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12 Fall Arts Events to See This Season

4 Unique Stays in Amish Country

Colors of Fall Scenic Spots and Fun Festivals to Set Your Autumn Aglow

SQUIRE’S CASTLE, CLEVELAND METROPARKS

Pick a pumpkin and enjoy family fun at

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FEATURES //

Autumn brings pumpkins, sauerkraut, mums and more to the forefront at these 10 heritage festivals.

42 Autumn Legacy

These metropolitan parklands offer beautiful fall color and serve as lasting reminders of those who preserved them.

48 Deadly Passage

In 1876, the Ashtabula train disaster left tragedy, unanswered questions and lasting reforms in its wake.

DEPARTMENTS //

2 Connect 4 Editor’s Note 5 1803

Discover spooky stories in Marietta, and hear from a co-owner of Cleveland Curiosities.

9 Fall Arts Preview

Experience marquee exhibitions, must-see live performances and other arts and culture finds this autumn.

17 Calendar of Events 29 Farm & Table

A Plain City restaurant gives a local landmark new life, and a Cincinnati brewery caters to the entire family.

120 Lion in Autumn

Our 1978 profile of Ohio State Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes highlighted the demands he put on himself.

TRAVEL //

65 Grove City

75 Wineries LONG WEEKENDS: 79 Kentucky 85 Michigan 109 Western NY 113 Pennsylvania

69 America 250-Ohio ON THE COVER: Squire’s Castle, Cleveland Metroparks PHOTO BY GABE WASYLKO OHIO, Vol. 49, No. 8 OHIO (ISSN–0279–3504) is published monthly, with the exception of February, October and December for a total of 9 issues. ©2026 Great Lakes Publishing, 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to OHIO, 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Subscription prices: Ohio residents, residents of other states and possessions, one year–$20; foreign–$86.

SEP TEMBER /OC TOBER 2026

FESTIVAL: HEATHER SEVIGNY; BURGER: COURTESY OF CLOCKTOWEWR; TRAIN: COURTESY OF MARITIME AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM; FOREST: COURTESY OF BUTLER COUNTY

32 Famous Fall Festivals

SEPT/OCT SPECIAL

ADVERTISING SECTIONS FALL FUN AND FRIGHTS

91 FALL FUN AND FRIGHTS

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From colorful fall foliage and harvest traditions to haunted attractions, these destinations offer plenty of ways to embrace the thrills, flavors and fun of autumn.

These autumn favorites offer thrills, great food and seasonal fun.

Swiss Community Historical Society presents

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTINATIONS LISTED

Fall Festival Saturday, September 26th 10 am to 3 pm Admission to the Fall Festival is free with donations appreciated.

For more information visit the Swiss Community Historical Society Facebook page, call 567-387-9208, or visit

swisshistorical.org Visit Blufftonfestival.com for a complete schedule of Fall Festival activities.

PIGEON ROOST, LICKING COUNTY S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

CONNECT

In This Issue: 14 19 6

8 2

12 18 7 16 3

1 5

13 17 15

10 4

Ashville, p. 77 Barberton, p. 35 3 Barnesville, p. 34 4 Cincinnati, p. 31, 37 5 Circleville, p. 38 6 Cleveland, p. 8 7 Coshocton, p. 36 8 Cuyahoga Falls, p. 76 9 Grove City, p. 65 10 Hamilton, p. 33 11 Hartville, p. 38 12 Holmesville, p. 30 13 Lancaster, p. 77 14 Madison, p. 77 15 Marietta, p. 7 1 2

Plus:

Haunted History: In the 1850s, Athens County farmer Jonathan Koons became part of America’s spiritualist movement by creating a room where he claimed to communicate with the dead. Explore the story of spirit rooms, seances and supernatural beliefs that captivated Ohioans during a fascinating chapter of the 19th century. ohiomagazine.com/spiritrooms

9 Metroparks Across the State for Fall Color 12 Fall Arts Events To See This Season

Fall Arts Preview: 12 Things to See this Autumn 4 Ways to Celebrate 14 America 250-Ohio 15

Plain City, p. 29 17 Rockbridge, p. 5 18 Sugarcreek, p. 36 19 Toledo, p. 6 20 Vermilion, p. 39 21 Waynesville, p. 35 16

STAY IN TOUCH WITH US BETWEEN ISSUES.

4 Unique Stays in Amish Country

Colors of Fall s and Fun Festival Scenic Spots Autumn Aglow to Set Your

SEPT/OCT

2026

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Sweet Legacy: For generations, Dum Dums have been a sweet part of American life, and they’re made right here in Bryan, Ohio. Family-owned Spangler Candy Co. produces millions of the colorful lollipops each day, carrying on a long tradition that has made Dum Dums one of Ohio’s most recognizable and enduring candy brands. ohiomagazine.com/dumdums

SQUIRE’S CASTLE, CLEVELAND METROPARKS

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S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

EDITOR’S NOTE

Shared Spaces O

ne of the best things about my time living in Cuyahoga County was the Cleveland Metroparks system. My first visits were to the Rocky River Reservation along the Lakewood and Rocky River border. It sits in a valley and often turned my runs that started on sidewalks along busy city streets into ones accompanied by birdsong and rustling leaves. Even after moving to Sagamore Hills several years later, I often found myself spending afternoons in nearby Brecksville, exploring the different areas of the Cleveland Metroparks system’s largest reservation. There are metropolitan park systems scattered across Ohio. Industry, development and population density make forests, streams, marshes and shorelines such valuable natural resources for those who live nearby. For travelers, these places are often a fascinating way to learn about the past of an area and see it in a new way. As part of this year’s fall-color issue, we focused on locations within metropolitan park systems dotting our state. In many cases they are locations that were made possible by a combination of generosity, hard work and foresight. I could never express my full gratitude to all the people who have made the Cleveland Metroparks and Summit Metro Parks — two systems I regularly visit — what they are today. I’m sure many of us feel the same way. Because autumn is also the season of harvest festivals, we set out in search of pumpkins, mums and even the woollybear. All serve as focal points at gatherings across our state during the next two months. Our festivals guide overflows with gargantuan pumpkins, apple-flavored everything and long-held traditions. We recommend picking one or two to check out this year. Finally, September brings our Fall Arts Preview. The upcoming season of shows brings touring Broadway productions of “Boop! The Musical” and “Death Becomes Her,” while the Cincinnati Art Museum hosts an exhibition of works by renowned artist and conservationist Charley Harper. This fall issue was a big one to assemble and is packed with ideas that will help you make the most of the golden days ahead. We hope it provides some inspiration as you pull those fall sweaters back out of storage.

Chairman Lute Harmon Sr. President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.

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Ohio Magazine is not responsible for the care and/or return of unsolicited photographs, illustrations, manuscripts, books or any other material submitted for possible publication. All photographs are courtesy of the event or organization listed, unless otherwise credited.

JIM VICKERS

SEP TEMBER /OC TOBER 2026

Autumn Lookout tanding high above the canopy of Hocking Hills State Forest and along the Grandma Gatewood Trail, Ash Cave Fire Tower offers 360-degree views of the season’s fall foliage. The 80-foot-tall, Aermotor Co. tower was built in 1934 and used as a wildfire lookout until aerial surveillance replaced the need for the structures. Today, weather permitting and at their own risk, hikers and casual leaf peepers can climb the steps of the tower to take in this scenic Ohio landscape. 19275 St. Rte. 374, Rockbridge 43149, ohiodnr.gov

LITTLE SANDY DRONOGRAPHY

Brand Loyalty: What started with a Jim Tressel sweater-vest

T-shirt has grown into Jupmode, a Toledo-based company focused on merch reflecting hometown pride.

Local Haunt: The Anchorage Mansion offers a slew of

ghostly stories in a nearly 250-year-old river city filled with them, offering tours that let visitors step inside. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Brand Loyalty

What started with a Jim Tressel sweater-vest T-shirt has grown into Jupmode, a Toledo-based company focused on merch reflecting hometown pride.

Amato, who grew up in Toledo and Perrysburg before graduating from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business in 2005, took a shot at pitching his T-shirt idea. When he submitted his design to The Ohio State University’s licensing department, it was approved. “Ohio State University was independent and made [licensing] decisions on their own,” Amato says. “They were more willing

to take a chance on a young kid like me with one good idea.” Amato’s design hit the shelves of Meijer and The Andersons stores in 2007. A year later, he created a gray version (Tressel often alternated wearing a gray sweater vest) as well as a youth version and onesies of the design. Eventually, he added additional collegiate-focused tees to his lineup. Today, Amato operates Jupmode, a company that has around 30 employees. It makes shirts, jackets, hats and socks that honor local landmarks and historic slogans. A perennial favorite is Jupmode’s “You Will Do Better in Toledo” design, a phrase C.W. Lammers coined in 1913 to win a Toledo Commerce Club tourism promotion contest. “We like to celebrate the good things that are happening in our area,” Amato says.

“And remind people of why Toledo, Ohio, or the Midwest is a great place to be.” Many of Jupmode’s illustrations are inspired by local history. The creative team often uses vintage brochures and classic company logos as a starting point for designs. For example, their Tiedtke’s tee honors a former downtown Toledo department store that operated from 1894 to 1972. Although designs can be ordered online, Jupmode has a physical store on Monroe Street, between the Toledo Museum of Art and Fifth Third Field. “It was important for us to be [there] because … you need to have a vibrant downtown in order to really see growth and excitement in the city,” Amato says. “We are doing our best to live that.” — Kelly Larson 1811 Monroe St., Toledo 43604, 419/318-2029, jupmode.com 66

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COURTESY OF JUPMODE

n 2006, John Amato was tuned in to the National Championship Game in which the Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the Florida Gators. As he watched Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel pace the sidelines in his scarlet sweater vest, Amato remarked to his father that somebody should make a T-shirt that replicated Tressel’s iconic look.

FASCINATING OBJECTS FROM OUR PAST

10-INCH, SEWER TILE FOOTBALL Made by Edward J. Ellwood of Uhrichsville

ANCHORAGE MANSION: COURTESY OF HIDDEN MARIETTA; OHIO FINDS: COURTESY OF MEANDER AUCTIONS

Local Haunt

When the sun sets over Marietta, the historic facades of Harmar Village begin to glow from within. One stately structure rises above the others on George Street, and this one is said to hold spooky secrets within its walls. Douglas Putnam and his wife, Eliza, built Anchorage Mansion in 1859, and the sandstone villa has changed hands many times over the years. At various times, it notably served as the home of oil baron Edward The Anchorage Mansion offers a MacTaggert, author Dorothy James Roberts and other prominent Marietta residents. Eventually, after stretches of vacancy and disrepair, the slew of ghostly Washington County Historical Society bought the home in the 1990s. In stories in a nearly 250-year- 2017, the Hidden Marietta Tour Co. stepped in to help give it an afterlife. “[We] heard that it was going to be mothballed and decided to see if old river city we could open our curiosity shop there and offer tours of the building,” filled with them. says Karita Miller, owner of Hidden Marietta Tour Co. “Then, the proceeds from what we make from those go into [restoring] the building.” Since early 2018, Miller’s company has offered history tours, paranormal investigations and the opportunity to browse the curiosity shop inside the mansion. Guided Haunted History Tours explore the ghost stories associated with Anchorage Mansion in the safety of daylight, while the late-night flashlight tours are not for the faint of heart. Inside the mansion, the stories of the spirits said to reside here are the stars of the experience. Miller says her favorite of the cast of active spirits is Edward MacTaggert, who was the longest private resident to live in the house and likes to show that he approves of the updates that have been made to the structure. The spirits of little girls named Henrietta and Clara Belle are said to roam the house, and Miller says some have heard them giggling during tours. “We had one of our tour guides giving a tour. She was in a Victorian dress, and she feels something tugging on the back [of it], and she doesn’t say anything,” Miller recalls. “And then one of the guests says, ‘Well, wait. … who’s that little girl that’s with you? Is that your daughter?’… There was no child on the tour.” — Lainey Novak 424 George St., Marietta 45750, 740/629-0033, hiddenmarietta.com

hile fans might be impatient for kickoff time, it is doubtful anyone would attempt a field goal with this football. This model has the surface texture and seams of the real thing, but instead of pigskin, this football, which was sold in August 2025, was made from Ohio sewer tile by Edward J. Ellwood. Sewer tile (also known as drain tile) for agricultural purposes was produced in dozens of factories across Ohio during the 20th century, but it also gained popularity for decorative, durable household objects including items like planters, doorstops and bookends. Ellwood was born in Uhrichsville and, aside from a stint in the U.S. Army during World War II, lived there working in the local pottery industry until his death. While Tuscarawas County potteries were long known for producing large quantities of utilitarian stoneware and redware, Ellwood’s specialty was sewer-tile figures. Over his career he made everything from common objects like dogs and birds to the more unusual, like skulls and footballs, modeling pieces by hand but also creating molds. Most of his work is signed “EJE,” and he remains Ohio’s best known and most prolific sewer-tile artist. — Hollie Davis

$540 SOLD

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio. SSEE PP TTEE M M BB EE RR //O OC C TTO O BB EE RR 2026 2026

Hungry for More Ohio Magazine? Visit OhioMagazine.com/recipes for new dishes and reader favorites.

Growing Curiosity Cleveland Curiosities co-owner Clement Kunkle talks with us about expanding his educational and wonderfully strange shop in Lakewood.

lement Kunkle wasn’t a typical student and was wholly uninterested in college. So, when his high school biology teacher showed him a monkey skull after Clement Kunkle (right) and Hallie Wallace class one day, new doors opened. Kunkle opened their Cleveland Curiosities shop in and his now-wife Hallie Wallace became 2018 before expanding it in early 2026. fascinated by antiques, natural history and animal anatomy. In 2018, they opened Cleveland Curiosities, a unique oddity shop in Lakewood that sells everything from taxidermy to vintage contraception devices to uranium glass. In early 2026, the couple’s little shop expanded into a larger space right next door. “We have a couple new human skeletons coming in because we have room for them,” Kunkle says. “The new place works really well for being able to compact stuff while still making it visible for everybody and having a flow where everybody feels comfortable.” The new Cleveland Curiosities has provided space for Kunkle and Wallace to spread their collection across three connected rooms, with plans to turn one of them into a curated mini museum. With more space comes opportunities to collect and display even more cool, creepy and offbeat items. We talked with Kunkle about how the store started, where it’s going and the art of balancing the creepy with the educational. — Lainey Novak

How do you balance the shop’s creepy appeal with its scientific side? A: We have our own specific interests, and it’s not always everything spooky and creepy. We do enjoy a lot of educational pieces and historical pieces, it just kind of all depends, because our interests vary … There are so many stores that have so many different things that have completely changed overtime, but since we deal in some really cool old antique occult books and medical books, we’re able to show the history behind some of this really cool, oddball history. Is there an object or display in the new space that best represents what Cleveland Curiosities is all about? A: So, we put a big taxidermy hyena and made a cool scene. When you walk into the other room, you get like an elephant skull, a hyena, an antique guillotine, a coffin. Like all of it hits you at once. So, I feel like that’s kind of a good area. 13377–13381 Madison Ave., Lakewood 44107, 216/777-0257, clevelandcuriosities.com 8

SEP TEMBER /OC TOBER 2026

COURTESY OF CLEVELAND CURIOSITIES

How did Cleveland Curiosities come about and how has it evolved? A: We have learned a lot over the past eight years. We were doing this before the store, too. Hallie and I both found [school] to be so boring … We kind of just started getting into like antiques and natural history and animal anatomy, and then after high school we were like, dude, we’re not doing college. Nothing against college. It’s just not our thing. And then we were like, let’s just kind of go off what we’ve already built, and then we built the store.

FALL ARTS PREVIEW ‘Death Becomes Her’ Sept. 12–Oct. 3: Cleveland; Oct. 6–11: Columbus

atch the Tony Award-winning musical “Death Becomes Her” as it brings its outrageous comedy and characters to the KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland and the Ohio Theatre in Columbus. Based on the favorite 1992 film, this darkly funny production follows two lifelong rivals whose pursuit of eternal youth takes a wild turn. playhousesquare.org; capa.com

MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN

Wild Art: An exhibition of more than 150 original works from renowned artist and conservationist Charley Harper goes on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum on Oct. 16.

Halloween Treat: The Toledo Ballet brings “The Legend of

Sleepy Hollow” to the Valentine Theatre stage for the third year following its 2024 premiere. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

ARTSs SCENE!! SCENE ‘

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FALL ARTS PREVIEW

music

Don Flemons

Sept. 24: Findlay

FLEMONS: COURTESY OF PRATER DAY; BOOP: MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN

Don Flemons’ repertoire spans a century of music, earning him the title “The American Songster.” Flemons also cofounded and was an original member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the first Black string band to win a Grammy Award. Flemons brings his celebration of American roots music to Findlay’s Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. mcpa.org

film

‘The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes’ Oct. 4: Akron

theater

‘Boop! The Musical’ Oct. 20–25: Cincinnati The legendary cartoon character Betty Boop takes a day off from the fame of her black-andwhite world for a colorful adventure through modern-day New York City in “Boop! The Musical.” The touring version of the acclaimed Broadway production comes to Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center as part of a 50-week North American tour that begins this fall. cincinnatiarts.org

This afternoon event brings the 1987 film “The Princess Bride” to the big screen at the Akron Civic Theatre. Afterward, Cary Elwes, who portrayed Westley in the film, takes part in a moderated discussion where he shares behind-thescenes secrets and stories of making the classic film. A limited number of VIP packages containing meet and greets are available. akroncivic.com S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

FALL ARTS PREVIEW exhibit

The Art of Charley Harper: Creatures Wild and Tame

Oct.16–March 7: Cincinnati Art Museum

he vibrant colors and geometric shapes create playful patterns, and it only takes a flash until your brain assembles the pieces to recognize the image at hand. Whether it’s a beagle stop“MYSTERY OF THE MISSING MIGRANTS” ping to sniff some twigs or an impala looking at the viewer unaware of the piercing yellow eyes behind it, Charattending art school there, gained notoriley Harper’s art focused on his love for and ety for his minimal-realism nature illustrafascination with the wildlife of the world. tions that appeared in Ford Motor Co.’s Ford Harper, who settled in Cincinnati after Times travel magazine in the 1950s. He also

did commissions for the National Park Service during the 1970s and ’80s, when he created posters depicting wildlife at locations stretching from Glacier Bay, Alaska, to the

Oktoberfest Findlay! September 26

Fun!

SEP TEMBER /OC TOBER 2026

fun! Plan to attend an annual event, eat and drink your way through town, book a memorable experience, enjoy the fall colors, go on a shopping spree in local shops and more. Fall fun awaits in Findlay!

Connect with us!

into Fall Findlay

Make your plans in Findlay! Findlay is home to all your fall

VisitFindlay.com

Atlantic Barrier Islands in his inimitable style. “[He was] getting ideas about how he might take natural forms and create designs with them that would tell you something about the animal at the same time,” says Julie Aronson, curator of American paintings, sculptures and drawings at the Cincinnati Art Museum. “He starts looking to nature in ways that he can abstract it, and they become these really charming, wonderful, ingenious designs.” This fall, the Cincinnati Art Museum hosts “The Art of Charley Harper: Creatures Wild and Tame,” presented in conjunction with the Cincinnati-based Charley Harper Art Studio. This first full-scale exhibition of Harper’s art opens Oct. 16 and runs through March 7, featuring 150 original works from throughout his career. Harper grew up in rural West Virginia, where he learned to love nature and spent years working his family’s farm. After attending the Art Academy of Cincinnati and working at a design firm that had clients such as Proctor & Gamble, Harper’s art evolved from commercial to conservation. Coinciding with this exhibition, Cincinnati’s Taft Museum of Art hosts “Edie McKee Harper: Modernist at Play,” an exhibition of artwork by Harper’s wife, which runs Oct. 17 through Jan. 24. — Makenna Halm 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati 45202, 513/721-2787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

music

Rodney Atkins

Nov. 6: Marietta Country music star Rodney Atkins brings his signature sound to Peoples Bank Theatre in downtown Marietta. With a career spanning more than two decades, Atkins has earned a loyal following through his heartfelt storytelling and chart-topping country hits. Enjoy an evening of live music at this intimate and historic Ohio theater. peoplesbanktheatre.com

dance

Toledo Ballet’s ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ Oct. 23–24: Toledo

A Halloween chill comes to Toledo’s Valentine Theatre as the Toledo Ballet presents Washington Irving’s legendary tale through dance. Ichabod Crane is a schoolteacher obsessed with ghost stories hoping to win the heart of farmer’s daughter Katrina Van Tassel, when he crosses paths with the Headless Horseman. The show features choreography by Eric Otto and a score by Jonathan Heck. valentinetheatre.com

Life is good when “you’re surrounded by music. ” Cristian Măcelaru Music Director

Your musical escape is waiting. Find your seat at cincinnatisymphony.org

CSO_OhioMagPrint-SepOct_08102026_v2.indd 2

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R8/10/26 2026 4:34 PM13

FALL ARTS PREVIEW exhibit

Clare Rojas: Returning Sept. 18–Feb. 7: Columbus Museum of Art

T ArtMakesCbus

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exhibit

‘Spectacular Freedom: Andrew Wyeth and the Modern American Watercolor’ Sept. 20–Jan.18: Cleveland

This Cleveland Museum of Art exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of American artist Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors and a selection of his other paintings. It features works Wyeth made in rural Pennsylvania and Maine beginning in the 1930s as he built his reputation for watercolor. Organized with the Brandywine Museum of Art, “Spectacular Freedom” draws nearly 75 works from Wyeth’s estate, most of which have never been on view. clevelandart.org

Find events at ColumbusMakesArt.com/Events

he towering, deep-green painting greets exhibition visitors with hidden hummingbirds, delicate spiderwebs and a lone female figure. Artist Clare Rojas’ captivating “The Glowing Nightshade,” is among over 70 works that are part of the artist’s first major hometown exhibition at the Columbus Museum of Art. Opening Sept. 18 and running through Feb. 7, “Clare Rojas: Returning” features painting, sculpture, works on paper and performance from the last 15 years. Rojas was born and raised in Columbus and spent much of her life in northern California before recently returning to her hometown. “There’s so much variety in her work,” says Columbus Museum of Art deputy director for curatorial affairs Anna Katherine

Brodbeck. “Some of her works are almost completely abstract … and then there are other works that are completely figurative … works that deal a lot with reality and then works that deal with a lot of fantasy.” Rather than presenting the pieces in the exhibition chronologically, Brodbeck organized them thematically, allowing visitors to discover recurring ideas of home, memory, nature and personal transformation. As Brodbeck revisited Rojas’ works, she uncovered connections between themes in the art that shaped her curatorial approach. “I wanted to think of it very expansively,” Brodbeck says, “she returns to themes and formal motifs over time that maybe is subconscious for her.” The show opens with abstract imagery in which the artist draws from both nature and her own culture, with pieces reflecting Rojas’ Peruvian heritage. More narrative works convey portraiture and landscape, with figures and animals in the compositions. Birds emerge as symbols of migration, freedom and homecoming, while subtle details, such as an almost invisible spiderweb, invite viewers to linger and wonder. “It’s really an exhibition that is meant to meet people where they’re at,” Brodbeck says, “and take them on an emotional journey.” — Gracie Ehrick

“THE GLOWING NIGHTSHADE”

480 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 614/221-6801, columbusmuseum.org music

Old Crow Medicine Show Oct. 26: Toledo ROJAS: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST, JESSICA SILVERMAN AND ANDREW KREPS GALLERY; INDIGO GIRLS: SHERVIN LAINEZ; OLD CROW: JOSHUA BLACK WILSON

Hailing from western North Carolina, this Grammy-winning act merges bluegrass, mountain and folk music into an amalgam that connects listeners to the past while bringing the sound to a new generation. Performing since 1998, prior to the rise of Americana music as a widely recognized genre, Old Crow Medicine Show makes a stop at Toledo’s Stranahan Theatre. thestranahan.com music

Indigo Girls

Sept.16: Columbus The Grammy-winning folk duo Indigo Girls released its major label debut in 1989 and now has a catalog spanning well over three decades of music. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers play Columbus Commons in support of their latest record, “Look Long,” and have Grammy-nominated songwriter and 4 Non Blondes frontwoman Linda Perry along as special guest. This outdoor show offers a family-friendly atmosphere and lawn-style seating. capa.com S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

exhibit

Wall Power: Spectacular Quilts

from the American Folk Art Museum Oct. 17–Jan.10: Dayton Art Institute

uilts tuck us in at night and keep us warm, but the threads of the artform go beyond comfort and cotton. The Dayton Art Institute features 20 of these works in “Wall Power: Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum,” an exhibition that shares the stories of women, American folk traditions and geography. Opening Oct. 17 and running through Jan. 10, the exhibition features quilts made during the mid-19th through the late 20th centuries from the collection of New York City’s American Folk Art Museum. The show will also feature a selection of American quilts from the Dayton Art Institute’s collection. “ … handcrafted objects can often be dismissed,” says Jerry Smith, head curator and director of curatorial affairs at the Dayton Art Institute. “This type of exhibition really helps celebrate quilts, works by women and the ideas that fine art and handcrafts are often one and the same.”

