Mansfield Visitors Guide 2022

Destination

MANSFIELD Richland County

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M Virtual Tours GUIDED, SELF-GUIDED & GROUP TOURS AVAILABLE • SHAWSHANK MUSEUM GHOST HUNTS, GHOST WALKS & TOURS • HISTORY MEETS HOLLYWOOD TOUR MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE • MUSEUM STORE (OPEN ONLINE 24/7) Visit our website for hours & more information

100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield | 419-522-2644

OhioStateReformatory.org

Historic Carrousel District

d l e i f s n a M E

PLOR SPACE TO EX

02 Make it in Mansfield 12 Mansfield & Richland County are for the strong and inspired.

03 Live Like a Local

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Learn what residents love most about calling Mansfield home.

04 Community Roots to Mansfield

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Jotika Shetty’s journey home spanned 8,000 miles.

ON THE COVER: OHIO BIRD SANCTUARY: JIM CELUCH

06 Beyond the

Exhibit Walls Find inspiration inside and out.

08 Spark Your

Urban agriculture is taking root in the community.

The Fabric of Opportunity

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Local entrepreneur Walter Bonham cultivates change.

Get to know our dynamic family of communities.

05 From Mangalore

From the Fields

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What’s on the Menu Taste irresistable flavors from local chefs and restaurateurs.

Wine or Ale? Sip your way through the Wine & Ale Trail.

Follow The Shawshank Trail

The iconic film comes to life on this immersive journey.

Taking Center Stage Performances bring the arts to life in Mansfield.

Little Pond, Big Fish Texan Jessica Hiser found her place in Mansfield.

28 Close Encounters of the Bird Kind

Feathered friends find shelter at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.

Visitor Information Center 105 Stander Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903 (I-71, exit #169) Quality Inn & Suites Bellville 1000 Comfort Plaza Dr., Bellville, OH 44813 (I-71, exit #165) Lucas Community Center 252 W. Main St., Lucas, OH 44843

Get outside in Mansfield, no matter the season.

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FOLLOW US DestinationMansfield.com

Follow the Trail

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Explore the region on two wheels along the B&O Trail.

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MansfieldCVB DestinationMans DestinationMansfield

10 Calendar of Events

40 Arts & Entertainment

New ways to get hands-on.

24 Richland County Map

41 Shopping

36 Attractions

43 Food & Drink

38 Recreation

47 Lodging

Local Jason Guilliams can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Destination Mansfield – Richland County 124 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902 800.642.8282

30 Out-er Space

Imagination

09 A Place to Thrive

INFORMATION CENTERS

Copyright © 2022 by Destination Mansfield – Richland County.

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without permission of Destination Mansfield – Richland County.

All rights reserved. Destination Mansfield – Richland County and the publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions. All information is subject to change.

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Mansfield & Richland County are for the strong and inspired.

We are a family of communities that are working together to boldly set the standard for reinvention and imagination. Our rolling hills reflect the grit and glory of our ups and downs, where the soul of our collective communities has been curated, crafted and cultivated by artists, philosophers, builders, inventors, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Hollywood icons.

Kingwood Center Gardens

We are surrounded by fertile farms settled by proud pioneers, including American legend, Johnny Appleseed, who believed in the beauty and honesty found in working the land for the benefit of all.

They were followed by rugged industrialists, who built the nation’s trust by giving life to the pump industry, new forms of transportation, power generation, robotics and innovations that changed our world.

The roads, highways, bike trails and rivers that connect our cities and villages give way to a culture of dynamic residents with humbly hidden talents and trades that transform tenacity into triumph.

Here you will find space for people who want an abundant life.

We act upon the need for innovation, invention and reinterpretation. We are outspoken and achievement-driven, dedicated and hardworking, with a strong belief in the value of inner expression, quiet contemplation and the soul-inspiring replenishment of the great outdoors.

Today, we are all creators, sharing a collective vision, deeply rooted in the success of our past.

Generation after generation, forging imagination and prosperity.

We are a story in the making and yours to transform.

