Best Hometowns

From sites that illuminate Ohio history to downtown shopping and dining, explore these spots we discovered while visiting our Best Hometowns 2021-22. By Jason Brill, Hallie Rybka, Jim Vickers and Ilona Westfall

MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD ADENA MANSION & GARDENS HISTORIC SITE, CHILLICOTHE

Historic View

One of our state’s most iconic images can be traced to a hilltop in Chillicothe, where the Adena Mansion & Gardens welcomes visitors today.

The Great Seal of the State of Ohio depicts a bundle of 17 arrows standing alongside a sheaf of wheat. Both sit in an open field in front of the sun rising over a mountain. It is an image that longtime Ohioans have seen countless times, but many probably do not know that the sunrise depicted was inspired by a real one witnessed more than 200 years ago.

Step up to the overlook at Adena Mansion & Gardens in Chillicothe, look between the trees that lean in, and you can see the same profile of Mount Logan depicted on our state’s official coat of arms. The Great Seal was adopted in 1803, and although it has been modified over the years, the presence of Mount Logan has always remained.

The story goes that Thomas Worthington (one of Ohio’s first two U.S. senators), Edward Tiffin (Ohio’s first governor) and William Creighton (Ohio’s first secretary of state), experienced the sunrise together one early morning from Worthington’s two-story log home, which was located on the hilltop where the Adena Mansion stands today. A marker near the spot shares that tale, and Adena Mansion & Gardens Historic Site executive director Kathy Styer says history buffs frequently ask about it when they visit.

“Everybody wants to see the inspiration for the Great Seal of Ohio,” she says. “There is a nice area to sit and reflect and just imagine being able to see it from the perspective of those gentlemen, who stood out on the porch of the original home that was built up there.”

Chillicothe is rich in moments like this that provide a chance to look back through the centuries. Just 4 miles away, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park shares the story of the native people who thrived in this area thousands of years ago and built elaborate earthen structures for ceremonial purposes. For the past 50 years, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre has staged “Tecumseh!” an outdoor drama that tells the tale of the Shawnee leader, who was born near Chillicothe and fought to protect his ancestral lands as settlers encroached upon them in the late 1700s.

Chillicothe was the capital of the Northwest Territory between 1800 and 1803, and briefly served as the capital of Ohio — twice — until Worthington helped orchestrate the relocation of Ohio’s government to Columbus in 1816.

Worthington went on to become the 10th governor of Ohio in 1814, and moved into the mansion built on his estate in 1807. The state of Ohio has owned the property since 1946, and an update to coincide with Ohio’s 2003 bicentennial brought it even more in line with how it looked when Worthington and his family lived there. Guided tours are available from April through October.

The Adena Mansion is also noteworthy because it is one of just a few homes still in existence designed by renowned architect Benjamin Latrobe, whom Thomas Jefferson hired in 1803 to work on the south wing of the U.S. Capitol building.

“Benjamin Latrobe is known as America’s architect,” Styer says. “The fact that we have one of three Benjamin Latrobe homes still standing today in our hometown is significant.”

The inside of the Adena Mansion (top); a visitor at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (above)

When You Go

Adena Mansion & Gardens

847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe 45601 adenamansion.com

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

16062 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe 45601 nps.gov/hocu

Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama

5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe 45601 tecumsehdrama.com

Downtown Flavors

Wadsworth is home to a fun collection of foodie finds in its city center, from Creole and cocktails to brewery bites to gelato served in a former movie theater.

What began as a coffee cart in an art gallery in 1995 evolved into a coffee shop that served deli sandwiches. Later, it introduced live music, craft beer on tap and a great whiskey lineup. Sonnets Coffee & Whiskey Bar has become a downtown Wadsworth fixture for those looking for a morning pick me up or an evening wind down.

When the pandemic temporarily shuttered Sonnets’ kitchen, owner Brian Power

Play & Stay

Shores & Islands Ohio is more than just a place, it’s a feeling. Discover something new with each adventure. Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned regular, experiences here stay in your heart for a lifetime. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Congratulations to the City of Sandusky on being selected as Best Hometown in Ohio! We’re proud to be part of this community. Visit SHORESandISLANDS.com or ci.sandusky.oh.us to experience the ambiance and electric energy of Downtown Sandusky for yourself.

