14 minute read
Appalachia
Spanning 32 Ohio counties, this part of our state offers experiences that highlight the outdoors, history and culture. Here are 12 destinations to put on your list. By Jim Vickers
SALT FORK STATE PARK
VINTON COUNTY
104 W. Main St. McArthur 45651 800-596-4459, vintoncountytravel.com Explore Ohio’s last frontier. Vinton County’s country roads will take you past ghost towns and historic sites, hidden among dense forests and scenic lakes. Enjoy rustic lodging and outdoor recreation in the Hocking Hills Region. LAWRENCE COUNTY
216 Collins Ave. South Point 45680 740-377-4550, visitlawrenceohio.com Visit Lawrence County Ohio to unwind and relax along The Ohio Southern Coast. Experience many outdoor recreational activities Southern Ohio has to offer and explore our historic area along the mighty Ohio River.
BELMONT COUNTY TOURISM
67800 Mall Ring Rd., Unit 485 St. Clairsville 43950, 740-695-4359 visitbelmontcounty.com Belmont County, Ohio, is known for its small town hospitality, picturesque main streets and beautiful landscapes. Discover museums and events that represent the heritage and history located in the heart of Appalachia. Plan your visit to friendly, beautiful, Belmont County today!
TUSCARAWAS COUNTY OHIO
124 E. High Ave. New Philadelphia 44663 800-527-3387, traveltusc.com Follow the sun to summertime fun and quench your thirst for adventure! Savor world class museums, colorful downtowns, exciting outdoors, and local flavors! EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS
13178 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 43138 800-HOCKING (462-5464) explorehockinghills.com Pamper yourself with scenic hikes through prehistoric caves with waterfalls. Visit day spas, try shinrin-yoku a/k/a forest bathing. Woodland sauna pods, cleansing salt cave and cozy cabins await in the Hocking Hills, Ohio’s natural crown jewels.
PORTSMOUTH-SCIOTO COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
342 Second St. Portsmouth 45662, 740-353-1116 ohiorivertourism.org Enjoy museums, local eateries, microbrewery, charming shops, Floodwall Murals, antique shops, skateboarding, hiking, biking and kayaking. MARIETTA–WASHINGTON COUNTY
241 Front St., Suite 7 Marietta 45750, 800-288-2577 mariettaohio.org Join us for the 45th Annual Ohio River Sternwheeler Festival Sept. 9–11, 2022, along the banks of the Ohio River levee in downtown Marietta. We were the first settlement in a new frontier over 225 years ago and our early pioneer spirit can still be felt throughout our community.
ROSS-CHILLICOTHE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
230 N. Plaza Blvd. Chillicothe 45601, 740-702-7677 visitchillicotheohio.com
The perfect destination to experience the excitement of “Tecumseh!” Outdoor Drama, explore the magnificent ancient earthworks, views from scenic trails, and savory local flavors.
#TRULYTRUMBULL
321 Mahoning Ave. NW Warren 44483, 330-675-3081 866-360-1552, trulytrumbull.com Located midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, our Italian Food Trail has over 60 delicious food site. Uncover hidden gems and nationally recognized sites. There are so many reasons to visit. Discover what makes us Truly Trumbull! VISIT PIKE COUNTY
12455 St. Rte. 104 Waverly 45690 visitpike.com Take the road less traveled and discover Pike County! Explore our abundance of beautiful nature, hiking trails, and waterways. Enjoy a variety of festivals and live entertainment including the award-winning SamJam Bluegrass Festival. Find fun for all ages at Long’s Retreat Family Resort and Dogwood Pass. Follow us on Facebook and see why “It’s Time For A Visit!”
DISCOVER AUTHENTIC AMERICAN ADVENTURES!
Winding roads, rolling hills, rivers and creeks, plus some of the best food in the Midwest — it can all be found in Appalachian Country.
VISITORS’ BUREAU OF HIGHLAND COUNTY
338 West Main St., Hillsboro 45133 937-393-1111 visithighlandcounty.com Highland County is a favorite destination for day trips, weekend getaways, and extended vacations in the foothills of Appalachia. Located within 65 miles of Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus, you can make unforgettable memories after just a short drive on any of the five major state roadways in our county. We offer outdoor adventure, unique shopping, unforgettable lodging, and much more at our Gateway to Getaway!
CAMBRIDGE/GUERNSEY COUNTY VCB
627 Wheeling Ave., Suite 200 Cambridge 43725, 800-933-5480 visitguernseycounty.com Cambridge/Guernsey County is home to Salt Fork State Park & Lake, Seneca Lake and The Wilds. From sandy beaches to safari tours, numerous parks serve as a backdrop to amazing family getaways. Request a FREE guide! APPALACHIAN BYWAY OF OHIO STEUBENVILLE VISITOR CENTER
State Route 78 Caldwell 43724 740-305-3177, go.osu.edu/abo The Appalachian Byway of Ohio includes State Route 78 in Noble, Monroe, Morgan and Athens Counties. Enjoy museums and historic landmarks like the Jail Museum in Downtown Caldwell or the Monroe Theatre and the Big Muskie in Morgan County. Learn more at go.osu.edu/abo or call 740-305-3177. 120 S. Third St. Steubenville 43952, 866-301-1787 visitsteubenville.com
Home of Dean Martin, DiCarlo’s Pizza, and the Nutcracker Village, Steubenville is full of stories and welcomes you to enjoy our StoryWalks, larger-than-life murals, 18th century fort, farmer’s markets, historic parks, serene lakes, nature trails, First Fridays’ entertainment, festivals, unique shops & eateries, and summer concerts. Find your story here!