Come, make it in Mansfield. Welcome home.

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KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

We are building momentum, led by the dreamers of now.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN MANSFIELD Whether you’re spending the weekend or passing through, Mansfield always feels like home. To show you the best places to go and things to do, we consulted the experts: our Mansfield residents!

Ohio State Reformatory

Hudson & Essex

OHIO STATE REFORMATORY: JIM CELUCH, HUDSON & ESSEX, RELAX, IT’S JUST COFFEE, DOWNTOWN MANSFIELD: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

Relax, It’s Just Coffee

WHAT TO SEE & DO

There’s plenty to do, but what’s one thing you must do? Unsurprisingly, our locals have different opinions on must-see attractions. “The Ohio State Reformatory!” suggests Dan Smith about where the 1994 iconic classic The Shawshank Redemption was filmed. “Kingwood Center Gardens,” says Karen Smith. “It’s beautiful and there’s a lot of area history there,” she adds. “For me it’s BibleWalk,” answers Jill Waite. “The artistry and craft is just amazing.”

WHERE TO EAT

Whatever you’re craving, there’s something for everybody at these localapproved area restaurants.

“Uncle John’s for burgers and fries, Panchos Tacos for great Tex-Mex, V&M for the perfect diner food and ‘Ed’s Bread’ at Fast Eddie’s Pizza,” says Siera Marth-May. Jeff and Patty Schultheis swear by the grouper sandwich and waffle fries at The Local at 97, making it “a regular spot for us.” No trip is complete without visiting fine-dining favorite Hudson & Essex.

“They have a great dining room and wonderful menu,” says Sean Burns.

THE PERFECT DAY

We even asked our locals the toughest question: What’s your perfect day in Mansfield? “Hiking, coneys at Coney Island on Main Street, then a show at the Renaissance,” answers Mike Miller. “Grab a coffee at Relax, It’s Just Coffee, kayak on the Clear Fork River, then beers and live music at The Phoenix Brewing Company,” says Siera Marth-May. Sean Burns recommends breakfast at Der Dutchman, a stop at Mansfield Art Center, lunch at Doc’s and a visit to downtown, and adds: “Visiting Mansfield should be two days minimum.”

We couldn’t agree more!

Downtown Mansfield

SO MUCH TO LOVE

Many Mansfieldians went from tourist to resident, and have never looked back.

Here’s what they love about Mansfield. “The small-town feel. People care about each other and our community,” says Dan Smith. “The natural beauty, the people and the relaxed way of life,” expresses Karen Smith. “I wish people knew all the things to do. There are things even I haven’t done, and I’ve been here for 59 years!” says Jill Waite. “But what means the most to me is having a connection with everyone I see,” she adds.

Look for more friendly local faces and recommendations throughout this guide. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to stop by one of our residents’ recommendations. Who knows? You may just become a local yourself!

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COMMUNITY

ROOTS

Inspiration abounds in Richland County from vibrant downtown Mansfield to the close-knit surrounding cities.

Whether you’re here for an hour, or call the area home, come appreciate the land, connect with welcoming folks and explore growing communities across the county.

BY CASEY MAZZOLI

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1. ONTARIO Formerly a manufacturing city

4. MANSFIELD At the vibrant heart of

7. LEXINGTON Experience the growing

EXPLORE: Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Concerts at Marshall Park, Wokano Japanese Steakhouse, Ontario 4th of July Festival

EXPLORE: The Shawshank Trail, Kingwood Center Gardens, Mansfield Art Center, B&O Trail

EXPLORE: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Laxton Hollow Brewing Works, The Blueberry Patch, B&O Trail

2. LUCAS The fertile fields of Lucas have

5. BUTLER Slow down and unplug in the

8. SHELBY Previously the site of the Shelby

EXPLORE: Malabar Farm State Park, Mt. Jeez Overlook

EXPLORE: The Whiffletree Restaurant, B&O Bike Trail Trailhead, Prairie Peddler Festival, Bullfrog Mountain Cabins

