Adams County 2019 Visitor and Community Guide

2019 Visitors & Community Guide

Serpent Mound Dining Lodging Amish Quilt Barns Outdoors Bears

www.adamscountytravel.org SUPPLEMENT TO PERIODICAL PUBLICATION

Vinyl clad aluminum Chicago Wicker with factory guarantee Open Mon - Fri 8AM - 6PM & Sat 8AM - 5PM • Located on the Appalachian Highway at Burnt Cabin Rd.

KEIM FAMILY MARKET features: • • • • • • • •

Fresh Baked Amish Pies, Breads, Cakes and Pastries Full Stocked Deli Department - Cold Cuts and Cheeses Bulk Foods, Candy, Nuts & Baking Supplies Amish Jams, Jellies, Preserves and Pickles Full Line of Indoor & Outdoor Furniture including Chicago Wicker Playhouses and Playsets Storage Barns Gazebo’s, Pavilion’s and Mini Homes

Come enjoy a delicious fresh deli sandwich or a coffee and a fresh Amish pastry.

Relax under a tree in our family picnic area.

NORTH SEAMAN

Burnt Cabin Rd

32

Un ity Rd .

Grac UNITY e’s R un Whe 247 at Rid ge DUNKINSVILLE

41 WEST UNION

WELCOME TO ADAMS COUNTY

Adams Lake State Park at sunset.

Photo by Jeff Lebovitz

Adams County tourism was the recipient and beneficiary of several projects last year: • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources built a new campground at Adams Lake State Park that included a new kayak/canoe launching ramp on the 47acre lake.

• Leadership Adams completed a 38-page Adams County hiker’s guide, published

by Cincy Magazine, detailing all 22 public hiking trails.

• Three new lodging facilities opened in Adams County: The Crosset Cottage at Murphin Ridge Inn, Deer Path Cabin and Valerie’s House B&B/cafe. A considerable amount of time and money also was spent renovating Moyer Winery & Restaurant on the Ohio River.

• New parcels of land were added to the Edge of Appalachia Preserve, bringing the preserve to 20,000 acres, while the Buckeye Trail Association remained busy building public hiking trails on the preserve.

The results of the Ohio Development Services Agency’s 2018 report on the economic impact of tourism showed that tourism in Adams County increased 8.6 percent, more than doubling the statewide growth of 3.5 percent. The previous couple of years, Adams County witnessed double-digit growth in tourism.

At a November awards ceremony, Scenic Ohio recognized Donna Sue Groves for her contribution to Ohio’s scenic treasures with her Adams County Clothesline of Quilts.

In September, the Ohio Travel Association awarded the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau with a first-place RUBY Award, Citation of Excellence, for the 2018 Adams County Visitors & Community Guide.

Read all of this and more in this award-winning guide. We hope that you’ll make plans to explore Adams County, Ohio, this summer.

Tom Cross, Executive Director, Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau, 509 E. Main St., West Union, OH 45693; (937) 544-5639; (877) 232-6764 info@adamscountytravel.org / www.adamscountytravel.org Like us on Facebook

Cover: An Amish horse and buggy is a familiar sight in Adams County. Photo by Tom Cross

2 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

CONTENTS

4 8 10 12 13 14 16 18 20 22 26 28 30 32 36 38 39 40 44 46 47 48

Calendar of Events Visitor Map Quilt Barns Wheat Ridge Festival Adams Lake State Park History: Showboat Majestic Amish Bird Symposium Edge of Appalachia Preserve Serpent Mound Hiking Buckeye Trail Friends of Serpent Mound Bears in Adams County Floating on Brush Creek Amish in Adams County Bicycling Adams County Shed Dog Competition Moyer Winery & Restaurant Lodging Valerie’s House Dining Award Advertiser Index Published by

in cooperation with

Publisher & President: Eric Harmon Editor: Bill Ferguson Jr. Designer: Guy Kelly Production Manager: Keith Ohmer Sales Executives: Abbey Cummins, Brad Hoicowitz, Katelynn Webb, Susan Montgomery Advertising Manager: Laura Federle Contributors: Arc of Appalachia, Celeste Baumgartner, Pat Beech, Tom Cross, Heath Fields (Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission), Darren Grooms, Craig Hall, Steve Hendrix, David and Laura Hughes, Todd Kellam, Jeff Lebovitz, Erin Lewis, Richard A. Lutz (Buckeye Trail Association), Steve Moeckel, The Nature Conservancy, Randall Schieber, Scenic Ohio, TJ Vissing, Diane Ward, Bill Wickerham, Delsey Wilson (Friends of Serpent Mound) www.adamscountytravel.org

THE RED BARN CONVENTION CENTER

EVENT SCHEDULE

@ www.REDBARN

CONVENTIONCENTER.com

or Call: 1-800-823-9197 ext.121 You’ll find us at 2223 Russellville Road, Winchester, Ohio 45697

CALENDAR

2019 Adams County Events March

May 3 Wheat Ridge Amish School Benefit Auction & Supper. Supper at 4 p.m., auction at 5 p.m.

(937) 544-7566 4-5 Free Fishing Weekend.

5 Music at Serpent Mound with

2 17th annual Adams County Amish Bird Symposium. (937) 5445639, adamscountytravel.org

Steve Free. 1 p.m. arcofappalachia.org

3431, Ext 104. orsanco.org/river-sweep

21-23 Summer Solstice Celebration at Soaring Eagle Retreat. serpentmound.org 22 Summer Solstice music and feast at Serpent Mound. arcofappalachia.org

July 4 Fourth of July Celebration & Lions Club Parade at Olde Wayside Inn. Parade at 10 a.m.

21-24 Spring Seed, Water, Blessing, Music/Peace Summit at Soaring Eagle Retreat, 1200 Jaybird Road, Peebles. alternateuniverserockshop.com

7 Music at Serpent Mound with Steve Free. 1 p.m. arcofappalachia.org

April 13 9th annual Pan Handler Quilt

15 Ohio River Sweep. (937) 378-

7-13 128th annual Adams County Fair, West Union. adamscountyfairground.org

Show at Stone Chapel Church, 89 Trefz Road, West Union. 1 to 3 p.m.

(937) 544-3438

11 Ohio Brush Creek Sweep.

20 27th annual Children’s Eas-

18 Kamama Preserve Guided Hike.

20 Friends of Serpent Mound Picnic and Lecture Series at Serpent Mound. 6 p.m. serpentmound.org

9:45 a.m. Preregistration: arcofappalachia.org

August

ter Egg Hunt at Wilson Children’s Home. (937) 544-2511

20 Spring Driving & Earthworks Tour. Preregistration and info: serpentmound.org

26-28 UKC Elite Shed Dog Series National Championship at Real McCoy Outdoors. (937) 430-4999 27 Adams County Spring Classic Driving Tour VII. springclassicdrivingtour.org/

27 Loose Thread Quilters Quilt Show at Peebles United Methodist Church, 1370 Measley Ridge Road, Peebles. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

(937) 729-9011

27 Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Banquet. (937) 549-3360

(937) 544-1010

18 Scioto Brush Creek Sweep.

(937) 544-1010

18 Friends of Serpent Mound

2-4 River Days at Manchester.

(937) 779-7818. Rain date is Aug. 16-18.

Lecture Series at Serpent Mound.

6 p.m. serpentmound.org

18 Adams County Farmers Market opens on the Courthouse Square in West Union. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 28.

June 2 Music at Serpent Mound with Steve Free. 1 p.m. arcofappalachia.org 8 Reptile Day: Return of the Snakes. Serpent Mound. arcofappalachia.org

4 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org

3 12th annual River Rats Boat & Jet Ski Poker Run and Duck Derby on the Ohio River. Registration required three days before event.

(937) 217-3000. Rain date is Aug. 17.

3 Chaparral Prairie Preserve Guided Hike. 10 a.m. Preregistration: arcofappalachia.org

September

18-21 106th anniversary of the

5 Adams County Junior Fair Beef Barbecue, Ohio Valley Career & Technology Center. 4:30-7:30 p.m.

(937) 205-0842

19-21 8th annual Skinny Fest Bluegrass Festival, 1266 Hamilton Road, Lynx. SkinnyFest.net

5-8 43rd Bentonville Harvest

21 Friends of Serpent Mound

Festival. (937) 549-3360

Lecture Series at Serpent Mound.

6 p.m. serpentmound.org

Seaman Fall Festival. (937) 386-2083

4 Music at Serpent Mound with

6-8 18th annual Rarden Whitetail

Steve Free. 1 p.m. arcofappalachia.org

Deer Festival. rardendeerfest.com

27 Wheat Ridge Amish School

7 Star Gazing at Serpent Mound. arcofappalachia.org

Benefit Auction & Supper. Supper at 4 p.m., auction at 5 p.m.

(937) 544-7566

8 Music at Serpent Mound with

27-28 Adams County Heritage

Steve Free. 1 p.m. arcofappalachia.org

Days & Pioneer Shoot, John T. Wilson Homestead. johntwilsonhomestead.org

12 Perseid Meteor Shower viewing and camp-in at Soaring Eagle Retreat. serpentmound.org

17 13th Annual Cowboy Copas Memorial Concert, Jefferson Community Center, Blue Creek. 7 p.m.

(937) 587-2043

23-25 Winchester Homecoming

12-15 52nd annual Peebles Old Timers Days. (937) 587-3749

Festival. (937) 403-1315, facebook.com/caramelfest/

14 Erwin Farms & Corn Maze opens. 1365 Coon Hill Road, Winchester. (937) 515-0084

24 Archaeology Day at Serpent Mound and music with Steve Free. arcofappalachia.org

14 Forgotten Way Farm & Corn Maze opens. 4675 Eckmansville Road, Winchester. (937) 386-4048

Two stops locations in Adams County

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December

12 Hike for Health, Buzzardroost Rock Trail at Edge of Appalachia Preserve. Registration at 8 a.m., hike at 9 a.m.

7 Peebles Christmas Celebration and Christmas tree lighting. 6 p.m.

20 Music at Serpent Mound with

21 Audubon Christmas Bird

Steve Free. 1 p.m. arcofappalachia.org

Count, Edge of Appalachia Preserve. (937) 544-2880

Field Days and Antique Tractor Show at Glen-Dale Park, Fawcett.

(937) 587-3293

26 Fall Driving & Earthworks Tour.

21 Friends of Serpent Mound

Preregistration and info: serpentmound.org

Winter Solstice sunset viewing. serpentmound.org

29 17th annual Jack Roush Day at

November

March 2020

11 Veterans Day Ceremony, Ad-

7 18th annual Adams County

ams County Courthouse, 11 a.m.

Amish Bird Symposium. (937) 5445639, adamscountytravel.org

28-29 Draft Horse, Mule & Pony

the Riverbarn, U.S. 52, Manchester.

Optional date is Oct. 6, depending on NASCAR schedule.

(937) 779-2782

October

30 Adams County Christmas, Adams County Courthouse, 5:30 p.m.

5 42nd annual Miller’s Anniversary

For additional and updated events: adamscountytravel.org

Customer Appreciation Day & Cookout, Miller’s Bakery & Furniture.