Quilts in the exhibition represent African American makers of the American south, Amish communities and other foundational artists who inspired generations of quilters to follow. It aims to highlight these works as monumental artworks that are intertwined in American life. The “Lozenge Quilt” dates to the 1930s and was potentially crafted in Tennessee, but the identity of its creator is not known. The quilt’s thick blue border contains neat rows of “BASKETS QUILT” randomized red, blue, pink, brown and green shapes that stretch from one side to the other. Smith says quilt designs are often shaped by regional aspects. Leola Pettway’s “Star of Bethlehem with Satellite Stars Quilt” features a large, multicolored center star with one at each corner. Pettway, who lived in Alabama, created the quilt in 1991 and the design is particular to African American quilters in the south. “The quilts do vary,” Smith says, “mostly by geography and often familial designs.” — Zion Williams 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton 45405, 937/223-4278, daytonartinstitute.org

O N D I S PL AY TH ROUGH

DE CE M BE R 31, 2026 See a vibrant collection of oil paintings by President George W. Bush—and the stories of the warriors they represent—honoring the sacrifice and courage of America’s military servicemen and women.

300 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Scan for more information, or visit NationalVets.org

R ESERVE YO U R T I C K E T S T O D AY 16

SEP TEMBER /OC TOBER 2026

Portraits of Courage by President George W. Bush is on loan from the Argyros Collection at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit whose work includes helping veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.

COLLECTION AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM, NEW YORK. GIFT OF KAREN AND WERNER GUNDERSHEIMER, 2018.2.16. PHOTO BY GAVIN ASHWORTH

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

CALENDAR

FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF EVENTS ACROSS OHIO, VISIT OHIOMAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS.

SEPTEMBER Central FESTIVALS SEPT 12

Delaware County Beer, Bourbon & Wine Festival

Check out the fall edition of this festival that features beer, bourbon, wine, music, art vendors and more. Boardman Arts Park, 154 W. William St., Delaware, 614/226-8744. boardman artspark.org. 3–8 p.m. $25–$30 SEPT 18–20

Grove City Chamber Arts in the Alley Festival

ers through song, dance, video and fun facts. This free performance welcomes blankets and chairs, with beverage sales and food trucks available on-site before the show begins. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. columbuscommons.org. Free. SEPT 11

Dusty Slay

State Regions Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling. For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine.com/events. To submit event information, visit ohiomagazine.com/submit. Events must be submitted at least 8 weeks in advance. Include the date, cost, address of the event, phone number and website, as well as a brief description of the event. Events are published on a space-available basis; however, all events submitted 8 weeks in advance appear on ohiomagazine. com/events. Some listings were written with the help of AI. Listings with photos are paid for by advertisers. Email us at adsales@ohiomagazine.com for more information on enhanced listings.

Dusty Slay draws from his trailer park upbringing, love of classic country and rock, and colorful job history in his comedy. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa. com. Visit website for time and prices.

food, fireworks, games, rides, a parade and free entertainment. Lordstown Center, 1776 Salt Springs Rd., Warren. trulytrumbull.com/events. 1–10 p.m. Free.

SEPT 18

10th Annual Kuchta Farms Fall Fest

Punch Brothers

Formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006, this acclaimed group won a Grammy for Best Folk Album for “All Ashore” in 2018. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Visit website for time and prices.

OTHER EVENTS

SEPT 19–20

Find your way through the corn maze, take a wagon ride and spend time playing in the Barn Yard activity area. Kuchta Farms, 4785 St. Rte. 82, Newton Falls, 330/984-4525. trulytrumbull. com/events. 10 a.m–5 p.m. $13. SEPT 19–OCT 18

CrowFest

SEPT 6

60th Annual Dahlia Show

Celebrate art in all forms during the three-day Arts in the Alley Festival. Enjoy art in all mediums, a community parade and The Voice of Grove City. Town Center Park, 3359 Park St., Grove City, 614/875-9762. visitgrovecity.com. Hours vary. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

Top dahlia growers from across the Midwest compete for recognition and prizes in dozens of categories. Union County YMCA, 1150 Charles Lane, Marysville, 614/891-5599. columbus dahlias.com. Sat. 1–5 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free.

Northeast FESTIVALS SEPT 11–12

Berlin Harvest Fest & Rib Cook-Off

THRU OCT 9

Metamorphosis

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery presents the exhibition “Metamorphosis” curated by Tracy Longley-Cook, featuring 12 Ohio artists exploring the complex and layered nature of change. Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/644-9624. riffegallery. org. Tues.-Fri. Noon–5 p.m. Free. THRU JAN 3

Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began

This exhibition highlights Tavares Strachan’s fusion of art, science and cultural inquiry through immersive installations, sculpture and sound. CMA at the Pizzuti, 623 Park St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum.org. Visit website for hours. Visit website for prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

SEPT 26

Medina Fall Festival

Enjoy our country-style festival perfectly suited for your whole family. There is delicious food and live music on the square, festive decor on Main Street with mums and corn shocks, fireworks and a top-notch parade. Be part of this weekend event in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. Berlin Main Street, Rte. 39 and North Market St., Berlin, visitberlinohio.com. Fri. Noon–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Free.

SEPT 6

SEPT 18–20

This show celebrates 20 female rock perform-

Enjoy three days of apple cider, arts, a car show,

Shadowbox Live Presents: Women of Rock

Celebrate the 5th Annual CrowFest at The MAC. Enjoy crow-inspired art, shop hand-blown glass pumpkins and witness the magical fall crow migration in Mansfield, Ohio. Mansfield Art Center, 700 Marion Ave., Mansfield, 419/7561700, mansfieldartcenter.org. Tues.-Fri.11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. –4 p.m. $5.

Lordstown Apple Cider Festival

Kick off the season right with the smells, tastes and sights of autumn. Enjoy a hay maze, pumpkin painting, petting zoo, puppy parade, farmers market, carnival games, live entertainment, fall craft vendors and more. Medina Public Square, Medina, 330/722-5502. mainstreetmedina.com/ medina-fall-festival. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS THRU SEPT 20

DinoTrek

See 30 dinosaurs on display at the Akron Zoo. Learn about the adaptations dinosaurs used to protect themselves. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330/375-2550. akronzoo.org. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $11–$21. THRU OCT 18

Driving Forces: The Lincoln Highway Journey

The nation’s first coast-to-coast highway runs through Ohio. This exhibit explores its significance. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, 330/833-4061. massillonmuseum.org Visit website for museum hours. Free.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of iconic music, incredible musicianship and vineyard ambiance under the stars. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard. com. 8–9:30 p.m. $31–$41.

Ray LaMontagne

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne celebrates two decades of his debut full-length album, “Trouble.” Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 330/253-2488. akroncivic.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices. SEPT 25–OCT 24

Yasmina Reza’s “Conversations After a Burial”

The Buena Vista Orchestra

Floyd Live — Pink Floyd Tribute Concert

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Take a trip down memory lane with the ultimate tribute to the top-selling solo artist of all time. Relive the high-energy hits, heartfelt ballads and stories behind the music. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/3447547. ohiostartheater.com. 1 & 7 p.m. $39. SEPT 27

SEPT 17

Key of G Live: A Tribute to Garth Brooks

SEPT 19

MUSIC + THEATER

Experience the legendary sounds of Pink Floyd brought to life at Gervasi Vineyard’s Pavilion.

SEPT 26

Performances navigate loss, grief and the absurdities of situational interactions. Heartfelt moments and witty banter give way to nervous tensions and an apparent relationship love triangle. Kennedy’s Down Under, Playhouse Square,1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/2416000. www.playhousesquare.org. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m. Select Sun. 3 p.m. $15–$28.

Cuban music repertory ensemble featuring musicians connected to the Buena Vista Social Club, AfroCuban All Stars, Celia Cruz and more. House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/523-2583. hob.com/cleveland. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices. SEPT 27

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jim Henson’s musical fantasy film “Labyrinth” with a cinematic presentation of the film with band accomaniment. Agora Theatre, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleve-

land, 216/881-2221. agoracleveland.com. 6:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

bringing local and regional artists to downtown Millersburg with a daylong celebration of art, food and community. Holmes County Courthouse, 1 E. Jackson St., Millersburg, 330/6742412. historicdowntownmillersburg.com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.

SEPT 11—OCT 25

Derthick’s Corn Maze

OTHER EVENTS SEPT 5–7

Cleveland National Air Show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels headline this event that also features aerobatics and ground displays. Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland, 216/781-0747. clevelandair show.com. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit website for prices. SEPT 11–12

Log Cabin Days

SEPT 19

720 Market

Experience the best of fall at Derthick’s Corn Maze. Explore the challenging corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy family-friendly attractions and delicious food, and create lasting memories. Derthick’s Farm, 5182 St. Rte. 82, Mantua, 330/569-8544. derthickcornmaze.com. Fri. 6–11 p.m., Sat. 1–11 p.m., Sun. Noon–6 p.m. Free–$14. SEPT 12

Holmes County Art Festival This fun-filled and family-friendly event features the largest gathering of rustic furniture and home decor vendors in North America. Visitors can indulge in Amish-cooked food, enjoy kidfriendly activities like a petting zoo and wagon rides, and witness live lumberjack demonstrations. Hochstetler Log Homes, 552 St. Rte. 95, Loudonville, 800/368-1015. hochstetler loghomes.com. Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $5.

Enjoy a day of 720 Market shopping, music, make-and-takes and live music at the historically unique and beautiful Glamorgan Castle in Alliance. Shop your favorite 720 vendors set up across the castle grounds. Glamorgon Castle, 200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, 330/571-0367. eventsby720.com. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. SEPT 19

Pump Track Race

Ohio Amish Country’s only fine art festival,

Cyclists ages 5 and older race individually against the clock on the Competition Pump Track. Cleveland-Cliffs Bike Park, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cleveland, 216/341-1704. clevelandmetroparks.com. 10:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. $5–$15.

Fall for Fall for Fayette Fayette County! County! Festivals, live music & family fun!

CAN’T MISS FALL EVENTS! SEPT. 12

Plan your fall getaway!

VISITFAYCO.COM

CROPS & COWS 5K CHALLENGE South Plymouth Pumpkins

FESTIVAL SEPT. 17-20 SCARECROW Downtown Washington Court House

SEPT. 19

SCARECROW 5K, 10K WALK/RUN

SEPT. 26

HISTORY AFTER DARK TOURS

OCT. 3

OUTDOOR CONCERT

OCT. 3-4

YOUTH NATIONALS DEMO DERBY

OCT. 10

BARNYARD BASH

OCT. 17

DOWNTOWN SCAREFEST

Downtown Washington Court House

Washington Cemetery

Elks Lodge #129 (Washington Court House)

Fayette County Fairgrounds

Downtown Washinton Court House

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

So many memories begin around a table. Discover a culinary scene where Appalachian heritage meets bold creativity. Small-town kitchens craft big-city flavors—without the fuss, the crowds, or the price tag.

Savor the unexpected in Jefferson County, West Virginia.

HARPERS FERRY SHEPHERDSTOWN CHARLES TOWN RANSON BOLIVAR

Local Legend Since 2015, Mountaineer Popcorn has been turning locally grown, non-GMO kernels into handcrafted, small-batch treats bursting with West Virginia flavor. Stop by their charming Shepherdstown shop to sample sweet, savory, and seasonal favorites, or pick up a tin to take home. It’s a delicious local tradition that’s worth the trip.

The Buzz Discover more stories about the incredible culinary scene of Jefferson County at

WHEREALMOSTHEAVENBEGINS.COM/DINING

“Chef Mary Ellen Diaz from Alma Bea in Shepherdstown was one of five finalists as Best Chef in the Southeast by the 2026 James Beard Awards.” —Charleston Gazette Mail

SEPT 19

Amish Country Farmers Market

beautiful flower farm. Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm, 10055 S. Funk Rd., Shreve, 614/4255480. hummingbirdhillflowerfarm.com/events. 5:30–8 p.m. $80.

Performing Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/423-2787. mcpa.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Northwest

Leanne Morgan

FESTIVALS SEPT 18–20

Delphos Canal Days Visit the market to find locally sourced and raised foods and handcrafted artisan goods in the heart of Amish Country in downtown Millersburg. S. Monroe St., Downtown Millersburg, 330/674-2412. historicdowntownmillersburg. com. 8 a.m.–Noon. Free. SEPT 26

Fall Sunset Dinner

This end-of-summer celebration offers free activities for both young and old. Sunday morning starts off with the Canal Days 5K and the Grand Parade at 2 p.m. 310 N. Main St., Delphos, 419/796-0020. delphoscanaldays.com. Visit website for times. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER SEPT 12

1964 The Tribute

This theatrical concert recreates the Beatles’ early performances with period clothing, vintage instruments, harmonies and stage banter. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania 43560, 419/885-7106. centennialterrace.org. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices. SEPT 17

Hotel California Stroll the gardens, fill a bucket with blooms, then relax and enjoy a delicious meal while listening to live music and watching the sunset at this

For more than three decades, Hotel California has celebrated the music of the Eagles through soaring harmonies, detailed instrumental work and distinctive vocals. Marathon Center for the

SEPT 19

The Tennessee comedian brings her warm Southern charm and observations about family life, marriage and getting older to the stage. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo 43614, 419/381-8851. stranahantheater. com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.

OTHER EVENTS SEPT 4–6

Max’s Trader Days & Water Dog Races

Over 1,800 flea market vendors will be selling antiques, tools, Carhartt work clothes, gold and silver jewelry and much more. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 419/2258545. maxstraderdays.com. 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Adults $15, children under 12 free. SEPT 12

Wood County Ag-Venture: A Self-Driving Farm Tour

Visitors are invited to learn about Wood County's agricultural heritage by driving at their own pace to visit with farmers and take behind-thescenes tours. Visit website for map of locations. Northwest Wood County. woodswcd.com/agventure.10 a.m.– 3 p.m. Free.

PICTURE YOURSELF THIS FALL IN MEDINA COUNTY

www.VisitMedinaCounty.com 22

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

SEPT 20

Garmin Marathon Toledo

20th Annual Defiance Rib Fest. 325 Clinton St., Defiance, 419/782-0739. visitdefianceohio.com. 3:30–11 p.m. $10 cash at the gate, ages 10 and under free, ages 65 and over free.

Southeast

MUSIC + THEATER

FESTIVALS

THRU SEPT 5

SEPT 11–13

50th Annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Experience Garmin Marathon Weekend in the heart of Toledo with a marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K on the fast and flat course showcasing the Glass City Riverwalk and other iconic local landmarks. Greater Toledo Region, Summit St. and Jefferson Ave., Toledo, visittoledo.org/ garmin. 7 a.m. $50–$130.

Experience the thunder of galloping horses, impressive battle scenes and breathtaking storytelling under the stars during this outdoor drama experience. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphiteatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700. tecumsehdrama.com. 8 p.m. $35–75.

Travis Tritt Join us for the milestone 50th anniversary riverfront celebration featuring majestic sternwheel boats, live music, family entertainment, classic cars, pageants, boat races and spectacular fireworks over the river. Marietta Riverfront Levee Park, 100 Front St., Marietta, 740/3735178. sternwheel.org. All day. Free. SEPT 24–27

Happy Hollow Old-Time Music Gathering Get ready for mouthwatering barbecue as 10 local rib vendors compete for top honors at the

Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama

SEPT 18

SEPT 26

Defiance Rib Fest

Saturday evenings, enjoy a concert followed by a square dance and community campfire. Camping is encouraged. Snow Fork Event Center, 5685 Happy Hollow Rd., Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. happyhollowoldtime.org. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.

Spend relaxed fall days jamming with your pals and attending hosted jams and workshops with well-known old-time musicians. On Friday and

More than 35 years after launching his career, Travis Tritt continues bringing his Southern rockinfluenced country music to fans. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/7315152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. Visit website for time and prices. SEPT 19

Elvis: The Legend Lives On

“Elvis: The Legend Lives On” re-creates the memories and music of Elvis Presley. Travel through the different eras of his career from his rock beginnings of the 50s to Vegas superstardom of the 70s. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe.net. 7:30 p.m. $29–$59.

Log Cabin Days®

September 11th & 12th in Loudonville, Ohio

Fun fo the Wh r ole Family!

Visit Our Model 552 State Route 95 Loudonville, OH 44842

800-368-1015 Fulfilling your passion for Simpler Living with a log home built for lasting beauty and durability.

• Live demos: Blacksmithing, chainsaw carving, lumberjacks & more. • Tour log homes and explore furniture exhibits. • Great food: Breakfast, BBQ, Amish pies & homemade treats. • See a working antique steam engine. • Family fun: Wagon rides, Kids Zone, petting zoo & more.

Hours: Friday, Sept. 11, 10a.m. - 6p.m. & Saturday, Sept. 12, 9a.m. - 5p.m. • Location: 552 SR 95, Loudonville, OH.

For more information call 419-368-0004. $5 Admission. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

OTHER EVENTS SEPT 12

Ross County 250 Celebrates Sports

Make a trip to the ballpark to learn about the history of sports in Ohio. VA Memorial Stadium, 17273 St. Rte.104, Chillicothe, 740/253-1067. visitchillicotheohio.com. 2 p.m. Free. SEPT 19

Chillicothe Ghost Walk

Tour several downtown locations while learning about local history and paranormal experiences. Downtown Chillicothe, West Second St., Chillicothe, chillicothehalloweenfestival.com. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. $10. SEPT 25

Genealogy Workshop

Internationally recognized genealogist Judy Muhn leads this session. Ohio University Chillicothe, 101 University Dr., Room 145, Chillicothe, friendsofhopewell.org. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.

Southwest FAIRS + FESTIVALS SEPT 17–20

Scarecrow Festival

See our Social Side. Find Ohio Magazine on

Celebrate the annual Scarecrow Festival the third weekend in September with live music, great food, carnival rides, games, craft vendors, classic cars and family-friendly fun for all ages. Downtown Washington Court House, 105 N. Main St., Washington Court House, 740/6362340, facebook.com/scarecrowfestoh. Thur. 5–11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon– 5 p.m. Free. SEPT 25–27

Tipp Mum Festival and Festival Cruise-In Find road trip inspiration, learn about giveaways and events, and connect with the beauty, the adventure and the fun of Ohio. Enjoy a huge cruise-in Friday night, parade Saturday morning, food trucks, vendors, entertainment and other activities all weekend long. Downtown Tipp City, 312 Park Ave., Tipp City, 937/265-6005. tippcitymumfestival.com. Fri. 4–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Free. 24

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

OTHER EVENTS

MUSIC + THEATER

THRU OCT 18

SEPT 5

OCT 2

Immerse yourself in a 90-minute sound journey under the serene beauty of the Pyramid House skylight and surrounded by the history of antiquities. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/8688336. pyramidhill.org. 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. $40 for park members, $50 for non–members.

Exploring new caves within Fraggle Rock and beyond, the Fraggles discover unexpected magic and learn to work together to reunite the artifact’s missing pieces. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. , Columbus, 888/642-1449. capa. com. Visit website for time and prices.

Yayoi Kusama: All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins

Enter an immersive installation filled with yellow, black-dotted gourds surrounded by mirrors, creating the illusion of an infinite pumpkin field. The work explores Yayoi Kusama’s recurring themes of infinity and repetition. Cincinnati Art Museum , 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati , 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. Visit website for prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

Sound Meditations

SEPT 17–19

Air Force Marathon Race Weekend

SEPT 10

Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane

The Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves honor legendary jazz musician John Coltrane’s legacy by revisiting his seminal 1963 collaboration with Johnny Hartman. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices. SEPT 15–27

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel comes to the stage in a Tony Award-winning musical exploring love, wealth and tragedy amid the Roaring Twenties. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org. 7:30 p.m. $41–$165. SEPT 16

Boyz II Men with the Cincinnati Pops

Grammy-winning R&B group Boyz II Men joins the Cincinnati Pops for an evening showcasing the group’s signature harmonies and smooth ballads. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatisymphony. org. 7:30 p.m. $49–$225. SEPT 19

Brooks & Dunn

Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn showcase their country-rock sound behind 20 No. 1 hits. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, 513/232-5882. riverbend. org. 7 p.m. $69– $809 SEPT 19

The Music of Hans Zimmer

The Cincinnati Pops celebrates composer Hans Zimmer with a concert featuring music from some of his most enduring film scores. (This performance does not include film projections.) Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatisymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. $26–113.

OCT 6

Weezer

Spanning more than three decades, Weezer has become an influential force in pop music, selling more than 35 million records worldwide. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 614/246-2000. nationwidearena. com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 7

Outlander in Concert Celebrate the 30th Air Force Marathon weekend with a free expo, kids 1K, 5K, 10K and half marathon surrounded by aviation history and military tradition. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB, 937/257-4350, usafmarathon.com. Marathon Sat. 6:30 a.m. Visit website for all pricing and 1K, 5K, 10K and half marathon race times. SEPT 26

MOAM Presents: CraftoberFest

Take part in a celebration of local food and the people who grow and make it. Shop locally sourced, peak-season produce, including meats, dairy products, jams and salsas. Middletown Open Air Market, 916 First Ave., Middletown, 513/760-8053. facebook.com/moamohio. Noon–5 p.m. Free.