3. PLYMOUTH Plymouth is a unique sight

6. BELLVILLE As the site of Ohio’s gold rush,

located on the Erie Railroad line, Ontario stays true to its industry-driven roots with plenty of retailers, restaurants, hotels, North Central State College and The Ohio State University’s gorgeous Mansfield campus.

a long history of drawing in pioneers looking to stake their claim. Home of the legendary Johnny Appleseed and renaissance man and, later, author and environmentalist Louis Bromfield, the community is a nature-lover’s respite ripe for outdoor exploration.

in Ohio, with a charismatic downtown full of strollable streets and modern-day shops inside 19th century commercial buildings and a diamond-shaped layout reminiscent of east coast towns.

EXPLORE: Village Roots Market, Silver King Festival, Hound Dog Hop

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Richland County, you’ll find the welcoming and diverse community of Mansfield. The city has your evening and weekend plans lined up with concerts, shops, nightlife and local restaurants downtown, the B&O trailhead, plus the Richland Carrousel Park.

serene village of Butler. Situated near Mohican Memorial Forest and Clear Fork Valley, the Butler area begs to be explored on two feet with opportunities for biking, walking, camping and more.

Bellville is a postcard-worthy paradise with its quaint Italianate bandstand from 1879, the iconic Blue Bridge over Clear Fork River, and picturesque bike trails and golf courses.

EXPLORE: Bellville Street Fair, Elzy Milling and Trade, Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast and Winery

haven of Lexington, with family-friendly activities, high-octane sports car racing, relaxing dining and heart-filled community events. The village has proud roots as a notable stop along the Underground Railroad.

Cycle Manufacturing Company, the laid-back community of Shelby keeps leisure and whimsy central, with joyous community events like Shelby Bicycle Days. The city was also where Charles W. Follis, America’s first Black pro football player, saw his start.

EXPLORE: Shelby Black Fork Wetlands, Roselawn Miniature Golf, Glen’s Surplus Sales, The Vault Wine Bar

9. SHILOH The peaceful village of Shiloh is one of Richland County’s most verdant and vibrant. Bask in the quintessential Ohio landscape with visits to fruit farms, greenhouses and gardens galore, and discover artisan wares at one of the locally owned shops.

EXPLORE: Springhill Fruit Farm, Annual Firemen’s Ox Roast, Planktown Hardware & More

MARSHALL PARK, DOWNTOWN PLYMOUTH, PRAIRIE PEDDLER FESTIVAL, LAXTON HOLLOW BREWING WORKS, SHELBY BLACK FORK WETLANDS, SHILOH: DESTINATION MANSFIELD, MALABAR FARM STATE PARK: CASEY REARICK, MANSFIELD ART CENTER: WENDY PRAMIK, DEER RIDGE GOLF CLUB: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

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FROM MANGALORE TO Jotika Shetty

MANSFIELD

Jotika Shetty’s 8,000-mile journey home.

“IF YOU COME HERE with a preconceived notion of what Midwestern culture is like, you’re going to be proven wrong,” says Jotika Shetty. And she would know. Born and raised in Mangalore in India, Shetty moved to the United States when her husband — local internist Dr. Vijeth Sringeri, MD — was pursuing his residency in New York City.

At the end of his training, Dr. Sringeri’s J1 Visa required him to spend two years serving a rural area. “That was 23 years ago,” says Shetty. “We came for two years, but I guess we forgot to leave.”

JOTIKA SHETTY: JOTIKA SHETTY

“We came for two years, but I guess we forgot to leave.”

Coming from India by way of New York City, Shetty and her young family weren’t sure what to expect from their new life in the Midwest. Mansfield felt like home in no time. “What struck me was being greeted by the grocer,” she remembers. “People actually say ‘hello’ to you? Experiences like that put me at ease.”

What also put Shetty at ease was the sense of security and community she found in her new home, as well as the

abundance of opportunities for her young family. “It is a great community to bring up a young family in because everything is accessible,” says Shetty. “When you’re a Richland County resident, everything is 10 to 15 minutes away. The whole county is home.”

