Columbus Monthly: Autumn Weekend Escapes Special Section (2022)

PHOTO: COURTESY GARRETT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/SARAH DUCK

Garrett County, Maryland

Mark Your Calendar

Four events this fall that will be worth the drive

By Peter Tonguette

these would be tough times for Clark W. Griswold.

With gas prices continuing to keep our wallets lighter than we’d like, many of us have called off vacation plans that require cross-country driving. That would presumably include Chevy Chase’s travel-happy family man in the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series of screen comedies.

But, with the weather turning cooler and notable events heating up, you won’t want to keep the car parked in the garage forever. In the Buckeye State and beyond, there are plenty of weekend escapes that can be reached in less than a day without too much mileage on the old family truckster.

all in music & arts festival Buckeyes everywhere: Summon your Hoosier spirit! This cool new festival will take place on Sept. 3 and 4 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapo lis. But that doesn’t mean that residents of the state that screams “O-H-I-O” at football games can’t partake, too.

No matter where you hail from, you can’t argue with the festival’s lineup,

which includes Daryl Hall and John Oates, Portugal. The Man, Mister wives and the Four Tops—and that’s just some of the acts on Sept. 3. Come back the following day to catch John Fogerty, Cage the Elephant, Death Cab for Cutie, Lucinda Williams and Her Band, and more on Sept. 4. Daily Dreamsets—described as “epic celebrations of iconic songs featur ing amazing performers and special guests … that reimagine classic songs and are the shows of our musical dreams”—will honor the music of the Allman Brothers Band on Saturday and Tom Petty on Sunday.

A beer garden and local food options will make the experience palatable as well as musical, and arts and crafts will help make the event culturally satisfying, too. And, since Indianapolis is home to numerous hotels, lodging won’t be a problem while you rock out. allinfestival.com

concerts at the rock and roll hall of fame

If you haven’t been to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lately, this fall

may be the perfect time to visit: A pair of upcoming concerts provide a rocking beginning to a weekend exploring the museum and other sights in Cleveland.

On Sept. 8, Jimmy Eat World will give an outdoor concert on the cen ter’s front plaza beside the lakefront.

“Jimmy Eat World is one of the classic alternative rock bands,” says Jason Hanley, vice president of education and visitor engagement. “They were one of the bands that helped establish what emo [pop] was, and pop punk.” Food trucks and bar trucks will be on hand for the show.

Then, on Oct. 21, Rodney Crowell will perform in the indoor museum area of the hall. Hanley calls Crowell “one of the all-time great classic song writers,” and attendees should expect narratives, musical and otherwise, to be a big part of the evening. “He’s also going to be telling some stories from his new book that’s coming out,” Hanley says.

Of course, if you’ve made the trek to Cleveland to hear Jimmy Eat World or Crowell, you owe it to yourself to tour the hall of fame over the weekend. Plan to stay awhile: “It’s probably a good half-day at least,” Hanley says of the minimum amount of time required to take in everything. “If you’re a real rock and roll fan, you could plan on spending the whole day.”

At the time of the upcoming con certs, the hall of fame’s fabulous Beat les exhibit, Get Back to Let It Be, will still be on view. “What’s amazing is you can watch Ringo playing the rooftop con cert [on film], and then turn to your left and there is the drum set that he was playing,” Hanley says. rockhall.com

kentucky bourbon festival

From Sept. 16 to 18 in Bardstown, Ken tucky, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Jimmy Eat World

will be held for the 31st time, but if you’ve never been—or haven’t attend ed since before the pandemic—be prepared for a festival that has evolved considerably over the years.

In the early days of the festival, says president and CEO Randy Prasse, bourbon itself had fairly limited appeal. “Back in the late ’80s [and] early ’90s, you couldn’t give away whiskey—literal ly,” Prasse says. Consequently, previ ous editions of the festival featured numerous ancillary community events, such as a car show, balloon glow and fireworks display—none of which, he adds, had much to do with the whiskey for which the festival was named.

Now, with bourbon consumption hav ing become way more popular in recent years, the festival is much more fo cused. Beginning last year, the festival eliminated many of its side events to focus on participating distilleries, which will number 48 this year. “I like to say, ‘It’s a first-year festival with a 30-year history,’” Prasse says. Also contribut ing to the festival’s bourbon-focused retooling: “Last year was the first year that guests could come to the festival and actually sample bourbon whiskey,”

says Prasse, thanks to a 2019 change in Kentucky state law.

During the three days of the festival, be prepared to sample the products of “every major distillery in Kentucky,” Prasse says, as well as many midsize and craft distilleries. Those new to bourbon can learn about how it’s made

during special Q&A sessions. “It literally can be the nerdy stuff, like barrel aging and the importance of the charred oak barrels and what it does in the aging pro cess, to how to pair it for your dinner with a charcuterie tray,” Prasse says. Several notable chefs will lead classes to show fun ways to cook with bourbon, too.

PHOTOS: TOP, ZACH SINCLAIRGRIZZLY MEDIA; BOTTOM, COURTESY GARRETT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/GEOFFREY COLE TRESSLER

Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade

But don’t wait to make plans: Prasse says that the festival—which boasts visitors from all 50 states, with a major contingent from Ohio—is popular, and the immediate area has only about 1,000 hotel or Airbnb rooms. You might consid er checking out options in neighboring communities, including Elizabethtown or Louisville. kybourbonfestival.com

autumn glory festival

Central Ohio isn’t short on vibrant fall foliage, but if you’ve grown a little tired of the same old views, take the fourhour drive to Garrett County, Maryland, which, from Oct. 12 to 16, will be home to the 55th installment of the Autumn Glory Festival.