(937) 544-8524

For Red Barn Concerts dates: redbarnconventioncenter.com

11-13 Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair & Harvest Celebration.

(937) 544-8252

For more Serpent Mound events: arcofappalchia.org

11th Annual Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair & Harvest Celebration Friday thru Sunday October 11th, 12th, 13th, 2019 10am - 5pm Enjoy the fall harvest along with 150+ artisans, craftspeople, antiques, fall harvest decorations, herbs and herbal products, locally produced and from-scratch foods, and shooting the pumpkin cannon.

Located in the heart of the Wheat Ridge Amish community.

817 Tater Ridge Road • West Union, Ohio • 45693 www.adamscountytravel.org

For more information and booth rental, call Kim Erwin at 937-544-8252 or visit www.wheatridgeherbfestivals.com ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 7

ADAMS COUNTY VISITOR MAP AMISH BUSINESS 1 CCL Bicycle 2 Keim Family Market 3 Miller’s Bakery & Furniture 4 Murphin Ridge Building Supplies 5 Raber’s Shoes & Saddlery ANTIQUES 6 Barn Sale Antiques/Wheat Ridge Herb Festival 7 Peebles Flower Shop & Antiques ATTRACTIONS 8 Adams County Fairgrounds 9 Brush Creek Motorsports Complex 10 Family Traditions Animal Adventures 11 House of Phacops 12 Old Page Schoolhouse 13 Red Barn Convention Center 14 Sunshine Store 15 The Quilt Barn DINING 16 Blake’s Pharmacy 17 Cruiser’s Diner 18 Moyer Vineyards & Restaurant 19 Olde Wayside Inn 20 The Greene Beanery 21 The Panhandler-BK Scoop HERITAGE 22 Adams County Genealogical & Historical Society 23 Buckeye Station 24 Gov. Thomas Kirker Home & Bicentennial Barn 25 Harshaville Covered Bridge

26 Kirker Covered Bridge 27 Treber’s Inn & Zane’s Trace Monument 28 Wilson’s Civil War Soldiers Monument

HISTORIC MARKERS 29 Bradford Tavern 30 Cairn of Peace 31 First Settlement of Virginia Military District 32 Massie Station 33 Old Mineral Springs Resort 34 Serpent Mound State Memorial 35 Underground Railroad 36 Wickerham Inn 37 Lafferty Memorial Funeral & Carriage Collection 38 Morgan’s Raiders LODGING 39 Amish House 40 Behm Mountain Cabin 41 Budget Host Inn 42 Comfort Inn 43 County Nights Inn 4 4 Cozy Hideway 45 Deer Path Cabin 46 Dogwood Farm B&B 47 Hawks View Cabins 4 8 Hope Springs Institute 49 Hopewell Croft Cabin 50 John T. Wilson Homestead 51 Manchester Motel 52 McIntosh Cabin 53 Mound View Farm 54 Murphin Ridge Inn 55 Ohio Star Retreat Center 56 River Barn Village 57 River Haven B&B 58 Scenic View Cottage 59 The Red Barn Cabin 60 The Sanctuary

8 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

61 The Ville Guest House 62 Unity Woods Cabins 63 Valerie’s House B&B

NATURAL AREAS & PRESERVES 64 Adams Lake State Nature Preserve 65 Chalet Nivale Preserve 66 Chaparral Prairie Nature Preserve 67 Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve 68 Edge of Appalachia Preserve 69 Johnson Ridge State Nature Preserve 70 Plum Run Prairie 71 Shoemaker State Nature Preserve 72 The Wilderness 73 Whipple State Nature Preserve RECREATION/OUTDOORS/ CAMPING 74 Brush Creek Boat Ramp & Campground 75 Cedar Trails Retreat 76 Island Creek Marina & Campground 77 Mineral Springs Lake Resort 78 Sandy Springs Campground

VISITOR INFORMATION 79 Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau For more information please contact the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau 1-877-232-6764 www.adamscountytravel.org info@adamscountytravel.org

www.adamscountytravel.org

www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 9

QUILT BARNS

Windmill quilt square latest to be restored

T

he new Windmill quilt square, one of the original 20 on Adams County’s Clothesline of Quilts driving tour, has been restored and can be seen at 1510 Beasley Fork Road, about a mile east of its original location.

The original quilt barn, also on Beasley Fork Road near the intersection of State Route 247, was taken down.

The new quilt square is on a barn owned by the Young family. The Young family farm is one of the oldest in Adams County and has remained in the family since 1804. It is one of the few officially recognized Bicentennial Farms in Adams County. Ed Young said his father built the barn in 1933 from timber cut from the property.

Adams County’s quilt trail is the nation’s first quilt trail going back to October 2001 with a dedication at Lewis Mountain Herbs of the very first quilt square, the Ohio Star. During the next two years, 19 more quilt squares were added to barns in the county. Since that time, quilt barns have grown into a national phenomenon with quilt trails now in 44 states with more than 360 organized trails, according to Juliann Donofrio, filmmaker of the documentary “Pieced Together.”

The new Windmill quilt was painted

by Neil Miller, who matched the colors

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A farm on Beasley Fork Road is the new location of the Windmill quilt square; the original Windmill quilt barn, now torn down; Neil Miller’s painting of the new Windmill quilt, on which he attempted to match the colors of the original as closely as possible.

as close to the original as possible. Once ready, the quilt square was attached to the barn by Allen Miller Construction.

The quilt trail was an idea conceived

by Donna Sue Groves as a way to honor her late mother, Maxine, who was a quilter. The original 20 quilts that first adorned barns in Adams County were

Clothesline of Quilts wins award Donna Sue Groves and the Adams County Clothesline of Quilts were selected as one of the recipients of the 2018 Scenic Ohio Award. Each year, Scenic Ohio honors individuals, organizations and agencies that preserve and contribute to Ohio’s many scenic treasures. Groves’ idea of quilts on a barn to honor her mother, Maxine, began in Adams County 18 years ago and has spread across the nation. Today, 44 states and three Canadian provinces have quilt trails because of the Donna Sue’s vision.

Holly Johnson, Adams County economic development director, accepts the Scenic Ohio Award on behalf of Donna Sue Groves from Ric Queen, Scenic Ohio executive director.

10 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org

As Adams County quilt squares age, some replacements are necessary. While owners would like to keep the original artwork, the elements of the seasons wear on the quilts and the structures on which they are painted. The Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau has replaced three quilt squares recently, and the Nature Conservancy has replaced one. Pictured, from left, are the new Hourglass, Brown Goose and Old Maid’s Puzzle.

Other quilt barn owners have repainted their quilt squares as needed.

chosen by Maxine. All of the quilts have a history, which is contained in a recently updated quilt brochure available from the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau.

One of the projects undertaken by the travel bureau is to maintain the original Clothesline of Quilts driving tour and to replace missing quilt squares as needed.

In 2016, the bureau added the Brown Goose quilt square to the side of the newly repainted Kirker Covered Bridge on State Route 136. The original Brown

Goose was located on a barn near Eckmansville in Wayne Township, but new siding on the barn covered the original.

In 2017, the bureau replaced the Hourglass quilt after the original Hourglass quilt barn was lost to a windstorm several years back. The Hourglass quilt was also one of the original quilts in Adams County’s Clothesline of Quilts. The new location for the Hourglass is 32901 State Route 41, less than a quarter-mile south from its original location.

Also in 2017, the Ohio Nature Con-

servancy sponsored the rebuilding of a quilt barn on Weaver Road by Eugene “Gene” Kitchen of Lynx, who also painted a fresh copy of the original quilt square, Old Maid’s Puzzle, and nailed it up where the old faded quilt once hung above the barn doors.

Since the original 20 quilt barns, many more barns in Adams County have added quilt squares. All known quilt barns are denoted by a red barn symbol on the map inside this guide. n

T H E Q U I LT B A R N Owned and Operated by Ann Taylor & Mary McCarty

Auctioneers & Appraisers Auctioneers & Appraisers 418 East Main Street 418 East Main West Union, OH Street 45693 West937.544.2355 Union, OH 45693 937.544.2355 www.wilson-realtors.net www.wilson-realtors.net

On the Adams County Quilt Barn Trail “Let us complete your unfinished quilt tops”

• Long-Arm Quilting Service • Featuring the “STATLER STITCHER” by Gammill • Quick Turnaround on Edge-to-Edge Quilting • Quilt fabric, batting, and backing • Quality Quilters Supplies Hours: WED.- FRI. 10AM-5PM | SAT. 10AM-4PM (or by appointment) Cemetery Road • Manchester, OHOH 45144 250250 Reed Cemetery Road • Manchester, 45144

937.549.4900

www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 11

WHEAT RIDGE FESTIVAL

Three days of fun celebrate the harvest

M

ore than 150 craftsmen and artisans gat her for t hree days of crafts, antiques and antique farm machinery, herbal products and other natural items as part of the Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair & Harvest Celebration, one of Adams County’s largest annual events.

The fair, created 11 years ago by Herb and Kim Erwin, along with their son, Brad, occurs on the family farm. During most of the year, it’s a working farm with cattle and hayfields, but for three days in October, the Erwins turn it into a celebration of farm life and the nearby Amish countryside.

“We enjoy it,” Kim says. “But it’s a year-round effort, and we’re always trying to improve it.”

The nearby Amish community is heavily involved in the festival—baking from scratch, pressing fresh apple cider and preparing home-cooked meals to

Friends get together for a selfie at the Wheat Ridge herb fair.

support the local Amish schools.

“It feels like the whole community is involved,” Kim says.

Two barns on the farm contain an assortment of eccentric and unusual antiques. Herbs, lavender, medicinal teas, soaps, lotions and other naturalearth products also are offered at the festival.

The artisans typically offer unique

metal yard art, woodcrafted items, handmade pottery, sewn items from quilters and weavers, homemade jams, cheese, maple syrup and other farm products.

Musical acts performing a variety of genres, such as Creole, Celtic, country and more, provide entertainment.

This year’s festival is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 11-13 at 817 Tater Ridge Road, West Union. n

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www.adamscountytravel.org

NATURE

Adams Lake State Park

New Features Give Park More Accessibility

By Bill Wickerham and Tom Cross

A

dams Lake is a beautiful lake of 47 acres situated in the center of Adams County, just northeast of West Union on Highway 41.

The lake is surrounded by Adams Lake State Park, with restrooms, picnic tables, grills, a playground and shelters. The park is used by local residents and fishers, and is a popular spot for family reunions, picnics and local fishing events.

Built in the 1930s by the old CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) as a water supply for West Union, the lake has some unique natural features that are displayed in the 26-acre Adams Lake Prairie State Nature Preserve. Two nature trails combine for a half-mile, gentle hike through an oak-hickory forest and into a remnant prairie with plenty of prairie dock and red cedar,

which is typical of natural prairies in Adams County.

A half-mile, paved walking path stretches along the south shore of the lake. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also plans a hiking trail on the north side of the lake.

Adams Lake is of particular interest to birders during the winter, when all manner of waterfowl make a stop at the lake during migration.