“Richland County really gives you an opportunity to make an impact.”

Besides raising a family and supporting her husband’s career, Shetty also launched her own. She earned her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus and spent 10 years working for a private engineering firm. In 2014, she was named executive director of the Richland County Regional Planning Commission. Now she doesn’t just call Richland County home — she helps make it a better place for everyone to live.

“Richland County really gives you an opportunity to make an impact,” says Shetty. “You can be transformational. In a community like ours, we have room for everyone. We embrace people with open arms, we want to see you succeed and we have the tools to make that happen for you.”

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BEYOND THE EXHIBIT WALLS Come take a closer look in Mansfield.

BY ANN FAZZINI

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KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Kingwood Center Gardens

BibleWalk

WE WANT YOUR EVERYDAY

like never before. Be drawn into the scenes of these famous Biblical stories through narration, music and animation.

Get inspired by religious folk art, including rare, antique Bibles. BibleWalk is unlike anything you’ll find in Ohio and also serves up Dinner with Grace, Ohio’s only Christian dinner theater.

In Richland County, our community’s commitment to expanding local arts and attractions is nowhere more vividly displayed than in the famous Ohio State Reformatory. This historic Gothic structure served as a prison for nearly 94 years, but has since become a sought-after filming site for television shows, music videos and numerous films, including The Shawshank Redemption, the highest-rated movie on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Come for the Escape From Blood Prison haunted house and Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, among other exciting events.

Stroll beside fragrant flowers at one of the area’s beloved outdoor spots, Kingwood Center Gardens, whose sprawling 47 acres of formal gardens, greenhouses and woodlands are a natural escape that will inspire anyone, whether you have a green thumb or not. Spend some time in the mansion of famed industrialist Charles Kelley King, who donated this beautiful property to the community he loved. Get a selfie with a beautiful floral backdrop or snap a photo of the resident peacocks that are the pride of residents in the know.

You can even bike here — Kingwood Center is a stop on the Richland B&O Trail, a family-friendly paved 18-mile bike trail connecting several cities in the county.

museum experience to transcend just looking at framed works on the walls.

Get inspired — and get living — with our collection of innovative and interactive museum adventures. Feel the spark of joy that makes residents and out-of-towners of all ages want to visit again and again.

BIBLEWALK: JIM CELUCH

You’ll also find one of Mansfield’s newest attractions at the Reformatory — the North Central Ohio Industrial Museum. This museum pays homage to our region’s long history of manufacturing, innovation and invention through antique photos and artifacts. Everything from stoves to cigars have been made in Mansfield. Even Klondike ice cream bars were invented here at Isaly Dairy Company in 1922!

Discover the inspiring stories of our courageous firefighters at the Mansfield Fire Museum. Step into the past with a walk down a historic replica of Main Street Mansfield and vintage firehouse vignettes, view a collection of trucks and wagons dating back to the 1800s and learn about historic methods of detecting and fighting fires. You won’t just learn about these heroes of the past — you may meet some of them! The museum is said to be haunted and welcomes paranormal investigations.

Take a walk of faith at BibleWalk. With more than 300 life-size wax figures, BibleWalk brings the Bible to life

Flex your artistic muscles with fun and affordable workshops under the guidance of talented resident artists at the Mansfield Art Center. Classes are available in everything from glass blowing and stained glass to ceramics and wire art.

Get inspired by the work of local, Ohiobased and Midwestern artists on display here including paintings by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician, artist and Indiana native John Mellencamp, June 26–Aug. 7.

Bring your kids to the Buckeye Imagination Museum and let their imaginations run wild. Little ones can visit for the day or an hour to try on costumes or explore careers like doctor, construction worker, stylist and more.

They can also put on a play, build with giant blocks or climb and splash in water exhibits. The museum is bigger and better than ever in 2022 with new party rooms, bigger exhibits and programming for even more imaginative fun.