OCTOBER Central FESTIVALS OCT 2–4

Knox County Biketoberfest

SEPT 26

Experience the world of “Outlander” through its music as Bear McCreary’s iconic score takes center stage. A live orchestra performs the Emmy Award-winning composer’s music while memorable moments from the series unfold on a cinema-sized screen. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. , Columbus, 888/642-1449. capa. com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 10

Jo Koy

Drawing inspiration from his colorful family and Filipino heritage, Koy’s relatable standup comedy has connected with audiences across cultures. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. , Columbus, 888/642-1449. capa.com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 15

The Price Is Right — Live Stage Show

“Come on down” for an interactive, non-televised version of the iconic game show. Randomly selected contestants can spin The Big Wheel, play Plinko or compete in the Showcase Showdown. Audience members also have opportunities to win prizes, including appliances, vacations, electronics and a car. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus, 888/642-1449. capa.com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 17

A Taste of Ireland

World Irish dance champions and performers from “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance” celebrate Irish culture through music, dance and storytelling. The production combines folk favorites, contemporary arrangements, acapella tap battles and Irish wit. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus, 888/642-1449. capa. com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 20

Flashback Funk Fest

Rewind the clock with an energetic celebration of funk, soul and R&B. The all-star lineup brings Morris Day & The Time, Ohio Players, Original Lakeside and Con Funk Shun together on one stage. Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 7:30 p.m. $63–$108.

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live

Vitamin String Quartet & Girl Named Tom Enjoy trail and road rides, Saturday’s Kegs and Corks craft beer and wine tastings, and Sunday’s free Junction Moto Show at this event in downtown Mount Vernon. Ariel-Foundation Park,10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, 614/442-7901. visitknoxohio.org/events. All weekend. $40–$175.

Vitamin String Quartet joins vocal trio Girl Named Tom to perform reimagined classics and modern hits. Known for transforming pop and rock songs into instrumental arrangements, the quartet pairs its sound with Girl Named Tom’s harmonies and songwriting. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa. com. Visit website for time and prices.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

OCT 22

Hocus Pocus Live!

Salem’s infamous trio of witches returns in this high-camp parody of a Halloween cult classic, brought to life by drag performers. Confused by the world of 2026, the glamorous witches run amok in a fully scripted theatrical production featuring live singing, comedy and plenty of mischievous magic. Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Visit website for time and prices.

OTHER EVENTS OCT 19–20

Carlisle Gifts Plain City Fall Gathering

Join the Carlisle Gifts team for an afternoon of fashion, food and fun. Attendees will enjoy runway shows, prize giveaways, exclusive discounts and a delicious catered lunch from Der Dutchman Restaurant. Der Dutchman Restaurant & Bakery, 445 S. Jefferson Ave., Plain City, 614/873-1332. dhgroup.com/events. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $42–$47.

Northeast FESTIVALS OCT 3–4, 10–11

Harvest Festival

MUSIC + THEATER OCT 7

Interpol

Formed in Manhattan in 1997, Interpol emerged from New York’s indie music scene and became associated with the 2000s post-punk revival. The band’s distinctive sound combines staccato bass, rhythmic harmonized guitar and snare-heavy percussion. Agora Theatre, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/881-2221. agora cleveland.com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices. OCT 8

The LeFevre Quartet

Fueled by the combination of stellar vocals, high-energy performances and a commitment to ministry, the LeFevre Quartet has stood as a guiding force in the realm of gospel music for over a quarter century. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup.com. 1–3 p.m. & 7–9 p.m. $39.

Chatham Apple Butter Festival

Enjoy apple butter, doughnuts, food, crafts and family fun. Chatham Memorial Hall, 6299 Avon Lake Rd., Spencer. chathamcommunitychurch. org. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

Zoar Ghost Tours

Travel through the more than 200-year-old town of Zoar and listen by lantern light as guides tell the haunted tales involving Historic Zoar Village. Tours run each Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of October. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage.com. Sat.–Sun. 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $19. OCT 10

Gervasi Haunted Wine Run 5K

Akron Independent Horror Short Film Festival

Spend an evening celebrating independent horror with three hours of original short films followed by an awards ceremony. Browse horror and film vendors, grab a bite from food trucks and stick around after the screenings for an after-party and Scareoke. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 330/253-2488. akroncivic.com. 6 p.m. Visit website for prices.

This Halloween-themed event features amazing scenery through Gervasi Vineyard and Stark Parks trails, for a great time whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the wine. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St., NE, Canton, 330/497-1000, visitcanton.com. 10 a.m. $25–$50.

OCT 2–3

OCT 24

Enjoy Charm Days, a two-day festival in Ohio Amish Country. Savor delicious food, cheer on the crowd-favorite Wooly Worm Derby, browse local shops and soak in the essence of fall this season. Downtown Charm, 4492 St. Rte. 557 Millersburg, 330/674-3975. visitcharmohio.com/ experiences. 7 a.m.– 6 p.m. Free.

Visit the lake for a spooky, yet family-friendly weekend. Enjoy trick-or-treating, zombie archery, costume monster ball, beach bonfire and other festive activities the whole family will love. Pleasant Hill Lake Park, 3431 St. Rte. 95, Perrysville, 419/938-7884. mwcd.org. All day. Free.

Charm Days

OCT 10–11

OCT 9–31

OCT 10

OTHER EVENTS

Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of fall at Hale Farm & Village’s Harvest Festival with wagon rides, historic demonstrations, seasonal treats, pumpkins, family-friendly activities and autumn traditions. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd. Bath, 330/666-3711. 330tix.com/ events/harvest-festival-10-3-2026. Free–$17.59.

gettable moments shared beneath the stars at Gervasi Vineyard’s picturesque lakeside Piazza. The Piazza at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard. com. 7–10 p.m. Free.

OCT 9

Piazza After Dark

Haunted Weekend at Pleasant Hill Lake Park

Northwest

OCT 3–4

FESTIVALS

Explore the rich farming heritage of the Zoar community on this guided tour that highlights the vital role agriculture played in the daily lives and success of the Separatists. Discover the historic barns, gardens and tools and learn how communal farming practices sustained the village and shaped its unique way of life. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage.com. Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $12.

OCT 3–4

Zoar Agriculture Tours

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Apple Festival at Lauer Historical Farm

As the sun sets, Piazza After Dark comes alive with refreshing cocktails, lively music and unfor-

Apple Fest 2026 is coming back with food trucks and craft, artisan and baked good vendors to join the fun. From fall fun and apple-themed favorites to shopping and live entertainment, Apple Fest is one of the community’s favorite autumn traditions. Lauer Historical Farm, 800 Roush Rd., Lima, 419/221-1232. jampd.com. Noon–6 p.m. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER OCT 4

Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical

Based on the beloved film, “Mrs. Doubtfire” follows Daniel, an out-of-work, divorced actor determined to remain part of his children’s lives. His solution is transforming himself into the Scottish nanny Mrs. Doubtfire, setting off a heartfelt and humorous journey that teaches him unexpected lessons about fatherhood, family and holding loved ones close. Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo, 419/242-2787. valentinetheatre.com. 7 p.m. $77–$127.

Southeast FESTIVALS OCT 1–31

The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain

Old Crow Medicine Show

Old Crow Medicine Show brings more than a quarter century of American music-making to the stage. Drawing from mountain music, bluegrass, old-time and folk traditions, the group connects past and present. Stranahan Theatre, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/3818851. thestranahan.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices. OCT 26

The Rat Pack is Back

Relive the Rat Pack era with a quartet portraying Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop, backed by a live 12-piece big band. Inspired by performances at the Sands Hotel’s Copa Room, the show features favorites including “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York.” Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo, 419/242-2787. valentinetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. $48–$78.

The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain delivers a Halloween adventure with a fully produced theatrical show, a haunted trail, escape rooms and eerie encounters beneath the stars of southern Ohio. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700. hauntedmountain.org. 6–11 p.m. $15–$50. OCT 9–11

Chillicothe Halloween Festival

The three-day festival transforms Yoctangee Park into a family-fun event the second weekend in October. Enjoy your favorite festival foods as you stroll along the park to browse crafts and merchandise. Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, chillicothehalloweenfestival. com. Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. OCT 16–18

Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival

Experience Pink Floyd’s music live with tribute band Dark Side of the Moon. The group recreates the psychedelic textures, soaring guitar work and memorable songs that defined a generation. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre. com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 16

Magic Rocks! Illusionist Leon Etienne

Known for appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!,” worldrenowned illusionist Leon Etienne combines award-winning sleight of hand, large-scale illusions, audience participation and fun surprises. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 23

Silver Stallion: Tribute to the Highwaymen

Celebrate the music of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson with Silver Stallion’s tribute to outlaw country. Hear favorites including “Highwayman,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Good Hearted Woman.” Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 30

Kansas

OCT 29

Straight No Chaser

Celebrate the season with Straight No Chaser, the nine-man a cappella group known for its mix of harmony, humor and holiday spirit. The group’s festive tour pairs fan-favorite holiday hits with lively onstage banter and new music from its latest album, “Holiday Road.” Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/423-2787. mcpa.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Celebrate 55 years with artists, food and live music in Historic Roscoe Village. See live demonstrations of carving and blacksmithing. Find free parking, a kids activity area and strolling characters including Johnny Appleseed. Historic Roscoe Village, 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton, 740/622-4877. visitcoshocton.com. 10 a.m. Free–$10.

OTHER EVENTS

MUSIC + THEATER

OCT 30

OCT 4

See director Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece of modern horror, based on Stephen King’s classic novel. Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo, 419/242-2787. valentinetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Country group Lonestar brings its polished pop-country sound and heartfelt storytelling to the stage. The band has placed 22 singles in the Billboard Hot Country Songs top 10, including 10 No. 1 hits, and has sold more than 10.5 million records. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre. com. Visit website for time and prices.

The Shining

Grammy-winning producer, songwriter and musician Don Was brings his wide-ranging musical vision to the stage with the Pan-Detroit Ensemble. Featuring longtime collaborators and Detroit musicians, the group draws from its debut “Groove in the Face of Adversity.” Stuart’s Opera House , 52 Public Square , Nelsonville, 740/753 1924. stuartsoperahouse.org. Visit website for time and prices.

The Dark Side of the Moon

Tracy Lawrence

OCT 26

Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

OCT 10

OCT 23

Country artist Tracy Lawrence has sold 13 million albums and scored 18 No. 1 singles during a career spanning more than three decades. The CMA and ACM award winner continues to release music, including his “Out Here In It” EP. Stranahan Theatre, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. thestranahan.com. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

OCT 10

Lonestar

The iconic classic rock band celebrates five decades of music and more than 30 million albums sold worldwide. Known for hits including “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind,” Kansas continues touring with a catalog spanning progressive rock favorites and multiplatinum albums. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre. com. Visit website for time and prices. OCT 31

John Anderson

Country singer John Anderson brings his decades of hits to the stage. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/731-5152. peoplesbanktheatre.com. Visit website for time and prices.

OTHER EVENTS OCT 17

Ross County 250 Celebrates Farming

Enjoy a day at Hirsch’s Fruit Farm to learn about the history of farming and celebrate the farms that have been in the same family for over 250 years. Hirsch’s Fruit Farm, 12846 St. Rte. 772, Chillicothe, visitchillicotheohio.com. 2 p.m. Free.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Southwest MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS OCT 17–JAN 24

Edie McKee Harper: Modernist at Play

12 Fall Ar To See ts Events This Se ason

Explore Edie McKee Harper’s artistic vision through more than 100 works spanning photography, painting, enamels, weaving, illustration and printmaking. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Visit website for times. Visit website for prices.

4 Uniqu e in Amish Stays Country

MUSIC + THEATER

SEP T/O

CT 202

Fall

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S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Psycho in Concert

Celebrate the Halloween season with Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller as “Psycho” plays on the big screen accompanied by the Cincinnati Pops performing Bernard Herrmann’s suspenseful score live. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatisymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. $15–$79.

OTHER EVENTS OCT 10

Featuring the combined forces of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, violinist Nicola Benedetti and the CSO, this weekendlong festival highlights new works and fresh takes on orchestral classics, while showcasing the multiple Grammy-winning JLCO. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. Cincinnati, 513/3813300. cincinnatisymphony.org. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. From $15. OCT 3

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live

Join Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober Fraggle on a musical quest to reunite the lost pieces of the magical Celebration Stone. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org. 2 p.m. $52–$70. OCT 10

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Songs of Destiny

OCT 27

CSO + Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Festival

SQUIR E’S CAST CLEV LE, ELAN D METR OPAR KS

All for less than a good cup of coffee each month

OCT 17–18

OCT 2–4

$5. 99

Guaranteed to add more Beauty, Adventure and Fun to your Life!

Travel back to the 1960s with this high-energy, multimedia concert featuring note-for-note re-creations of the decade’s music. Current and former members of The Who, The Rascals and Creedence Clearwater Revival perform live using vintage-era instruments, accompanied by archival footage, narration, special effects and period-inspired costumes. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 513/621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org. 7:30 p.m. $39–$87.

The multiplatinum country artist headlines with support from John Morgan and Jay Webb. The Georgia-born performer is touring behind his eighth studio album, “Sins of the Father.” Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter.com. 7 p.m. $48–$98.

Brantley Gilbert

Scen ic S to Set pots and Fu Your Autum n Festiv als n Ag low

The Sixties Show

Explore passion, virtuosity and reflection through Dorothy Howell’s evocative “Lamia,” followed by violinist Alexandra Conunova’s Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra debut performing Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto. Two choral works by Brahms, “Nänie” and “Schicksalslied,” conclude the program. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatisymphony.org. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15–$113.

OCT 1

Colors o f

OCT 16

Lollipops Family Concert: Ferdinand the Bull

Follow a soft-hearted bull who prefers smelling flowers to charging. Lively narration and playful orchestral music from the Cincinnati pops introduce young listeners to the power of musical storytelling. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/241-2742. cincinnatisymphony. org. 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Sensory). $10–$15.

MOAM Presents: Spellbound Market

This mystical October evening market is moody, enchanted and just a little mysterious. Wander among softly lit vendor tents featuring crystals, candles, fall produce, witchy wares and tarot readers. Sample mocktails, listen to music and lose yourself in the moonlight. Middletown Open Air Market, 916 First Ave., Middletown, 513/7608053. facebook.com/moamohio. 5–9 p.m. Free. OCT 23

Horror on the Hill: Poltergeist

Experience this supernatural film in a natural setting. Enjoy a cocktail hour and explore the park grounds as the sun sets, then settle in for a movie under the stars. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Poltergeist is rated PG. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. 6:30 –9:30 p.m. Visit website for prices. THRU DEC 31

Ohio: Wild at Heart

The Buckeye State is packed with natural beauty, which is put on full display in “Ohio: Wild at Heart,” an uplifting film exploring our parks and waterways. The MacGillivray Freeman production is presented by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton, 937/275-7431. boonshoft.org. 3 p.m. Visit website for prices.

FARM & TABLE

Time to Visit

The Clocktower Kitchen & Bar brings a dynamic dining option to downtown Plain City while reinvigorating a local landmark.

S COURTESY OF THE CLOCKTOWER KITCHEN & BAR

itting prominently at the corner of Main and Chillicothe streets, Plain City’s The Clocktower Kitchen & Bar has a gravity-driven clock on its upper floor from 1902. Built and installed by the Seth Thomas Clock Co., it has been maintained by the city over the years. “There’s only so many people who actually work on those kinds of clocktower mechanisms, so they had to find a specialized person to do it,” says Ben Greig, who opened The Clocktower Kitchen & Bar with co-owners Chelsea and Shane Whitacre in summer 2025. “Typically, on Wednesdays they wind it up and then they have to reset all these weights.”

Goodness to Go: Merrybrook Baking Co.’s trailer brings

time-tested recipes for pretzels and doughnuts to events, markets and churches across three counties.

POBLANO CORNBREAD

Wandering Monsters, Cincinnati: Craft beer, smoked barbecue and duckpin bowling create a family-friendly destination with plenty for both parents and kids to enjoy.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Framboise cocktail (above); a sampling of The Clocktower Kitchen & Bar’s New American fare (left); the restaurant’s gravity-driven clock from 1902 (below)

The Clocktower Kitchen & Bar features New American cuisine, so expect revamped American classics that fit with the reinvigorated space and rural location. “Plain City’s a great farm town, so we’re trying to utilize everything that we can get from the area,” Greig says. While the menu shifts with the seasons, Greig says certain dishes will likely never change, like the poblano cornbread, Cajun shrimp appetizer or the smash burger. Try the pickled onion rings, beer-battered and served with a Szechuan ranch. “I think we’d probably get a lot of flak if we ever took those off the menu,” says Greig, who also recommends the prime New York strip, pan-seared and basted in butter. “We typically change the sides out, but I’m a big steak guy, so I think that we do a good job.” The bar menu is equally strong, featuring local draft beers, wines and a creative cocktail selection. Try the nutty and smoky Farmer’s National, an Old Fashioned crafted with pecan wood smoke, molasses bitters and Buffalo Trace bourbon. Diners experience local history when enjoying a meal in the main dining room, the upstairs event space or the turf-lined patio. The building served as the local hardware store for nearly eight decades before becoming an antique store. “We got pretty lucky,” Greig says. “We have original hardwood floors, original tin ceiling, the whole back bar is all original to the hardware store … so it’s got the cool ladder and all the drawers and pullouts.” — Nicholas Dekker 101 S. Chillicothe St., Plain City 43064, 614/873-2970, theclocktowerkitchenandbar.com

Goodness to Go

Merrybrook Baking Co.’s trailer brings timetested recipes for pretzels and doughnuts to events, markets and churches across three counties.

ou’ll catch the sweet scent of Merrybrook Baking Co.’s trailer before you see the treats that have patrons lining up outside. Based out of the village of Holmesville, the mobile bakery sets up at events, markets, businesses and churches throughout Holmes, Wayne and Ashland counties. Aside from its weekly specialty doughnut, Merrybrook Baking Co. keeps it simple with two core products: enormous hand-twisted pretzels and fresh, vanilla-glazed doughnuts. “[They] kind of complement each other, even though they’re two completely different products,” says owner Lane Troyer. 30

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When the Mennonite former schoolteacher met the Kauffman family who owned Auntie Ruth’s Doughnuts of east Tennessee, it marked the beginning of Merrybook Baking Co. The Kauffman family had been successfully selling doughnuts and pretzels based on family recipes, opening two brick-and-mortar shops. In 2022, Troyer worked out a deal to license the recipes for his mobile bakery. Everything is made from scratch, and the doughnuts are fried fresh, dipped in a scratch-made vanilla bean glaze and hung to dry on a custom-made stainless steel rack with metal rods — all inside the trailer. Both doughnuts and pretzels are made in multiple batches throughout the day. “If you’re grabbing a doughnut or a pretzel at 2 p.m.,” Troyer says, “you have every likelihood of it being just as fresh as grabbing one right when we open the window in the morning.” — Lainey Novak For more information, visit merrybrook.co.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOCATIONS LISTED

FARM & TABLE

Wandering Monsters, Cincinnati Craft beer, smoked barbecue and duckpin bowling create a familyfriendly destination with plenty for both parents and kids to enjoy.

COURTESY OF WANDERING MONSTERS

andering Monsters Brewery on Cincinnati’s east side isn’t just a destination for craft beer geeks. It’s a place for families, where adults and kids alike can enjoy themselves. “There’s a lot of stuff in our area for adults to do, and a lot of stuff for kids to do, but there’s not a lot for adults and kids to do together,” says co-founder Jason Brewer. Along with co-founders Mark Farris, Zac Boehnke and Mike Georgiton, Brewer has created a spacious taproom with German beer hall-style table seating, but there are also lounge areas for small groups to gather, a covered outdoor patio and a private event room. There are also six lanes for duckpin bowling — a style of bowling that uses short lanes and a smaller ball — making it ideal for kids. (Plus, no special shoes required.) “We wanted to create a few different experiences,” Brewer says, “sort of like choose your own adventure.” The kitchen focuses on authentic smoked barbecue, although the bestseller is its smash burger. The menu also has kid-friendly classics like pretzel bites and mac and cheese. Beyond the games and casual vibe, everyone in the family is likely to fall in love with the Wandering Monsters mascot, a small, horned creature with a knapsack that adorns an array of inventive merchandise.

“The name Wandering Monsters comes from life’s journey and the monsters we meet along the way,” Brewer says. “It also refers to our kids and the curious little monsters they are. I never thought I would want it said about my brand that it’s cute, but it really is fun and approachable.” While beer isn’t the only reason to check out Wandering Monsters, it is nonetheless a beer-lover’s delight. Head brewer Zac Boehnke crafts a variety of styles, from lagers to hazy IPAs to the brewery’s award-winning, barrel-aged imperial stouts. Every February, the brewery hosts a festival, Confluence of Darkness, where six beer-makers from across the nation are invited to brew collaboration stouts released at the fest. While most breweries are busiest in the summer, Wandering Monsters sees its biggest crowds during the colder months, when cabin fever has parents looking for a place for the whole family to relax for a few hours. “Fall and winter is when we ramp up,” Brewer says. “When it’s rainy and cold, we have a big space to welcome everyone.” — David Nilsen

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8251 Beechmont Ave. Unit A, Cincinnati 45255, wanderingmonstersbeer.com

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

famous fall festivals Autumn is prime time for pumpkins, woollybears, mums and even sauerkraut. You can experience them all at these 10 events. By James Bigley II, Jason Brill, Kelly Larson and Lainey Novak

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Operation Pumpkin Oct. 9–11

Giant pumpkins are the focus of this Hamilton festival that features record-setting weigh-offs, master carvers and live entertainment. Some pumpkins need a wheelbarrow to move them. The ones at Operation Pumpkin need a forklift. The 15th annual festival (Oct. 9 through 11) kicks off Friday night with a giant pumpkin weigh-off. The 2025 site record belonged to New York grower Scott Andrusz, whose 2,518-pound pumpkin came within 300 pounds of a world record, while Ohio’s Jared Persinger set the state record at 2,505 pounds. “You’ll never see pumpkins this big anywhere else,” says Jodi Fritsch, Operation Pumpkin’s marketing director. All weekend long, master pumpkin carvers, including artists from Food Network’s “Halloween Wars,” will be on site to transform giant pumpkins into elaborate works of art. Although pumpkins remain the heart of the festival, there is plenty of other entertainment to go around. A pet parade marches through town on Sunday and local musical acts take the stage each evening. Whether you come for the giant gourds, fall food or entertainment, Operation Pumpkin has accomplished its mission. It’s a homegrown fall festival that has continued to evolve since its 2012 launch. “Growing something great from nothing is time consuming,” Fritsch says. “Operation Pumpkin is the largest it’s ever been.” 101 High St., Hamilton 45011, operation-pumpkin.org

JUSTIN SHELDON OF CINCY VISUALS

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Sept. 24–27

See giant pumpkins tip the scales, enjoy contests, live music, agricultural displays and treats. One of the most impressive sights at the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival appears the night before the annual event’s official kickoff. That’s when all the entries hoping to be crowned King Pumpkin are hoisted on a scale to be weighed. “It’s always pretty exciting to see what the weight’s going to be and if there are any over 2,000 pounds again,” says Susan Lapham, who owns the Blue Moon Tavern and serves on the festival’s organizing committee. Last year’s winner weighed in at 1,952 pounds. The festival’s record-holding pumpkin clocked in at 2,405 pounds in 2022, one of four

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to breach 2,000 pounds. For historical context, Barnesville’s first King Pumpkin in 1964 — the festival’s first year — weighed only 72 pounds. The rest of the week and weekend is filled with fun, including pumpkin-pie-eating and pumpkin-pie-baking contests, a squash carver, live music and agricultural displays that let festivalgoers check out the giant pumpkins up close. The festival’s Pumpkin Wagon will be stocked with treats and the Blue Moon Biergarten offers beer, burgers and wings. “We have so many people from Barnesville that come back that weekend,” Lapham says of the festival, which runs Sept. 24 through 27. “Agriculture is the root of America, and we’re definitely an agricultural festival.” 113 W. Main St., Barnesville 43713, barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com

Barberton Mum Festival Sept. 26–27

More than a million mums turn Barberton’s Lake Anna Park into a colorful fall tradition.