The main entrance to the lake leads past the bulletin board at the park maintenance building—to the right is a boat ramp and fishing dock. Boating is limited to electric motors only. New this year is a handicap-accessible kayak launching area called an EZ Launch that allows for launching of canoes and kayaks.

DARRELL GROOMS

Above is a drone’s-eye view of a portion of Adams Lake and the park’s trails. www.adamscountytravel.org

Campsites were added to Adams Lake State Park in 2018 (top), and new this year is a handicap-accessible kayak and canoe launching area called an EZ Launch (above).

Bass fishing is a highlight, and fivepound bass are caught every summer, due in part to a 15-inch minimum size limit on bass. Other species include crappie, channel catfish and bluegill.

Fishing is also productive at the pool below the dam. Perhaps the most popular is rainbow trout, of which more than 2,000 are released every March by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Adams Lake has the distinction of being the first lake in Ohio stocked with trout every year.

Camping was added in 2018 at Adams Lake State Park, with 10 primitive shaded sites at the west end of the lake.

Five sites are suitable for trailers, popup campers and motor homes. The other five sites are for tent campers.

There is no charge to camp at Adams Lake State Park. The campground is popular with deer and turkey hunters during the hunting seasons, and hikers and nature lovers during the summer.

For more information about Adams Lake, contact Shawnee State Park at (740) 858-6652.

Bill Wickerham is the wildlife specialist for the Adams Soil and Water Conservation District. Tom Cross is tourism director and author of the book “Fishing Ohio.” n

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 13

HISTORY

The Showboat Majestic is expected to be moved to Adams County in May after decades on the Cincinnati waterfront.

Iconic boat to be based in Adams County NEW OWNERS TO MOOR FLOATING THEATER NEAR MOYER

By Patricia Beech

A

dams County will soon be home to one of America’s well-known national floating landmarks, the iconic Showboat Majestic.

The floating theater has been a major attraction on Cincinnati’s riverfront landscape since the city bought the Majestic in 1967.

Built in 1923, the Showboat Majestic and her companion stern-wheeler, The Attaboy, traveled up and down the Ohio River in a bygone era, stopping in towns along the way to give live performances to audiences eager for entertainment.

Joe and Cortnee Brumley of Winchester, Ohio, bought the Majestic in an online auction for $110,100 from the city of Cincinnati in February; 88 bids were received, according to multiple media reports. It will soon become a permanent feature moored on the Ohio River near Moyer Winery & Restaurant on U.S. 52 west of Manchester.

The auction site listed the Majestic at 42 feet wide, 150 feet long and two stories tall, with 218 seats in the main area of the theater.

The Brumleys will also moor their Twin Island touring ship, the Atta Boy II, at the same location. Both ships will be visible from the Scenic Byway.

“It’s an ideal situation,” Brumley told the Defender in an exclusive interview.

“Moyer is an acclaimed winery and restaurant where local people and outof-county visitors can enjoy a meal and fine wine. It will certainly add to the experience of seeing a show on this historic production vessel.”

Brumley is currently working out the final details with Moyer owners, Ken and Kimberly Smith, who have agreed to provide an easement and accommodate parking for Majestic visitors.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity for Moyer and for Adams County,” Ken Smith said. “Having the Majestic docked here will definitely increase traffic to our area.”

Brumley expects to move the Majestic in early May when the river’s annual flood season ends.

Declared a National Landmark in December 1989, the Majestic was the last floating theater to be built in the U.S.—in Pittsburgh. Because of its historic value, a number of restrictive covenants on the Majestic’s appearance and use, required by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, are in place for a new owner, according to the auction description.

Brumley says the 96-year-old ship is in tiptop condition.

“Every lightbulb works,” he says.

“The restrooms are functioning, the fire-suppression system is up to code, and the theater seating, stage lighting,

14 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

and computer systems are all intact.”

Several famous actors, such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Kevin Kline, have performed on the Majestic’s stage, in addition to drama students from Indiana University, Kent State University and Hiram College. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music alumni have also reached out to the Brumleys, offering their support for the project.

The sale of the Majestic is nothing short of an answered prayer for the struggling river town of Manchester, where two coal-fired power plants were closed in June 2018, leaving the village and county short millions of dollars in tax revenue.

The Brumleys initially considered mooring the Majestic in Manchester next to Riverfront Park, but the plan was nixed by the Army Corps of Engineers because it could potentially interfere with barge traffic on the river.

The Brumleys are working closely with the local Performing Arts Council and the Ohio History Connection to create a unique experience for the Majestic’s visitors.

“We’ll play movies when it’s slow, but we want live productions because that’s going to attract people to the winery, and to our Twin Island tours onboard the Atta Boy II,” Brumley says.

Patricia Beech is the reporter for The People’s Defender newspaper in West Union. Visit showboatmajestic.org for more information. n www.adamscountytravel.org

Adams County Museums, Historical Societies & Heritage Trails Adams County Heritage Center, State Route 247, 507 N. Cherry St., West Union. Noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. (937) 544-8522 Adams County Historical Society & Adams County Genealogical Society, Adams County Heritage Center, West Union. (937) 544-8522 House of Phacops, 29894 State Route 41, Locust Grove. (937) 205-3810 John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail, from Winchester through Locust Grove, a 32-mile self-guided driving tour retracing Morgan’s 1863 raid across Adams County. Interpretive signs at Winchester and Locust Grove explain the historical events of that time.

Lafferty Memorial Funeral & Carriage Collection, 205 S. Cherry St., West Union. Museum open by appointment; please call ahead for museum hours. (937) 544-2121 Page One Room School House, at the intersection of Page School and Vaughn Ridge Road, West Union. Check events calendar. Closed during winter. (937) 587-2043

Above: Adams County Heritage Center in West Union.

Left: Morgan’s Raid Heritage Trail.

Serpent Museum & Gift Shop, 3850 State Route 73, Peebles. Closed January-February. Open weekends in March. Open daily April through October. Open weekends November through Dec. 21. (800) 752-2757

www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 15

NATURE

Amish Bird Symposium

By Celeste Baumgartner

T

he calendar is turning to March.

The bird counts are complete.

Spring is near, but the weather is still cold. Warbler watching is still some time away.

The solution? The Adams County Amish Bird Symposium.

From 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. March 2, you can learn a lot about nature’s flyers.

Now in its 17th year, the symposium is an annual birding celebration for beginners and experts alike.

Start the morning with fresh coffee and donuts from Miller’s Bakery, see birding friends, and hear from worldclass speakers. Shop vendor booths for binoculars, books, birdhouses, and bird and nature art of every kind. See the live birds of prey brought in by the Regional Association for the Protection and Treatment of Raptors (RAPTOR) Inc. Then fill up on a delicious Amish lunch, and end the day with an Adams Lake State Park field trip to look for ducks and waterfowl.

The symposium started in 2003 in the basement of an Amish home.

“We thought it would be maybe 25 people; we were slammed,” Chris Bedel, Cincinnati Museum Center’s director of Edge of Appalachia Preserve, says.

“We took on another place and filled that one. We had to keep upsizing to where we are today.”

The event tops out at 300 people, according to Tom Cross, executive director of the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau. “We have moved to the Wheat Ridge Amish Community Building, the largest facility around.

We have to bring in generators because there is no electricity.”

Bedel says the event is popular because all types of people love birding.

“Birds are one of the more ‘in your face’ creatures that live amongst us,” he says. “You see them every day, you can attract them, you can almost can get them to come land on the railing in front of you.”

Celeste Baumgartner is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Country Living magazine and many others. n 16 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A screech owl looks out from his man-made tree cavity; A few one-of-a-kind birdhouses at the Amish Bird Symposium; Marc Anderson, president of RAPTOR Inc., holds a great horned owl. www.adamscountytravel.org

2019 symposium speakers This year’s speakers are: • Jack Stenger. Restoring the History of Natural History. Our modern ecosystems and their birds are the result of processes dictated by historical contingencies, historical constraints and strange twists of fate. Only by a deep dive into their quirky histories can we make sense of our surroundings. Jack’s talk will incorporate aspects of local birding, geological and cultural history, paleoecology and natural history to help us address this perplexing question.

• Julie Zickefoose. Baby Birds: An Artist Looks Into the Nest.

Why and how do baby songbirds develop so quickly, some launching into flight only 11 days after hatching? In 2002, Julie began to draw and paint wild nestlings day by day, bearing witness to their swift growth. During the next 13 years, Julie would document the daily changes in 17 bird species from hatching to fledging.

• Tom Hissong. A Lifelong Love of Birds. Tom will share the story of his lifelong passion for birds. He will share beautiful color photos and experiences with the birds that he has encountered not only in Ohio, but also around the world. Tom will also talk about how important it is for adults to spend more time in the field watching birds with young people and how important it is to encourage everyone around us, including family, friends and neighbors, to see the beauty of birds and the natural world.

• Mark and Nan Plunkett. Our Yard is for the Birds –Creating a Landscape that Supports Wildlife. According to recent studies, residential yards are one of the most undervalued and overlooked ecosystems as privately owned residential landscapes account for as much as half of the green space in urban areas. Homeowners can make a real difference to the challenges of habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Urban and suburban gardens greatly impact both the abundance of birds in our neighborhoods.

Chris Bedel, Cincinnati Museum Center’s director of Edge of Appalachia Preserve, sums up the Amish Bird Symposium: “I think the coolest thing about it is just to see so many people converge on little rural Adams County for a top-notch naturebased event. We have 300 people here that drive past the Amish and out to rural America to hear world-class speakers.”

The annual Adams County Amish Bird Symposium occurs the first Saturday in March. For information on the 2019 Amish Bird Symposium, go to adamscountytravel.org. Look for information on the 2020 symposium, occurring March 7, beginning in January.

Cozy Hide away Cozy Hideaway can be perfect for a relaxing escape, a romantic getaway, or the adventure of a lifetime. Tucked in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Beautiful Eastern Adams County Ohio you are just minutes from Amish Country, Antique Shops, several Historic Sites and just 2 minutes from “The Edge of Appalachia Preserve”.

Make “Cozy Hideaway” your vacation destination of choice when considering your next trip or hunting excursion.

415 Cozy Lane | West Union, OH 45693 www.cozyhideaway.org (513) 315-3334 or (937) 544-7001

www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 17

NATURE

Edge of Appalachia Preserve turns 60 More trails being added to ecological treasure trove

By Jessica Keith

I

t’s no overstatement to say Adams County boasts the state’s most significant natural areas.

Relatively unknown to many Ohioans, the region’s ecological treasures are, on the other hand, very familiar to biologists, birders and botanists.

Testament to that is the 20,000-acre Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve, which turns 60 years old this year.

Co-owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy and Cincinnati Museum Center, “The Edge,” as the preserve is known by many, is situated at the western edge of the Appalachian Plateau—an extensive landscape of forested hills that stretches eastward more than 200 miles to the Appalachian Mountains in eastern West Virginia.

To the west, the land becomes gentler, eventually grading into the vast flatlands of the Great Plains.