THIS AND THAT There’s more to Mansfield’s museums than meets the eye. A haven for artists of all ages, the Mansfield Art Center is both an art museum and a maker’s space. Experience the wonder of Christian history at BibleWalk, where the new Museum of Woodcarving is the largest collection of woodcarvings in the world created by one man, Joseph Barta.

Wander the storied halls and step into creepy cells at the Ohio State Reformatory — the national historical site and museum is also a hot spot for paranormal activity.

– Jessica Hensley

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Buckeye Imagination Museum

SPARK YOUR

IMAGINATION Get your imagination working in Mansfield.

THE BUCKEYE IMAGINATION MUSEUM

is a cornerstone of Mansfield’s new Imagination District and the perfect place for kids to learn and play.

“We’re different from a lot of children’s museums, which may have displays that teach a specific concept,” explains Fred Boll, the museum’s executive director. “We’re built on the concept that play is an essential function in the lives of children. You can bring your child here every day, and they create their own experience and don’t get bored.”

The inventive museum invites young kids to play pretend at the kid’s-sized grocery store, veterinary hospital, beauty salon and replica of a McDonald’s restaurant. Kids can even play in child-sized versions of Richland County attractions like Kingwood Center Gardens and Malabar Farm.

In fact, kids have so much fun, the museum is quadrupling in size to allow teenagers and adults to get in on the fun too.

Spanning several blocks, the accompanying Imagination District will be a destination for anyone looking to expand

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their mind and connect with the community. Hang out on the plaza for festivals and events, with space for food trucks and plenty of parking nearby. The museum is collaborating with the Renaissance Performing Arts Association on bringing the district to life. See a show in the 1,400-seat Renaissance Theatre, which dates back to 1928 and is home to the Mansfield Symphony, along with the new 125-seat Theatre 166.

LET THE CREATIVITY FLOW

There’s plenty of space to create and innovate in Mansfield.

• Budding artists can learn how to tie dye T-shirts and make artwork with bubbles through hands-on events at Buckeye Imagination Museum.

• Write stories and try improvisational acting through the Renaissance Performing Arts Association.

• Step it up at the Mansfield Art Center, where anyone can register to learn to transform molten glass into vessels or build a fairy house out of clay.

Kids especially will love the chance to get hands-on at the Art Center’s youth summer camp sessions.

• Go green at Kingwood Center Gardens, where you can sign up to make a wreath with flower blooms or assemble a charcuterie board — the perfect way to keep a part of Mansfield with you!

BUCKEYE IMAGINATION MUSEUM: WENDY PRAMIK

Set to be completed in 2023, the re-imagined museum will also cater to older kids and kids-at-heart while offering even more play spaces for little ones. On the second floor, you’ll find a six-person air hockey table, arcade games, an obstacle course, a rotating bouldering wall, spaces to play foursquare and more. Three new party rooms will provide space to celebrate life’s moments big or small. And also coming in 2023 — “a high-tech laser-racing tunnel that will be the first of its kind in the world,” says Boll.

BY WENDY PRAMIK

A PLACE TO Jason Guilliams

THRIVE

Jason Guilliams wasn’t sure he wanted to move back home. Now he can’t imagine living anywhere else.

“WHEN WE FIRST MOVED BACK, I remember looking at my wife and saying, ‘What have we done? Did we make the right decision?’, ” remembers Jason Guilliams.

“Looking back, I was so wrong.”

JASON GUILLIAMS: JASON GUILLIAMS

Born in Coshocton, Ohio, Guilliams was raised in Richland County from the age of 4 and graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University where he met his wife, another Richland County native. However, like many young people, the newlyweds wanted to spread their wings.

“When you’re young, you don’t want to do what your parents do, so we lived in Columbus for 10 years,” says Guilliams. “Then an opportunity came up to run my own State Farm branch in Richland County.” Guilliams admits he wasn’t excited to move back home, though he saw returning as a great career move.

“There are so many resources available to small businesses.”