Firelands Adventure Tours

Mr. Smith’s Coffee House

Start a new adventure with Firelands Adventure Tours! Your adventure begins as you board the 18-seat, climate-controlled, wheelchair-accessible bus at Sandusky’s Jackson Street Pier, in the heart of the vibrant waterfront district. Seasoned tour guides help educate and entertain you on tours. Select a tour that interests you including Sandusky’s Underground Railroad, Wineries, Lighthouses, Catawba Island Historical, and Spirits (ghost) tours. Have a group staying in local lodging? Ask about pickups at your location. Reserve your tour today at firelandsadventuretours.com. See you soon for your new adventure with Firelands Adventure Tours. Located just one block from the waterfront in downtown Sandusky makes Mr. Smith’s Coffee House the perfect spot to start your day. Grab a cup of Cold Brewed Coffee that is made in house daily with their Cafe Gulianova blend and take a peaceful stroll along the Lake. In addition to fresh roasted coffee, you’ll find fantastic breakfast sandwiches and a deli-style lunch menu, including vegetarian options in a cool, artsy and comfy space. Mrsmithscoffee.com. The Winerie is a family-owned business and beautiful destination vineyard, where grapes are 100% estate grown and wine is produced, tasted, and sold. Come sip and relax while we wine and dine you with our full dining menu, Friday night dinner specials, large selection of

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Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is a familyfriendly year-round entertainment center that has something for all ages and interests: Wizard’s Journey Indoor Mini Golf, Ghostly Manor Haunted House, Laser Maze, Escape Room, XD 4D Motion Theater, Roller Skating, Bounce Houses, Play Area, Arcade and a snack bar serving some of your favorite treats. As featured on The Travel Channel’s “Best Places I’ve Ever Been” series and recognized by Forbes magazine. Open daily JULY/AUGUST 2022 at noon. Ghostlymanor.com. 83

brought in Zydeco Bistro food truck chef Johnny Schulze to whip up a menu of Creole classics. The popularity of his po’ boy sandwiches, jambalaya and gumbo led Power to plan a kitchen expansion and a permanent home for Zydeco Bistro’s fare. It also prompted Power to add more cocktails, like the bayou-ready Sazerac, Hurricane and Zombie.

“It brought it all together,” Power says. “I like the idea of coffee and beignets in the morning and cocktails and jambalaya and shrimp Creole in the evening.”

Just around the corner sits Wadsworth Brewing Co., a casual spot that serves brewed-on-premises beer, such as the Thelma Lou blonde ale and The River Styx Monster double IPA, as well as creations that branch out into the realm of experimentation. One was inspired by a customer who asked the bartender to mix two limited-run beers on draft — a peanut butter blonde ale and a grape-jelly-flavored beer.

“It’s almost like you pulled a Wonder Bread PB&J out of your paper lunch sack,” says owner Ernie Joy, who added the mashup to his lineup, calling it When I Was Your Age.

The taproom’s food menu spans thincrust pizzas, barbecue nachos and soft pretzels made with spent grains from the Thelma Lou blonde ale and served with beer cheese.

“The pretzels have so much more substance,” Joy says. “They’re just crispy enough on the outside, but still soft and chewy inside, and they make a sizable meal.”

Nearby, gelato gets a starring role at Dolce at The Strand. Built inside the former Strand movie theater, Dolce opened in 2019, serving both classic and creative gelato varieties made using machines imported from Italy. Boozy shakes, wine, coffee, cocktails and desserts are on the menu as well. Owners BJ and Nicole Mikoda got training from a native of Italy who has a family history steeped in baked goods and gelato before opening their spot.

“We learned how to balance a recipe,” Nicole says. “It’s just like chemistry. It’s the first time chemistry was ever fun to me.”

When You Go

Sonnets Coffee & Whiskey Bar

117 College St., Wadsworth 44281 sonnetscoffee.com

Wadsworth Brewing Co.