TOP: EOA Preserve naturalist Rich McCarty looks out from the Portman Trail.

ABOVE: A view of Lynx Prairie at the EOA Preserve. Photos on this page by Randall Schieber

Here, visitors can explore lush deciduous woodlands, prairie openings, rocky outcroppings, giant promontories, clear streams, mountain coves, rocky hollows, cedar glades and waterfalls—together creating a tapestry of habitat types that supports a remarkable amount of biodiversity. All told, more than 100 rare plant and animal species make their home within the preserve system.

Despite its size and significance, the preserve has remained somewhat of a hidden gem through the years. New efforts might help change that.

18 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

The construction of new trails at the preserve will provide additional opportunities for visitors to explore Adams County’s rich natural heritage. One of the trails, slated to open in 2019, reroutes 11 miles of the statewide Buckeye Trail from backroads to footpaths traversing the heart of the preserve. That is in addition to the preserve’s existing 10 miles of trails.

But you don’t have to be a backcountry hiker to get to know the preserve. From March to June this year, Cincinnati Museum Center is featuring A Year on the Edge, a yearlong photographic enwww.adamscountytravel.org

deavor by Rick Conner and TJ Vissing that celebrates the preserve’s diversity in all four seasons. The exhibit will be featured in the museum’s Mallory Gallery at Union Terminal, which is a free, public venue.

Add it iona l ly, a new docu mentary about the woman who brought national attention to the ecology of Adams County has been released. A co-production of Meg Hanrahan Media and Voyageur Media Group, A Force for Nature: Lucy Braun tells how Dr. E. Lucy Braun became one of the country’s first ecologists and an advocate for the protection of the county’s natural treasures—including through the creation of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve.

Jessica Keith is the associate director of marketing for The Nature Conservancy.

The Edge of Appalachia Preserve has four public hiking trails and several preserves such as the Lynx Prairie and the Wilderness Preserve. The preserve office is located at the Eulett Center, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Road, West Union. (937) 544-2188. Learn more and plan your visit at nature.org/edgeofappalachia. n

www.adamscountytravel.org

ABOVE: Anna Vissing discovers something interesting along the Portman Trail at the EOA Preserve.

LEFT: A winter view of Ohio Brush Creek at the EOA Preserve’s Creek’s Bend. Photos on this page by TJ Vissing

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 19

SERPENT MOUND

Serpent Mound Head over to the earthwork park for an extraordinary view of history

By Kayla Rankin

S

erpent Mound is the world’s largest surviving example of a prehistoric effigy mound. Winding 1,348 feet over the ground, the beautifully preserved ancient earthwork depicts larger-than-life sinews of an immense serpent, with an intriguing oval-shaped head.

At least two mound-building cultures were present at the site in succession over time. Three conical burial mounds can be found in close proximity to Serpent Mound. Two of them belong to the Adena culture (800 B.C.-100 A.D.) and one to the Fort Ancient culture (1000-1650 A.D.).

Visitors can follow a paved trail around the Serpent and climb a tower to gain an aerial perspective on the effigy.

In addition, a trail about one-half mile long winds below the cliff of Serpent Mound and along the Ohio Brush Creek that borders the park. There is a small interpretive center, a picnic shelter that is also used for public programs and public restrooms.

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk, year-round, with an $8 parking fee. Museum and gift shop hours vary throughout the year. Serpent Mound is located at 3850 State Route 73, Peebles.

(800) 752-2757.

Kayla Rankin is the visitor services coordinator for the Arc of Appalachia. n

Serpent Mound 2019 Events 1 p.m. May 5, June 2, June 22, July 7, Aug. 4, Aug. 24, Sept. 8 and Oct. 20: Music at the Mound with Steve Free. Steve Free is an internationally acclaimed, awardwinning singer/songwriter and recording artist. Open-air concert is free, with $8 parking fee.

June 8: Return of the Snakes at Serpent Mound. This weekend, the park will pay respects to the physical animal that inspired the creation of the mound and its kin. Displays of live snakes, turtles and lizards will be available to not only admire and gaze upon, but to touch and learn from. Naturalists from Shawnee State Park will be on hand to answer your questions, and the Arc of Appalachia will offer fun activities for children throughout the day.

June 22: Summer Solstice at Serpent Mound. Listen to a presentation on Ohio’s rich American Indian legacies, enjoy a meal featuring hand-smoked meats and fresh vegetables, take a guided tour around Serpent Mound, and then, one hour before sunset, experience an hour of quiet reflection as you watch the sun set over the head of the ancient Serpent effigy.

Aug. 24: Archaeology Day at Serpent Mound. Attend lectures by prominent archaeologists, tour artifact displays, and bring your own collection of artifacts for help in interpreting what you’ve found. Visitors can try their own hand at ancient skills including flint-knapping to atlatl throwing.

Sept. 7: Star-gazing at Serpent Mound. As the sun goes down and skies darken, visitors will be given a tour of the night sky by Dean Regas and the staff of the Cincinnati Observatory. Here is your chance to view the planets and stars through large telescopes, with professional astronomers available to answer your many questions.

For more about Serpent Mound and events throughout the year, go to www.arcofappalachia.org.

20 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org

Museum & Gift Shop Hours January-February: Closed March: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends April: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily May-October: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday November through Dec. 21: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends

Interior and exterior of Museum at Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound observation tower www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 21

HIKING

Buckeye Trail

celebrates 6 decades

By Richard A. Lutz

A barn near a trailhead of the Buckeye Trail in Edge of Appalachia Preserve beckons hikers to explore the terrain.

B

ack in 1958, a 500-mile Buckeye Trail was just an idea proposed in the Columbus Dispatch in the likeness of the Appalachian Trail.

In the next year, the Buckeye Trail Association was founded, and now, a 1,400-plus-mile Buckeye Trail is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Sixty years of hiking, volunteering, partnering, trail-building, maintaining, protecting and promoting created that long-distance trail from Lake Erie to the Ohio River and back again. Much remains to be completed, and Adams County will play a critical role in the next 60 years of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail.

The trail traverses about 70 miles of scenic, backcountry roads and primitive hiking trails in Adams County.

Serpent Mound, Shawnee State Forest and Davis Memorial are highlights of the trail, along with the scenic village of Peebles. Buckeye Trail hosts two other long-distance hiking trails; the 4,600mile North Country National Scenic Trail from New York to North Dakota, the longest of the national scenic trails,

Ridge-top views along Buckeye Trail provide vast views of the surrounding forest.

and the 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail from Delaware to California.

Starting in 2013, the biggest project of the Buckeye Trail Association has

22 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

been a partnership with the Nature Conservancy to build 15 miles of the Buckeye Trail at the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System across the Sunshine www.adamscountytravel.org

Ridge Corridor, connecting Ohio Brush Creek to the existing trail system in Shawnee State Forest.

With volunteers building the trail, the association has been able to connect the new trail to fascinating sites such as Flood’s Point and Revolutionary War soldier William Flood’s grave, Cave Hollow, the Allegheny escarpment, Moon Hollow tobacco barn and trailhead, as well as several ridge-top views, including views into Kentucky.

The new trail also follows a portion of the Joan J. Portman Trail from Creek’s Bend on Waggoner Riff le Road. An opening celebration for the new trail is planned for fall 2019.

If you’re interested in hiking the Buckeye Trail, the association has maps for the three Buckeye Trail sections covering Adams County—the West Union, the Shawnee and the Sinking Spring Sections. More information can be found at www.buckeyetrail.org.

Hiking in Adams County A new “Hiker’s Guide to Adams County, Ohio” is now available. A team effort by Leadership Adams resulted in a full-color, 38-page hiking guide covering all 22 public hiking trails in Adams County, plus four fitness trails and nearby Shawnee State Park. The guide features trail maps and information on each trail. The guide is available at the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau office, 509 E. Main St., West Union; the Eulett Center, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Road, West Union; and Adams County Economic Development office in West Union. A digital copy of the guide can be downloaded under the hiking icon on the home page of the Adams County travel bureau’s website, adamscountytravel.org.

Hiker’s Guide to Adams County Ohio

- 22 Nature Trails - 4 Fitness Trails - Plus Fold-Out Map of Nearby Shawnee State Park

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Adams PRODUCED BY A Patchwork of History and Nature.

Volunteers have spent countless hours building an additional 15 miles of the Buckeye Trail.

Richard A. Lutz is the trail preservation & GIS coordinator for the Buckeye Trail Association. n

COMMUNITY CARRIAGE & LEATHER

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3232 Logans Lane • West Union, OH • M-F: 10-6 Sat: 10-4 CLOSED SUNDAYS www.adamscountytravel.org

(937) 544-5685 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 23

Miller’s Furniture

CO

Come To Wheat Ridge Where The Pace Is A Little Slower

Solid Oak & Cherry Tables & Chairs Hutches & Dry Sinks Bread Box Hutches & Pie Safes Folding Fireside Tables High Chairs & Bar Stools Curio Cabinets Computer Desks Bedroom Suites & Matresses Entertainment Centers Gun Cabinets

M

E

US E E S

Deacon Benches Rocking Chairs Cedar, Walnut, Oak & Cherry Chests Clocks Quilts Bells Gliders & Swings Picnic Tables Rose Arbors & Trellises Lighthouses Lightouses Gazebos

960 Wheat Ridge Road

Miller’s Bulk Foods

Amish Homeade Quality Holmes County Cheese Trail Bologna Country Hams Summer Sausage Butter, Honey, Jams & Jellies Noodles Amish Books & Cookbooks Eggs & Milk Bacon Cheese Dips Bulk Baking Supplies Minnetonka Moccasins Home Made Candies

Discount Grocery Take Home a Big Bag of Savings Canned & Packaged Foods Health & Beauty Aids Paper Products Cleaners General Merchandise

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 to 5 For more updated information,

Celebrate Summer Solstice with Friends of Serpent Mound The setting sun over Serpent Mound.

By Delsey Wilson

F

or thousands of years, humans— from the Paleo to modern man— have inhabited the hills and plateaus around Serpent Mound.

Was it because of a huge crater that it sits in? Was it because, during the last Ice Age, this area was some of the last untouched land where a towering wall of ice could still be seen to the north?

It is u n k now n why i nd igenous peoples decided to build a snakeshaped effigy mound in the area, but

evidence shows that every group of prehistoric Ohio peoples through time have revered it. Evidence also shows that, throughout time, at least some of those different Ohio people groups also repaired or altered it, showing that with each generation or culture, its meaning or purpose changed.

In 2004, t he Friends of Serpent Mound was established to understand how the park operated and how it could attract more visitors. From there, a grass-roots effort brought Serpent

Mound to the forefront again, and Friends of Serpent Mound brought toget her people who cared about the historical site for a multitude of reasons.

The group soon learned that there were as many theories about Serpent Mound’s purpose as reasons why people enjoyed Serpent Mound. The first Summer Solstice Celebration in 2009 was a day for the public to visit and to learn about some of the theories and experiences.