GLENLAUREL, A SCOTTISH INN & COTTAGES
14940 Mt. Olive Rd. Rockbridge 43149, 800-809-REST (7378) glenlaurel.com Escape the ordinary for a romantic experience like no other! Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottages is situated on 140-acres in the heart of Ohio’s Hocking Hills. The adult-only resort boasts luxurious accommodations, six and seven-course fine dining, private gorge/hiking trails, and more! Unplug from technology and reconnect with one another. Romance awaits! VINTON COUNTY VISIT COSHOCTON
432 N. Whitewoman St. Coshocton 43812, 800-338-4724 visitcoshocton.com Open seven days a week! Home of Historic Roscoe Village, The Monticello III Horse-drawn Canal Boat Ride, Three Rivers Wine Trail, locally owned shopping & dining, Three Rivers Ride Motorcycle Trail, Hunting, Fishing & Coshocton Ring Geotrail.
What began in 1959 with the preservation of the 42-acre Lynx Prairie now spans 20,000 acres. Located 75 miles east of Cincinnati in West Union, this Nature Conservancy site is home to more than 100 rare plant and animal species and has 10 miles of hiking trails. (The route to Buzzardroost Rock is a popular trek.) The preserve straddles two of the state’s most interesting landscapes: a rugged, unglaciated Appalachian plateau covered in hardwood forests on the preserve’s eastern side and native prairie grassland that supports rare plant communities on its western side. 274 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union 45693, 937/544-2188, nature.org/edgeofappalachia
Our House Tavern Museum,
Gallia County
Henry Cushing opened his brick, Federal-style tavern located just steps from the Ohio River with his sister, Elizabeth, in 1819. Cushing referred it as “our house” and invited travelers up for a drink, a meal and a place to stay for the night. Today, the Our House Tavern Museum in Gallipolis looks much as it did when Cushing and his sister operated the place between 1819 and 1860. It tells the story of the business and that of the French 500 — a group of Europeans who arrived in 1790 and settled what was then wilderness. 432 First Ave., Gallipolis 45631, 800/752-2618, ohiohistory.org
The Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens County
In the late 1970s, locals Harriet and Ora Anderson led a drive to save a soon-to-be-demolished barn in Athens and convert it into a home base for a local nonprofit arts organization. Today, The Dairy Barn Arts Center hosts exhibitions, events and educational programs. The organization helps promote
The Edge of Appalachia Nature Preserve in West Union (top); The Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens (middle); Our House Tavern Museum in Gallipolis (bottom)
local artists and artisans, while also showing fine arts and crafts from beyond the region. Every two years, The Dairy Barn Arts Center hosts the Quilt National, a biennial juried competition and exhibition of art quilts. The event, which was founded in 1979, returns in 2023. 8000 Dairy Ln., Athens 45701, 740/592-4981, dairybarn.org
Campus Martius Museum, Washington County
The Ohio Company arrived along the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers in 1788 and spent the next three years building a stockade for protection on the site where this museum stands today. Highlights here include the home of Marietta founder Rufus Putnam, which can be seen via a special tour, as well as the original Ohio Company Land Office, which is located on the grounds. Exhibits showcase a variety of artifacts from the era that offer insight into the realities of life for those who lived in the Northwest Territory’s first permanent settlement. 601 Second St., Marietta 45750, 740/373-3750, mariettamuseums.org
Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace, Clermont County
This small, white cottage built in 1817 along the Ohio River is the place where Civil War general and 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant was born in 1822. The Point Pleasant home is open seasonally to visitors and offers insight into how Ohio and Grant’s family shaped the future president’s values. Tours of the cottage are available and include the chance to see artifacts such as the Bible used when Grant was sworn in as president of the United States. Make the drive to Georgetown in neighboring Brown County to visit the U.S. Grant Boyhood Home & Schoolhouse. 1551 St. Rte. 232, Moscow 45153, 513/843-7648, ohiohistory.org
Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Ross County
For 50 years, the story of Shawnee leader Tecumseh has been told under the open Ohio sky at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe. The outdoor drama features thundering cannons, galloping horses and incredible battle sequences as the story of Tecumseh’s efforts to defend his sacred homelands during the late 1700s comes to life. The immersive natural environment, nearly 1,700-capacity seating and expansive outdoor stage offer audience members a theater experience they are sure to remember. The production runs six nights a week through Sept. 4. No performances on Sundays (except July 3 and Sept. 4) and July 4. 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe 45601, 866/7750700, tecumsehdrama.com
The Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace is located along the Ohio River (top). The Campus Martius Museum tells the story of the Northwest Territory’s first permanent settlement (above).
The Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens highlights the work of the master carver (above). Salt Fork Lake covers 3,000 surface acres (below). Big Muskie’s Bucket pays tribute to the region’s coalminers (opposite page).
Floodwall Murals, Scioto County
In 1992, a local committee in the city of Portsmouth approached artist Robert Dafford about beautifying the 20-foot-high, gray floodwalls that had protected the community since the flood of 1937. After meeting with local historians to brainstorm subjects to depict on the walls, Dafford spent 10 summers completing the first 60 murals. After finishing those, he created five more, each taking two to three summers. The resulting collection offers beautiful depictions of local history, from the earthen mounds built by people of the Hopewell culture to the Ohio & Erie Canal to famous locals such as Roy Rogers. 342 Second St., Portsmouth 45662, ohiorivertourism.org
Salt Fork State Park, Guernsey County
When the Salt Fork Reservoir was built in the 1960s, it created a nearly 3,000-surface-acre body of water. Two marinas now operate on the lake at Salt Fork State Park, and there are campgrounds and cabins as well as the option to book one of the guest rooms at Salt Fork Lodge. Visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails — mostly shorter family-friendly nature trails that make for a fun afternoon of exploring. For those who want to cover more miles, a portion of the Buckeye Trail passes through the park. 14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City 43755, 740/439-3521, ohiodnr.gov
Ernest Warther Museum &
Gardens, Tuscarawas County
The former Dover home of Ernest “Mooney” Warther is now the site of a museum that showcases the master carver’s intricate works that trace the history of the steam locomotive. Each of Warther’s trains are made from thousands of individual hand-carved pieces. The museum displays Warther’s one-of-a-kind collection of locomotives alongside other pieces, including a model steel mill and the carver’s famous Plier Tree. Displayed at the 1933-34 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Plier Tree features 511 sets of interlocking pliers cut from a single block of wood. 331 Karl Ave., Dover 44622, 330/505-6003, thewarthermuseum.com
The Butler Institute of American Art, Mahoning County
This museum in Youngstown was completed in 1919 and made possible by Joseph G. Butler Jr., a businessman and philanthropist who helped fund the institution’s construction. More than a century later, it continues to serve its intended purpose of showcasing American artists, with works on display here
including Albert Bierstadt’s 1869 painting “The Oregon Trail” and Winslow Homer’s 1872 painting “Snap the Whip,” the first work that Butler purchased, years after originally seeing it in Philadelphia in 1876. Today, the museum’s collection spans more than 22,000 works. 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44502, 330/743-1107, butlerart.com A World’s Away Getaway
Roscoe Village, Coshocton County
Located along the route of the Ohio & Erie Canal in Coshocton, this inviting street of shops, gardens and establishments helps tell the story of how canal travel shaped Ohio. Visitors can take in living history demonstrations by costumed interpreters Indulgent. Upscale. Romantic.and browse the shops located in the village. The perfect location in Hocking Hills: An adult-only resort with luxury For those who want the full canal-era ex- accommodations, fine dining, Scottish pub, Links Golf, fireplaces, hot-tubs, perience, the Monticello III offers authentic private gorge, hiking trails, meeting space, and much more! 45-minute canal boat rides on a restored Indulgent. Upscale. Romantic.Indulgent. Upscale. Romantic.Indulgent. Upscale. Romantic.Indulgent. Upscale. Romantic.Indulgent. Upscale. Romantic.Relaxation awaits!1-mile stretch of the waterway. Round out your visit by stopping in at Coshocton Supply Co. to browse a selection of ex- Book your escape today. clusively Coshocton County-made goods. Glenlaurel.com • 800-809-REST (7378) / 740-385-4070 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton 43812, 740/622-7644, roscoevillage.com
Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378)Big Muskie’s Bucket, Morgan County
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Bodoni Roman
Bodoni BoldBig Muskie was the largest dragline ever made, and for years it harvested southeast Ohio coal for American Electric Power. C The astleC Standing 240 feet tall and costing $25 million to build, the machine could take a scoop of earth, lift it 30 stories in the air and deposit it the equivalent of two city blocks away. In 1991, Big Muskie was decommissioned by AEP but its bucket lives on as a tribute to the area’s coalminers. Stop by Miner’s Memorial Park in McConnelsville to step inside Big Muskie’s bucket, get your photo taken The astleC The astleC and learn about this one-of-a-kind machine. 4470 St. Rte. 78, McConnelsville 43756
Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378) Book your escape today. Glenlaurel.com • 800.809.REST (7378)Step Back in Time Experience the history of our beautifully preserved, 1855 Gothic Revival house by touring The astleC The astleC our museum or attending one of our many special 418 Fourth Street 418 Fourth Street events. Located in historic Marietta, Ohio. Marietta, Ohio Marietta, Ohio