126 Main St., Wadsworth 44281 wadsworthbrewingcompany.com

Dolce at The Strand

123 Broad St., Wadsworth 44281 dolceatthestrand.com

Coffeeology in Delaware is a coffee shop with a side of antiques (top). Dolce at The Strand (above left) and Wadsworth Brewing Co. (above right) are both in downtown Wadsworth.

Treasure Hunting

From century-old finds to more recent retro discoveries, take a trip into the past during a day of antiques shopping in downtown Delaware.

Located about 30 miles north of Columbus and near two other communities known for antiquing — Sunbury and Powell — Delaware provides an inviting and walkable destination to look for oneof-a-kind finds during a day of exploration. From Revolutionary War-era trinkets to European china to retro fashions, the city’s downtown antiques shops offer a little bit of everything.

The Delaware Antique Mall covers 8,900 square feet and stocks vintage and antique goods from nearly five dozen vendors. Booths packed with vintage clothes from the 1960s through the 1980s provide some pleasant blasts from the past for shoppers, but those are just the start of the retro finds throughout the place that bring back rushes of nostalgia.

“It’s the memories that come back to people when they’re walking around, and they see a cup and saucer that matches the dishes their grandmother had,” says owner Debbie Collom.

Just around the corner, Sandusky Street Antiques specializes in old paintings, architectural pieces, books and clocks. (Store owner David Kessler repairs the latter.) Built in 1869, the building was originally a haberdashery and today houses two floors of antiques across 10,000 square feet of space that features booths from 50 vendors. The various display areas combine wares from different sellers to provide shoppers

some style inspiration for their own homes.

“If you’re decorating properly, you can tie in so many different eras and styles and make your room so much more interesting and involved,” says manager Janet Sinks.

Just a few doors down, shoppers can fuel up with some caffeine and browse a curated selection of antiques, gifts and new items at Coffeeology, a space that’s equal parts boutique and coffee shop. The unique concept came from owner and California native Melissa Rideout’s shopping trips with her mom (a silent partner in Coffeeology and a certified antiques appraiser), during which they would always buy coffee.

The result is a space that has a small selection of antiques sourced by the duo. Finds during our visit included Native American jewelry, Prussian teacups and a hand-carved wooden barber chair. Modern accessories by independent designers are also available.

“We noticed that West Coast antiques differed from Midwest collectibles,” Rideout says. “The West Coast had a lot of European style items, such as crystals. So we wanted to bring that to the Midwest.”

When You Go

Delaware Antique Mall

17 W. William St., Delaware 43015 facebook.com/delawareantiquemall

Sandusky Street Antiques

30 N. Sandusky St., Delaware 43015 614/266-5544

Coffeeology

43 N. Sandusky St., Delaware 43015 coffeeologyoh.com

Yo-yos at Sandusky Street Antiques in Delaware (far left); Paddle & Climb in Sandusky (above) has a two-story climbing wall (left).

Shoreline Summer

Explore the city of Sandusky’s reimagined Lake Erie waterfront, inviting public spaces, new downtown businesses and family-friendly destinations.

Avisit to Sandusky’s Paddle & Climb makes you feel as if you’re in on a secret. That is especially true upon reaching the back of the small shop, which stocks outdoor gear and surf apparel and has a 31foot climbing wall rising through the middle of it, to discover what owner Ryan Whaley calls his “World Famous Paddle Bar.”

There, visitors can grab a seat on one of the brightly colored chairs, belly up to the wooden bar and order from a menu of island-style drinks that feels right at home along the Ohio shore. There is also an adjoining patio and deck that offers patrons Lake Erie views and a space to enjoy live entertainment and fare from the food trucks routinely parked outside. Visitors can also rent paddleboards and kayaks (prior to the cocktail, obviously).

“The idea was to bring an outdoor vibe — almost a mix between California and Colorado — to Sandusky,” says Whaley, who opened Paddle & Climb in 2018. “It’s such a beautiful area on the water.”

Paddle & Climb is one of many new additions to downtown Sandusky over the past several years that have marked a shift in how the community has embraced its location on the Sandusky Bay. It used to be that most travelers’ familiarity with the city started and ended with Cedar Point amusement park.