GREAT FOOD AWARD WINNING WINE UNCOMPROMISED RIVER VIEW

Refined Rustic Retreat

Located on the banks of the Ohio River east of Cincinnati Reservations Recommended Mon. - Thur. 11:00 - 9:00 Fri. - Sat. 11:00 - 10:00 Open Mon. - Sat. April - December Open Wed. - Sat. January - March

cavehillcabins.com • (513) 580-8826 778 Cave Hill Road, Winchester • Quiet, secluded, handcrafted lodging sleeps 8 • Nestled on 14 wooded acres with hiking trail and cave on property • Check out our 3D tour!

26 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

• Modern amenities and spacious floorplan • Close to Wheat Ridge Amish shops, Edge of Appalachia Preserve, and Serpent Mound www.adamscountytravel.org

Visitors could experience for themselves the sunset alignment incorporated within the design of the effigy.

It was such a huge success. The next year, it was a two-day event, and now, it is three. The venue has been moved to an adjoining property, Soaring Eagle Retreat. Each day is full of lectures, hikes and workshops. Topics range from nature, summer family fun, local history and archaeolog y to the metaphysical and spiritual and strange experiences.

Along with the family-friendly presentations, about 60 vendors offer some eclectic shopping.

To learn more about the Summer Solstice Celebration’s full schedule of activities, visit www.serpentmound. org or find Friends of Serpent Mound on Facebook.

Delsey Wilson is executive director of Friends of Serpent Mound. Summer Solstice Celebration will occur June 2123 at Soaring Eagle Retreat, 375 Horner Chapel Road, Peebles. Refer to the events calendar in this guide for more Friends events. n

Rainbow light prisms stretch over Serpent Mound, providing a beautiful sky view for visitors.

For a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing lunch while traveling in Adams County stop at The Greene Beanery Coffee House and Roastery. The owner, Cheryl Greene, roasts coffee on the premises and she is passionate about bringing the finest quality of freshly roasted coffee beans to the region and sharing each savory roast with customers and community. It is located ¼ of a mile north of intersection S.R. 32 and S.R. 41 in Peebles, and provides an assortment of coffee from numerous coffee growing regions and is roasted and ground on location.

Cheryl’s passion toward coffee is much more than simply how it tantalizes the taste buds. There is something about having a cup of hot coffee in your hands while reading or sitting that promotes warmth and a peaceful feeling inside. Coffee serves as an invitation to come together with family and friends who can spend time laughing and talking about the everyday cares of life.

In addition to freshly roasted coffee the Greene Beanery menu also includes Espresso Beverages, Frappes and Smoothies as well as other hot and cold beverages. Fresh muffins, scones and cookies are offered, as well as cinnamon rolls on select days and Amish Glazed Donuts on Saturdays. Delicious lunch options are also available with a variety of sandwiches, sides and soups.

Check www.greenebeanery.com, or FB at The Greene Beanery for further information on hours.

Located at 25675 S. R. 41, Peebles. (937) 798-4023 www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 27

OUTDOORS

Wandering bears find new territory in Adams County

By Tom Cross

O

n Christmas night 2018, a large male black bear was crossing State Route 32 just west of Union Hill in Adams County when it was struck by a 15-passenger van that was returning from a family Christmas gathering.

No one in the van was injured, but the bear sustained serious injuries and had to be euthanized. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said it was the first bear-auto accident reported in southwest Ohio. The bear was big, weighing 261 pounds, and was estimated to be between 5 and 10 years old.

It also wasn’t the first bear to have visited Adams County.

In 1989, a nuisance black bear was trapped in northeast Ohio by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and transported to Shawnee State Forest. Even though the location of the release at Upper Twin Creek was to be kept a secret, if you had connections, the secret wasn’t so secret. Upper Twin Creek had a reputation in those days as a haven for poachers. However, it wasn’t poachers that the bear didn’t like, it was the food service. Within a week, the bear swam the Ohio River, ending up at pizzeria in Vanceburg, Ky., and was eating out of a dumpster. Bears love a free meal.

In 2004, a radio-tagged female bear from West Virginia found her way into Adams County after 21 days on the run.

The radio collar enabled the Division of Wildlife to track the bear since it crossed the Ohio River near Gallipolis. The bear first showed up in Adams County near Jaybird Road. That same evening, retired Adams County Wildlife Officer Jerry Camp witnessed the bear at an intersection near Peebles. It crossed the highway twice, almost causing a collision.

A black bear was spotted in 2015 in Shawnee State Forest. Photo courtesy of Davin and Laura Hughes

A day later, the bear was observed north of Winchester, and that evening, she was seen in Sugar Tree Ridge. Moving 20 to 30 miles a day, she became quite the celebrity and was eventually treed by a house dog in suburban Grove City. Wildlife officers tranquilized the bear and handed her over to West Virginia officials, who turned her loose back where she came from.

In 2007, a number of bear sightings occurred in Adams County, beginning in June with a bear on Bat Roost Road that was headed for dog food. Days later, a bear near Beasley Fork found its way into a garbage can. On Vaughn Ridge Road, a bear was reported to be getting into garbage at night. Another bear was seen near the cemetery at Locust Grove.

28 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

A week later, a sheriff’s deputy reported a bear near Cedar Mills. A nearby trail camera at a game feeder took 11 pictures of a bear eating the corn that had accumulated under the feeder.

As sightings increased, Cincinnati stations WCPO-TV (Channel 9) and WKRC-TV (Channel 12) took notice and broadcast news stories about the bears in Adams County. The Cincinnati Enquirer also published a story on the bears.

In June 2014, a bear was spotted in Adams County near Compton Hill Road and then in the village of West Union. Another report said there were two bears in West Union. That following weekend, a bear was spotted near Eckmansville; there also was a report of www.adamscountytravel.org

a bear crossing at Narrow Gauge Road State Route 136 and heading east.

In June 2015, Laura and David Hughes photographed a bear in Shawnee State Forest. Jenny Richards said that in her 17 years as naturalist at Shawnee, someone reports a bear every year.

At Dailey’s Outfitters, Nathan Dailey said that this past year, he received about a dozen reports of bears in Adams County from pictures taken by trail cameras. One photo was of a bear with two cubs. Dailey said most bear reports come from southeastern Adams County and from around Jaybird Road and Pine Gap Road near Brush Creek State Forest and the GE Aviation proving grounds.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, from 2015 through 2017, all six confirmed bear sightings in southwest Ohio have come from Adams County.

Larry (left) and Nathan Dailey with the bear that was hit by a van Christmas night.

Tom Cross has written on the outdoors for the People’s Defender for more than 35 years and has kept track of bear sightings in Adams County. n

Hunting, fishing, etc.

Public Hunting Areas Tranquility Wildlife Area Shawnee State Forest Brush Creek State Forest The Edge of Appalachia Preserve (by permit only) Local Outfitters Crawford Farms, crawfordfarmshunting.com Real McCoy Outdoors, realmccoyoutdoors.com Riverhills Whitetail, riverhillswhitetail.com Ohio Premier Trophy Outfitters, ohpto.com Public Fishing Areas Ohio River Ohio Brush Creek Adams Lake Winchester Lake Tranquility Wildlife Area ponds Public boat ramps and canoe/kayak launches are marked on the map within this guide.

Ohio Brush Creek Canoe Access State Route 73 bridge over Ohio Brush Creek at Serpent Mound State Route 125 bridge over Ohio Brush Creek east of West Union State Route 348 bridge over Ohio Brush Creek east of West Union Edge of Appalachia Creek’s Bend access on Waggoner Riffle Road

www.adamscountytravel.org

Craig Hall, of Virginia, took a prize deer last year in Tranquility Wildlife Area.

Ohio River Boat Ramps & Campgrounds Brush Creek Boat Ramp & Campground: Nine miles east of Manchester on U.S. 52. Fee charged for launching and camping. (937) 205-7732 Island Creek Marina & Campground: One mile east of Manchester on U.S. 52. Fee charged for launching and camping.

(937) 549-1430 Sandy Springs Campgrounds & Small Boat Launch: One mile east of Sandy Springs on U.S. 52. Fee charged for launching and camping. (701) 640-7858, sandyspringscampground.com

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 29

CANOEING & KAYAKING

Gliding on Ohio Brush Creek a pleasure

By Tom Cross

ABOVE: Ohio Brush Creek provides a gentle float in many areas.

LEFT: A kayak or canoe is the best way to access the hard-to-reach waters of Ohio Brush Creek and do a little fishing.

O

hio Brush Creek in Adams County offers great fishing, floating and wildlife viewing, and with the completion of two canoe/ kayak access sites, it has never been easier.

A joint project of the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Transportation to provide canoe and kayak access on Ohio Brush Creek had been a long-sought goal of the travel bureau, stretching back to its earliest days.

A third access, at the Edge of Appalachia Preser ve’s Creek’s Bend, complements the two upstream sites, providing a simply beautiful nine-mile floating journey.

Two access sites are located off State Route 348—at the State Route 348 bridge over Ohio Brush Creek and at the State Route 125 Bridge. The Creek’s Bend canoe access is located about three miles south of State Route 125 on Waggoner Riffle Road.

Ample parking is available at all three sites. It’s about three miles from the

30 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

State Route 348 bridge downstream to the State Route 125 bridge access point and an additional three-mile float to Creek’s Bend. If adventure harkens to your soul, then it’s about an eight-anda-half-mile float to the Ohio River from the State Route 125 bridge. A Corps of Engineers public boat ramp marks the confluence of Ohio Brush Creek and the Ohio River.

If a two- to three-day float and an overnight stay on the creek are in your plans, the Serpent Mound canoe access on State Route 73 just east of Louden would be a good drop-off point. It’s more than 25 miles to the Ohio River from there.

Visitors can find other locations on Ohio Brush Creek to drop a canoe in the water, but parking is non-existent or limited in most cases, and one always has to be concerned about private property, as property lines are usually not marked. For a complete list of canoe/kayak drop-offs on Ohio Brush Creek, order the pamphlet “Boating on Ohio Streams – South Central Region” from the Ohio Department of www.adamscountytravel.org

ABOVE: The Ohio Brush Creek access point at the State Route 125 bridge.

RIGHT: A map details the Ohio Brush Creek access points.

Natural Resources Parks and Watercraft (watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/publications).

The department says canoes and kayaks are the fastest-growing segment of watercraft usage.

Ohio Brush Creek downstream from the State Route 348 bridge is floatable year-round. Upstream from the State Route 348 bridge, the dry or low-water conditions typical in late summer can mean dragging a canoe over a lot of riffles. The prime time to float all of Brush Creek is mid-April through June.

Ohio Brush Creek is a beautiful freeflowing stream, considered one of the gems of southern Ohio. Bobcats, otters, eagles, herons, deer, coyotes, wild turkeys, muskrats, beavers and maybe even a bear are some of the wildlife that have been observed along the stream or in the surrounding forest. Your float will truly be a memorable one.

Tom Cross is tourism director in Adams County and author of the book “Fishing Ohio.” All public canoe access sites on Ohio Brush Creek are noted on the Adams County map in this guide. n

After canoeing to find a quiet spot on Ohio Brush Creek, a fisherman attempts to reel in a big catch. www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 31

AMISH

An Amish farmer in Adams County hitches equipment to his team of horses.