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival Oct. 10–11

Fermented cabbage is just the start at this Waynesville festival that also focuses on hundreds of vendors selling handmade wares.

MUMS TOP: STEVE BREZGER; MUMS BOTTOM: BUCKEYE DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY; OPPOSITE PAGE: HEATHER SEVIGNY

The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, famous for its namesake ingredient, is just as beloved for transforming Waynesville’s historic Main Street into a showcase of handmade crafts and hometown flavor. The festival is set for Oct. 10 and 11. More than 350 artisans from 25 states fill the streets with pottery, stained glass, woodworking, candles, suncatchers, clothing and seasonal decor. The festival’s handmade-only policy means every vendor goes through a double-juried selection process. Live entertainment, including the German Sauerkraut Band on Sunday, keeps the celebration lively as visitors browse and shop locally. Local nonprofits operate every food booth, including St. Augustine Catholic Church, which makes more than 10,000 cabbage rolls by hand each year. You’ll also find sauerkraut presented in unexpected ways, from pizza to bread, alongside pies and a rich fudge made by the Waynesville Spartans Marching Band. “We have vintage stores, a clock shop and tons of nostalgia,” says Suzanne Beckett, the office and event coordinator for the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “People like to come here and stay for the weekend so they can immerse themselves in the food, the shopping and the community.” 174 S. Main St., Waynesville 45068, sauerkrautfestival. waynesvilleohio.com

s September brings the first breezes of fall, the east side of Lake Anna Park transforms into chrysanthemum heaven. The Barberton Mum Festival presents over a million blooming mums in a remarkable, themed display each year. What is now Barberton’s largest annual event started in 1991, when local greenhouse Aris Horticulture donated 15,000 chrysanthemum bulbs for planting along the eastern side of Lake Anna Park in celebration of the city’s bicentennial. The festival grew from this one-time flower display into an event that also features vendors, live entertainment, water-skiing shows and welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors annually. “We take pride in making sure that this is the best festival that it can be, that it can provide entertainment and opportunities to make memories for the people in this city,” says Tammy Simmons, director of the Barberton parks and recreation department. The festival is set for Sept. 26 and 27. Year after year, Simmons’ team works tirelessly to plan the elaborate chrysanthemum displays. She says the planning starts in December when city employee and longtime designer of Mum Festival displays, Brian Coffman, begins laying out his plan for the next fall’s flower spectacle. To select the varieties of mums that will work best for the display, color and blooming times are carefully considered. Simmons says that the plants arrive at the park usually in the middle of June and her crew plants them all at Lake Anna Park in the span of three days. There, the mums germinate until September when they will be in full bloom. This year’s festival celebrates the United States’ 250th birthday with a display featuring a waving American flag and a bald eagle. The free event includes a performance from the Akron Symphonic Winds, Chippewa Lake Water Ski Team demonstrations, food and art vendors and plenty of mums. 615 W. Park Ave., Barberton 44203, cityofbarberton.com/life/mumfest

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Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival Oct. 16–18

Savor fall traditions and flavors at Coshocton’s Roscoe Village, a restored canal-era town. Historic Roscoe Village’s Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival is just begging you to slow down and admire the process. From the smell of apple butter being made in a copper pot to the sounds of metal clanging during a blacksmith demonstration to watching a candlemaker at work, the fall fete feels immersive and tactile. “I think for a lot of people, nostalgia has hit us,” says Sharon Bucey, executive-in-residence at Roscoe Village. “The festival brings people back to a place and time where you can slow down, where the little moments matter.” The restored canal-era Roscoe Village comes to life Oct. 16 through 18 with reenactors embodying roles such as Dr. Maro Johnson, a physician who lived and practiced in the town in the 1800s. Nearly 100 vendors will be selling handcrafted goods such as candles, wood carvings and pantry items such as honey and maple syrup. Squash carver Gus Smithhisler will be carving a giant pumpkin, and the Whirlybirds & Friends band performs Saturday. “[Roscoe Village] has that feel that I’m stepping into something special,” Bucey says. “I’m going back into history to take lessons from the past and learn for the future.” 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton 43812, 740/622-7644, roscoevillage.com

Ohio Swiss Festival Oct. 1–3

Several years ago, a favorite Ohio Swiss Festival treat was in danger of not making its annual appearance. After decades of selling apple fritters at the Sugarcreek event, the town’s First Mennonite Church didn’t have the workforce to keep up with the demand for them. Festival organizers stepped in to purchase the equipment (and the closely guarded recipe), while members of the local high school booster club helped run the tent. “You can’t come to the Swiss Festival and not eat an apple fritter,” says Nikki Bahler, director of entertainment for the festival, which runs Oct. 1 through 3. The event’s roots date to 1953 and started as a way for local cheesemakers to show off their Swiss-cheese mastery and sell their product. (Today you can still sample goods from festival founders Guggisberg Cheese and Pearl Valley Cheese in the Wine & Cheese tent.) Around 30,000 people attended that first year, consuming 1,500 pounds of hamburger and 300 pounds of hot dogs. The event has been a favorite ever since. “The festival is just really heartwarming,” Bahler says. “People plan their vacation days around being able to come home to the Ohio Swiss Festival. It’s about being able to interact with that heritage.” 106 W. Main St., Sugarcreek 44681, ohioswissfestival.com 36

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SWISS AND APPLE: COURTESY OF FESTIVALS LISTED; OKTOBERFEST: FRANK YOUNG

Sugarcreek’s annual celebration of Swiss heritage serves up delicious local cheese, legendary apple fritters and lots of tradition.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Sept. 17–20

After 50 years, one of the largest Oktoberfests outside Munich is still going strong in Cincinnati.

o mark its golden anniversary Sept. 17 through 20, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is unveiling a two-story Glockenspiel. Every hour, this new clock tower at the Schott Amphitheater will come alive with singers, dancers and comedic skits while visitors gather in the biergarten beneath it. “It’s like a human-powered cuckoo clock,” says Chelsea York, vice president of events and experiences at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “This 50th anniversary commission will become a special part of the festival for years to come.” That spirit of honoring the past while embracing the future has defined Oktoberfest Zinzinnati since 1976. What started as a community celebration organized by downtown residents has grown into a free four-day festival with over 800,000 attendees each year. This year’s festival also introduces a commemorative Samuel Adams 50th anniversary lager, a dedicated VIP area with curated food and drinks, and the Spirit of Cincinnati Awards honoring the musicians, vendors and volunteers who’ve helped shape Oktoberfest over the last 50 years. Of course, longtime favorites aren’t going anywhere. Visitors can still clap along during Saturday’s festival-wide Chicken Dance and cheer for the Running of the Wieners on Sunday, when 100 dachshunds dressed as hot dogs race for bragging rights. 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati 45202, oktoberfestzinzinnati.com

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Maize Valley Fall Harvest Festival Sept. 19–Oct. 31

Circleville Pumpkin Show Oct. 21–24

This Pickaway County town celebrates its farming heritage with colossal pumpkins and a festival built on community spirit.

very October, the Circleville Pumpkin Show takes over the streets of this Pickaway County town. The festival began in 1903 as a humble agricultural exhibition, but it has since grown into a two-day extravaganza full of fall flavors, carnival fun and plenty of pumpkins. Former Circleville mayor George R. Haswell held the first Pumpkin Show in front of his home on West Main Street. Pumpkin Show treasurer Nanisa Osborn says the event’s original purpose was to give area farmers a reason to come to town, show their crops and discuss farming methods. “He set up this display that was 30 feet long that included pumpkins and corn stocks and all the things that fall farms bring,” Osborn says. “That was the first display that was done for Pumpkin Show, and it has kind of grown from there.” In the years following that first exhibition, the event became the street fair we know today. A merry-go-round was introduced in 1905. 38

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Michelle and Bill Bakan estimate they do a quarter of their business across the six weeks of Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery’s Fall Harvest. The couple heads up the event, which commences with an annual hot air balloon liftoff. Although the festival has been around since the 1990s, the farm dates to the 1960s and Kay and Donna Vaughan, Michelle’s parents. The property’s first foray into a fall festival began after the Bakans opened a farm stand and a corn maze at Maize Valley in the mid 1990s. Kay was initially hesitant about cutting paths through the fields, but after seeing the first season’s attendance numbers, he had one question: What kind of design are we doing next year? Maize Valley is open yearround but its Fall Harvest Festival (Sept. 19 through Oct. 31) offers wagon rides, a straw-bale mountain and the Goat-a-Palooza animal area, and the fun isn’t just for kids. “A lot of our attractions are sized for adults, so we tell people, ‘You don’t have to just watch your kid; you can actually get in there and play with them,’ ” Michelle Bakan says. Keep an eye out for the fruit cannons — one allows visitors to shoot apples at targets, while the other is operated by employees who launch pumpkins up to a half mile through the air. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville 44632, 330/877-8344, maizevalley.com

Various themed parades were held and local merchants started selling their wares on the city’s streets. Today, the Pumpkin Show spans nine blocks of downtown Circleville and is built on more than a century of tradition, featuring vendors, fair games and rides, arts, baking, crafts and agricultural showings. It runs Oct. 21 through 24. The stars of the show are still the pumpkins of all shapes and sizes grown locally and displayed on Court and Main streets. Each is hoisted onto a scale, and a prize goes to the heaviest. Last year’s largest pumpkin weighed in at 1,972 pounds. “[Circleville] is a community that works together with a lot of effort to make the Pumpkin Show come together every year,” Osborn says. “I want [visitors] to appreciate how much work goes into it and what a great festival it is for your family to enjoy.” 159 East Franklin Street, Circleville 43113, 740/474-7000, pumpkinshow.com

CIRCLEVILLE: JOE BOCOOK; WOOLLYBEAR: COURTESY OF WOOLLYBEAR FESTIVAL

Wagon rides, a corn maze and flying pumpkins make this Hartville fall favorite fun for everyone.

Woollybear Festival Oct. 4

Caterpillar races, costumed pets and a folkloreinspired winter forecast make Vermilion’s fall festival one of Ohio’s quirkiest autumn traditions.

ach fall, downtown Vermilion turns into a sea of black and orange as families gather for one of Ohio’s quirkiest traditions. Inspired by the fuzzy woollybear caterpillar — whose bands are said to predict the severity of winter — the Woollybear Festival blends Ohio folklore with hometown charm, playful competition and lots of furry fun. In 1972, legendary Fox 8 meteorologist and animal advocate Dick Goddard proposed creating a community fundraiser centered around the woollybear in nearby Birmingham, Ohio. The event quickly outgrew the town and moved to Vermilion in 1981. The Woollybear Festival has since grown into one of Ohio’s largest fall celebrations and honors Goddard’s lifelong passion for animal welfare. The event is set for Oct. 4. Festival goers are encouraged to celebrate and adopt creatures big and small from local rescue organizations. Pet owners also bring their companions for the annual Woollybear LookAlike Contest, where everything from dogs to snakes to hamsters don fuzzy woollybear costumes. Equally entertaining is the Woollybear 500, where kids race woollybear caterpillars they’ve collected down a historic wooden track that’s been part of the festival since the beginning. Preliminary races begin at 10 a.m., with winners returning for the afternoon championship to crown the day’s fastest crawler. At 1 p.m., a parade rolls through downtown with marching bands, community groups, floats and familiar Fox 8 personalities. Live entertainment, 100 local artisans and nearly 40 food vendors fill out the festival lineup. The day concludes with a delivery

of the winter forecast based on the famous caterpillar folklore. “Come early and plan on staying for the full day, because it goes by so fast,” says Sandy Coe, executive director of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. “The whole city is morphed into a woollybear craze.” Victory Park, 687 Main St., Vermilion 44089, woollybearfestival.com

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

These metropolitan parks offer beautiful fall color and serve as enduring reminders of those who worked to preserve them. By Lainey Novak and Jim Vickers

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North Chagrin Reservation • Cleveland Metroparks Ask any northeast Ohioan to make a shortlist of their favorite sites across the Cleveland Metroparks system’s 18 reservations, and Squire’s Castle will likely be on it. The stone structure looks as if it were dropped from a fairy tale, but its existence is owed to the region’s industrial past. Standard Oil Co. Vice President Feargus B. Squire commissioned the structure to be built in the 1890s as part of a 525-acre residential estate that was never completed. Despite his grand plans, Squire ended up selling the property to a private developer in 1922. The Metropolitan Park Board purchased it three years later. 2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills 44094, clevelandmetroparks.com

GABE WASYLKO

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Cox Arboretum MetroPark

The land that would eventually become Cox Arboretum MetroPark was just a peaceful farm when James M. Cox Jr. purchased it in 1952. A Five Rivers quaint house deep in the woods MetroParks served as a weekend hideaway for him and his wife, Helen. They named the property Spring Running. A decade later, Cox signed over the land to the newly created James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation. Today, the beautifully cared-for gardens and natural areas are managed in a public-private partnership with Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks. In addition to a variety of specialty gardens and an educational center, the 65-foot-tall, 81-step Tree Tower provides panoramic views of the Miami Valley and is tucked among a collection of conifers at the arboretum. 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton 45449, metroparks.org

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Manhattan Marsh Preserve Metropark Metroparks Toledo

Toledo was once known as Frogtown due to the chirping songs of the frogs and toads that inhabited the region’s once-swampy landscape. A large marsh once surrounded Toledo’s Maumee Bay, and Manhattan Marsh Preserve Metropark is one of its last remnants. The park opened in 2020 after years of local efforts to permanently protect the marsh. The preserve has a 1.3-mile trail with nearly 1,500 feet of concrete “boardwalk,” where visitors can listen for the sounds of the frogs and toads that reside here today. Birds are the big draw at Manhattan Marsh, though. Dozens of species use the area as a pit stop during spring and fall migration. 510 Clifford St., Toledo 43611, metroparkstoledo.com

LEFT: MATTHEW KIRBY; RIGHT: DOUG HINEBAUGH

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Although Seneca-Onondaga artist Peter Jones’ pair of statues marking the northern and southern ends of the Portage Path are not located within the boundaries of Summit Metro Parks’ 16 parks, the system is a keeper of the historic route’s story. Indigenous people who traveled through the region used the 8-mile Portage Path to carry their canoes between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas Rivers. Those looking to explore where Portage Path history intersects with the Summit Metro Parks system can start at the Big Bend Trailhead along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. (The park system manages 22 miles of the trail in Summit County.) This statue at the northern terminus of the Portage Path is just a 1-mile walk north from the trailhead. Big Bend Trailhead:1337 Merriman Rd., Akron 44313, summitmetroparks.org

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ANTHONY BOARMAN

Portage Path Terminus Sculptures • Summit Metro Parks

Rentschler Forest MetroPark • MetroParks of Butler County A series of private donations, a state land transfer and a foundation-assisted acquisition expanded Rentschler Forest MetroPark from a little more than half an acre along the Great Miami River in 1962 to the 125 acres it spans today. The MetroParks of Butler County location offers kayak and canoe access for those who want to get out on the water and contains nearly 14 miles of paved and primitive trails. History buffs can see remnants of the Miami & Erie Canal within Rentschler Forest MetroPark and visit the stone lock-tender’s house, which dates to 1846 and was acquired as part of a nearly 2-acre addition to the park in 1969. 5701 Reigart Rd., Hamilton 45011, yourmetroparks.net

Miami Whitewater Forest • Great Parks of Hamilton County Miami Whitewater Forest spans nearly 4,700 acres and is the largest park in the Great Parks of Hamilton County system. The White Water Shaker Village began forming in 1823 and lasted until 1916. Today, Miami Whitewater Forest encompasses about 600 acres that once belonged to the Shakers, including the surviving 8-acre North Family complex. Miami Whitewater Forest also has an 85-acre lake that offers fishing and boating access, with rentals ranging from kayaks and paddleboards to pedal boats and mini pontoons. Visitors may also carry their own canoe or kayak to designated launch areas, including an accessible floating canoe-and-kayak launch. Harbor address: 9001 Mount Hope Rd., Harrison 45030, greatparks.org

TOP: RICK BARGE; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF GREAT PARKS OF HAMILTON COUNTY

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Quarry Trails Metro Park • Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks Marble Cliff Quarry was once the largest contiguous quarry in the United States. For more than a century, the quarry provided limestone for projects throughout central Ohio, including the construction of the Ohio Statehouse. Eventually, the area was abandoned, only to get a new life in 2021 as the 20th location in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. Today, Quarry Trails Metro Park has become a recreation destination with a guided cabled climbing route, a designated sport climbing area with six routes, a mountain biking trail and miles of paved hiking trails. The scenic 25-foot waterfall can be found after ascending stairs near the start of the Millikin Falls Trail, which ends at the Truss Bridge. 2158 Old Dublin Rd., Columbus 43228, metroparks.net

Lake Erie Bluffs Metropark • Lake Metroparks This park in Lake County’s Perry Township hugs nearly 9,000 feet of Lake Erie shoreline. It also has a 50-foot coastal observation tower that offers stellar views to those who climb to the top, particularly as fall arrives. In 2012, the Trust for Public Land protected 139 acres for the park. Today, the 670-acre property spans wetlands, meadows, a natural sand-and-cobble beach, and 40-foot-high bluffs. There are also more than 3 miles of trails with stunning scenic overlooks and two beach access points. Those who want to stay longer can book one of the two primitive campsites that are available by reservation. Pitch your tent along the bluff and fall asleep to the Lake Erie waves breaking below. 2901 Clark Rd. & 3301 Lane Rd., Perry Twp. 44081, lakemetroparks.com

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Mill Creek Park • Mill Creek MetroParks

LEFT: ARTHUR O’LEARY; RIGHT: SUMMER DAWNE; BELOW: DOYT COX

The silver suspension bridge that many locals call the “Cinderella” or “Castle” bridge is a favorite landmark within the Mill Creek MetroParks system. Volney Rogers, a prominent Youngstown lawyer, established Mill Creek Park, where the bridge is located, in 1891. Rogers wanted the park to have grand, fanciful entrances, so in 1895 Charles Fowler of the Youngstown Bridge Co. designed the ornate span that connects the east and west sides of Mill Creek Park. The suspension bridge is famous for its intricate arches and enchanting spires that led to its list of magical nicknames over the years. The bridge is located along Valley Drive and can be traversed on foot or by car. Valley Drive, Youngstown 44511, millcreekmetroparks.org

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Wood engraving depicting the Ashtabula Bridge disaster, published on Jan. 20, 1877 in Harper’s Weekly.

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Nearly 150 years ago, a passenger train plunged into the Ashtabula River, leaving tragedy, unanswered questions and lasting reforms in its aftermath. By Vince Guerrieri WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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The Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway’s Pacific Express was within sight station

of on

the

Ashtabula

railroad

the

night

Dec.

29,

1876. Or it would have been, under

The train, with a route from Buffalo to Chicago, had been running behind all day due to a massive snowstorm. A second locomotive had even been added after the train left Buffalo to help power it through snow drifts as high as 6 feet and winds with gusts up to 50 mph. It was estimated that around 160 people were on the 11-car train. In addition to the standard crew, there were men hawking the day’s newspapers. Among the passengers were Philip Bliss, a composer and singer of gospel music, and Mary Birchard, a cousin of Gov. Rutherford B. Hayes. The former Civil War general was readying to take office in March as the 19th President of the United States. She was headed to his hometown of Fremont to receive an inheritance after the death of her and Hayes’ uncle, Sardis Birchard. One of the enduring lessons of the Civil War was the importance of railroads, which had already become not only the dominant mode of transportation in the United States but also a lucrative business. Nowhere were the railroads more important than in Ohio. By 1860, the state had more than 3,000 miles of track, the most of any state. During that time, many railroad bridges used what was called a Howe Truss. Patented in 1840 by William Howe, the bridge used wood and metal. The design lent sturdiness while being relatively simple to assemble. Two years after it was patented, Howe’s brother-in-law Amasa Stone bought the rights to make Howe trusses, building hundreds as he became one of the nation’s leading railroad magnates. When building a new span across the Ashtabula River in 1865, Stone replaced the Howe truss with one made entirely of iron. Although iron had more tensile strength than wood, it was also heavier, and the bridge initially sagged under its own weight. Twice, the bridge had to be rebuilt before being put into service. Charles Collins, who did maintenance and engineering for the railroad, was one of many unnerved by the bridge, saying, “If it goes down, I trust it will be with a freight and not a passenger train.” It was around 7:30 p.m. when the Pacific Express crossed the 154-foot bridge over the Ashtabula River, just 1,000 feet from the station. Socrates, the leading locomotive, had just cleared the bridge and was slowing to pull up to the station. Engineer Daniel McGuire felt the bridge shake and had the good sense to open the throttle, just as he started to hear a cracking sound. Socrates made it across the bridge. The rest of the train didn’t. As the span started 50

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to collapse, the coupling between the two engines broke under the strain, and Columbia, the other engine, and all 11 passenger cars fell more than 70 feet into the ice-covered river. “The first thought that came into my mind was that I was dead,” recalled passenger Henry Wright of Weathersfield, Connecticut, in the book The Ashtabula Disaster, published just one year after the crash. He lived to tell the story though. Dozens more didn’t in what has come to be called locally the “Titanic of the 19th century.”

aniel McGuire, the engineer of the first locomotive, was the only person to make it across in the bridge collapse. He sprinted to the station as best he could in the snow, yelling, “Great God, the train

TRAIN WRECKAGE: COURTESY ASHTABULA MARITIME AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

normal circumstances.

HISTORICAL MARKER: HISTORICAL MARKER DATABASE

is over the bridge, all but us!” For the people below, what would become known as “The Ashtabula Horror” was just beginning. Those who survived the fall, amid a twisted mass of iron, wood and glass, faced myriad other dangers. Train cars were heated by iron stoves and lit by gas lamps, and soon, fire broke out, melting the ice covering the freezing cold river, making drowning or hypothermia real risks. “Danger threatened from all the elements,” wrote the Rev. Stephen D. Peet in The Ashtabula Disaster. Witnesses reported seeing fires overtake entire train cars, being unable to aid people who were still trapped. In his book, Peet recalled hearing a woman asking her husband to slit her throat so she wouldn’t die in the fire. (They both safely escaped.) Among the dead were Mary Birchard and Phillip Bliss. The composer was able to extricate himself from the wreckage, but died trying to save his wife, who also perished.