“Thanks to inexpensive real estate, I had a nice office space that I was proud to show clients,” says Guilliams. “Also, our chamber is phenomenal. There are so many resources available to small

businesses.” While Guilliams moved back to Richland County for professional reasons, he soon realized he’d made the right decision for personal reasons as well.

“The scales started to fall off once I got involved in the community,” he says. “The more we gave back, the more we got back, and the more it felt like home.” Pretty soon, Guilliams saw just how much his community had to offer his young family and small business. “We realized Richland County was a place for anyone in any state of life to thrive.”

“The more we gave back, the more we got back.”

Besides the quality of life, public and private school system, and abundance of things to do, what does Guilliams think makes Richland County most special? The people. “Each community has its own attributes, but collectively we represent one people,” he says. “We have different opinions, cheer opposing high school teams, but we come together as one community.”

Guilliams also serves on the board of directors for Buckeye Imagination Museum and is a councilman for the Village of Bellville. His positive, future-focused attitude is one reflected across Richland County. “One of the most exciting things is that we have individuals who want to contribute to what our community can be,” says Guilliams. “The beautiful part is — none of it’s perfect yet. You can be a recipient of our progress, and you can do your part to make it even better.”

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Calendar of Events

RICHLAND COUNTY FAIR: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

Richland County Fair

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s t n e Ev F CALENDAR O

SPRING

FALL

APRIL

SEPTEMBER

Mohican Wildlife Weekend | Multiple locations

Bellville World’s Fair | Downtown Bellville

MAY

Great Mohican Pow-Wow | Mohican Reservation

Ohio Civil War Show | Richland County Fairgrounds

Heritage Days | Malabar Farm State Park

Parapsycon | Historic Ohio State Reformatory

Mansfield Arts Festival | Mansfield

RichHistory Weekend | Multiple locations

Prairie Peddler Festival | Butler OCTOBER

SUMMER MAY

Pumpkin Glow | Kingwood Center Gardens Blood Prison | Historic Ohio State Reformatory

Lexus Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course JUNE

WINTER

Miss Ohio Week | Renaissance Theatre

NOVEMBER

Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Christmas at Oak Hill Cottage | Mansfield

Christmas at Kingwood Center Gardens | Mansfield

JULY

Cut-Your-Own Tree at Kleerview Farm | Bellville

The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

DECEMBER

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Christmas at Kingwood Center Gardens | Mansfield

Inkcarceration | Historic Ohio State Reformatory

Cut-Your-Own Tree at Kleerview Farm | Bellville

Candlelight Holiday Tours | Malabar Farm State Park Christmas at Oak Hill Cottage | Mansfield

Shelby Bicycle Days | Downtown Shelby

New Year’s Eve | Downtown Mansfield

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

FEBRUARY

AUGUST

Ski Carnival | Snow Trails

Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Sale | U.S. Route 30 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Richland County Fair | Richland County Fairgrounds

ONGOING

AirPower History Tour | Mansfield Lahm Airport

Final Friday Concerts | The Brickyard

Lexington Blueberry Festival | Lexington

First Friday Shop Hop | Carrousel District

Heart of the City Cruise-In | Mansfield

Pickers Market | Butler

DestinationMansfield.com

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FROM THE

FIELDS

BY ANN FAZZINI

FARMS HAVE ALWAYS been a part

of the fertile Richland County landscape, but they’re starting to look a little different these days. The North End Community Improvement Collaborative, Inc. (NECIC)’s Urban Farm is a collection of small “microfarms” in the Mansfield area, designed to bring fresh, locally grown produce directly from field to fork.

These urban farms feature indoor and outdoor growing areas in previously unused plots of land inside the city limits — areas that are historically sorely in need of fresh food options. They’ve been a big boon to the city by offering small business support, economic growth, community service, educational opportunities and vacant land revitalization, says Mansfield native Walter Bonham, an Urban Farm farmer and the consultant NECIC hired to develop the entire Urban Farm site.

He is also a founding member of a local farming cooperative, Richland Gro-Op, which markets and sells the aggregated produce grown by its nine members.