Times have changed, and any visit to Sandusky is now incomplete without a trip downtown. The Jackson Street Pier is an achievement in linking the public to the lake — taking a parking lot and turning it into a shoreline gathering place. The boat lines board nearby, with the Jet Express making trips to the Lake Erie islands and Cedar Point, the Pelee Islander providing passage to Canada and the classic Goodtime I ferrying tourists on island-hopping, party and sunset cruises.

Exploring Sandusky’s walkable downtown district treats travelers to a family-friendly shore-town feel. Soda Pop’s delivers a nostalgic sugar rush of beloved candies, while Lakelynn Design sells clothing and decor that exude an on-the-water

vibe. When it comes time to eat, Small City Taphouse serves Asian cuisine and sushi alongside over 80 beers, while the Hotel Kilbourne’s OH Taco offers a hip and casual space to grab dinner and sip margaritas. (The hotel also has a 21-and-older rooftop patio.)

While in the area, check out the Merry-Go-Round Museum, located just south of downtown next to Washington Park. (Plus, admission comes with a ride on the museum’s 1939 Allan Herschel Co. Merry-Go-Round.) Opening in 1990 in the city’s historic post office building, the fun and interesting museum showcases the artistry and history of carousels and features more than 100 carved carousel horses on display.

“People are very surprised and intrigued by the artistic value that goes into it … and the time and detail these craftsmen took to create a ride,” says Kurri Lewis, executive director and curator of the Merry-Go-Round Museum. “But to them it was a work of art, and it was their livelihood.”

When You Go

Paddle & Climb

305 E. Water St., Sandusky 44870 paddleandclimb.com

Merry-Go-Round Museum

301 Jackson St., Sandusky 44870 merrygoroundmuseum.org

Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky (above); Heavier Than Air Brewing Co. in Centerville (top right)

Aviation Inspiration

Heavier Than Air Brewing Co. in Centerville soars with a lineup of beers that reflect the wealth of history that can be explored along Dayton’s Aviation Trail.

Not long after walking into Heavier Than Air Brewing Co., your curiosity starts to take flight. There are various aviation-related artifacts, and a row of large photos displayed on the wall illustrates Ohio’s ties to aviation and aeronautics, from first flight to present day. One of the TVs is even permanently set to the NASA station.

Co-founder Nick Tarkany Sr. opened the Centerville craft brewery and taproom in 2017 with his brother, Chris, and his sons, Ben and Nick Jr. The family members’ roots in homebrewing went back more than a decade before the brewery opened, and they’ve long had an affinity for aviation history and innovation.

“We were right straight off the flight path,” says Tarkany, who recalls seeing military jets as they were heading to and from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base while growing up in Centerville. “I actually started flying when I was 19. It’s part of my life.”

If it wasn’t clear from the decor, the names of Heavier Than Air Brewing Co.’s beers offer a second chance to catch onto the theme. The Earn Your Wings golden ale is an easy-drinking option. Other big sellers include the Falcon Project New England IPA, a citrusy offering with a lot of hop flavor without being overly bitter, and the Balloon Factory ESB, one of the brewery’s gold-medal-winning beers.

There’s not a full kitchen at the taproom, and outside food is welcomed. Instead, the Tarkanys focus on their brews, including seasonal options like the Oktoberfest coming in September and an Irish Red available in the spring.

One popular year-round offering is the JP-7 MKII American IPA. It gets its name from a jet fuel that was used for the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a long-range, high-altitude, supersonic military aircraft.

“It’s a little bit more potent fuel, so it’s a little bit more potent beer,” Tarkany says of the hoppy brew. “It’s a little bit more, let’s just say, assertive. It lets you know it’s an IPA.”

As a suburb of Dayton, Centerville is a fitting location for this brewery. Less than 20 miles from Heavier Than Air Brewing Co., you can see a Lockheed SR-71 at the

And especially in Wadsworth, where we invite you to eat, shop and play while enjoying a wealth of fascinating attractions, unique festivals, wining, dining, and breweries, exceptional shopping, outdoor and indoor concerts, scenic parks and challenging golf courses. Make plans today and step up to the possibilities in Medina County!