Birchard and the Blisses were three of many people who were unidentifiable in death. It was estimated more than 90 people perished in the disaster. “No one could suspect they had ever been human beings,” The Stark County Democrat wrote of the dozens of bodies pulled from the wreckage. One of the reasons so many people were burnt beyond recognition was that the fire raged until midnight. Firefighters took no action to douse the flames. At the time, the fire department was more of a social club than a public safety unit. Chief G.A. Knapp never gave a command to fight the fire. (He was relieved of his command following it.) The crash led to accounts of great heroism. Nearby residents ran to the station and the fire scene, even forming a bucket brigade in the face of the fire department’s inaction. Telegraph operators John Manning and Charles B. Leek — the latter being the first Black telegraph operator in the United States — stayed at their post for more than two days straight, managing communications in the crash’s aftermath. Families in Ashtabula opened their homes to people injured in the crash, giving them a place to recover. Marion Shepard, a passenger on the train who was on her way back to her native Wisconsin, became a heroine, dragging people to safety and breaking windows to free trapped passengers. “She was one of the bravest and best women I ever met,” said George Wright, another passenger who survived. And yet there were examples of humanity at its worst. The train was regarded as a luxury form of transportation, with many well-heeled passengers. Robbers descended upon the wreckage, taking hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry from the dead and dying.

lmost immediately, investigations started into the bridge collapse, both by the state legislature and by an Ashtabula County coroner’s jury. Stone theorized that something caused the second engine to derail, leading to the massive crash. He said that the bridge was the strongest one he had designed and that it had shown no signs of weakness. Charles Collins testified Jan. 17, 1877, at the state hearing, held in Cleveland. Two days earlier, he had submitted his resignation, which wasn’t accepted. After his testimony, he missed both an inspection of the replacement bridge and the ceremony for the mass burial of 48 un-

Site of the train crash, over the Ashtabula River.

chestnut grove cemetery, where many of those who perished are buried

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the Howe truss bridge over the ashtabula river, prior to its collapse Schedule of bodies found at the freight house of the railroad depot, brought there from the wreck at the Ashtabula bridge 52

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COURTESY ASHTABULA MARITIME AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

identified victims of the crash at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Ashtabula. On Jan. 20, 1877, he was found dead of a gunshot wound. It was officially declared a suicide, but further investigation theorized he was murdered. Amasa Stone met a similar fate. On May 11, 1883, Stone locked himself in his bathroom and shot himself in the chest. It was also ruled a suicide. He had been plagued by further personal financial losses and health issues, including chronic insomnia. Although he denied his own culpability, in the eyes of the law, he bore blame for the Ashtabula bridge collapse. A county coroner’s jury and an investigation convened by the state legislature both held the railroad liable for the collapse. The coroner’s jury verdict stated that the bridge was flawed and improperly inspected and that the railroad failed to keep up with current law with stoves that would self-extinguish in the event of a derailment. Ultimately, the railroad paid out around $500,000. Among those who got settlements were H. Ellsworth Bennett, a Civil War veteran who was selling newspapers on the train. Bennett, who lost an eye and was laid up for nearly a year with injuries (he married the nurse who attended to him, and they had 11 children), got a dollar a day, with an annual payment of his year’s settlement. Bennett gained some fame in the 1930s as the world’s oldest newsboy, and he lived to be 107. He said when he went to Cleveland to collect his annual pension at the age of 103 that the claims agent asked him, “Are you still living?” It’s said that every safety regulation is paid for in blood. It’s only through disasters that public safety personnel, investigators and regulators learn about new safeguards. And that was true in Ashtabula. Following the disaster, many railroads started to switch to steam heat in passenger cars to avoid fires. The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 included a federal bridge code. Further federal regulations forbade the use of iron in railroad bridge construction. There have been train crashes since — some with even greater loss of life — but there has never been a train crash as serious in the United States since that involved a bridge collapse. “The effect of the accident has been increased safety of travel,” wrote Daniel W. Lothman, a noted Cleveland educator, in The Plain Dealer in 1932. “The disaster probably did more than anything else to bring about better devices for stopping trains, for heating passenger cars, for preventing fires in case of wrecks, and above all, frequent inspection of bridges to ensure their safety. The sad part of it is that the lesson learned by railroads had to be such a frightfully expensive one.”

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SKYVIEW TREEHOUSE

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

ANTIQUES & THRIFT

ARTS & CRAFTING

FURNITURE

Discover the Unexpected

SHOPPING OHIO AMISH COUNTRY Heini’s Cheese

Planning a trip to Amish Country? Make Heini’s Cheese Chalet a must-stop! Family-owned and rooted in tradition, we’re excited to welcome you with our famous cheese samples now back and better than ever. Taste favorites like Raw Milk Cheddar, Baby Swiss, and more, all crafted with care in the heart of Holmes County, Ohio. bunkerhillcheese.com

Tis the Season

Three floors of Christmas wonderland await you at Ohio’s largest year-round Christmas shop. Experience dazzling lights, festive music, and over 70 professionally decorated trees on display. Spectacular seasonal scenes will put you in the holiday spirit the moment you walk through the door. Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri & Sat 10-6 TisTheSeasonChristmas.com

Berlin Merchants

Experience the heart of Berlin through the Berlin Main Street Merchants, where historic charm meets one-of-a-kind shopping. Stroll walkable streets filled with locally owned boutiques, handcrafted goods, artisan foods, home décor, antiques, specialty gifts, and welcoming hospitality. From timeless traditions to today’s unique finds, every stop offers an authentic Amish Country experience that invites you to slow down, explore, and create lasting memories. visitberlinohio.com

Dutch Valley Gifts

Autumn has arrived at Carlisle Gifts and Dutch Valley Gifts! From cozy sweaters and stylish layers to charming home accents, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the season in style! Don’t miss the Dutch Valley Fall Fashion Show on Nov. 17. For tickets, stop by the gift shop, call 330-852-4926 or visit their website. DutchValleyGifts.com

CLOTHING & FASHION

DECOR & HOME GOODS

Sheiyah Market

Sheiyah Market brings together style, home, and community in one welcoming space. Discover thoughtfully curated clothing, unique home décor, and meaningful gifts that inspire. Shopping here feels personal, fun, and inviting. Whether you’re updating your wardrobe, refreshing your home, or simply browsing, you’ll always find something special to love. sheiyahmarket.com

Keim Home

Keim Home Center in Charm, OH is your destination for home, building, and woodworking. For over 100 years, Keim has been a trusted source for quality lumber, millwork, building materials, and more. Visit us to plan your next project, big or small, and learn more at keimcompany.com.

DIY

Ohio Amish Country invites shoppers to slow down and savor the journey. Wander scenic backroads dotted with fall color, artisan workshops, farm markets stocked with autumn bounty and charming village main streets lined with locally owned shops ready to explore. Discover handcrafted furniture, leather goods, pottery, quilts and beautiful décor shaped by generations of skilled craftsmanship. Antique shops and specialty boutiques offer one-of-a-kind treasures. Enjoy a taste of tradition with an Amish inspired meal, locally made cheeses, fresh baked goods and sweet treats still warm from the oven. Here shopping isn’t hurried, it’s an experience rooted in heritage, hospitality, and simple pleasures.

visitamishcountry.com/shopping

Explore, Discover, Stay OHIO AMISH COUNTRY

SHOPPING, FOOD & BREWS, PLACES TO STAY, & MORE!

VISITAMISHCOUNTRY.COM (330) 674-3975

AMISH COUNTRY Honeycombs by Homestead at the Inn at Honey Run, Millersburg

MILAN B MATKOVIC

Among the lush hills of Holmes County, shrouded, quiet patios begin to peek out of the greenery. Since 1988, the Honeycomb rooms at Millersburg’s Inn at Honey Run have been enticing visitors with their unique design and quiet atmosphere. This year, the Inn at Honey Run completely renovated these iconic rooms in partnership with Homestead Furniture, another Holmes County favorite. The overhaul of the rooms began in January 2026 and was led by inn proprietor Jason Nies, its director of design Jordan Calame and Homestead Furniture creative director LaVern Hershberger. “My vision [for the Honeycombs] was just new furniture and pretty rooms,” Nies says. “Laverne took this to a whole new level when he created the individual room types, and every piece was custom made. The care and elevation they put into it was just be-

yond anything I ever dreamed.” Each of the 12 Honeycombs has a distinct design style and is furnished with custom handmade Homestead pieces that complement that theme. Room designs include the transitional style Meridian Room, the tradition-rooted Parlor Room and the midcentury-modern Icon Room. Each Honeycomb room has a QR code where overnight guests can learn about each piece of furniture

The Parlor Room (above); The Milano Room (right)

Amish Country in

Historic Downtown Wooster Stay & Play!

Hyatt Select Wooster Opening December 2026 965 Dover Rd., Wooster OH 44691 330-439-0190

FALL/WINTER EVENTS: Come to the Wayne County Fair Sep 12-17, Ohio's Foremost Agricultural Fair, Woosterfest Oct 2-3, annual Oktoberfest-style festival featured in historic Downtown Wooster, and Window Wonderland Nov 20, visit magical, animated holiday window displays.

Hilton Garden Inn Wooster 959 Dover Rd. Wooster OH 44691 330-202-7701

Best Western Plus Wooster Hotel & Conference Center 243 E. Liberty St., Wooster OH 44691 330-264-7750

Three Hotels. One Destination. Endless Hospitality. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

AMISH COUNTRY

and how it fits into the style and theme. “Honey Run is this magical, spiritual place that people come to for renewal, for rest, for reconnection,” Nies says, “every [room] gives you that opportunity to blend the beauty of what man has created with what God has created in nature outside.” 6920 County Rd. 203, Millersburg, 44654, 330/674-0011, innathoneyrun.com

Locul hilis ignam ac te es nostem tem, interdi ciorum hocchuconsul tem opopoptiam

The Meraki House in Dover (left and below); Berlin Skyview Treehouse in Millersburg (opposite page)

The Meraki House, Dover When Beth and Jerry Hershberger first saw the shell of an old doomsday bunker in rural Dover, they saw the potential for a truly special and unusual getaway spot. They spent a year pouring their energy into turning the bunker of durable shipping containers into a peaceful, one-of-a-kind

Hospitality From The Heart Of Amish Country Authentic flavors, welcoming accomodations, and family-friendly experiences that make you feel at home.

Ohio Star Theater

Through November 5, 2026

Berlin | Sugarcreek | Walnut Creek Dutchman Hospitality Family of Brands 60

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Dutch Valley, Der Dutchman, & Berlin Farmstead

Carlisle Inn

place to stay in Ohio’s Amish Country that is unlike anything else you’re likely to find in the area. They named their place the Meraki House for the Greek word meraki, which means to pour one’s heart and soul into what they do. Opened in 2023, the Meraki House can hold up to 32 people, perfect for a family reunion or friends’ weekend. Guests can play pickleball or basketball, unwind in the sauna or cook over the grill. “The outdoor covered porch area is just pretty much magic in the evening to be out there as the sun goes down,” Beth Hershberger says. Fall is a great time to visit because the Meraki House is surrounded by trees. Inside the structure, the rooms are cozy, with large living and dining-room areas full of windows and light, as well as a game room. “One of my core values with design is go with what’s there and make it work,” Hershberger says. “I just took the shipping container vibe and went with it. I just softened it up with wood, leather and plants. It’s very simple and comfy. It’s definitely a unique space you won’t find anywhere else.“ 3617 Mount Pleasant Rd., Dover 44622, 330/2753572, treeboxstays.com

Berlin Woods Treehouses, Millersburg From the balcony of the three Skyview Treehouses you can look out over Ohio Amish Country’s brilliant fall foliage and roads dotted with horse-drawn buggies. On the private deck among the trees, guests can listen to the leaves rustle in the breeze and take in the aroma of fall, while

sipping on a hot drink or relaxing in the deck’s hot tub. “You kind of get the best of both worlds where you’re tucked into the woods, but you get the really far view out front,” says Jeff

SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 10 AM - 4 PM OHIO AMISH COUNTRY’S ONLY ART FESTIVAL. ART & ARTISAN VENDORS, FOOD, DEMONSTRATIONS & MUSIC. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MILLERSBURG HISTORICDOWNTOWNMILLERSBURG.COM | 330.674.2412

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

AMISH COUNTRY

Conn, co-owner of Amish Country Lodging, which owns and operates the units as part of Berlin Woods Treehouses. “There’s no better way to see [the fall foliage] than when you’re up in the trees on that back porch.” Inside, there are two full bathrooms, two king-sized beds, two twin beds and a stone, two-person jetted Jacuzzi. The expansive area includes a dining room and living room complete with a stately gas fireplace and inviting, cozy couches for relaxing. “People think of treehouses as what we used to build in our backyard,” Conn says. “These are a luxury experience.” 5331 County Rd. 626, Millersburg, 44654, 330/8932100, amishcountrylodging.com

The Guest House at The Eliot Estate, Lakeville When Alyssa Eliot first visited France’s Normandy region, the rolling hills and picturesque farmland reminded her of her family’s own farm in Ohio’s Amish Country. 62

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The Guest House at The Eliot Estate (above and below) is near Mohican State Park, about a 30-minute drive from Berlin.

“I just really fell in love with the stone cottages and the beautiful French countryside and the very landscaping,” says Eliot, owner and creator at The Eliot Estate. “I said, ‘Let’s create a European escape. If they’re not able to get to France, maybe we can create our own French countryside.’ ” She and other members of the Eliot family, who have farmed on the estate since 1965, got to work creating a place that fused rural tranquility with French elegance. In 2022, they moved an 1800s barn from the nearby village of Holmesville to the farm and completely rebuilt it. The Guest House at The Eliot Estate is located near Loudonville and Mohican State Park and about a half-hour drive from Wooster, Millersburg and Berlin, making it a perfect home base whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or want to explore nearby Amish Country attractions. The Guest House has two king-sized beds, and visitors are welcome to walk among the harvested lavender fields while taking in the fall colors. Guests can warm themselves around the crackling fire on crisp fall evenings and enjoy serene sounds of a rural Amish countryside while enjoying campfire s’mores. “Amish Country in general is just beautiful in the fall,” Eliot says. “You’re off the beaten path down a dirt road. It’s still a very quiet retreat.” 8080 Township Rd. 508, Lakeville 44638, theeliotestate.com

IN AMISH COUNTRY

A Store Full of Discovery Experience fall at Lehman’s, where seasonal inspiration, timeless traditions and unique finds come together in the heart of Amish Country. Explore housewares, bread-making essentials, cookware, canning supplies, wood-burning heat stoves and cookstoves, practical tools and thousands of unique products. More than a shopping trip, Lehman’s is an experience. Make a day of it in Amish Country and discover a store unlike any other.

800.438.5346 LEHMANS.COM On the Square in Kidron, OH | Open every day except Sunday

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

GROVE CITY From pizza trails and food-truck Fridays to new local shops and fall traditions, Grove City offers plenty of reasons to visit this season. By Gracie Metz

KEVIN KOPANSKI

PLANK’S ON BROADWAY

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

GROVE CITY When it’s time to grab a bite, Grove City delivers plenty of local restaurants to choose from, as well as fun ways to enjoy them. The Visit Grove City Pizza Trail is back, offering check-in points for pizza lovers. Participants use an online passport to check in at a qualifying number of locations through Nov. 2 to earn a prize. The employee-owned Flyer’s Pizza, which offers specialty creations like the pickle-focused Dilluxe pizza and has two locations in Grove City, is part of the trail again for 2026. “[The trail] is one of the more creative ways to get people involved in the community,” says Austin Ulrey, whose grandfather started the Columbus-based Flyer’s Pizza in 1976 and who manages the Grove City South location. “Grove City is a big pizza town … [It’s] nice because we get people in our store that normally wouldn’t come down to our neck of the woods.” Save the date for another Grove City food-and-drink quest as the Holiday Cocktail Trail returns Nov. 19 through Jan. 4. Expect to see several participating drink stops, including Grove City Brewing Co. and Plum Run Winery, which are housed together in one location along Broadway in downtown Grove City. Until then, don’t miss out on the Grove City Town Center Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop, which happens every other Friday night until the end of October. This lively event invites visitors to stroll through downtown and enjoy shopping and great eats from local food purveyors, such as McDave’s Hot Dogs and Lemonades. This Grove City-based hot dog cart is run by Dave McCoy, a regular participant at the Friday-night festivities. “We’ve always tried to treat people like they’re invited over to our backyard instead of standing in line,” says McCoy, who started the cart in 2021 to sell signature-style dogs and fresh-pressed lemonade. “So, if someone leaves smiling, I think we’ve done our job.”

New Finds Grove City’s long list of local business offerings continues to grow, including a new option sure to thrill the littles ones in your life. 66

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Kidz Sandbox Station promises a paradise of digging with its two giant play sandboxes. It is a first-of-its-kind attraction in the area. “I knew there was nothing like this in Grove City at the time,” says Sarah King, the owner of Kidz Sandbox Station, which opened in early 2026. “I have a little boy, so I really wanted him to have somewhere to play and other kids to have somewhere to play.”

Clockwise from top: Kidz Sandbox Station; DHC Chicken; Old Time Harvest Day; drinks along the Holiday Cocktail Trail from Cimi’s Bistro at Pinnacle

The location, which is ideal for children 8 years old and younger, features two rooms of sandboxes and toys, as well as a playroom with magnetic building tiles and play tools. Also new to the Grove City business scene is Bound By Books. Tessa Schwabeland opened her shop that stocks genres ranging from romance and historical fiction to science fiction and fantasy in October 2025. Readers who are unsure of what they are looking for can get recommendations from Schwabeland or Kim Pinto, Schwabeland’s mom and the shop’s business and sales manager. Or they can opt for a blind book, which discloses the genre but leaves the title wrapped up in a surprise to the reader. “Because we have such a small collection, and it’s personally curated, we’re able to relate and connect with the community and get to know everybody and their tastes and their preferences,” Schwabeland says. For crafters, a trip to Alpine Blue Stitches is a must. A vast selection of yarns is available, including cotton, wool and chenille fibers. The shop, which opened in December 2025, also offers themed seasonal classes, as well as monthly courses for beginner to advanced crocheters. When it’s time to eat, check out DHC Chicken, which offers four varieties of Korean fried chicken. The Grove City location opened in May 2026 and is right along Broadway, offering not only fried chicken

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTINATIONS LISTED

Food Trucks & Trails

but 17 other specialty dishes, including ramen and Korean corn dogs. Also along Broadway is Dapper Dog Tavern, which owners Caitlin and Spencer Campbell opened June 1. (They also operate Shakers Public House in nearby Worthington.) Their industrial-style tavern features wine, beer and mixed drinks as well as small plates, like a smoked barbecue brisket and jalapeno-cheese-filled, soft-pretzel bites.

awarding winners for each of the art shows. “The real value [of the festival] comes from the history,” says Shawn Conrad, president and CEO of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce. “Artists who had entered their work in the youth art show when they were a kid and are now volunteering and bringing their kids down here. Those stories are invaluable.” Century Village, a little more than 2 miles from downtown, invites visitors for Old Time Harvest Day on Oct. 4. Costumed docents portray life in Grove City as it would have looked between 1850 and 1930. Century Village’s 11 historic structures invite visitors to explore. There’s a one-room schoolhouse and working blacksmith shop, as well as demonstrations of tin-smithing, potpourri-making and butter-churning. “We live in an age that is so very different,” says Beverly Babbert, co-secretary and chair of education at the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society. “You can read it in a book, but when you experience it, it comes alive and you feel it and understand it.” Fall brings the Grove City Community Club’s Harvest Market. Hosted Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10, the market features craft vendors, baked goods and home decor. Once winter arrives, shopping for local produce continues thanks to the Winter Farmers Market put on by Grove City Parks and Recreation. This indoor market at the former Brookpark Middle School runs select Saturdays from Jan. 9 through April 3.

When You Go

For information about all the food trails and festivals mentioned in this story and other businesses and attractions in Grove City, go to visitgrovecity.com.

New Finds

Alpine Blue Stitches alpinebluestitches.com Bound By Books boundbybooks.shop Dapper Dog Tavern instagram.com/dapper_dog_tavern DHC Chicken dhcchickengrovecity.com Kidz Sandbox Station kidzsandboxstation.com

Markets & Festivals Arts in the Alley gcchamber.org/arts

Grove City Chamber Farmers Market gcchamber.org/farmers-market Grove City Winter Farmers Market grovecityohio.gov Harvest Market grovecitycommunityclub.org/harvest-market Old Time Harvest Day swfchs.org

Markets and Festivals Find fresh produce during the Grove City Chamber Farmers Market. Running Saturdays through Sept. 12, the market features over 70 vendors spanning produce, baked goods, jams and more. Sept. 18 through 20, Arts in the Alley returns to Town Center Park and the surrounding streets. Hosted by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce and several sponsors including Heartland Bank, the weekend has been a tradition since 1980. The event features five art-show categories, as well as live entertainment and over 100 vendors and artists. It draws upwards of 30,000 visitors for a weekend of visual and performing arts. Saturday brings a morning parade down Broadway, as well as the Voice of Grove City, a live singing competition. The weekend wraps up on Sunday with the judges S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Ohio Celebrates America’s 250th THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES THIS FALL WITH NEARLY 100 EVENTS HAPPENING AROUND OHIO! Learn how Ohio has shaped our nation’s story and impacted the growth of sports and agriculture. See live stream events featuring Ohio’s sports heroes in September at events in Canton, Cincinnati and Columbus. Take the America 250-Ohio Walking Challenge and explore Ohio harvest experiences with Ohio’s Ag-Venture Guide. Find out more about the state’s leaders throughout the years along Ohio’s Leadership Trail, the sixth Trails & Tales themed trail that launches in November.

Visit america250-ohio.org/events-calendar to find events near you!

Ramseyer Farm, Wooster

AMERICA 250-OHIO

See our America 250 barns, learn about agriculture, visit the graves of Ohio’s Revolutionary War veterans and see an exhibition honoring those who served after 9/11. By Lauren Bischof and Jason Brill

GABE LEIDY

U.S. ROUTE 250 BARN MURAL, WOOSTER

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

AM250-OHIO Explore the state’s agricultural history through these fall farm experiences and festivals.

or historian Lacey Bonar Hull, agriculture connects Ohio’s past, present and future. Its farms and other agricultural gems are slices of living history, and fall is one of the best times to visit. “Agriculture is part of the fabric of the state,” says Bonar Hull, who is the monthly themes project coordinator for the America 250-Ohio Commission. “Ohio provided a developing country with the food that they need to survive on a daily basis, and its [geographic] placement made it possible to transport goods that came from Ohio.” Bonar Hull helped put together the commission’s Ag-Venture Guide, a more than 60-site digital cornucopia of fall farm events. A celebration of the state’s rural and farming communities, the self-guided trek serves as a way for Ohioans to engage in their own history at spots such as Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, which dates to 1869. The destination is also a modern family-fun spot with two miniature golf courses and a cow-filled carousel. Visitors can watch cows being milked and then try cheese and ice cream made on-site. Bonar Hull also highlights McPeek’s Mighty Maze at the Coshocton KOA Hol-

iday campground as a can’t-miss experience. Carved into a shape inspired by the America 250-Ohio logo, the corn maze includes a scavenger hunt and Ohio agricultural facts strewn throughout the paths. The guide features a handful of U-Pick pumpkin and apple spots, but the Petal Post in Jefferson offers a pick-your-own flowers experience with varieties such as sunflowers and tulips. “You can do a build-your-own-bouquet thing, and you get to learn about how they grow the flowers,” says Bonar Hull. “And you don’t get much more scenic than Ashtabula County as a backdrop.” The Ag-Venture Guide also features spots such as Indian Hill Winery, which offers tours and tastings, and festivals such as the French and Indian War-era Great Trail Festival and the Paul Bunyan Show, a forestry and logging event. Bonar Hull says the Ag-Venture Guide will continue to be available beyond this year’s America 250 festivities. “Whether you want to go 15 minutes down the road and see something in your own county or take a two-hour drive to an area of the state that you haven’t been to before,” Bonar Hull says, “you’ll be able to find something that is a quintessential fall experience.” For more information, visit america250-ohio.org.