Amish provide visitors with glimpse of life in the past

T

he Amish community on Wheat Ridge planted its humble roots in 1976 when seven families, looking for a fresh start, relocated from Melroy, Ind., to Adams County because land was affordable and available.

The late Bill Lafferty of West Union, who visited the Amish harness shops in Melroy, spoke favorably of the area.

When the first Amish finally settled in Adams County, it was noted that many were at first hog farmers.

Over time, the Wheat Ridge Amish gradually evolved from a farming community into a merchant, industrial and service community that now boasts almost 100 Amish households.

Several factors have contributed to the prosperity of the Wheat Ridge Amish community in those early years: the close proximity to State Route 32, the old Cedar Works factory, good cooking and self-determination.

More than 30 years ago, Roy Keim pulled a buggy under a shade tree on the newly completed State Route 32 (Appalachian Highway) to sell homemade bread and bakery products that his wife and daughters had prepared the evening before.

Miller’s Bakery & Furniture started out as a small kitchen bakery catering to tourists and locals that were attracted to an old-fashioned Amish bakery and the

community’s quaint horse-and-buggy transportation.

Roy Raber started a small shoe-repair shop on Murphin Ridge Road. Soon

People travel from far away to buy fresh-baked goods from Amish merchants.

32 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org

thereafter, Amish lumber mills started operating. Several Amish families found profitable enterprises in building birdhouses for the new Cedar Works plant that opened near Peebles.

The Wheat Ridge Amish community saw substantial growth during the 1980s and 1990s, and so, too, did their varied industries and businesses. The community now has four parochial schools, enrolling about 40 to 60 students each.

Today’s Amish community is no different from those early days in the late 1970s when the sound of a horse and buggy’s clip-clop on the pavement was heard and schoolchildren pushed scooters and commanded the reins of small buggies guiding them to oneroom schoolhouses where baseball is still the preferred sport.

Clothes are still dried on backyard clotheslines, and women still wear white sunbonnets and tend to large, perfectly manicured family gardens that are the envy of all who pass.

Travelers to Wheat Ridge still have to navigate narrow, winding, uphill roads—and perhaps a covered bridge if coming in from the west—all while keeping a sharp eye out for horses and buggies, and bicycles ridden by both adults and children. Once atop the ridge, the beauty is evident as the rural surroundings haven’t changed much.

At the Wheat Ridge Amish community, shoes can be repaired, a buggy can be fixed, furniture made, signs painted and horses bought or traded. Amish tradesmen stand ready to replace a roof or build a house or barn, or design handcrafted kitchen cabinets built to specs.

Building supplies, rough lumber, fresh farm produce and bakery products are all available, and, occasionally, a handmade Amish quilt can be acquired at auctions to benefit local Amish schools.

On Wheat Ridge, the slower pace of life is plainly evident. It’s a way of life that moves at a buggy’s pace. n

Don’t forget to attend the….

Amish School Benefit Auction & Supper (Public invited to attend) May 3 & Sept. 27 Supper @ 4 p.m. (cost: donation) Auction @ 5 p.m.

Wheat Ridge Community Building 3735 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union Information: Ridgeway Lumber — (937) 544-7566

Car and truck drivers always must be aware of Amish horses and buggies traveling the roads of Adams County.

www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 33

2019 Adams County Amish Business Directory The Adams County Wheat Ridge Amish community offers many shops and services—from furniture, dry goods and bakeries to builders and craftsmen. All Amish businesses are closed Sunday.

Allan Miller Construction 620 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-7831

Mast Construction 1735 Freeland Hollow Road, West Union (937) 544-2323

Brush Creek Deer Processing 1423 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-2592

Miller’s Bakery & Gifts 954 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-4520

CCL Bicycle Shop 1195 Duffy Road, Peebles (937) 386-3368

Miller’s Bulk Foods 930 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-8449

Cedar Hill Machine 4830 Unity Road, West Union (937) 386-0068

Miller Carpentry 613 Clay Moore Road, West Union (937) 386-3266

Cedar Hill Pallet 4830 Unity Road, West Union (937) 544-9984

Miller’s Furniture 960 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-8524

Cedar Ridge Sales 125 Hull Road, West Union (937) 779-6388

Miller’s Upholstery 5212 Unity Road, West Union (937) 386-0266

Duffy Road Wood Products 380 Duffy Road, Peebles (937) 386-0086

Murphin Ridge Building Supplies 67 Murphin Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-8010

Fox Hollow Pallet 3519 Graces Run Road, Winchester (937) 386-2872

Raber’s Shoes & Saddlery 1324 Duffey Road, Peebles (937) 386-9927

Hillcrest Fencing 2260 Bailey Road, Peebles (937) 386-9990

Ridgeway Lumber & Mulch 3735 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-7566

Hilltop Cabinet 1553 Tater Ridge Road, West Union (937) 387-1908

Schlabach Construction 1999 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-3964

Hochstetler Construction 1493 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-4624

Schmuckers Deer Processing 234 Duffy Road, Peebles (937) 386-0260

Keim Family Market 2621 Burnt Cabin Road, Seaman (937) 386-9995

Schwartz’s Small Engine Repair 2535 Graces Run Road, Winchester (937) 386-1144

L&R Woodworking 1700 Tater Ridge Road, West Union (937) 386-0594

Shetler Solar 1989 State Route 137, Winchester (937) 386-3183

34 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

Stutzman Buggy Repair 1195 Duffy Road, Peebles (937) 386-3368 Unity Woodworks 2274 Unity Road, West Union (937) 544-8068 Wagler’s Roofing & Construction 1827 Tater Ridge Road, West Union (937) 386-0330 Wheat Ridge Barns 1587 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-6317 Wheat Ridge Cedar & Country Cabins 2965 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-0898 Wheat Ridge Fencing 4100 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-4162 Wheat Ridge Pallet 55 Poole Road, West Union (937) 544-8457 Wheat Ridge Sales 1493 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union (937) 544-4624 Yutzy Construction 1720 Freeland Hollow Road, West Union (937) 544-7260

www.adamscountytravel.org

ACTIVITIES

Go pedaling along peaceful pastures

Beautiful scenery in Adams County provides a perfect day of biking.

Hours: 7AM-10PM 7 Days a Week (937) 544-5147 Pizza: 544-6053

“HUNTERS, HIKERS & BIKERS HANGOUT” “21ST CENTURY COUNTRY STORE” Beer Cave • Hot Food • Pizza • Deli Ohio Lottery • Rest Rooms Game Check • Bait Shop Hunting & Fishing Licenses Post Office • Notary Public Kerosene • Diesel • Propane Hardware & Plumbing Supplies 21309 State Route 125 • Blue Creek, OH 45616

www.bluecreekgeneralstore.com

At HealthSource of Ohio Seaman, we believe healthier people make happier communities. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Accepting new patients.

HealthSource of Ohio Seaman Family Practice, Pediatrics, Dental 218 Stern Drive • 937.386.1379 Pharmacy • 937.386.1350 www.healthsourceofohio.org

36 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org

A

dams County country roads offer cyclists a chance to view the beautiful countryside of southern Ohio on roads less traveled.

The back roads and country byways have little traffic and are perfect for an afternoon of two-wheel pedaling.

Wheat Ridge and Graces Run roads are at the heart of Adams County’s Amish community, where you’ll likely have to share the road with horses and buggies and light tourist traffic on the weekends.

Occasionally, a semitrailer hauling lumber or a pickup truck towing a trailer with an Amish-built shed will be on the road during the workweek. Don’t worry: The road is plenty wide enough for everybody, and the side roads—such as Tater Ridge, Unity and Duffy—are pretty lonesome most of the time.

On Wheat Ridge, Miller’s Bulk Foods and Miller’s Bakery & Gifts have donuts, coffee, sandwiches, water and pop for a refreshment break. At the bottom of the hill on Graces Run, visitors can ride through the newly renovated and historic Harshaville Covered Bridge.

A little farther east in Adams County is a bunch of county roads that are

lightly traveled by autos. Mineral Springs Road is perhaps one of the most scenic. It can be a long ride past Mineral Springs Lake and within sight of Peach Mountain, the highest point in Adams County. The little burg of Mineral Springs is a postcard village with some interesting history, and visitors will ride past the still flowing spring from which the village takes its namesake.

At the southern end of Adams County, Waggoner Riff le Road follows Ohio Brush Creek, through the 20,000-acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve ending at Abner Hollow. About midway through is the Creek’s Bend Overlook picnic area with a stunning view of Ohio Brush Creek and a good stop for a bathroom break. Cyclists are welcome, too, at the Eulett Center on Waggoner Riffle Road, headquarters for the Cincinnati Museum Center and Nature Conservancy staffers who oversee the preserve.

Adams County offers the perfect escape for a scenic afternoon or a daylong bicycle ride. The many county and township roads that wind through the countryside provide wonderful views and little traffic for a perfect day of bike

riding. It’s easy to get lost on the back roads, but don’t worry, half the fun is finding your way back.

Maps showing county and township roads are available from the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau, 509 E. Main St. West Union, OH 45693. (937) 544-5639. To rent a bicycle for the day or the hour, or to purchase a bicycle, contact CCL Bicycle Shop at (937) 386-3368. It is located at 1195 Duffy Road, Peebles, OH, 45660, in the heart of Adams County Amish country. n

A group of bicyclists heads downhill on Wheat Ridge Road.

“Name Brand Home Furnishings Since 1928”

MOSIER Furniture & Appliance West Union, OH

937-544-2711 800-300-2711 Store Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Closed Sunday’s Credit Cards Accepted

217 North West Street West Union, OH www.mosierfurniture.com www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 37

Elite kennel club event heads for Adams County

By Todd Kellam Photos by Erin Lewis

Parker Lewis takes a shed deer antler from Link.

T

his spring will feature an exciting step for the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series and Adams County, when the United Kennel Club will host the first of what is planned to become an annual premier event in the sport of shed dogs.

The goal of the event—UKC Elite Shed Dog Series National Championship on April 26-28—is to showcase and celebrate the finest talent from throughout the country in the sport of shed dogs. Awards and recognition will be bestowed on deserving individuals, and a quality experience awaits those who qualify and enter the competition.

The setting will be Real McCoy Outdoors, near West Union. It is hoped that the location, being central to the sport, will afford an opportunity for everyone to attend. Real McCoy Outdoors offers more than 8,000 acres of trophy whitetail-managed property. Featuring a beautiful lodge, kennels and cabins, it will be a setting that complements a national shed dog event. With the event falling on the last weekend in April, many hope for pleasant spring weather—not too hot to run dogs and

not too green for them to perform well.

Shed hunting is a unique sport in which the family dog can be trained to recover shed deer antlers in a natural setting and earn points toward championship titles.

The Ohio Shed Hunting Dog Association’s Rob and Erin Lewis, along with Real McCoy Outdoors (Chad and Angie McLink brings back a shed deer antler.