Experience a unique and interesting stay in Chillicothe, Ohio. Built in 1853, the Blue Brick Inn boasts beautiful architecture, a private courtyard garden with a feeling of history. We offer guests their own private fully furnished apartments. You will find us conveniently located within walking distance to downtown restaurants, local shops, coffee houses and more.

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BEST HOMETOWNS

The Lockheed SR-71A on display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton

National Museum of the United States Air Force. The world’s largest military aviation museum, it is one of 17 stops on Dayton’s Aviation Trail.

The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Aviation Trail Visitor Center is a great starting place to dive into the area’s heritage, says Tarkany, who’s on the board of directors for the Aviation Trail. About 10 miles from the visitor center, the Wright Brothers National Museum at Carillon Historical Park further explores the lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright. The museum houses the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane. It was made with lumber from Dayton’s Requarth Co., giving Heavier Than Air Brewing Co. another chance to tap into the area’s heritage. At the time of our visit, the tap handles were made out of Requarth Co. lumber.

“That’s an example of the kind of detail we put in,” Tarkany says.

When You Go

Heavier Than Air Brewing Co.

497 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Centerville 45459, heavierthanairbrewing.com

National Museum of the United States Air Force

1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB 45433, nationalmuseum.af.mil

Carillon Historical Park

1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton 45409 daytonhistory.org

WEST VIRGINIA

Whether you’re looking for family fun and relaxation, history and music, or whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure, these four Mountain State spots deliver. By Nathan Havenner

LONG WEEKENDS

ACE ADVENTURE RESORT RAFTING ON THE LOWER NEW RIVER

Wheeling

Nestled in West Virginia’s Ohio Valley along the Ohio River, the city of Wheeling offers visitors an idyllic combination of history and opportunities for rest and relaxation.

Oglebay Resort traces its roots to 1926, when Cleveland industrialist Earl W. Oglebay gifted his property to the city of Wheeling upon his death with the condition that the land be used as a city park.

Today, Oglebay Resort is a beloved destination for summertime fun along the Ohio River, with its 250-room Wilson Lodge and 55 guest cottages, championship golf courses, historic hiking trails, horseback riding and aerial challenge course. Those looking to leave dry land can explore Schenk Lake, where visitors can take to the water in a swan paddle boat, aqua cycle or kayak.

“We have equestrian activities, we have a zoo, we have playgrounds … a couple of swimming pools, it is really a spectacular place,” says Bob Peckenpaugh, CEO and president of the Wheeling Park Commission, which oversees Oglebay Resort.

History buffs can enjoy views of the Ohio River from the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, located about a 10-minute drive from the resort. Built in 1849 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the dark stone bridge carried vehicular traffic for around 170 years but is currently

Olgebay Resort offers families a wealth of experiences and opportunities for fun, rest and relaxation (below). The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, which is located about a 10-minute drive from Olgebay Resort, currently serves as a bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists (above).

dedicated only for use by pedestrians and bicyclists exploring the city. 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling, West Virginia 26003, 304/2434090, oglebay.com

Charleston

Located across from the shimmering gold dome of the state capitol in Charleston, the West Virginia Culture Center and State Museum documents the history of the Mountain State.

Founded in 1894, the institution has a long history, but it is also a modern facility that features interactive exhibits and interpretative displays, making for an enjoyable, engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Beginning with prehistoric times and winding its way through frontier history, Civil War and statehood to industrialization and modern times, The Show Path leads visitors through a series of Discovery Rooms, including a re-creation of a company store, a sight once common throughout the coal camps of Appalachia.

West Virginia State Museum director Charles Morris says some of his favorite artifacts from the museum’s collection include the telescope used by George Washington while surveying land in West Virginia’s Kanawha Valley and a rifle that belonged to the American frontiersman Daniel Boone.

“People come through this museum, and they tell us it is one of the best museums in the country,” Morris says. “But they also tell us that once you go through this museum, you know what West Virginia is all about.”

Those looking to enjoy some live entertainment while visiting Charleston should plan on taking in a show at Mountain Stage. Located at the Culture Center Theater on the state capitol grounds, this two-hour live

A World War I exhibit at West Virginia Culture Center and State Museum in Charleston; The destination tells the story of the Mountain State from various perspectives.

