Adventures Awaits

Adventure Awaits

Pickaway County is host to a number of parks, nature preserves and venues that entertain travelers with activities, such as a living, working historical farm, kayaking and canoeing, and exploring the area’s natural beauty.

A.W. Marion State Park 309 acres located on the quiet waters of Hargus Lake, the park features rolling woodlands and a variety of recreational activities including boat rentals and launches, kayak and canoe rentals, picnic areas, camping and nature trails. 7317 Warner Huffer Rd., Circleville, OH 43113. 740-467-2690. www. parks.ohiodnr.gov/awmarion

Ashville Fourth Of July Parade Mural This new mural depicts many features and symbols of historic importance to the Ashville area. 34 Long St., Ashville. 740-9839864. www.ohiosmalltownmuseum.org

Bicentennial Mural The mural was created on West Main Street in downtown Circleville to celebrate the bicentennial of Circleville and Pickaway County in 2010. 150 W. Main St., downtown Circleville.

Circleville Pumpkin Show Known as the greatest free show on earth, the Circleville Pumpkin Show began when Mayor George R. Haswell held the first pumpkin show in 1903 to celebrate and showcase local agriculture. In addition to displays of pumpkins and other agricultural crops, the show has grown to include pageants for Miss Pumpkin and Little Miss Pumpkin, as well as contests for baking, local artwork, rides, seven parades and live concerts and shows. Held the third week of October, the four-day festival draws more than 400,000 visitors annually. 159 E. Franklin St., Circleville. 740-474-7000. www.pumpkinshow.com

Blossoms at the Bend 5564 Williamsport Pike, Williamsport As you round the bend, the beauty of the yard fills your senses. Rows and rows of flowers, potting tools for young and old, even a wagon for a baby or two. And the scent of so many blossoms is overwhelming You’ve arrived at Blossoms at the Bend.

Open “From Dawn to Dusk” from May to September, this picturesque yard is the perfect place to find that special flower arrangement or take family pictures (especially baby) with beautiful backgrounds. Guests are on their own to pay the fee, dig up their special creation and enjoy natural surroundings. A and R Alpaca Farm and Gift Shop 10981 US Highway 22, Williamsport Driving West on USR 22 past Williamsport, one might see some alpacas frolicking in the field through a car window. Those happy animals are treated like pets by owners Aaron and Robin Ridenour. If you stop in, you may see them feeding or just playing in the field. Petting them is a great way to feel at one with nature.

The gift shop on the farm features alpaca yarn and products already made with their fur.

Deer Creek State Park Make memories and enjoy nature at Deer Creek State Park. Experience the 3,100 acre park, lake and beach, or partake in a family dinner and stay at Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center. 2063 State Park Rd. 20, Mt. Sterling. www.parks.ohiodnr.gov/ deercreek

Forest Cemetery Established in 1852 in the forest north of Circleville, this scenic cemetery has numerous trails and roads that meander past unique headstones and markers. 905 N. Court St., Circleville. 740-474-4401. www.forestcemetery.weebly.com

Harding Cabin Harding Cabin at Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center was once a retreat for President Warren G. Harding (1921-1923) and his close friends. It is now restored and available for vacation rentals and business retreats. 22300 State Park Rd. #20, Mt. Sterling. 740-869-2020. www.deercreekstateparklodge.com

Lindsey’s Bakery Enjoy bread, buns, donuts, pies, cakes, cookies and crème horns made from scratch daily. Established by Gene and Martha Lindsey in 1950, this familyowned business supplies the world’s largest pumpkin pie each year at the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Drive-thru available. 127 W. Main St., Circleville. 740-474-3871. www.lindseysbakery.com

M&O Spirits Born out of love for great whiskey, longtime friends Doug & Mike have brought distilling back to Ashville Ohio. Established in 2017, the founders of M&O Spirits showcase a dedication to their craft and offer tastings and tours to visitors. 65 W. Main St., Ashville. 740-954-3248 www.MOSpirits.com