Although the gorgeous Maryland landscapes and resplendent changing leaves may be the draw for many who make the trek, the festival offers plenty of things to do while you soak in all that scenery.

On Oct. 15 in Oakland, the Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade will roll along with an array of bands, dance teams and floats. For those looking to take home a souvenir from their trip, or simply add a handcrafted treasure to their home, the Garrett County Fair grounds will host the Autumn Glory Craft and Gift Sale—which includes vendors selling candles, jewelry, wood-crafted and knitted items, food and more—on Oct. 15 and 16.

Visitors seeking to experience even more local flavor can check out a tournament of bands on Oct. 15 at the athletic field of the Southern Garrett High School and a car show on Oct. 16, both in Oakland. And get a head start on Thanksgiving by partaking in the Turkey Trail, during which you can check out area restaurants serving turkey dinners.

Of course, what would a festival called “Autumn Glory” be without a driv ing tour? You can experience the area’s brilliant display by following the festi val’s suggested routes. You can check out the fall colors on your own, too. “We offer Fall Foliage Driving Tours,” says Sarah Duck, vice president of tourism and marketing at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, “but certainly you can view the scenery on foot … throughout the county.” visitdeepcreek.

FALL perfect

Fall is the one season everyone agrees on. Escape to Ohio Wine Country and enjoy convenient shuttles that transport guests to a number of local wineries. With lodging at our lakeside resort and private cottages, you can embrace the natural beauty of the season. Plan your fall moment.

MAKE IT YOUR NATURE

The outdoors is really a reflection of you. It’s up to all of us to do our part to help preserve the natural beauty of our state. Join us in following the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles, so our spaces can remain beautiful and enjoyable for years to come.

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE STICK TO TRAILS AND OVERNIGHT RIGHT TRASH YOUR TRASH LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE KEEP WILDLIFE WILD SHARE OUR TRAILS

CHATEAU

TUKEN

Chateau Tuken specializes in pure fruit wines with no added sugar or flavorings. Fruit is sourced from our 20-acre orchard and fermented on the premises following our Eastern European family tradition. Sampling is offered daily in our restored historic barn, with wine loft and outdoor seating. Open May through December. Visit our Facebook page for photos and details.

Eaton Pike

Alexandria,Ohio 45381

tukensorchard&farmmarket

GILLIG WINERY

Gillig Winery is family-owned and offers handcrafted wines from vineyards around the world; each wine is produced and bottled in our winery. Create personalized bottles to use as gifts for special occasions. Invite your friends to a bottling party; we’ll help you create and label your own private vintage. Lunch and dinner are served in our bistro.

Northridge Road Findlay, Ohio 45840

THE LUMBERYARD

WINERY & SUPPLY

FOX WINERY

The Fox Winery is located in Uptown Galion, adding a little spice to that small-town atmosphere. We offer 15+ wines and the occasional craft beer, all brewed in-house, with tastings and private rental space available!

227 Harding Way E Galion, OH 44833 419-468-9463 foxwineryllc.com

MERRY FAMILY WINERY

Wine, craft beer, cider and homemade root beer soda, all in one fabulous location! Spacious patio, vineyard and picturesque country views. Wood-fired pizza, Southernstyle BBQ food truck on select weekends. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or check out our website for more information or hours of operation.

2376 State Route 85 Bidwell, OH 45614 740-245-9463 merryfamilywinery.com

The Lumberyard Winery & Supply is situated along the scenic Maumee River in a historic lumberyard in Napoleon, Ohio. Sit down and relax in the tasting room, or in the warmer months, our covered patio that was converted from a native timber lumber storage building. Open Thursday through Sunday; check our website for specific times.

118 W. Front St., Ste. G Napoleon, OH 43545 419-599-9463 thelumberyardwinery.com

MIRABELLE FARM & VINEYARD

Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard features a friendly and relaxing gathering space to enjoy Germanstyle wines. Situated in the middle of 1,400 estate vines, the tasting room and patio provide an idyllic retreat from your everyday routine. Just a short 25-minute drive from Downtown Columbus. Available for special events.

800 Winchester Southern Rd. Ashville, OH 43103

RAVENHURST CHAMPAGNE CELLARS

You’ve tasted the rest, now taste the best:

Only Ohio winery reviewed in Opus Vino (4,000 Greatest Wineries in the World)

Three-time Wine of the Year Award

Wine Spectator award winner

• Second-best Champagne in the World, 1999 Our award-winning winemakers are dedicated to Methode Champenoise Champagne and dry vinifera wines. Open Saturdays, noon–5 p.m.

Shertzer Road Mount Victory, OH 43340

CHAMPAGNE CELLARS

VINO

DI PICCIN

PLUM RUN WINERY

Located in the historic Town Center, Plum Run Winery and Grove City Brewing Co.

locally owned and feature a full-service kitchen, 25 varieties of wine, cider, craft beer, a large bourbon selection and handcrafted cocktails. We are pet-friendly, with an outdoor patio and private event space.

daily at 11 a.m. Closed Mondays.

Broadway Grove City, OH 43123

SLATE RUN WINERY

Slate Run Vineyard is set amid 4 acres of vineyards located on a glacial moraine southeast of Columbus and is named for a small nearby creek. We welcome you to visit us, to taste any of our 17 traditional-styled proprietary wines, and to purchase some to take home.

Mon-Sat, 1-7 p.m. Visit us on

facebook.com/slaterunwine

Winchester-Southern Road

Winchester, OH 43110

Located in Lansing, Ohio, along historic National Road, Vino di Piccin is a family-owned winery specializing in fine wines made from grapes grown in Ohio and on America’s West Coast. We offer sweet, dry, red, white and rosé, plus seasonal slushies and vin brulé.

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