McPeek’s Mighty Maze celebrates the semiquincentennial (above). Scott Hagan painted the America 250-Ohio Johnny Appleseed Barn Mural in Perrysville (opposite page), along with other America 250-Ohio barns. 70

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America 250-Ohio Barns Scott Hagan, the painter of our state’s bicentennial barns, has added designs to nine more structures across the state in celebration of our nation’s semiquincentennial.

o say Joe Rice’s Wayne County farm was the perfect spot to honor Ohio’s agricultural roots with the first of nine America 250-Ohio barn murals is an understatement. The 1818 farm’s deed, which Rice still has, was signed by President James Monroe. Rice’s grandkids represent the ninth generation of his family to live on the farm. And, in a too-good-to-pass-up happenstance, U.S. Route 250 runs alongside it. “I’m honored that they chose our farm for this,” Rice says. “My great-great-great grandfather, Frederick Rice, served with George Washington [during the American Revolutionary War].” Farms are a regular sight in Ohio, so Rice says painting murals on barns is a great way to show how significant agriculture was and still is in the state. Including the mural on his barn, which features a U.S. Route 250 road sign as part of its design, many of the barns carry a theme or design element tied to their locations or Ohio’s history. Seven of the nine, including Rice’s, are creations of barn artist Scott Hagan, who painted 89 Ohio Bicentennial barns — one in each of the state’s 88 counties in the late 1990s and early 2000s. (The sixth barn he painted was destroyed by a tornado before he was finished.)

COURTESY OF OHIO HISTORY CONNECTION

Ohio’s Ag-Venture Guide

‘Portraits of Courage’ in Columbus The National Veterans Memorial and Museum features paintings of post-9/11 military veterans painted by George W. Bush.

“I haven’t quit barn painting since I started in 1997,” Hagan says. “And all these years later, it’s just great to have the opportunity to do these ones.” Hagan’s other America 250-Ohio designs include one in Perrysville paying homage to Johnny Appleseed. In Middleburg Heights, he painted over a former Bicen-

tennial barn, replacing that logo with the America 250-Ohio one. “It really took me back,” Hagan says. “You could feel the excitement in the town because people were stopping by and making comments. It’s a great-looking logo.” For more information, visit america250-ohio.org/ barn-map.

alking through The National Veterans Memorial and Museum’s newest exhibition, visitors are greeted by the faces of men and women staring back from the walls. In some, you can see turmoil and struggle but also resilience and hope. “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” runs through Dec. 31 and includes 66 paintings and a four-panel mural honoring 98 post9/11 veterans. Among them is Zachariah Collett, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. from Washington Court House whose story is one of combat, trauma and perseverance. “When former President Bush called and said he was going to paint a picture of me and put it in a book, I didn’t believe the phone call,” Collett says. “It was surreal.” Collett enlisted in the military in 2002 at age 17. During eight years of service, he

Roots To Be Proud Of ? IT’S A SHORE THING America’s 250th celebration continues in Shores & Islands Ohio. Discover the people, places and stories that shaped our region on the Shores & Islands Ohio Heritage Trail. Plus, find more ways to celebrate America 250 at special events throughout the fall. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com

Scan today to explore the Heritage Trail & keep the celebration going

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

AM250-OHIO

Former President George W. Bush painting in his studio.

tive of the men and women he served with. “I hope the community response is reverence and gratitude, and if anything, a little bit of grace for ourselves,” Collett says. 300 W. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 614/3622800, nationalvmm.org

One dedicated volunteer has traveled more than 8,000 miles to document Ohio’s Revolutionary War veterans’ graves and their stories.

spent 28 months in combat, survived multiple improvised explosive device attacks and suffered a traumatic brain injury that led to his medical retirement at 25. Collett is one of three Ohio veterans featured in the exhibition. Each portrait is accompanied by an essay, written by Bush, which visitors can find in his Portraits of Courage book. The project began with Bush’s interest in painting following his presidency. Sedrick Huckaby, a Texas-based

artist who became a painting mentor to Bush, encouraged him to “paint the faces of the unknown,” according to Frederic Bertley, CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. “What you see here is humanity for the individual,” Bertley says, “the happiness and obstacles.” Retired U.S. Army Col. William J. Butler, president of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, says the exhibit is representa-

atthew Lucas brakes for Revolutionary War graves. At least that’s what the bumper sticker on his car says — a car that’s racked up more than 8,000 miles over the last year-plus searching Ohio as part of the Ohio’s Revolutionary War Veteran Graves Project. Lucas is one of a small band of volunteers working on the America 250-Ohio project to verify each of an estimated 7,000 final resting places of veterans who served in the American Revolutionary War. After seeing a Facebook post about the project

Your mobile resource for all that is great about hotel & lodging in Akron. Find, explore and book your adventure, learn about local partner experiences and take part in events. Find out more information about lodging options in Akron and Summit County online at StayInAkron.com.

GREATER AKRON LODGING COUNCIL

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COURTESY OF NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM

Revolutionary War Veteran Graves Project

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AKRON

Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

MAPS Air Museum

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

The MAPS Air Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about history, particularly aviation history, and its impact upon society. Come for the aircraft – Stay for the history!

Experience Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet! Shop 150+ juried artisans, savor seasonal treats, discover vintage finds, and tour the historic Manor House. Get tickets at stanhywet.org

mapsairmuseum.org

stanhywet.org

Hale Farm & Village

Paddle the River

Hale Farm & Village comes alive in fall and winter with harvest traditions, candlelit evenings, and historic winter experiences that bring early American life to the season.

Paddle the river in a single kayak, tandem kayak or a raft. Our paddling options are perfect for all skill levels to embrace nature and make unforgettable memories. Reserve your adventure today!

visitakron-summit.org

halefarm.org

paddletheriver.com

AM250-OHIO

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in 2025, he set out to find the three graves within 2 miles of his house. But those three quickly snowballed to 10, 20, 100 and 933 as of August 2026. “I just kept going because as I was finding these graves and cemeteries in such horrible condition, I thought, People are going to forget these Revolutionary War soldiers are even here,” Lucas says. As of August, 3,968 grave markers in 1,546 cemeteries have been documented in the project’s interactive online dashboard — more than 20 percent of them have “Matthew Lucas” in the “Recorder” field. “We kept seeing his name over and over again,” says Krista Horrocks, department manager of the State Historic Preservation Office. “He was so all over Ohio that we couldn’t even tell where he was from.” Using historical records, Horrocks has helped manage the project that began on Memorial Day 2025 and should be completed by Veterans Day 2026. She says a great aspect of the effort has been uncovering veterans’ stories. For example, John Gray was the last living Revolutionary War veteran. The Mount Vernon, Virginia native served under George Washington at the Battle of Yorktown and lived to be 104, dying in 1868. He’s buried in a small cemetery in Noble County. “These aren’t just gravesites,” Horrocks says. “Every single one of these guys has a story.” For more information about this project, visit america250-ohio.org.

SCOTT A. BRITTON

As of August, 3,968 grave markers in 1,546 Ohio cemeteries were documented, and Matthew Lucas recorded many of them.

WINERIES

These Ohio wineries pair changing leaves and crisp fall days with seasonal wines, hearty dishes and inviting places to settle in. By Lauren Serge

COURTESY OF LAURENTIA VINEYARD AND WINERY

LAURENTIA VINEYARD AND WINERY, MADISON

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

WINERIES Sarah’s Vineyard | Cuyahoga Falls

Just across West Steels Corners Road from the entrance to Blossom Music Center and located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Sarah’s Vineyard has been welcoming concert attendees, outdoor explorers and those just looking for a relaxing place to hang out since 2007. General manager Sarah Altieri says the atmosphere during the fall season is especially alluring, as the Summit County winery is tucked away from city noise and provides an inviting place to spend time as the harvest season arrives each autumn. “In the fall, people can walk through the grapevines while the grapes are very ripe and there’s a smell of sugary sweetness in the air,” Altieri says.

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The winery offers an array of red and white wines, as well as appetizers, salads, sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. During fall, visitors can enjoy a seasonal sweet-andsavory pizza with pear, sprouts and an onion jam. Additionally, those who visit on NFL Sundays can catch the Cleveland Browns game on the TV in the pavilion seating area. In addition to the pavilion, Sarah’s Vineyard also has a rustic tasting room, a loft event space and a butterfly garden where

patrons can socialize. Altieri says each of the seating options has a unique character to it that is prevalent during the fall. “We have a tree-lined property, and the color changes are so beautiful,” Altieri says “Our large outdoor covered patio has a three-story fireplace that we light in the fall that just adds to the ambiance as you see the view outside. It’s beautiful and serene.” 1204 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls 44223, 330/929-8057, sarahsvineyardwinery.com

COURTESY OF SARAH’S VINEYARD

This Summit County winery sits near Blossom Music Center and within northeast Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Rhonemus Cellars | Lancaster This Fairfield County winery located amid The View Golf Club offers a wine and food menu of robust fall flavors this time of year. Whether attending a wine tasting, dining at the on-site restaurant or getting in a round of golf, Rhonemus Cellars, which sits amid The View Golf Club, offers a destination for wine and food fans during autumn. Opened by Barry and Jennifer Rhonemus in 2024, the winery’s vineyard offers scenic views throughout and beyond the course. “The fall foliage completely surrounds the golf course and the location that we chose for the winery is beautiful,” Barry says. “During those crisp fall days, it’s an absolutely stunning setting.” Rhonemus Cellars’ ever-changing wine list complements the change in seasons too. “We have an incredible red wine program, ranging from sweet, semi-dry all the way to some fabulous Bordeaux styleand Burgundy-style dry reds,” Barry adds. “Those wines really lend themselves well to a little heartier culinary menu in the fall.” Chef Bradley Balch oversees the menu at the on-site Trillium Restaurant. It changes frequently and focuses on the freshest seasonal items. For the fall, dishes lean into more robust flavors, such as a butternut squash soup, a double-cut pork chop and Angus beef steaks. Additionally, diners can partake in a Chef’s Table event kicking off this fall. One night a month, the menu will spotlight a particular country, offering attendees a curated, six-course meal and wines of that region. “We hear frequently ‘I feel like I’m in Napa, but I didn’t need to get on an airplane,’” Barry says. “We’re so honored guests choose to enjoy dinner or wine with us.” 1511 George Rd. NE, Lancaster 43130, rhonemuscellars.com

Laurentia Vineyard and Winery | Madison ECHO BY DESIGN

This scenic Lake County vineyard offers a lodge-like atmosphere and a menu of wines and dishes that change with the seasons. Ohio’s Grand River Valley is known for great wines and Laurentia Vineyard and Winery rests in the heart of it, offering a rustic atmo-

sphere reminiscent of a grand lodge. Amy Blackie, co-owner of the winery that opened in 2015, said the combined beauty of the Grand River Valley and Lake Erie breezes make for a desirable autumn environment. “We have these wonderful, wooded areas that come to life in the fall,” she says. As the change of season approaches, the wine menu also shifts towards introducing heavier reds with seasonal flights and ice wine making appearances. Laurentia’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon was named the best red wine in Ohio in the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s 2026 Director’s Choice Awards and was selected during a blind tasting. The on-site scratch kitchen has a season-

Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard | Ashville Located a short drive from Columbus and surrounded by rural countryside, this vineyard embraces autumn in multiple ways. Located near the rural village of Ashville, Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard sits along an expanse of land that makes for a great autumn visit. As fall takes hold, seasonal wines and beverages that patrons wait for all year make their reappearance. “As soon as the weather starts to turn cool, we make mulled wine and it makes it really cozy and festive,” says Emma Alban, owner of Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard. “We also have other fall-themed drinks, including our local orchard’s apple cider wine slushies and other fall cocktails.” So, grab a fall beverage and a cheese

ally changing menu that features charcuterie boards, flatbreads, shareable plates and a handful of entrees. “We really have something for that person that wants to enjoy something new throughout the year,” Blackie says. Furthermore, wine lovers can attend Laurentia Vineyard and Winery’s annual harvest dinner, which brings together a fivecourse dinner, wine pairings and live music. Once visitors make the trip, Blackie says the beautiful scenery they experience often prompts a return visit. “I feel like that we’re one of the prettiest wineries in the Grand River Valley,” she says. 599 S. Madison Rd., 44057, 440/296-9175, laurentiawinery.com

board and take in the rustic atmosphere here that also serves to ignite the fall spirit. “We turn on our fireplace, which transforms the inside area into an especially inviting place for the fall,” Alban adds. As part of this celebration of autumn, Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard hosts farm-totable dinners, like the one Sept. 4 alongside Winchester Farm Exchange. The meal pairs dishes made from fresh and local ingredients with Mirabelle wines. Alban says the winery’s rural location just a short drive from Columbus makes it an ideal fall day trip. “It’s a really peaceful place close enough to Columbus that people can come out of the city and just enjoy the quietness of it,” she says, “have good wine and learn about the agriculture that’s happening near their home.” 800 Winchester Southern Rd., Ashville 43101, 614/908-0202, mirabellewines.com S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Journey through Mother Nature’s imagination. From awe-inspiring underground adventures to legendary horse culture and bourbon distillery tours, you’ll be delighted by all the treasures of our new Kentucky home. Plan your wondrous getaway today. MAM M OTH C AVE NATI O NA L PAR K , MAM M OTH C AVE

KENTUCK YTOURISM.COM

KENTUCKY

LONG WE E K E N D S

Experience the Bluegrass State through the place Abraham Lincoln lived as a child, customized bourbon tours, scenic rail-bike rides and visits with retired racehorses. By James Bigley II

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTINATIONS LISTED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

RAIL EXPLORERS: BLUEGRASS DIVISION

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

KENTUCKY

Long before Abraham Lincoln became one of our nation’s most influential presidents, he was a Kentucky farm boy exploring the woods, fields and creeks that still surround where he lived. Today, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park invites visitors to experience that formative landscape across two historic farms in central Kentucky. The Knob Creek Farm features a reconstructed cabin on the site where Lincoln’s family lived, offering a glimpse into the frontier childhood our 16th president later remembered in various writings. Visitors can walk the same fields and wooded trails that now overlook Highway 31. Once the old Louisville-to-Nashville Road, it’s here that historians believe the young Lincoln witnessed enslaved people being marched South — an experience that may have helped shape his lifelong opposition to slavery. “People get the beginnings of Lincoln’s history at Knob Creek,” says Iris LaRue, director of the nearby Lincoln Museum. “They get to see the land that molded the man.” Complete the experience at the park’s Birthplace Unit just 10 miles away, where the nation’s first memorial to Lincoln crowns a hill at the top of 56 granite steps.

Inside the neoclassical building, a replica cabin honors Lincoln’s birth, while the nearby visitor center houses the Lincoln family Bible and other artifacts that reflect the family’s Kentucky roots. “Lincoln’s integrity, honesty, dignity and commitment to human rights resonates

with people on a personal, political and cultural level,” says Lincoln Museum assistant director Rob Thurman. Plan your visit for early October so you can stop by the 55th annual Lincoln Days Celebration on Oct. 3 and 4 in Hodgenville’s Lincoln Square. There, you’ll find rail-splitting contests, pioneer games and a Lincoln look-alike competition that brings the area’s history to life. 2995 Lincoln Farm Rd., Hodgenville, Kentucky 42748, 270/3583137, nps.gov/abli

Explore Kentucky Bourbon Heritage

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park celebrates the early years of our 16th president, who lived in Kentucky until he was 8 years old (top). Bluegrass Bourbon Tours offers build-your-own experiences catered to customers’ interests (above). 80

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No two trips along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail need look alike. Every itinerary at Bluegrass Bourbon Tours is built around what customers want to experience, from iconic distilleries to hidden whiskey gems and a few unexpected Kentucky stops along the way. As the state’s only female-veteran-owned bourbon tour company, owner Melanie Lopez personally plans every excursion after talking with her visitors about their interests and goals.

LINCOLN: COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; BLUEGRASS BOURBON TOURS: COURTESY OF BUSINESS

Learn About Lincoln’s Early Years

“We don’t do a cookie-cutter tour,” she says. “We offer so much more by getting to know you and creating an all-around great experience.” You’ll want to see the heavy hitters like Buffalo Trace, where coveted bottles and limited releases draw bourbon lovers from around the world, or Maker’s Mark, where you can dip your own bottle into the distillery’s signature red wax. But Lopez also steers travelers toward new exciting directions like Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., a working farm where you can sample bourbon straight from the barrel before filling and sealing your own bottle. The tour experience also extends well beyond bourbon. Whether its visiting Secretariat’s grave at Claiborne Farm or making a stop to see the world’s largest baseball bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum, every minute you spend with Bluegrass Bourbon Tours sheds light on what makes the heart of Kentucky the place to be. “We take all the guesswork out of it,” Lopez says. “You can let us do the planning while you sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Kentucky scenery.” 10607 Alderbrook Place, Louisville, Kentucky 40299, 502/5091095, bbttours.com

Ride the Rails in a New Way Most travelers experience Kentucky from the road. But Rail Explorers: Bluegrass Division offers a different perspective, taking you along a historic railroad corridor that winds through horse country, across limestone cliffs and along one of the state’s most scenic river valleys. Departing from the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum in Versailles, the two- and four-seater, pedal-assisted rail bikes follow tracks first laid in 1888, tracing 5 miles of countryside before reaching the Kentucky River Palisades. Along the way, the two-hour experience takes riders past thoroughbred horse farms and rolling countryside before arriving at the turnaround point just before Young’s High Bridge. An engineering marvel, the former railroad bridge soars over the river and offers a view of the new Wild Turkey Distillery on the opposite hillside. Rail Explorers: Bluegrass Division offers morning, midday and evening rides along the route, but fall visitors should go for the seasonal Fireside Tour. Before departure,

Go where the grass is bluegrassier Georgetown, Kentucky, is just one of those places. An “if you know, you know” kind of place. A step oﬀ the beaten path, mud on the tires, kind of place. A horse-saddling, kayak-paddling, bourbon-sipping, good-time kind of place. It’s your kinda of place, you just don’t know it yet.

That’s Georgetown, Kentucky, for ya! Learn more at georgetownky.com 844-863-8600

Beyond the Dome. Beyond Expected. More than Kentucky’s Capital City. Historic streets, local shops, vibrant arts, exceptional dining, bourbon heritage, and scenic river views come together in the HEART of KENTUCKY. visitfrankfort.com S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

KENTUCKY

CEO Mary-Joy Lu. “In fall, you’re completely surrounded by the changing colors, and it’s a completely different experience when you’re riding at night with nothing but a lantern and the stars to light your way.” 175 Beasley Rd., Versailles, Kentucky 40383, 877/833-8588, railexplorers.net/locations/bluegrass

Connect with Racehorse History

guests gather around crackling fire pits to roast s’mores and sip complimentary hot cider or hot chocolate. As dusk settles, early dark is not a concern. Each rail bike is equipped with a lan-

tern to help illuminate the evening autumn landscape, creating a sensory experience unlike any other. “Each season brings such different glimpses of Kentucky,” says Rail Explorers

Kentucky’s horse country is filled with famous farms, but Mane Characters Equine Reserve & Retirement offers something many visitors won’t find anywhere else: the chance to slow down, step into the pasture and spend time with retired horses living their best lives. Located on a 122-acre farm outside of Paris, Kentucky, this nonprofit rescue provides free tours by appointment. During each tour, visitors meet nearly 40 horses rescued from racing, breeding programs and other difficult circumstances. Unlike larger horse farms, there is no bus ride or distant viewing area. Instead, you’ll stroll from paddock to paddock,

Start your weekend with

Where are you going? Use Ohio Magazine’s event search to learn what’s happening near you and across Ohio.

Start your search at ohiomagazine.com/events. 82

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danvillekentucky.com

Rail Explorers: Bluegrass Division lets visitors ride former train routes in a fun new way (opposite page). Main Characters Equine Reserve & Retirement lets thoroughbreds live out their golden years (above).

petting horses, feeding them peppermints and learning each animal’s story. On average, tours run 60 to 90 minutes, but they’re done at an unhurried pace and last as long as you’d like. There are even opportunities to volunteer at the farm, from helping with barn chores to assisting with events. “People want more of a hands-on experience, and we give that to them here,” says co-owner Amy Rogers. “There’s a huge need of aftercare for horses when they’re done racing or being brood mares. Once those horses reach our farm, they’re here forever, and we take good care of them.” One of the farm’s newest residents is Midnight Jewel, a retired racehorse who earned more than $800,000 on the track before arriving at Mane Characters for permanent retirement. Fans who followed her racing career now make special trips just to see her up close and how she has traded the racetrack for peaceful days in the pasture. Like Midnight Jewel, every rescue becomes a permanent main character at the farm where they’re free to graze, socialize and soak up attention from visitors. It’s a quieter side of Kentucky’s horse culture — one built on second chances instead of trophies. And while tours remain free, donations are also welcome to help support the rescue’s work. 985 Millersburg Rd., Paris, Kentucky 40361, 859/414-6161, manecharacters.org

YOUR ADVENTURE S TA R T S WHERE KENTUCKY BEGAN.

Walk where Kentucky’s story began, then discover vibrant arts, scenic beauty, local flavor, and genuine Southern hospitality that make Danville unforgettable.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

MICHIGAN

LONG WE E K E N D S

From dune hikes to art galleries to boutique stays, Saugatuck promises a fall fun getaway along Lake Michigan. Plus, check out these arts and culture finds in eastern Michigan. By Kristina Smith

JULIEN CAPMEIL

SAUGATUCK DUNES STATE PARK

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

MICHIGAN

s the leaves begin to turn gold, crimson and orange beside the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan, it’s a great time to visit the charming town of Saugatuck (and nearby Douglas). This spot along Michigan’s western shoreline is known for its art, great beaches, peaceful hikes, delicious bites and locally made wines.

Fall Arts Finds

These arts and culture destinations in eastern Michigan are all within a little more than an hour’s drive from Toledo.

Whether you’re looking for accommodations along the waters of Lake Michigan or to experience a historic, curated inn close to the heart of Saugatuck, the area has a range of lodging. Nestled on a bluff above the lake, every room at the Lake Shore Resort has a view of the water. “You’re able to start your day with enjoying the lake and not having to leave the property you’re staying at for an experience,” says Andrew Milauckas, resort owner and manager. Guests can use the resort’s kayaks and paddleboards or borrow one of its bikes and take a ride along the shoreline. There’s also the chance to relax and destress with morning yoga classes, which is included with the room fee. In the fall, fire pits along the shoreline allow guests to cuddle up with a blanket. “Sunsets are kind of a big deal, especially in the fall,” Milauckas says. “The air is crisp, clear and the [autumn] usually brings more

Ox-Bow School of Art studio; Saugatuck Dunes State Park (opposite page); Wickwood Inn (above)

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elaborate cloud formations. Fall sunsets can be spectacular. Guests will plan their dinner around that.” Built in 1937 and purchased and renovated by renowned Chicago interior designers Shea Soucie and Martin Horner, downtown Saugatuck’s historic Wickwood Inn exudes peace and luxury. The pair have curated and themed each room with antiques and calming colors, while the terrace and gardens are exquisitely landscaped. General manager and executive chef Rose Duong, a Chicago chef who catered the green room for “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” leads the dining operations. She and the inn’s other chefs curate daily, plated, farm-to-table breakfasts as well as afternoon social hours and snacks. “There is something so calming and tranquil about the Wickwood,” Duong says. “… You never feel crowded here. There is that relaxation. There is that privacy.”