Pickaway County Historical Society

Hours: 1–4 pm Tuesday – Friday Locations: • Clarke-May Museum • Historical and Genealogical Library • Marfield Bank Building • Mount Oval

740-474-1495 info@pickawayhistory.org www.pickawayhistoricalsociety.org

Manchester Hill Winery Minutes from Hocking Hills this awardwinning winery offers handcrafted wines and ciders made from locally and regionally-sourced fruit. Also features a winery cottage available for overnight rentals. 13160 Tarlton Rd., Circleville. 845-893-8724. www.manchesterhill.com

Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park This 72-acre park features the area’s only Boundless Playground, plus a paved bike trail, a splash pad and an all-season shelter house. Located at the corner of State Route 188 and Pontius Road, Circleville.

Mount Oval This historic house and farm is tucked away on an oval-shaped knoll of the Pickaway Plains south of Circleville along the old Scioto Trail (now U.S. Route 23). It is recognized among the early homes of Ohio for its unique design, excellent craftsmanship and beauty in detail. Reservations for tours are required through the Pickaway County Historical Society. 3601 Emerson Rd., Circleville. 740-474-1495.

Ohio Erie Canal Located in Wayne Township along Canal Road, Pickaway County’s portion of the Ohio-Erie Canal stretches from the old Penn Central Railroad south to the Scioto River Access. Enjoy kayaking and canoeing along the canal.

Pickaway County Courthouse The building of the courthouse, located at the corner of Court and Franklin streets, began in the fall of 1845. It was expanded by the addition of two wings in 1888 and was remodeled in the latter part of 1889. 207 S. Court St., Circleville. 740-474-6026.

Pumpkin Show Mural Located in the heart of downtown Circleville, this outstanding threedimensional mural was commissioned to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Corner of Court and Main streets, downtown Circleville.

Seed House At Hedges Farm At the Seed House, you’ll find antiques, primitives, home décor and much more. 15026 Lockbourne Eastern Rd., Ashville. 740-983-3451.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm As one of the most culturally significant sites in the state of Ohio, the Slate Run Living Historical Farm brings visitors to its rolling hills for a feel of life from yesteryear. Farm volunteers care for the house and prepare meals inside, while outside volunteers in period costume shear sheep and take care of the Percheron draft horses, Poland China hog and Merino sheep. No gas-powered tractors or equipment are found onsite. 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester. 614-833-1880. www.friendsofslaterunfarm.org

Slate Run Vineyard This vineyard grows 60 varieties of grapes, from Vinifera to hybrids originated in France and Germany. 1900 Winchester Southern Rd., Canal Winchester. 614-8348577. www.slaterunwinery.com

Soliders Monumental Museum The area’s Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans are honored at this museum, which includes a fascinating display of memorabilia. 165 E. Main St., Circleville. 740-474-3636.

Stage’s Pond Nature Preserve These 178 acres of land are a beautiful mixture of woodland, marsh and aquatic lands, with the distinctive kettle lake, a feature of a glaciated area. The preserve is nature’s own monument to the great ice fields that covered most of Ohio thousands of years ago. During the fall, many varieties of waterfowl stop at the preserve during migration to rest and feed on the pond and marshy areas. 4792 Hagerty Rd., Ashville. www.naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/ stagespond

Tecumseh-Outdoor Drama Theater Enjoy professional outdoor theater under the starry summer skies as the life of the legendary Tecumseh comes alive on stage. Witnessed by millions from all over the U.S., this drama shares the life and times of the Shawnee leader known as Tecumseh. Enjoy dinner at the restaurant terrace or take a backstage tour during your visit. 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe. 866-775-0700. www.tecumsehdrama.com

Wittich’s Fine Candies & Ice Cream Soda Fountain This old-fashioned candy shop and soda fountain is the oldest family-owned candy store in the U.S. Open daily, year-round. Closed Sunday. 117 W. High St., Circleville. 740-474-3313. www.wittichscandyshop.com