makes it easy for everyone to get out onto the water.
For additional Autumn fun, Crossway Farms, Vandemark Farm & the Land Corn Maze are excellent choices. Crossway Farms offers Fall on the Farm, where guests can enjoy seasonal fruits, vegetables, donuts, flowers, and much more. For the kids, Fall on the Farm is a BLAST with an abundance of fun, free activities. Vandemark Farm features a Corn Maze, Hayrides, Mini Golf, and more. Both are great Fall Fun for the entire family.
When planning your visit, spending a little time on the Sidney Visitors Bureau website will provide a comprehensive overview of all area attractions, lodging options, and an events calendar chock-full of local happenings, including community theater, seasonal festivals, and more. In addition, visitors can build their own travel itinerary on the site where a list of nearly 40 regional attractions and points of interest is published, each offering unique, memorable experiences all within a short drive of Sidney.