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: Delight the kids with this museum where they can immerse themselves in a giant bubble, learn how a 17th-century clock runs and visit a 1930s general store. On the last weekend of the month, Critters Up Close brings out turtles, rabbits and more. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, 734/995-5439, discoverscienceandnature.org The Croswell: See a Broadway production in Michigan’s oldest theater, the same building where abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass and suffragist Susan B. Anthony delivered historic addresses. The Croswell opera house has been lovingly restored. Enjoy cocktails, mocktails and snacks at in-house bar, Farver’s, before the show. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, Michigan 49221, 517/264-7469, croswell.org Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: Immerse yourself in American industry, innovation and history at this massive museum that covers everything from advancements in train, car and air travel to American history. Vehicles here include the immaculately restored and now preserved bus where civil rights icon Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Michigan 48124, 313/982-6001, thehenryford.org Purple Rose Theatre: Every seat in this theater is fewer than 20 feet from the stage, giving patrons an up-close experience with each live performance. Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose has 168 seats and features original plays by regional artists, sometimes even directed by Daniels himself. 137 Park St., Chelsea, Michigan 48118, 734/433-7673, purplerosetheatre.org

INN: JOHN STOFFER; OX-BOW: NOLAN ZUNK; ISTOCK / RACHAEL JIROUSEK

Book a Unique Stay

Experience the Art Coast

DUNES: JULIEN CAPMEIL

Saugatuck and Douglas, which are about a mile apart, are renowned destinations for art ranging from painting to glass to pottery and beyond. There are about 40 galleries in the area, and visitors love to walk through the towns and see the creations, says Ashley Siebelink, executive director of the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We have every medium of art here at every price point,” she says. “We have very approachable art.” Painter James Brandess features landscapes of the Lake Michigan shoreline, including Saugatuck’s famous sand dunes, and has a popular gallery in town. Also in Saugatuck, Jeff Blandford uses natural materials, glass and clay to create a variety of art, including the vases and paperweights featured at his Jeff Blandford Gallery. The J. Petter Galleries in Douglas features a variety of artists and media and includes a wine bar. Saugatuck and Douglas owe their out-

things outside onto the school’s scenic grounds, which includes Tallmadge Woods. “We have this very intentional intergenerational mix that’s happening here all the time,” Stratton says. “The fall color out here is stunning.”

Take in the Lake Michigan View standing art reputation and Art Coast moniker in large part to the distinguished Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, which is the oldest continuously operating summer arts school in the United States. Located in Saugatuck, the school has been fostering artists through classes, fellowships and residencies since 1910. Brandess, for example, has connections to the Ox-Bow School of Art. Students here can receive college credit, but the public can also come and learn ceramics, painting, printmaking and more, says Shannon Stratton, executive director of the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency. The studio sometimes takes

Stroll one of the country’s most acclaimed beaches during a quiet time of year. Lonely Planet named Oval Beach one of the 22 best beaches in the United States in summer 2026. For those interested in nature and dune hikes, there is no shortage of areas for beauty and serene escapes. Hikers can take 303 stairs to the top of Mount Baldhead, the largest sand dune in the area, for a view overlooking the town and the Kalamazoo River. There are even hiking trails at the top of the dune. A few miles away, Saugatuck Dunes State Park has 13 miles of trails and a natural area with a coastal dune system and endangered plant species.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

A favorite trail among Saugatuck locals is the Crow’s Nest, a 45-minute loop just south of the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency parking lot within Tallmadge Woods. “It’s essentially a vantage point where you look over a lagoon and can see Lake Michigan,” Stratton says. “It’s a pretty incredible view.” Experience the fall colors with a ride on the Star of Saugatuck II, a sternwheel paddleboat. The boat travels up the Kalamazoo River onto Lake Kalamazoo and onward to Lake Michigan (weather permitting). The ship also has themed cruises, including Halloween trips. Adventurous travelers can also experience the sand dunes in a different way with a Saugatuck Dune Rides trip to the spot where the lost town of Singapore is buried under the sand. Those who want to feel the thrill of reeling in a keeper can try charter fishing on Lake Michigan for prized salmon and trout with one of the local charter captains.

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MODALES WINES

Explore Wineries and Farms Thanks to its proximity to Lake Michigan, the Saugatuck region is a prime climate for growing grape varieties that make riesling, chardonnay and pinot blanc. The area’s strong riesling grapes, which can only grow in certain regions, drew Andrew Backlin, head winemaker at Modales Wines in Fenville (and co-proprietor with Brian Lesperance), to Michigan from Napa Valley, California.

The soil and the protective effect the lake provides allows for a variety of grapes and versatility in what types of wines they can make. In addition to the German white wines, they can craft reds, like cabernet sauvignon, and various blends. “There’s so many things you can experiment with here, just stylistically and culturally,” Backlin says. “It’s really fun for customers. … It’s a pretty great way to explore your palate.” Modales Wines, one of the only certified organic winemakers in Michigan, is one of several wineries in the region. Backlin and Lesperance also recommend their neighboring winery, Wyncroft. “You can take a glass of pinot noir and walk in the pinot noir [vines],” Backlin says. “You can touch and feel what you’re tasting.” In addition to the region’s wineries, area farms offer fresh fall produce. Crane Or-

MODALES: ALEC ARAMBULA

MICHIGAN

chards in Fenville has u-pick apples and pumpkins in an experience co-owner Rob Crane created when he laid out the U-Pick area more than 20 years ago. The stand is in the middle of the farm, so visitors experience being on the farm instead of just by the side of the road. “As soon as they get up the driveway, they become part of the farm before they get out of the car,” says Crane, the third generation of his family on the farm and who co-owns it with his wife and twin sons. “You go to the grocery store because you have to. People come here because they want to.”

WHEN YOU GO

For more information about destinations in Saugatuck, Michigan, visit saugatuck.com.

STAYS Lake Shore Resort lakeshoreresortsaugatuck.com Wickwood Inn wickwoodinn.com

ART James Brandis Studio & Galleries jamesbrandess.com Jeff Blandford Gallery jeffblandford.com The J. Petter Galleries jpettergalleries.com Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency ox-bow.org

SHORE Oval Beach saugatuckcity.com Saugatuck Dunes State Park michigan.gov Saugatuck Dune Rides saugatuckduneride.com Star of Saugatuck II saugatuckboatcruises.com

FLAVORS Crane Orchards craneorchards.com Modales Wines modaleswines.com Wyncroft wyncroftwine.com S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

Swiss Community Historical Society presents

Fall Festival Saturday, September 26th 10 am to 3 pm Admission to the Fall Festival is free with donations appreciated.

For more information visit the Swiss Community Historical Society Facebook page, call 567-387-9208, or visit

swisshistorical.org Visit Blufftonfestival.com for a complete schedule of Fall Festival activities.

FALL FUN AND FRIGHTS

s pecial adve rti s i ng s ection

From colorful fall foliage and harvest traditions to haunted attractions, these destinations offer plenty of ways to embrace the thrills, flavors and fun of autumn.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTINATIONS LISTED

PIGEON ROOST, LICKING COUNTY S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N

Licking County As the summer months fade out and the fall season comes rolling in, there are endless ways to soak up the season in Licking County. Discover the orchards and pumpkin patches that come to life during the autumn months. Stop by Van Buren Acres in Hebron for family fun that lasts the whole season. This family-run pumpkin farm is open from Sept. 12 to Nov. 1 this year. Get lost in the corn maze or sunflower trails, take a ride on the cowtrain and pick a locally grown pumpkin at this charming fall destination. Dupler’s Pumpkin Land in Newark promises to offer the most affordable fall fun experience in central Ohio. The autumn destination has no shortage of activities for the whole family. Alongside pumpkin picking, lose yourself in the Mystery Maze, take a wagon ride, race ducks and even meet the goats and emus. Kids love the giant slide and the Wacky Web climbable spiderweb. Aside from traditional pumpkin patches, Licking County also has several U-Pick orchards and fruit farms to stock up on all the seasonal goodies. Head to Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala on select dates to pick from a variety of apple species from the well-known Honeycrisp, Fuji and Gala apples to the lesser-known Pixie Crunch, Goldrush and Ludacrisp apples. For more information, visit explorelc.org.

Always in Season? IT’S A SHORE THING

Shores & Islands Ohio is a year-round destination just a short drive away. Crisp air. Colorful shores. Your fall getaway is closer than you think. Paddle quiet waterways, wander farmers markets, pick apples fresh from the orchard and toast the season at local wineries and craft breweries. Scan today to receive our free 2026 Play + Stay Travel Guide

Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com

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YES, CHARM IN EVERY SEASON.

Take a short drive and discover colorful farmers markets, handcrafted seasonal lattes, game day traditions and local craft breweries. It’s no surprise AFAR named Columbus one of the 10 Unexpected Family Travel Destinations in the U.S. Start planning your getaway at ExperienceColumbus.com/Fall.

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N

Greene County As the days grow cooler, there’s no better time to explore Greene County. Just minutes from Dayton and an easy road trip from anywhere in Ohio, it’s the perfect place to enjoy outdoor adventure, small-town charm and favorite fall traditions. Take in the changing colors along more than 60 miles of paved recreational trails, including the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Hike among the limestone cliffs of John Bryan State Park, explore Glen Helen Nature Preserve or discover history and outdoor recreation at Great Council State Park. Celebrate the season at Young’s Jersey Dairy with homemade ice cream, farm-fresh fun and family activities. Browse local farm markets filled with pumpkins, mums, fresh produce and fall decor, or make memories at festivals and community events throughout the county. Head over to Peifer Orchards in Yellow Springs to stock up on a variety of seasonal bounty. Opening Labor Day weekend, the quaint orchard offers U-Pick opportunities for apples and pumpkins on most fall weekends.

Warm up along the Greene County Coffee Trail, featuring locally owned coffee shops and specialty creations. The Locally Crafted Sips Trail offers another flavorful way to explore, highlighting local breweries, wineries and craft beverage destinations. From the vibrant streets of Yellow Springs to the welcoming communities of Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Cedarville, Fairborn, Jamestown and Xenia, there are a variety of places to shop, dine and explore. For more information, visit greenecountyohio.org.

White House Fruit Farm

autumN adventures Discover vibrant foliage, crisp air, and the charm of scenic landscapes. Savor local wineries, breweries, dining, and attractions as Mahoning County comes alive this fall.

800.447.8201 exploremahoning.com 94

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Scan to uncover your next Mahoning County adventure!

Unbound means to be free of restraints and limitations. Endless possibilities and discoveries await as you are filled with a sense of freedom and renewal. The first swing on a championship golf course, an endless view from a mountain top or exploring authentic mountain towns full of culture and flavor. Our Unbound scenery

Unbeatable trails.

will transform you in Tucker County, West Virginia. Unreal views.

Unforgettable experiences.

304.259.5315

gettuckered.com

Find your unbound getaway in Tucker County, West Virginia.

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N

Experience Columbus As the fall breezes push their way into central Ohio, discover all the autumn activities that Columbus has to offer. From spooky, kid-friendly frights to grown-up fall fun, our capital city has something for everyone.

Stroll through Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens after regular general admission hours to gaze at over 700 handcarved glowing creations during Pumpkins Aglow. Discover themed displays featuring pirates, spiders, mermaids, aliens and more. (Each gourd was precisely carved by conservatory staff, volunteers and members.) Then, stop by the pumpkin house for the perfect photo opportunity. Pumpkins Aglow occurs 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 7 through Nov. 1. The conservatory will host a variety of food trucks, and the Garden Cafe and Watershed Bar will also be open. Mark your calendars for a whole day of fall fun Oct. 3 from noon to 8 p.m. for October Hops on High featuring HighBall Halloween in the Short North Arts District. An all-day event series, Hops on High offers a lineup of creative fun, featuring a vendor market, live music and artistic acts. The annual HighBall Halloween party brings the Columbus community together to show off their costumes, with the main stage featuring the Costume Couture Fashion Show. The event brings costume looks from five designers to create a can’t-miss, spooky spectacle. For more information, visit experiencecolumbus.com.

The Fall Experience Everyone Talks About

From pumpkin picking to giant slides and farm fresh favorites, fall fun does not stop here. Discover even more in Zanesville Muskingum County at visitzanesville.com. 96

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Cardio for the Soul

Miles of trails. Hundreds of steps. Countless reasons to keep going. Hocking Hills turns movement into discovery with caves, cliffs, waterfalls, and stunning views around every bend. Plan your trip at explorehockinghills.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP AT explorehockinghills.com

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Hocking Hills As crisp mornings and vibrant autumn colors settle across the region, there’s no better time to cozy up by a crackling firepit and unplug in Ohio’s Hocking Hills. Take a leisurely drive along the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, where winding roads reveal panoramic overlooks, charming communities and countless opportunities to stop for local dining, wineries and scenic photographs. For a more peaceful hiking experience, register for a day-use permit to explore the area’s stunning nature preserves offering quieter trails and exceptional opportunities to experience the beauty of fall. These quieter areas include Crane Hollow State Nature Preserve, which is open only for scheduled, guided hikes or Honeycomb Rocks Preserve, a 281-acre preserve near Clear Creek Metro Park with old-growth forests, dramatic rock formations like Soaring Rock and Sentinel Wall, and a signature ravine trail. The season also brings a full calendar of festivals and events. Browse handcrafted treasures during the Hocking Hills Artists & Craftsmen Annual Fall Show, admire one-of-a-kind creations at the Glass Pumpkin Fest or lace up for Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike. Complete your autumn getaway by shopping for “Art from the Heart of the Hills” at the newly remodeled Gallery on Main in downtown Logan, where regional artists showcase handcrafted works inspired by the beauty and heritage of Hocking Hills. For more information, visit explorehockinghills.com.

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Mahoning County As summer comes to an end, there are so many ways to embrace fall in Mahoning County. From massive corn mazes to harvest celebrations, this northeast Ohio county has autumn fun for everyone. Check out Maze Craze in New Springfield, which features an

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enormous corn maze known for its creativity and challenge level. Each year features a brand-new maze design and converts the acres of farmland into an immersive fall adventure. Take part in the Farm Scene Investigation, where visitors weave through the maze to discover why Farmer Joe has gone missing. This year, Maze Craze will be open on weekends from Sept. 18 through Nov. 1. For the full maze experience, it is recommended to visit earlier in the season when the corn is both greener and thicker. In Canfield, White House Fruit Farm is another fall destination with activities for the whole family. Fall Harvest Weekends are set to begin this year on Sept. 12 and last through Oct. 25. Bring the whole family for horse-drawn carriage rides, a children’s petting zoo and play area, pony rides and more. Visitors love the farmers market and gift barn, where you can pick up all your favorite seasonal goods including apples and pumpkins. Don’t miss the unique Budgie Barn experience where visitors can have an up-close experience with parakeets and hand feed them. For more information, visit exploremahoning.com.

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Ohio State Reformatory The Ohio State Reformatory, which once served as the Ohio State Penitentiary, has a long history of being home to creepy and paranormal happenings. This fall, immerse yourself in the horrifying at the award-winning haunted house Blood Prison. This Mansfield destination transforms into one of the state’s spookiest experiences on weekends from Sept. 25 to Nov. 1. Encounter apparitions such as the Warden’s Widow who still stalks the tiers with her grief boiling into rage, malformed guards and inmates trapped in their cells. Visitors will walk beside the looming weight of the world’s largest freestanding steel cell block, then drop into The Hole, where the screams never stop. Tickets to Blood Prison are sold online only and sell out fast. On-site parking is included in the ticket price. Blood Prison is not recommended for children under the age of 10. Children who appear under the age of 10 will be required to provide proof of age such as a school identification card. Open rain or shine, the experience typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. With on-site food vendors, the visit is more than just the haunted house. If a nighttime visit sounds a little too freaky, Blood Prison offers daytime tours Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit bloodprison.com.

Craft Brewery Trail

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Smartphone required for check-in process to earn and redeem points. No purchase necessary. See full terms and conditions on Bandwango pass. Discounts and possible rewards vary between participating breweries.

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Chillicothe As autumn arrives in southern Ohio, Chillicothe comes alive with vibrant color, crisp air and a full calendar of seasonal traditions. Surrounded by the rolling, forested foothills of Appalachia, it’s the perfect place to experience everything that makes the fall season special. October brings even more reasons to visit. Thrill-seekers can experience The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain, where immersive storytelling, unforgettable characters and eerie surprises create a haunting adventure unlike any other. Families will enjoy the Chillicothe Halloween Festival, featuring costume contests, activities, entertainment and plenty of seasonal fun throughout the city’s historic downtown. No fall visit is complete without a stop at Hirsch Fruit Farm, where apple picking, fresh cider, homemade treats and the annual Apple Harvest Open House have become cherished autumn traditions. Just a short drive away, the Fall Festival of Leaves in neighboring Bainbridge celebrates the season with handcrafted goods, live entertainment, festival favorites and one of Ohio’s largest and most colorful parades.

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Historic downtown Chillicothe invites visitors to browse locally owned shops, enjoy exceptional restaurants and experience the charm of Ohio’s first capital before venturing into the countryside to admire the fall foliage of the Appalachian foothills. Whether you’re searching for family festivities, spine-tingling thrills or a scenic autumn drive, Chillicothe offers everything you need to make the most of the season. For more information, go to visitchillicotheohio.com.

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Haunted Mountain Step beyond the ordinary this Halloween season and enter The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain, one of southern Ohio’s most unique fall attractions. Located at the beautiful Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, this immersive evening combines live theater, spine-tingling thrills and classic Halloween entertainment into a single unforgettable adventure. Inspired by the legendary Count Dracula, guests are drawn into a gothic world of mystery, suspense and supernatural encounters brought to life by talented actors, dramatic special effects and the natural beauty of the wooded hillside after dark. More than a haunted attraction, The Dracula Experience is a complete evening of entertainment for families with older children, couples and horror enthusiasts alike. Your visit includes a professionally produced stage presentation, a haunted trail filled with unexpected scares, an interactive escape room, tomahawk throwing and classic horror films shown on the largest outdoor movie screen in southern Ohio. Guests can also enjoy concessions, themed merchandise and a festive Halloween atmosphere throughout the grounds. The Dracula Experience offers something unlike any other attraction in the region. With its blend of theatrical storytelling, immersive environments and outdoor adventure, Haunted Mountain has become one of Ohio’s premier Halloween destinations, inviting visitors to experience an evening where every shadow hides a surprise and every corner brings them deeper into Dracula’s immortal legend. For more information, visit hauntedmountain.org.

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Swiss Community Historical Society Explore the historic Schumacher Homestead at the Swiss Community Historical Society in the Bluffton-Pandora area this autumn, where local history comes to life during Bluffton’s village-wide Fall Festival Sept 26. The annual event connects visitors to history beyond museum walls through hands-on, family-friendly activities. Throughout the day, visitors can tour the homestead, take horse-drawn wagon rides and enjoy blacksmithing, tin-smithing, basket-weaving and bread-making demonstrations. Families can visit the farm animal petting zoo, try out fishing in Riley Creek, play period games or make their way through the straw maze. The Schumacher Homestead offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the early Swiss families that settled in the area. The property includes a restored 1843 house, reconstructed summer kitchen, workshop and garden. Its 1854 barn is one of the few gable-end bank barns remaining in Ohio. Head over to the recently completed Swiss Heritage Center to see the antique bicycle exhibit, a favorite pastime of the Swiss Settlement residents. The center’s main room is framed by post-and-beam timbers from an 1855 barn. (The room, as well as a food preparation area, are available to rent for receptions, parties and family reunions.) On the lawn, dulcimer musicians and fiddlers provide live music to celebrate autumn rooted in Ohio’s Swiss heritage. For more information, visit swisshistorical.org.

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Streetsboro As summer comes to an end, there are plenty of autumn activities in Streetsboro to help you embrace the season. From winding corn mazes and U-Pick orchards to antique shopping and a hot air balloon festival, this northeast Ohio destination and its surrounding areas have plenty to offer. On weekends starting Sept. 11, stop by Derthick’s Corn Maze for this quintessential fall experience. This enormous corn maze in Mantua will keep you occupied for hours, but be sure to leave time for the other attractions such as the wagon rides, zip line and giant slides. Make sure to stock up on fruits and vegetables at Monroe’s Orchard

in Hiram. This fruit farm offers U-Pick opportunities throughout the season. Pick a bushel of apples from mid-September to mid-October or fill your car with pumpkins from the last week of September through October. Head to the Portage County Fairgrounds Sept. 24 through 27 for the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair. See dazzling hot air balloons launch into the sky at various times throughout the weekend. Make sure to check out the parades, live performances and countless food vendors at this Ravenna tradition. Round out your autumn season adventures with a little treasure hunting at Streetsboro Antiques Mall. With 45 showcases, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. For more information, visit streetsborovcb.com.

GreeneCountyOhio.org

WHERE EVERY TRAIL LEADS TO ADVENTURE! S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

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Zanesville and Muskingum County

Visit Canton From fall foliage to haunted trails and craft beer, Stark County offers a full lineup of autumn experiences, starting with its Stark Autumn Adventures Bingo. Check off five squares in a row and earn a certificate for a pie from Hartville Kitchen. Those looking for Oktoberfest fun will find it in the communities of Minerva, Canton and New Berlin with events that feature food, brews and live music. Pick your own dahlias and mums at Bloom Hill Farm’s Fall Fest, and find seasonal decor during events such as Shop the Barn at Haymaker’s Mill Barn, Harvest Sip & Shop at 1875 Winery, Sidestreet Harvest Market and Louisville Street Market. Get active at the Gervasi Haunted Wine Run 5K or Haunted Forest races, and check out Hall of Fame Hops for craft beer. Families can enjoy a costume contest and trick-or-treating with Spooky Science at Beech Creek Gardens, meet owls during Owl-o-ween at Raptor Hollow or enjoy face painting as part of Kids’ Day at the Factory of Terror. For scary thrills, Carnival of Horrors, Fortress of Fear, Gorgas Street and Factory of Terror deliver haunted attractions, immersive sets, bars and games. Or, explore local lore with Black Cat Ghost Tours, Zoar Ghost Tours and Haunted History Walks of Canal Fulton. Catch the productions “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical” and “Winnie the Pooh Booooo!” or attend the Monster Bash Film Festival. For fall foliage, visit the Wilderness Center, Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center and Jackson Bog. For more information, go to visitcanton.com. 106

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Tucked in southeast Ohio, Muskingum County pairs small-town charm with wideopen adventure. In autumn, scenic parks, local shops and one-of-a-kind destinations make it an ideal weekend getaway. Visit The Wilds, a nearly 10,000-acre conservation center near Zanesville, and one of the world’s largest operations of its kind. Encounter rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, African painted dogs and other species while learning about the animals and their habitats. Climb aboard an Open-Air Safari Tour to explore the landscape and see wildlife up close. For a more rugged experience, the Wildside Tour ventures into the pastures. Thrill-seekers can soar above the landscape on a Zipline Safari Tour or explore the prairie and native wildlife on horseback. Every visit supports more than 600 animals, representing over 25 species, and ongoing conservation efforts. Extend your stay at the new Hellbender RV Campground, featuring full-hookup sites, primitive camping and hiking and biking trails. For a secluded retreat, stay in a yurt at Nomad Ridge, where private decks overlook the surrounding landscape. Make time to explore Zanesville, too. Stroll downtown to discover locally owned shops, restaurants and public art, and take in views of the city’s famous Y-Bridge spanning the Muskingum and Licking rivers. The city makes for a welcoming home base for a fall weekend of outdoor adventure and local discoveries. For more information, go to visitzanesville.com.

