Wayne County

Celebrate the kid in all of us in Wayne County, where families can enjoy comfort foods, unique shopping and nostalgic activities.

From longtime classics like Hartzler Family Dairy to newcomers such as Scoops Sweet Treats, Wayne County’s Ice Cream Tour highlights 16 drive-in destinations to satisfy your sweet tooth.

At the J.M. Smucker Company Store and Cafe in Orrville, shop for pantry staples and unique gifts, including personalized Smucker’s jars. Grab a bite at the cafe serving brick-oven pizzas, signature PB&J sandwiches and more.

No matter the season, you’ll find something fresh growing at Bauman Orchards in Rittman. Step into the Farm Market for pies, cookies, gift baskets and seasonal produce.

After fueling up at The Barn Restaurant in Smithville, the fun continues at Jump N Shout, which provides inflatables and activities for all ages. At Toyrifix, families are encouraged to play with a range of toys and games.

Get active at Freedlander Park in Wooster, home to 18 holes of disc golf, horseshoe pits and a fishing pond. Kids will especially love the 5,000-square-foot playground. Then, explore the United Titanium Bug Zoo. Located at The Ohio State University’s Wooster Science Building, the collection features more than 30 species of live insects and arthropods.

Complete your trip to Wayne County with a visit to Lehman’s in Kidron. The 45,000-square-foot retail store is filled with thousands of nonelectric, practical and nostalgic products. For more information, visit wccvb.com. ●

Merchant Park is located where the community’s first trail depot once stood honors the first Black family believed to settled in Hilliard. The park boasts local a gazebo, and is steps away from the trailhead for the 7-mile Heritage Rail Trail

One of the first memorials built with steel and artifacts from the World Trade Center, First Responders Park honors those who died on 9/11 and pays tribute to the 403 first responders who died making the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

The locally owned and operated Crooked Can Brewing Company and Center Street Market are open seven days a week with an eclectic group of vendors offering foods, desserts, coffee, and shopping all under one roof. Vendors include Al’s Popcorn, Bakes by Lo, Coffee Connections, Dumplings of Fury, Hot Mess, Pitabilities, The Cheesecake Girl, and Two Step Tacos

The Shoppes by Westwood have brought boutique-style retail to Hilliard. The space includes four shopping locations: Alive Mercantile, Birch Tree Home, MAK Home Furnishings, and The Urban Market

Ten Pin Alley offers family fun for all ages including bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and events along with great burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and craft beer for lunch and dinner.

Known for weekly shipments of new comics, graphic novels, games, and toys, Packrat Comics also routinely hosts events, including game nights and in-store signings, with local and national comic creators and celebrities.

HillGarten is a new family-friendly beer garden serving German cuisine, craft beer, and wine with the bonus of scheduled live music and events!

After a and renovations, reopened authentic The all-new bourbon Coffee much more coffee and from over complete annex, is with friends, With its Diner offers tasty, and for its Cuban-inspired Southwestern

Visit the in the core a retro delicious

Strawser’s known of fun sodas Heggy’s from ice dipped Grab a pies that for the impressive 8.1 rating from the Barstool One Bite Pizza Reviews.

Bee Bubbly Bubble Tea & Fresh Juice is a local favorite after a playdate at the splashpad or a bike ride on the Heritage Rail Trail.

Brewing Intuition is a modern apothecary and an inclusive and safe space to explore magic, spirituality, and your authentic self without the pressure of rules and expectations.

Celebration at the Station

Thursdays Beginning June 1

On Saturday, July 1, Hilliard’s Freedom Fest is back at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park! This popular patriotic celebration is complete with live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone, chalk art, and fireworks.

This 10-week, free concert series is a hometown favorite. Live music, dining, and shopping all within the DORA boundaries of Old Hilliard.

Franklin County Fair

July 17–23

For over 100 years, Hilliard has been home to the Franklin County Fair. Farm animals, magic, dog shows, music, amusement rides, and more provide entertainment for the entire family.

Columbus Food Truck Festival

Hilliard Edition 2023

August 19 & 20 and win fun prizes through two fun gamified passes: the Hilliard Playground & Parks Pass and the Hilliard Sweet Treat Trail!

Located at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Downtown Hilliard, the festival showcases flavors and fare of over 50 gourmet food trucks from Ohio and across the Midwest. Beyond cuisine, the festival also includes over two dozen artisans and a full lineup of live music throughout the weekend on two stages.