Coy, and Lear McCoy) will help coordinate grounds, particulars and local arrangements. United Ken- qualifying runs to be eligible to enter nel Club staff will be in attendance to the Champion class. oversee the administration of the event.

The first UKC Elite Shed Dog Series Spectators are welcome, and there is National Champion will be crowned— no charge to tour the Real McCoy Out- how would that title look on the official doors area and learn more about United registration certificate and pedigree of Kennel Clubs Elite Shed Dog Series your dog? events for shed-antler recovery dogs.

Tentatively, the National Champion- The UKC Elite Shed Dog Series National ship will feature events for both Work- Championship will occur April 26-28 at ing Shed Dog Class and Champion Shed Real McCoy Outdoors/McCoy’s at PopDog Class. Qualification requirements lar Flat at 2064 Poplar Flat Road, West have been set at one qualifying run Union, near Bentonville, and is open to during the preceding year to be eligible the public. Information: Chad McCoy at to enter the Working class and four (937) 430-4999. n

38 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org

DINING

Moyer Winery & Restaurant WITH NEW OWNERS, REMODELED EATERY RETAINS AMBIENCE

I

n 1972, Ken and Mary Moyer picked a location along the banks of the Ohio River to start a vineyard and open a restaurant, Moyer Winery & Restaurant.

From the dining-room windows, the view of the Ohio River was stunning as guests watched boats and barges loaded with coal make their way up and down the river. Diners from Cincinnati, Portsmouth and northern Kentucky soon discovered this quaint winery and restaurant on Ohio scenic byway U.S. 52.

Moyer a lso beca me pa r t of t he Clothesline of Quilts quilt barn trail in Adams County with the Lemon Star quilt painted on its barn in 2002.

Last year, Moyer changed hands, and new owners Ken and Kimberly Smith wanted to bring back that same atmosphere of good food and friends that the Moyers brought to the business.

Moyer underwent a complete remodel, closing for more than six months while contractors replaced walls, rerouted plumbing and upgraded the kitchen and dining room.

Menus were changed, but some old favorites remained. Reopening in late July 2018, Moyer is once again tending the vineyards and serving great food and entertaining friends and families.

From the dining room, the same stunning views of green vineyards, the quilt barn and the Ohio River haven’t changed at all; enjoying a meal with friends and sipping a glass of Moyer’s wine hasn’t changed either.

Moyer Winery & Restaurant, 3859 U.S. 52, Manchester. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays.

For reservations, call (937) 549-2957. n

The new Moyer owners, Ken and Kimberly Smith, stand next to a photo of the restaurant’s founders, Ken and Mary Moyer.

ABOVE: Moyer vineyards supply grapes for the winery and restaurant.

LEFT: The restaurant opens for lunch at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 39

LODGING BED & BREAKFAST

CABINS/COTTAGES/ RETREATS

Dogwood Farm B&B Enjoy one of four rooms in this stylish B&B on a scenic farm just outside of West Union. 7070 State Route 125, West Union. (937) 544-5227, dogwoodfarmbb.com

Behm Mountain Cabin Relaxing cabin in the wilds of Adams County was reconstructed from the hand-hewn logs of historical structures originally built more than 100 years ago. Pet friendly. 1561 Coon Hollow Road, Blue Creek. (937) 587-5144, behmmountaincabin.com/

John T. Wilson Homestead & Cabin Historically renovated two-story brick home that appears on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fully modernized, offering three antique bedrooms, living room and large dining room and adjoining cabin. 92 Old State Route 32, Peebles. johntwilsonhomestead.com

Murphin Ridge Inn, Cabins, Amish House & Crosset Cottage Located in the Amish community of Adams County, this historic landmark offers 10 rooms plus nine cabins. Additional lodging at the Amish House and the Crosset Cottage.

750 Murphin Ridge Road, West Union. (937) 544-2263, (877) 687-7446, murphinridgeinn.com RiverHaven B&B Beautiful B&B on the riverfront offering six spacious rooms with private bath. 407 W. Front St., Manchester.

(937) 549-1999 or (937) 509-6086, ohioriverhaven.com Valerie’s House B&B Built in 1883, this Victorian home is a historical landmark in Adams County. Three elegant suites are available for the night or week, and for special occasions or meetings.

530 E. Mulberry St., West Union.

(937) 779-3502 or (833) 303-7796, valerieshouse530.com/

Cave Hill Cabin Offers all the amenities in a quiet wooded setting at the end of a private road. 778 Cave Hill Road, Winchester.

(513) 580-8826, cavehillcabin.com Cozy Hideaway A vacation destination that is perfect for a relaxing escape or romantic getaway. Newly renovated cabin for hunting or the adventure of a lifetime. Pet friendly. 415 Cozy Lane, West Union.

(513) 315-3334, cozyhideaway.org Deer Path Cabin A rustic cabin nestled in the woods in tranquil Adams County. The fully furnished cabin has three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, a gas fireplace, a spacious back porch with an outside fire pit with firewood and a one-acre pond for fishing. 657 Tom Brown Road, Winchester. (937) 779-6122, vrbo.com/1271069 Hawk’s View Cabin Overlooking the foothills of Adams County, the cabin has two bedrooms, a full bath and kitchen. If you are looking for a private, quiet getaway, you’ll love this hidden treasure.

265 Greenbrier Road, Seaman. (937) 779-7293, ahawksviewfarm.com Hope Springs Institute Great for small or large groups. A tranquil setting throughout the guesthouse, cabins and trails. 4988 Mineral Springs Road, Peebles. (937) 587-2605, hopespringsinstitute.com Hopewell Croft Cabin Relax at this spacious, yet cozy and comfortable cabin. Cook up a feast in

40 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

the well-equipped kitchen. Explore the winding trails. Rest by the peaceful stream. Pet friendly. 2626 Suck Run Road, Bentonville. hopewellcroft.com McIntosh Cabin Fishing, boating and hiking. Close to Buzzardroost, Lynx Prairie and Shawnee State Park. Sleeps six, with four bunks, one full bath and kitchen.

Pet friendly. 1709 Bethany Ridge Road, West Union. (937) 544-7294 or (937) 259-4502 Mound View Farms Get away from it all at this secluded cabin in the woods. Perfect place for a family vacation or weekend hunting retreat. Pet friendly. 203 Hedrick Road, Peebles. (937) 587-3489, moundviewfarms.com Ohio Premier Cabin Rentals Gorgeous cabins with pond view for summer family gatherings, couple’s retreat, fishing, hiking and hunting, where outdoor adventure and indoor comfort await you. (937) 549-3337, ohpto.com Ohio Star Retreat Center A comfortable retreat in a country setting where groups can relax and work on projects such as scrapbooking, quilting or writing, or it serves as a base for exploring nature.

232 Old Cincinnati Pike, West Union.

(937) 217-9248, ohiostarrc.com

The Red Barn Located on a secluded dead-end road in the midst of Brush Creek State Forest. Perfect couple’s getaway. Stocked pond and fire pit with free firewood.

91 Cole Lane, Peebles. (937) 231-2604, vrbo.com/782567 www.adamscountytravel.org

Hawks View Cabins

Escape - Relax - Enjoy!

Offering two rustic cabins with a touch of Luxury Our cabins the Eagles Nest & Bears Hideout situated on 80 private acres in the heart of Adams County.

Minutes from Amish and Serpent Mound.

Visit our website to book your getaway now!

(937) 779-7293 • www.ahawksviewfarm.com

COME AND PLAY FOR THE DAY, OR SPEND THE NIGHT! GET AWAY FROM IT ALL AT LONG’S RETREAT!

Southern Ohio’s 400 Acre Fun Place for the Entire Family!

50 Bell Hollow Road, Latham, Ohio 937-588-3725

www.LongsRetreat.com

400 Trailer & Tent Campsites, 28 Cabin Rentals Swim Beach with Diving Boards Splash Pad, Hydrotube Slide, and a Raindrop 2 Giant Waterslides Grand-Prix Style Go Kart Track Oasis Indoor Arcade • Paddleboats & Canoes Miniature Golf • Carousel • Long’s Retreat Express Water Wars • Fishing • Volleyball • Inflatables Tennis • Basketball • General Store Propane Gas • Firewood • Laundry Shower Houses • Family Reunions Shelter Houses • Group Activities

www.adamscountytravel.org

ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 41

LODGING River Barn Located on the riverfront. Offers cabins and camping. Pet friendly. 7021 U.S. 52, Manchester. (937) 549-3033, adamscolumber.com The Sanctuary A full-sized home situated on a secluded ridge on eight private acres.

Adjoins Brush Creek State Forest.

1620 Coffee Hollow Road, Peebles.

(937) 231-2604, vrbo.com/354078 Scenic-View Cottage Across from the Ohio Brush Creek, visitors will enjoy the quaint valley in a private cottage. Pet friendly. 20913 State Route 41, Peebles. (937) 587-2874, scenicviewcottage.com Unity Woods Cabins Experience life like the Amish by staying in one of three non-electric/

gas-run cabins situated next to 196acre state nature preserve, with pond and miles of walking and birding trails. Pet friendly. 1095 Marjorie Johnson Road, West Union.

(937) 544-6908, unitywoods.org The Ville Guesthouse Nestled in the Ohio River foothills is a majestic 1870s farmhouse with five bedrooms and four baths for rent as a whole or as individual rooms with a pier and dock on the Ohio River.

350 State Route 247, Manchester.

(937) 217-3000, thevilleguesthouse.com

CAMPING Adams Lake State Park One of the state’s most scenic and biologically interesting areas has much to offer the nature enthusiast.

Remnant prairies and a quiet lake

in this small (50-acre) unique park.

Adams Lake now offers 10 primitive campsites. 14633 State Route 41, West Union. parks.ohiodnr.gov/adamslake Brush Creek Boat Ramp & Campground Boating, fishing, camping, launch ramp, food, picnic areas and fuel on lower Ohio Brush Creek. Open April through September. Boating access to Brush Creek Island. 17085 U.S. 52. (937) 205-7732 Cedar Trails Nudist Retreat Tent and RV sites with electric. Rental cabins with showers. 11 Cow Run Road, Peebles. (937) 764-1365, cedartrailnudistretreat.com Island Creek Marina & Campground Offering camping and picnic area along the Ohio River, with a boat

adaMs County, ohio

Valerie’s House Bed & Breakfast / Cafe Come Relax & Enjoy an old Victorian Setting Enjoy a complimentary breakfast. The sitting rooms are available in the afternoon for guest to relax with a book, tea, coffee and a variety of snacks. We offer a variety of amenities to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible

Our Cafe

Stop in for Homemade Sandwiches, Soups, Salads and Desserts Tue - Fri 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

The place for starry nights, delicious dinners, warm fires, and gracious hospitality.

We are selling Candleberry Products

Call 877-687-7446 or visit online at www.murphinridgeinn.com Make your MoMents MeMorable on the ridge.