WHERE ALMOST HEAVEN BEGINS

HARPERS FERRY / BOLIVAR CHARLES TOWN

As you venture back out to re-discover our world, take your fi rst step on a winding trail, down an historic sidewalk, through the entrance of a national park, or into a raft on a majestic river. Jefferson County is your fi rst step to exploring West Virginia. Take it and you will quickly realize why it is called Almost Heaven.

SHEPHERDSTOWN

radio program is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and NPR Music distributes it to 280 stations nationwide. The show features a variety of performers, from Americana and folk to rock ’n’ roll and world music. West Virginia State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, West Virginia 25305, 304/558-0220, wvculture.org, mountainstage.org

Beckley

Both experienced rafters and those taking to the river for the first time can find some of the best whitewater that West Virginia has to offer near the city of Beckley. Oak Hill, a small community located less than 20 miles north of Beckley, offers a range of outdoor excursions guided by Ace Adventure Resort, including rafting trips for adults and children ages 6 and up.

“It is a great way to spend a day or a couple days,” says Bryant Baker, Ace Adventure Resort river operations manager. “We

Alternative artist Adia Victoria performs during a Mountain Stage radio program.

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WEST VIRGINIA

Summer is a good time for young paddlers to take to the water in West Virginia. Ace Adventure Resort near Beckley can help families gear up for fun.

Along with rafting, travelers looking to enjoy some dry-land activities along the New River Gorge can check out the zip line and canopy tours, ATV tours and mountain biking offered by River Expeditions, also located in Oak Hill. Ace Adventure Resort, 1 Concho Rd., Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901, 844/895-4176, aceraft.com; River Expeditions, 900 Broadway Ave., Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901, 800/463-9873, raftinginfo.com

will do everything from a relaxing float trip through a beautiful gorge to high adrenaline, big waves and drops.”

Although the rapids are thought to be more relaxed during the summer months after the heavy rains of spring have subsided, Baker said that is not always the case.

“In July and August, you have lower water levels, and the rapids get a little more technical, but it is a lower water volume, which makes it a little easier to deal with as a guide,” Baker says. “We will take more younger folks during those summer months than we do in the spring months.”

Huntington

From ramps to buckwheat pancakes to morel mushrooms, West Virginia offers a wide variety of local culinary staples to enjoy while exploring the Mountain State. The humble hot dog is one of the lesser known, and no one serves them up better around these parts than Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, West Virginia.

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Hungry for More Ohio Magazine?

Visit OhioMagazine.com/recipes for new dishes and reader favorites.

Hillybilly Hot Dogs’ Chuck’s Junkyard Dog comes with chili sauce, mustard, onions, ketchup, relish, coleslaw, sauerkraut, nacho cheese, jalapenos and barbecue sauce.

Located about 12 miles outside Huntington, visitors to Hillbilly Hot Dogs will first be struck by the eclectic decor, ranging from the giant hot-dog-shaped sign to an assortment of hillbilly accessories displayed throughout the restaurant, but the food is the real draw here.

The spot serves around 35 different kinds of hot dogs, ranging from a taco dog to an egg dog to a pizza dog. The standard West Virginia dog is the most popular item on the menu and comes topped with chili, mustard, onions and coleslaw.

Perhaps the most iconic creation at Hillbilly Hot Dogs is the Homewrecker — a 15-inch, all-beef hot dog that, with bun and fixings, weighs in at a whopping 3.5 pounds.

“We have a challenge for it. If you can eat it in 12 minutes or less you get a free T-shirt,” says Shannon Swallow, manager at Hillbilly Hot Dogs. “Our current record is 2 minutes and 34 seconds.”

Visitors to Huntington should also check out Heritage Farm Museum and Village. Opened by Mike and Henriella Perry in 1996, the museum features a Children’s Activity Museum, Schoolhouse Museum and Transportation Museum.

