in the heart of Appalachian Ohio and Ohio’s Amish Country
The weekend is calling and asking for a new adventure to start the summer that includes sunrise over the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in beautiful Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Afterward, plan to enjoy a hike on one of many trails and then the serenity of a drive throughout the Swiss and Amish culture areas. It sounds relaxing, doesn’t it?
Offering unique restaurants, wineries, and breweries, thriving quaint downtowns filled with boutiques, antiques, and bookstores, not to mention National Landmark historic attractions that share early history, and Ohio’s state play- Trumpet in the Land outdoor drama, there are plenty of adventures to delve into! Come hungry; there is local food around every corner!
Friday afternoon kicks off the weekend with a stroll through downtown New Philadelphia where the arts scene is vibrant with murals and galleries. Browse the stalls at Alley Cats Marketplace where over 40 vendors sell their arts, crafts, and distinctive products. sell the Afterwards sample oils and vinegar at OV Harvest located just down the street from the town square. As the sun sinks into the horizon, relax and dine like a local enjoying the fine, culinary experiences at Craft Bistro & Lounge, or the Italian influences of the county at Venue and Uncle Primo’s. Cap off your day with a glass of wine or mug of beer at the area’s wineries or breweries where you likely will enjoy live music, too! Explore nine wineries and three breweries during your stay. Each pleases the palate with a distinctive character and a unique environment. When it’s finally time to call it a day, enjoy the comforts of one of the many hotels in the area.
Start your Saturday in Dennison or Dreamsville as it was called in the 1940s by the WWII soldiers who were served at the Canteen operated by volunteers at the Dennison Depot. Enjoy breakfast at Over the Rail Diner inside the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum and their menu of “mom and pop food.” The diner’s 1940’s décor echoes the location heritage where 1.5million Troops were served free food, coffee, and smiles. Today the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is a National Historic Landmark and carefully preserved as the most significant remaining example of a WWII canteen. Portions of the museum are housed in train cars including an actual medical car.
Travel to Sugarcreek for your next stop and spend time exploring the “Little Switzerland of Ohio” and home to the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock and the Ohio Star Theater. The area merchants include fashion for your home and yourself, antiques, and a delightful quilt shop. Plan for lunch at Dutch Valley Restaurant enjoying Amish-country style cuisine or savoring the “pie-losophy” of farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients on your new favorite pie at Park Street Pizza. There’s no wrong choice and both will provide a delightful dining experience.
Your summer Saturday is capped off with a performance of “Trumpet in the Land” Ohio’s first and finest outdoor theatre production, brings to life the tragic but inspiring story of David Zeisberger and his Christian Indian followers as they struggled to preserve their peaceful settlement despite the growing violence of the Revolutionary War. The production is set in the very hills once traveled by those portrayed in the show. Watch the warm summer nights come alive with beautiful horses, brilliant fire dances, authentic-looking costumes, fiery battle pyrotechnics, and a beautiful natural setting.
What’s Sunday without fresh, homemade luscious donuts and the best coffee to pair with these delightful treats? Wake up with donuts and coffee at Dough Co. Doughnuts and Coffee located on the Boulevard in Dover, afterwards plan to spend your morning exploring Historic Zoar Village. Located at the northern end of the county, the entire village has been declared a National Historic Landmark District by the US Parks Department. First settled in the mid-1800s by German immigrants seeking religious freedoms, the village became one of the most successful communal societies. Take a leisurely walk through the village appreciating the architecture of the carefully preserved brick buildings, the lovingly tended gardens, and a guided tour through the museum. Stop at the bakery before you leave for some favorite village baked goods.
Fort Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, is just a short drive from Zoar Village in the town of Bolivar. Explore the museum and then take a hike on the Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath which has a trailhead adjacent to the museum grounds. Hike south on the trail and be treated to exploring the remains to two original Canalway locks!
Enjoy lunch in downtown historic Bolivar before you leave for home. Locals know that the best home-cooked meal will be found at Canal Street Diner. Offering diners freshly baked bread and features such as roast beef, pulled pork, and homemade soups and salads, you will want to save room for a slice of their homemade pie, too!
Located on I-77 and a short drive from major airports, Tuscarawas County is easy to find, fun to explore, and deliciously delightful to savor! For more information on these and other memorable destinations in the county, visit www.TravelTUSC.com or phone 800-527-3387.