Shores & Islands Nothing says fall in the Midwest like a trip to an orchard or a farm market. A quaint, family-friendly activity, picking a bushel of apples not only gets you the absolute freshest produce for your kitchen, but it’s also a wonderful way to make memories. Apples are fall’s favorite fruit, providing the main ingredient for such yummy treats as cider, pies, applesauce, doughnuts, fritters and other pastries. There are some great pick-your-own apple orchards in Shores & Islands Ohio, including Burnham Orchards and Quarry Hill Orchards. If you’re not so much interested in harvesting your own fruit, but you still want the freshest seasonal produce, there are several farm markets such as The Chef’s Garden Farm Market in Huron, with freshly picked finds just waiting for you. Plus, to add more fall to your outing, consider picking up some traditional autumn decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, mums and corn shocks. Extend your fall adventure by visiting a farm with additional activities such as hayrides, a petting zoo, corn maze and more. Shores & Islands Ohio offers several of these locations for fall family fun.

S P EC I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S EC T I O N Witches Walk and more, be sure to plan your season of autumn activities in Shores and Islands, Ohio. For more information, visit shoresandislands.com.

Miami County

And, with Halloween to cap off the season, there’s no shortage of fall festivals to celebrate. From the Marblehead Lighthouse Festival to Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends, Oak Harbor Apple Festival to Sandusky

Looking for fall fun in southwest Ohio? Miami County is bursting with autumn activities for the whole family. From harvest festivals to flower picking, there are a variety of activities with something to do for all ages. Celebrate Miami County’s agricultural footprint at Fall Farm Fest on Oct. 10 and 11. Bring the whole family to Lost Creek Reserve to embrace the fall season through activities and demonstrations. Visitors can explore the 6-acre corn maze, shoot the corn cannon and enjoy local music and food. Kids love the wagon and pony rides, face painting and Kiddie Tractor Pull, where the little ones can compete for trophies. Don’t miss the live demonstrations that feature artisans making rope and apple cider. Head to Brown’s Triple B Farm to pick out seasonal blooms to liven up any space. The family-run mini-farm in Troy is located just north of Dayton and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Open on Sundays in September, the farm offers the chance to pick sunflowers, dahlias and more autumnal flora. Check out Heartland Farms in Tipp City for more U-Pick opportunities. Stock up on all the fall flavors at Fulton Farms. This family-run farm market in Troy offers organic, seasonal goods year-round. Here you can pick up your pumpkins, fall squashes and sweet corn, as well as choose from a large selection of canned jams, apple butter and pickled vegetables. For more information, visit homegrowngreat.com.

Clockwise from opposite page top: Pies at Hartville Kitchen; observation deck at The Wilds; flowers at Brown’s Triple B Farm; U-Pick apples at Quarry Hill

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Tucker County With mountain views and plenty of ways to get outside, Tucker County, West Virginia, offers visitors scenic autumn sites, mountain valley golfing and artsy towns full of character. As autumn settles across the Allegheny Mountains, take in the landscape of red, orange and gold from Pendleton Point overlook for views of Blackwater Canyon. A maintained open area makes it a scenic stop for the whole family. For a closer look, saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the backcountry of Dolly Sods Wilderness to see the season’s beauty. Rides range from one-hour excursions to full-day journeys.

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Golfers can tee off at the scenic Canaan Valley Resort Golf Course and play an 18-hole course with a driving range, practice greens and pro shop. Or take the scenic chairlift to the top of the mountain and hike less than a mile to Bald Knob (located 4,360 feet above sea level) for a sunset in a meadow. In the town of Parsons, explore outdoor recreation or visit Corrick’s House, one of the area’s few surviving Civil War landmarks. Savor local cuisines and distilled apple brandy after hitting the biking trails in Davis. Then, discover the vibrant art scene and catch live music at The Purple Fiddle in Thomas. From outdoor adventures and mountain views to local flavors, history and arts, Tucker County offers plenty of ways to experience the best of autumn. For more information, visit gettuckered.com. ●

WESTERN NY

LONG WE E K E N D S

Head to New York for fall landscapes, fascinating history and memorable destinations that make autumn an ideal time to explore. By Lauren Bischof

COURTESY OF HOLIDAY VALLEY

HOLIDAY VALLEY

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cross-country trails in the McCarty Hill State Forest. When you’re ready to head back, take a quiet mountain walk down the Spruce Lake Trail or ride the lift back down to Tannenbaum Lodge. Holiday Valley’s Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster and the Sky High Aerial Adventure Park also operate during autumn. 6557 Holiday Valley Rd., Rte. 219, Ellicottville, New York 14731, 716/699-2345, holidayvalley.com

The Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival, Clarence

National Comedy Center, Jamestown Immerse yourself in the history of funny at the National Comedy Center, where interactive exhibits bring the art of laughter to life. Spanning everything from vaudeville to viral memes, this destination traces comedy’s evolution and celebrates the performers, writers and creators who shaped it. The attraction personalizes each visit with a LaughBand, which tailors exhib-

it content to an individual’s comedy tastes by asking them a few questions. Step into moments from “I Love Lucy” and “Saturday Night Live” at the “Act the Part Green Screen Experience,” then go behind the scenes of late-night TV with the “Late Night Studio Camera” exhibit. Extend your visit with a dual-admission ticket to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and explore the legacy of the comedic couple. Exhibits here include re-creations of sets from “I Love Lucy,” including the Ricardos’ New York City apartment living room and kitchen. 203 W. Second St., Jamestown, New York 14701, 716/484 2222, comedycenter.org

Holiday Valley’s Spruce Lake Chairlift, Ellicottville Take in the autumn colors from Holiday Valley resort’s chairlift, a 20-minute ride that climbs 430 feet to Spruce Lake and operates on the weekends. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride or access to outdoor adventure, the Holiday Valley Spruce Lake Chairlift provides both and has become a signature fall experience in the area. Once you reach the top, relax on the beach area near the lake, explore wooded hiking trails or even bring your mountain bike to ride a portion of the 35 miles of 110

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Arcade & Attica Railroad, Arcade Climb aboard New York’s only regularly operating steam-engine passenger excursion and experience rail travel from another era on the Arcade & Attica Railroad. Ride in vintage coaches from 1915 powered by the 109-year-old Steam Engine No. 18 through the countryside and farmland that has changed little since the 1880s. The authentic short-line railroad remains one of the nation’s last common carriers running freight and passenger trains weekly. Before departure, tour the station exhibits to see antique railroad lanterns, switch locks and an old switch stand, then stop by the authentic ticket office.

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Clockwise from above: The National Comedy Center explores the history of the art form. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House. See the “Grand Canyon of the East” at Letchworth State Park. Get in the spirit of the season at The Great Pumpkin Farm Festival.

Make The Great Pumpkin Farm, home of the first 1,000-pound pumpkin, part of your autumn plans. Kick off your visit to the farm’s annual Fall Festival by traversing the 5-acre corn maze, which features a fresh design every year. Then, climb aboard the tractor-drawn hayride through the Enchanted Forest. Get creative and make your own scarecrow before watching the famous pumpkin cannon launch pie-size pumpkins thousands of feet into the woods. When it’s time for a treat, try a hot pumpkin or apple doughnut and wash it down with a glass of fresh apple cider or a specialty Halloween drink from the Witches Brew Bar & Cafe. Sample the popular Witches Brew, made with apple cider and apple caramel vodka, or The Poison Apple, made with Jack Fire, Jack Apple and local apple cider. 11199 Main St., Clarence, New York 14031, 716/759-1929, greatpumpkinfarm.com

ing and biking. Be sure to stop at Inspiration Point overlook to view the Upper Falls and Middle Falls at the same time, then follow Trail 1 to view the Genesee Arch Bridge. Those who want to gain a fresh perspective can book a hot air balloon ride through the gorge with Liberty Balloon Co. or walk through the interactive exhibits at the Humphrey Nature Center to learn about the park’s ecosystems. 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, New York 14427, 585/4933600, parks.ny.gov

Find Fall

Fun IN WESTERN NEW YORK

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, Buffalo MARTIN HOUSE: PATRICK CLAY LETCHWORTH: NEW YORK STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Along the journey, the train stops at the Curriers Depot where the locomotive uncouples from the train, moves onto a siding and stops, allowing visitors a closer look. Attend a special event ride, from Wine on the Rails with wine tastings from Winery of Ellicottville to fall foliage and Haunted Halloween rides. 278 Main St., Arcade, New York 14009, 585/492-3100, aarailroad.com

Letchworth State Park, Castile View vibrant red, gold and orange foliage during a visit to the renowned “Grand Canyon of the East” at Letchworth State Park. Surrounded by forests, the 17-mile gorge carved by the Genesee River offers breathtaking views of gorge cliffs as high as 600 feet, three major waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Choose from 66 miles of hiking trails, with many also available for horseback rid-

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s quintessential Prairie house, originally designed as the home for Buffalo business executive Darwin D. Martin. Built between 1903 and 1905, the Martin House is regarded as one of the architect’s great achievements. The Martin family vacated the home in 1937 and, after years of vacancy and neglect, structures on the estate were demolished in 1962. The Martin House Preservation Corp. later reconstructed the pergola, conservatory and carriage house according to Wright’s original plans. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the 1.5-acre estate is characterized by its spatial openness, horizontal planes, pier and cantilever construction, and palette of natural colors and materials. Don’t miss the striking 9-foot-3-inch Greek statue replica of the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” in the conservatory. View the installation “Stained by Time” by 2026 Creative Resident Selva Aparicio

Autumn adventures await in Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY on our lakes and trails. Attend seasonal events, visit unique cultural attractions and taste locally made craft beverages along the Chautauqua County Grape & Grain Trail.

TourChautauqua.com

866.908.4569 | #TourChautauqua

the

Farm Bell Basket Barn

Come in - Browse our selection of wicker furniture, Lee Middleton Dolls, Chautauqua Tees & sweatshirts, Minnetonka moccasins, antiques, new & vintage jewelry. Our baskets make unique gifts. We have a barn full of ways to tell someone you care. Open 10-5 daily thru Labor Day. Call for winter hours. 5252 Rte. 430 Dewittville, NY 14728 716-386-4033 farmbell@hotmail.com S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2026

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from Oct. 9 through Nov. 17. The installation reimagines Wright’s iconic stained-glass windows through the lens of organic impermanence. 125 Jewett Pkwy., Buffalo, New York 14214, 716/856-3858, martinhouse.org

Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls

NOVEMBER 7, 2026

Explore the rich history of Niagara Falls through the stories of those buried at Oakwood Cemetery. Established in 1852, the active cemetery continues to serve the community. Lavinia Porter, whose father, Judge Augustus Porter, was one of Niagara Falls’ founders, originally donated the land for the cemetery. Take a guided tour through part of the 18.5-acre property and see the original 1913 Vermont marble mausoleum. Learn the stories of the 22,000 people buried at Oakwood Cemetery, including daredevil Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to travel over Niagara Falls in a barrel; and Homan

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Walsh, the young kite flyer who contributed to the construction of the first suspension bridge over the Niagara River. Known for its peaceful setting, Oakwood features obelisks, sarcophagi and statuary alongside a lush landscape with mature plantings and trees, some dating to the earliest years of the cemetery. 747 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls, New York 14301, 716/2845131, oakwoodniagara.org

Becker Farms, Gasport

Experience autumn at Becker Farms, a 132-year-old farm where visitors can pick apples, grapes and pumpkins. German immigrant Julius Becker acquired the 100-acre property in 1894. Today, the fifth-generation family farm encompasses 340 acres. Join the family-friendly Pie & Coffee Tour to learn about the farm’s history from owner Melinda Vizcarra, take a wagon ride and enjoy a slice of the destination’s famous handmade fruit pie. Meet the farm animals and then stop at Becker Brewing Co.’s taproom or Vizcarra Vineyards for locally made beer, wine and hard cider. Tasting experiences include sea-

BECKER FARMS

sonal favorites like Oktoberfest beer, sweet cider and spiced apple wine slushies. Those who want to stay a little longer can book one of the cabins overlooking the vineyards and orchard or stay at the 1830s farmhouse with pasture views. Before heading home, stop by The Farmhouse Market for fresh pies and warm doughnuts. 3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport, New York 14067, 716/7722211, beckerfarms.com

Holiday Valley Main Lodge One Session | 3 - 7PM

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WESTERN NY

PENNSYLVANIA

LONG WE E K E N D S

Explore history, architecture, scenic railroads, covered bridges and classic harvest fun on an autumn trip across the Keystone State. By Lauren Bischof

MARGIE HUNSINGER

CREASYVILLE BRIDGE, COLUMBIA COUNTY

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PENNSYLVANIA Heinz History Center | Pittsburgh

Hagen History Center | Erie Discover 200 years of Erie County history at the Hagen History Center, where four buildings with more than 18 exhibits share the region’s stories. Tour architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco office, located inside the Frank Lloyd Wright Field Office Museum. The relocated, 2,700-square-foot space guides visitors through Wright’s history complete with never-before-seen artifacts,

”Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Ages” at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh (above); Frank Lloyd Wright furnishings on display at the Hagen History Center in Erie (below); Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad in Titusville (opposite page)

videos and interactive media. Walk through the Carriage House library’s collection of more than 5,800 19th-, 20th- and 21st-century books before touring the 15,000-square-foot historic Watson-Curtze Mansion — a Medina sandstone home built in 1891 that features 24 rooms, 12 fireplaces, a ballroom, a solarium, mosaics and stained-glass windows. Visitors can also tour the 1858 Wood-Morrison House, built by a man who served on the U.S. Navy’s first iron-hulled warship. Learn about Navy officer Oliver Hazard Perry and how he earned the title “Hero of Lake Erie” in the center’s newest exhibit. Additional historic properties include the King-Mertens Archives Building and the Girard campus historic landmarks: the 1858 Yellow House and the neighboring 1861 White House. 356 W. Sixth St., Erie, Pennsylvania 16507, 814/4541813, hagenhistory.org

Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville Travel back 150 years to the birthplace of the modern oil industry aboard the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. This three-hour, round114

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trip excursion winds through Oil Creek State Park’s autumn landscape aboard vintage Pullman cars from the 1930s pulled by a historic diesel locomotive. Along the way, passengers learn about Pennsylvania’s oil boom, including the people and historic locations that established the region as the center of early oil production. See Oil Creek Valley from the open-air Gondola Car, or reserve a seat in the Wabash, a first-class car with air conditioning, comfortable cloth-covered seating and a tour guide. Keep an eye out for groundhogs, deer, bald eagles and the occasional black bear. Mail a postcard or letter from the 1927 Railway Post Office Car, the only one still in operation in the United States. Book a stay at The Caboose Motel beside Perry Street Station, where historic caboose train cars have been converted into overnight accommodations. 409 S. Perry St., Titusville, Pennsylvania 16354, 814/676-1733, octrr.org; The Caboose Motel, 814-827-5730

Fallingwater | Mill Run Fallingwater, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, turns 90 in 2026, giving vis-

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Pittsburgh’s story unfolds across six floors of interactive exhibits at Pennsylvania’s largest history museum. Step into the original entryway and living room set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” see the world’s oldest jeep and visit the “Heinz” exhibit featuring an 11-foot-tall ketchup bottle made from more than 400 individual Heinz bottles. The museum’s newest exhibit, “Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Ages,” takes visitors 80,000 years into Earth’s prehistoric past with full-scale skeletal replicas of ice age animals, including a mastodon, giant beaver, short-faced bear and smilodon. Explore exhibits highlighting regional innovation, technology and sports culture, or research local history in the Detre Library & Archives, home to the David McCullough Archive and The Kennywood Park Records. Before leaving, visit the museum shop for Heinz-flavored lip balm, pickle beanies or a Mister Rogers mug. 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, 412/4546000, heinzhistorycenter.org

guitar benefit recital by Stephen Morrison. Poet and essayist Sheila Squillante offers a weekend writing program as part of the lineup. 1491 Mill Run Rd., Mill Run, Pennsylvania 15464, 724/329-8501, fallingwater.org

Port Farms | Waterford

itors another reason to experience one of America’s most celebrated homes during peak fall color. The renowned masterpiece blends art, architecture and nature. Designed in 1935 as a private weekend house for the Kaufmann family, the 9,300-square-foot home’s dramatic floating terraces extend above a waterfall on a Bear Run Nature Preserve stream. Visitors can experience guided tours of the main house and 4,990-square-foot guest house, explore

20 miles of surrounding woodland trails and capture the familiar view of Fallingwater from the overlook after the tour. Whether visiting for the architecture, history or natural setting, Fallingwater offers a memorable autumn escape in which modern design and nature work in tandem. Check out the many programs and events held throughout September and October that celebrate the anniversary year, such as the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and a classical

A day at Port Farms Fall Harvest Festival offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season. The more than 25 family-friendly attractions include a 12-ton corn box, paintball, pedal carts and an American 250-themed, 5-acre corn maze. Plus, visitors can get close to farm animals, including a new mini donkey and mini pony. After working up an appetite, head over to the family-friendly, on-site Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales brewery for craft beer, food and live music. Try the spinach artichoke fire-roasted flatbread and wash it down with the farm’s signature Oktoberfest or popular apple cider slush float. One of the brewery’s most popular menu items, The Cattleyard sandwich layers shaved sirloin, bacon jam, roasted red peppers, smoked Gouda, cheddar, mixed greens and aioli on sourdough and

“Fall” in Love With Covered Bridges on a new adventure in pennsylvania

Timeless & picturesque, the covered bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties in Central Pennsylvania harken back to simpler times. Home to an incredible twenty-five covered bridges, the counties are only a half day trip away from most of the major cities in Ohio. Plan a visit to see the bridges, and also the area’s famed Covered Bridge & Arts Festival from October 8-11, 2026. The event features 300+ handmade craft vendors and is the perfect gateway to welcoming the onset of autumn in the region. Enjoy a day at the festival and another to visit these historic treasures in person with a self-guided driving tour. During your stay, stop at a local farm market for a fresh harvest of fall produce and a trip through a corn maze. Plus, you can pair your visit with endless outdoor adventures; hike the renowned Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, kayak the Susquehanna River - the longest East Coast river, or spend a day at Knoebels Amusement Resort, America’s largest free-admission amusement park!

Learn more & plan your trip by visiting:

HeartofPA.com

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PENNSYLVANIA comes with shoestring fries. Combining classic fall activities and exciting entertainment, all ages can embrace the charm of Pennsylvania’s countryside at Port Farms Fall Harvest Festival. 2055 Stone Quarry Rd., Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441, 814/796-4500, portfarms.com

Covered Bridges Driving Tour | Columbia & Montour Counties

The Lawrence Knoebel Bridge in Columbia County

twin covered bridges in the nation. Receive a free brochure and detailed driving map that guides you along the scenic drives to each location and shares the stories behind the bridges. Look for the limited-edition covered bridge puzzle of the

NEW MUSEUM NOW OPEN

1881 Sam Wagner Bridge arriving at the welcome center in October. Multiple locations. For more information about the tour, visit the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, 121 Papermill Rd., Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815, 800/847-4810, heartofpa.com

The million-dollar+ Frank Lloyd Wright Field Office Museum opened at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, on June 27. You’ll want to visit – the site has already been mentioned in Architectural Digest, the Buffalo News, Gannett publications and more.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY 356 WEST 6 TH ST. ERIE, PA 16507 HAGENHISTORY.ORG

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Take the back roads and discover 25 historic covered bridges on a self-guided driving tour through the countryside of Columbia and Montour counties. The region is home to the third-largest collection of covered bridges in the country. That includes the famous 1884 Twin Covered Bridges, officially known as the East and West Paden Bridges built to span Huntington Creek. West Paden features a Burr arch and East Paden a queen post design. Built in 1850 for $750 by Peter Ent, the pair is one of only two sets of

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BACKSTORY Lion in Autumn ran in the October 1978 issue of Ohio Magazine.

Lion in Autumn

“The pressure I put on myself is always tougher than any put on me.” — Woody Hayes

This is an excerpt from a story that ran in our October 1978 issue. Read the entire story at ohiomagazine.com/woodyhayes.

aturday morning on the long, hot Fourth of July weekend at 9:30 a.m. it was already so humid that a haze hung over the trees and low-lying farmlands that surround Ohio State University’s Biggs Facility. Elsewhere, people were letting it all hang out in hammocks or on beaches, savoring lemonades and cold beers, anticipating fireworks and Sousa marches. Not Woody Hayes, though. He was winding up the dirt road to Biggs in a cloud of dust in his scarlet and grayish truck with the AstroTurf in back. Stepping out, he offered a firm hand and said by way of greeting, “You’re on time.” Coach Woody Hayes is not lax about time, among other things. In that wilting weather, a necktie was firmly in place on his short-sleeved shirt, and his posture was stretched the length of the six-foot frame, which he’s slimmed down since his heart 120

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attack in 1974. He is a surprisingly handsome man, something that doesn’t come through fully in photographs. Taking out a huge key ring, he unlocked the building that rings with the clamor of his staff’s football business — strategy planning, player ratings, film studies — for the other 11 months of the year. In July, though, Biggs is empty — except for Woody Hayes, who is so impatient with sloth that relaxation may be the hardest work of all for him. Relaxation has been programmed in as a duty and necessity since the heart attack. He used to be in his office at Biggs virtually every day of every July. Now he was thinking about going back to Noble County to hike through the hills for two or three days. First, though, he intended to wrestle some more with the manuscript of a new book he’s been working on for several months, give an interview he was reluctant to do but agreed to in an impetuous moment and meet with an old friend who needed not only his company but his counseling. Woody Hayes spends more time and energy doing the latter than anyone could imagine, considering the demands of his job and his own nature. He overcommits himself regularly, often to the impossible, and manages to achieve it often enough that falling short of it throws him into rages or depressions. On this day, it was a quiet, elusive depression. — Betty Garrett

SHOP. DINE. STAY. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MILLERSBURG IS WAITING FOR YOU! Discover more about our historic town in the heart of Ohio Amish Country at www.historicdowntownmillersburg.com

Plan a fall getaway to Greene County, where crisp autumn air, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable experiences await. Enjoy a visit to Young's Jersey Dairy for homemade ice cream, family fun, and farm traditions, then spend the weekend exploring local farm markets, vibrant fall festivals, charming communities, and colorful countryside. From colorful farm markets and outdoor adventures to seasonal festivals and local traditions, Greene County offers endless ways to experience the magic of fall.

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