The destination also gives visitors a look at early pioneer life in the wilderness that was rural West Virginia. Hillbilly Hot Dogs, 6951 Ohio River Rd., Lesage, West Virginia 25537, 304/762-2458, hillbillyhotdogs.com; Heritage Farm Museum and Village, 3300 Harvey Rd., Huntington, West Virginia 25704, 304/5221244, heritagefarmmuseum.com

WESTERN PA

Head across the Ohio border to explore these cultural attractions in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania countryside. By Kellie Gormly

LONG WEEKENDS

PAUL G. WIEGMAN PALM COURT AT PHIPPS CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

National Aviary

Every major city has a zoo, but Pittsburgh has another renowned specialty zoo focused on feathered friends: the National Aviary, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2022.

Every day at the aviary, located on the city’s North Side, visitors can see many of the more than 500 birds that reside there (including eagles, penguins, parrots, falcons, owls and toucans) as well as mammals like sloths.

Patrons can get cups of nectar and hand-feed the flock of colorful Rainbow Lorikeets twice a day. For an extra fee, families can even reserve time for semiprivate, close-up encounters with some birds.

A popular free-flight show, “African Adventure,” uses video, lighting and music to transport the audience to Africa, while the roaming and flying birds entertain people. While audiences watch the winged cast members (including the Eurasian eagle owl, African penguin and grey crowned crane) at the twice-daily show, staff members share how to help save these animals in the wild.

“One of my favorite parts of the National Aviary is that you can’t get these unique experiences at other places,” says Cathy Schlott, director of animal programs and experiences. “We really want people to be immersed in the habitat and get that up-close feeling.” 700 Arch St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, 412/323-7235, aviary.org

Old Economy Village

In the early 19th century, a group of German settlers known as the Harmonists broke away from the Lutheran church in Germany and came to Western Pennsylvania in search of religious freedom. Now, in the Beaver County community of Ambridge, the Harmony Society’s last settlement in the region remains as an attraction that teaches visitors about life during the 1800s in an agricultural, communal society.

“As a historian … what’s really fascinating is there’s still so much we don’t really know about them,” says Jason Weber, executive director at Old Economy Village.

“I don’t think people necessarily understand the advantage to having this National Historic Landmark right here,” he says. “We love to talk about it and give tours.”

Old Economy Village includes the houses of George Rapp and other Harmonist leaders, the Mechanics Building where tailors and shoemakers worked, a community kitchen, a cabinet shop and other structures. One visitor favorite is the beautiful outdoor George Rapp Garden, where people can freely explore the flowers and landscaping at their own pace.

Visitors to the village can interact with costumed volunteers who re-enact the Harmonist lifestyle and demonstrate trades like blacksmithing, cooking and baking, and spinning and weaving, Weber says.

“People like to see those historic trades” he says, “why things are done and how things are done.” 270 16th St., Ambridge, Pennsylvania 15003, 724/266-4500, oldeconomyvillage.org Before people had their own automobiles in the 20th century, street trolleys were a key method of transportation. At the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, travelers can explore dozens of charming vintage trolley cars, ride an old trolley through the countryside and learn about this era of American life.

“Places like Pittsburgh and Cleveland and Cincinnati and Columbus, they all grew because of the streetcar,” says Scott Becker, executive director at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. “It’s a fascinating story and it’s a great way to tell the story of the 20th century and how people lived back then.”

The Washington County museum is building a new, 21,000-square-foot welcome and education center. Meanwhile, visitors enjoy the current museum building, where they can pretend to operate a trolley in an interactive simulator and explore the exhibition “Pittsburgh: Streetcar City.”

Admission includes a 4-mile-roundtrip scenic trolley ride, and a separate trolley ride out to the Trolley Display Building. Here, travelers can explore more than two dozen old trolleys, including one from Cincinnati and one that ran to Shaker Heights in the Cleveland area.

“I think the Trolley Museum is a great experience, especially for families, children and seniors,” Becker says. “It’s just a fun day out.” 1 Museum Rd., Washington, Pennsylvania 15301, 724/228-9256, pa-trolley.org

Toucan at the National Aviary; vintage trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolly Museum

South Conservatory at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; a photo from the “Gordon Parks in Pittsburgh, 1944/1946” exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art

Carnegie Museum of Art

One of the four prestigious Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Art has a vast collection of more than 34,000 objects. The museum, located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, spans paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings and digital imagery.