530 East Mulberry St. • West Union OH • 937-779-3502 • valerieshouse530.com

42 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE Murphin_1/4pg CincyMag.indd 1 12/31/09 9:58:21 AM

www.adamscountytravel.org

launch and fueling dock. Perfect view and access to the Ohio Islands National Wildlife Refuge. 8801 U.S. 52, Manchester. (937) 549-1430, islandcreekmarina.webs.com Long’s Retreat Family Resort An excellent destination for families, RV and tent camping, cabin rentals, swimming, waterslides, mini-golf and go-karts. 50 Bell Hollow Road, Latham.

(937) 588-3725, longsretreat.com Mineral Springs Lake Resort Offering cabins, seasonal camping with electric hookups, a beach, a mini puttputt golf course and 100-acre lake. 162 Bluegill Road, Peebles. (937) 587-3132, mineralspringslakefarmresort.com Sandy Springs Campground 40 campsites along the banks of the Ohio River. Tent camping and RV

hookup, restrooms and showers.

Daily, monthly and seasonal rates.

Ramp for small-boat launching. 27719 U.S. 52, Stout. (701) 640-7858, sandyspringscampground.com/

HOTELS/MOTELS Budget Host Sunset Inn Reasonable rates and clean rooms, located at the intersection of State Route 32 and State Route 136. Pet friendly.

18760 State Route 136, Winchester.

(937) 695-0381 or (800) BUD-HOST Comfort Inn Relax in one of 34 rooms, with an outdoor pool. Conveniently located at the intersection of State Route 247 and State Route 32. Pet friendly. 55 Stern Drive, Seaman. (937) 386-2511 or (888) 386-2511

Country Nights Inn 19 rooms in the heart of West Union’s business district. A short walking distance to many restaurants. 11255 State Route 41, West Union. (937) 544-9761 Manchester Motel 11 rooms, all on ground level, conveniently located on U.S. 52. 607 W. 2nd St., U.S. 52, Manchester. (937) 549-4110

Adams County is a great place to rest and relax.

Get away from it all at this two bedroom, two bath secluded cabin in the woods one hour east of Cincinnati in Adams County. Family owned and operated for over 100 years, the 266 acre farm is certified organic. This is the perfect cabin for a family vacation or weekend hunting retreat.

Hunting is not allowed on the farm, but the pond is available for fishing.

Built in 2009 and fully furnished, you will have all the comforts of home.

An inviting porch swing waits for you on the covered front porch.

For Rental information, call or go online: Steve & Amy Hedrick: 937-587-3489 www.moundviewfarms.com www.adamscountytravel.org

Like us on ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 43

VALERIE’S HOUSE

Valerie’s House is more than 135 years old.

Historic B&B/café opens in West Union T he quaint and historic Valerie’s House, built in 1883 by James Harvey Connor, was home to four generations of the same family.

Connor was the grandson of Peter O’Connor, an Irish immigrant—the name was changed when the family moved to the United States.

The former owner of the home, the late Valerie Young, followed in her grandfather’s footsteps and was the

postmaster of the West Union post office. Young was a well-known and beloved figure in Adams County, and active in the local historical society. At the time of her passing, Young’s house was filled with antique furniture.

The Victorian home was designated a Historical Ohio Homestead by the Ohio Historical Society, and it still retains that late 1800s décor as a bedand-breakfast inn.

There are three suites accented with antique furniture of the era: • The Conner Suite is named after James H. Conner.

• The Dunlap Suite is named in honor of Young’s mother, Dorothy Dunlap.

• The Isabella Suite is named after the late daughter of the current owner.

Antique-filled sitting rooms are available for guests to relax with a book, tea, coffee and a variety of snacks. Overnight guests are treated to a complimentary breakfast.

The café at Valerie’s House is open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and serves a variety of soups, sandwiches and salads, as well as soda, coffee, tea and milkshakes.

The Isabella Suite at Valerie’s House is decorated with antique furniture.

44 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

Valerie’s House is located at 530 E. Mulberry St., downtown West Union. For rooms, reservations and information: valerieshouse530@gmail.com or (937) 779-3502. n www.adamscountytravel.org

DINING FINE DINING… Moyer Winery & Restaurant Fine dining with breathtaking views of the Ohio River. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday. Reservations recommended. 3859 U.S. 52, Manchester. (937) 549-2957 Murphin Ridge Inn Historic 1826 dining house. 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. 750 Murphin Ridge Road, West Union. (937) 544-2263 or (877) 687-7446

UNIQUE DINING… BK Scoop Old-fashioned ice cream parlor serving milkshakes, banana splits, more than 30 specialty hot dogs and footlongs. Monday-Saturday. 632 Panhandle Ave., West Union. (937) 544-1634

Olde Wayside Inn Home-cooked meals at the historic Bradford Traven, built in 1804, a registered Historic Landmark. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday buffet; closed Monday. 222 Main St., West Union. (937) 544-7103 Valerie’s House Cafe A variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as soda, coffee, tea and milkshakes. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. 530 E. Mulberry St. West Union. (937) 217-2512

IN THE WHEAT RIDGE / AMISH COMMUNITY… Keim Family Market Deli & Bakery 2621 Burnt Cabin Road, Seaman (937) 386-9995 Miller’s Furniture, Bakery & Bulk Foods 960 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union.

Deli: (937) 544-8449, Bakery: (937) 544-4520

LOCAL FAVORITES… Ayer’s Eat & Treat Dairy Bar Manchester. (937) 549-2236 Blue Creek General Store and Restaurant Blue Creek. (937) 544-5147 Crossroads Dairy Bar Seaman. (937) 386-2574 Eight Ball Pool Hall Manchester. (937) 549-3080 Fancy’s Pizza Winchester. (937) 695-0612 Giovanni’s Pizza Manchester: (937) 549-2291; Peebles: (937) 587-3308; Seaman: (937) 386-2121; West Union: (937) 544-7100 Hometown Pizza Peebles. (937) 587-5000 JT’s Stovetop Barbeque West Union. (937) 544-7447

FAMILIAR FRANCHISES…

Locust Grove Dairy Bar Locust Grove. (937) 587-2760

Domino’s Pizza West Union. (937) 544-4242

Mel’s Main Street Grill Peebles. (937) 587-2000

Blake Pharmacy Five-cent Cokes served from a 1961 soda counter. Enjoy sandwiches and milkshakes from an old-fashioned pharmacy. Soda fountain open daily except Sunday. 209 N. Market St., West Union (across from the courthouse). (937) 544-2451

Frisch’s West Union. (937) 544-8985

Mikey’s Restaurant West Union. (937) 544-7103

Gold Star Chili Seaman. (937) 386-1397

Prather’s IGA- Deli West Union. (937) 544-2228

KFC/Taco Bell West Union. (937) 544-9019

Reid’s Dairy Bar Winchester. (937) 695-8019

Cruisers Diner Dine in an old-fashioned ’50s style diner. Conveniently located off State Route 32. Open seven days a week. 155 Stern Drive, Seaman. (937) 386-3330

McDonalds West Union, Peebles and Seaman.

Sunset Bowl State Route 125 at Panhandle.

(937) 544-5205

Greene Beanery Coffee Roastery Small-batch coffee roster in Peebles.

Coffee from eight different origins, Amish-made donuts and pastries, soups and sandwiches. Monday-Saturday. 25675 State Route 41, Peebles.

(937) 798-4023, greenebeanery.com

Snappy Tomato Pizza West Union: (937) 544-5583; Peebles: (937) 587-1717; Seaman: (937) 386-1010 Subway Winchester: (937) 695-0405; West Union: (937) 544-3000

Taste of China West Union. (937) 544-4068 White Star Restaurant Peebles. (937) 587-5750

Wendy’s West Union. (937) 544-4646

46 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD State group recognizes tourism bureau’s visitors guide for excellence in marketing

By Patricia Beech

T

he Ohio Travel Association has recognized the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau for achievement in marketing.

The nonprofit association represents Ohio’s $44 billion travel industry. The Bureau received the first-place RUBY award in the competition’s Marketing Campaign category for the 2018 Adams County Visitors & Community Guide.

It is the first time that the visitors guide has been entered into the Ruby Award competition, Adams County Tourism Director Tom Cross says. It was the second Ruby Award the travel bureau received – the first in 2015 was for a television commercial promoting Adams County.

“It’s an incredible honor to win,” Cross says.

Cross says he entered the magazine in the competition on a whim, at the last minute.

The Adams County Visitors & Community Guide is published annually by Cincy Magazine. Forty thousand copies of the guide are distributed across southwest Ohio, with an additional 6,000 copies going straight into the mailboxes of Cincy Magazine subscribers, a move Cross says keeps Adams County visible in the Cincinnati market.

“We’ve worked to get the word out, and in return, we’ve seen tourism grow by double digits,” Cross says. “Our guide is something we work incredibly hard on because it’s an honor to represent our Adams County attractions and small businesses and to be recognized as a top performer in the state. It’s very humbling.”

The Ohio Travel Association presented the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau with a first-place RUBY award in the Marketing Campaign category for last year’s visitors guide.

Patricia Beech is the reporter for The People’s Defender newspaper in West Union. n

FAMILY TRADITIONS ANIMAL ADVENTURE

YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS! Event Hall Wedding Venue Cabins 240 Poole Road • West Union, Ohio • (937) 515-8538

McCoy’s at Poplar Flat, where memories are made and traditions begin!

From a red kangaroo to a miniature cow, children and adults alike get to interact with and learn about a variety of exotic and native animals at the new Family Traditions Animal Adventure petting farm.

Spacious pens and enclosures housing llamas, lemurs, foxes, primates, porcupines, and a herd of cloven-hooved animals are available for visitors to learn about from owner, Ryen Shiveley.

Don’t forget to check out our new Walk-in Aviary. Where guests can walk in and feed over 200 parakeets.

We host private events and birthday parties!

2064 Poplar Flat Rd. • West Union, Ohio • (937) 779-2428 www.adamscountytravel.org

Family Traditions Animal Adventure LLC ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE 47

ADVERTISER INDEX Adams County Homecare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Keim Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover, 1

Adams County Public Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Longs Retreat Family Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Ann Taylor’s Quilt Barn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Miller Bakery & Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25, Back Cover

Arc of Appalachia Preserve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Mosier Furniture and Appliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Barry’s Chevrolet and Buick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Mound View Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Blue Creek General Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Moyer on the Ohio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Cave Hill Cabins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Murphin Ridge Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Community Carriage & Leather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Murphin Ridge Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Cozy Hideaway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

The Nature Conservancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Erwin Farms Corn Maze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Olde Thyme Herb Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

First State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Red Barn Convention Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Friends of Serpent Mound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Seaman Comfort Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

GoBus/HAPCAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Studio B Salon and Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

The Greene Beanery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Sunshine Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Hawks View Cabin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Toot’s Sweets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

HealthSource of Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Valeries House B&B/Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Hopewell Croft LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

West Union Flower Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

J. McCoy Lumber Co. Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Wilson Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

• Metal Roofing and Siding • Post Building Packages • Lumber • Trusses • Doors • Windows

67 Murphin Ridge Road, West Union, OH 45693

937-544-8010 Fax: 937-544-0324

937-544-0324

48 ADAMS COUNTY VISITORS AND COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.adamscountytravel.org