“We are a local organization that serves a local audience, but we also have an international platform,” says Eric Crosby, the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Henry J. Heinz II Director. It’s a really special museum that always has one foot in the past and one foot in the present.”

Through Aug. 7, visitors can explore the exhibition “Gordon Parks in Pittsburgh, 1944/1946,” which shows the World War II era in Pittsburgh through the lens of African American photographer Gordon Parks. These roughly 50 photographs focus on Penola, a grease plant that supplied essential goods to troops during the war.

Thursday nights and Saturdays in the summer, the museum offers the free Inside Out event series, where a regional performer entertains in the outdoor Sculpture Court. In September, the museum opens the 58th Carnegie International, which occurs about every four years and showcases established and emerging contemporary artists. 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, 412/622-3131, cmoa.org

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

When travelers visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood this summer, they enter the world of “Monet in Bloom,” the 2022 version of the annual Summer Flower Show. The creative team uses flowers and other plants to re-imagine masterpieces by the renowned French artist, who was known to love gardening.

In Phipps’ Palm Court, Claude Monet’s “The Woman in the Green Dress” painting comes to botanical life in the form of a topiary with green and black grasses.

“It was a lot of fun to interpret and re-imagine an iconic painting,” says Jordyn Melino, associate director of exhibits at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. “It just really allowed me to be creative in a different way.”

Aside from the seasonal flower shows (which, in the summer, include favorite flowers like lilies, dahlias, geraniums and begonias), Phipps has many longstanding favorites, like the walk-through Butterfly Forest and Tropical Forest Hawai’i: Aloha ‘Aina.

“Phipps is a great place to connect to nature through the beauty of plants,” Melino says. “We have such a unique collection of specimens from all over the world … intermixed with these beautiful flower shows that we put on.” 1 Schenley Dr., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, 412/622-6914, phipps.conservatory.org

Save the Date

Plan your trip to Western Pennsylvania around one of these popular summer events.

Experience a Pennsylvania tradition that dates to before the Civil War at the Big Butler Fair, held this year July 1 through 9 at the Butler County Fairgrounds north of Pittsburgh. bigbutlerfair.com

The 48th annual Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival returns to the waterfront in Twin Lakes Park in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, from June 30 through July 3. Visitors can enjoy live performing arts, cultural activities and foods of the world. artsandheritage.com

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix returns to the city July 15 through 24. Take in the nation’s only vintage street race during this 10-day event that also includes car shows, parades and more. pvgp.org

Swing Away

The Youngstown area offers a wealth of scenic, interesting and beautiful courses for players of all skill levels.

There’s no need to travel far for the ideal golf getaway. The Youngstown area offers golfers scenic, well-maintained courses that will challenge you, no matter your skill level.

Nestled in the splendor of a park setting, Mill Creek Golf Course features two 18-hole championship courses designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Both courses are par 70 with four sets of tees. A local favorite since 1928, Golfweek recognized the South Course as one of America’s 30 Best Municipal Courses.

Designed by Barry Serafin around an old quarry, Reserve Run Golf Course has been hailed as one of Ohio’s top public courses and was rated a 4-star Ohio course by Golf Digest. Kennsington Golf Club features scenic ravines, tree-lined fairways and lakes, and five sets of tees.

On the western side of Mahoning County, Olde Dutch Mill winds through an interesting natural landscape near the Lake Milton Dam and the Mahoning River. The eastern side of Mahoning County is home to the 180 rolling acres of Knoll Run Golf Course, with water hazards and dog legs, and Bedford Trails, a scenic, wooded course with specials that include your round of golf, cart and food at the on-site restaurant.

Spend your evening perfecting your swing at a golf simulator. The Bunker Southern Park is a complete practice and learning facility featuring 12 Foresight Sports simulators. The Kennsington Golf Simulator Lounge offers three Full Swing simulators. For more information on these and other Youngtown-area courses, visit golfyoungstown.com.

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The course at Kennsington Golf Club features treelined fairways and lakes.