The results are as delicious as they are beneficial. Fruits and vegetables grown on these plots don’t typically travel too far after harvest, making their way to local plates in schools, restaurants and markets around town and beyond while they’re still nice and fresh.

And in just three years (and with the challenges of the pandemic thrown into the mix), the NECIC Urban Farm is already lifting the neighborhood up. “We’ve been successful in many aspects,” Bonham says.

“Entrepreneurs have had the chance to grow businesses — the community is more involved. It’s brought something different, new and needed to Mansfield.”

Urban Farm is only one part of NECIC’s neighborhood improvement initiatives designed to bring growth and change to the community — and support residents with job skill building and opportunities, safe and affordable housing options, youth programs and civic engagement.

“It ’s bigger than just growing produce — it’s about access.”

The Richland Gro-Op Cooperative is also looking to expand to more and larger buyers in the hopes of bringing additional growers into the Urban Farm family, providing more educational opportunities to local schools, and even offering “food boxes” that allow residents to place orders and have them delivered straight to their homes for the freshest possible ingredients. The project will continue to grow and explore new ways to reach more people, Bonham says.

“It’s bigger than just growing produce — it’s about access.”

FRESH FINDS

• The NECIC North End Farmer’s Market sprouts up every Thursday June–September and offers produce, honey, meats, cheeses and baked goods.

• Hudson & Essex restaurant and winery offers creative seafood and meat-based plates made with locally grown ingredients, including urban farm produce.

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• Shop local produce and other fresh ingredients at markets around the area. Stoodt’s Fresh Market in Bellville stocks locally sourced milk, cheese and other dairy products. Find everything you need to tend your own garden at Wayne’s Country Market in Mansfield. Head to Pumpkin Seed Market Co., also in Mansfield, for all your pantry staples. Whitaker’s Natural Market in Bellville has your health in mind with organic produce and supplements.

BLUEBERRY PATCH: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

Want in on the fresh flavors? Look for locally produced, farm-fresh food and ingredients at several Richland County spots.

THE FABRIC OF Walter Bonham

OPPORTUNITY

Urban farmer Walter Bonham is sowing the seeds for Mansfield’s future.

WALTER BONHAM IS AT THE FOREFRONT

of a booming movement — entrepreneurs moving home to Mansfield. He was born here, got his master’s from Ohio Dominican University and after working in Columbus, came home in late 2018 while he contemplated his next steps in life. “I wanted to close the gap between what I was doing and what I wanted to do,” says Bonham.

WALTER BONHAM: AMY WEIRICK

Bonham was restless. And when you’re restless, you don’t stay stuck in a place where you’re just dreaming — you go to a place where you can achieve those dreams. Thankfully, he still had people rooting for him back home. Through a friend of a friend, he heard about a project starting small farms. “I made up my mind that I wanted my work to mean something,” remembers Bonham, “so I moved back home.”

“I wanted my work to mean something, so I moved back home.”

Bonham’s work doesn’t just mean something — it means a lot. His childhood passion for growing his own food has been

realized through his company, The Food Lab, as well as his work on his micro farm, part of the NECIC urban farm. In his limited free time (12-hour days are the norm), he has found the time to facilitate agriculture programs at a local high school and teach business classes to prisoners to reduce recidivism.

Some students even get hands-on experience at the farm.

“I sleep about two hours a night. It’s bad,” laughs Bonham. “But this is bigger than me. That’s worth the sacrifice.” Bonham is growing food, but what he’s also growing is opportunity for people like him — hungry entrepreneurs who have dreams and know Mansfield is the place to realize them.

“The fabric of opportunity is here, and that’s something people miss in bigger cities,” he says. “If you’re trying to do the right thing and have something to offer, people will help you. I was received with open arms.”

“People will help you. I was received with open arms.”

Mansfield meets people with open arms, but Bonham proves you have to put in the work. Farming and entrepreneurship are sunup to sun-down professions. Bonham does both, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s no longer just dreaming about his future — he’s growing it. “It’s your ability to connect that gives you a ton of opportunity here,” he says. “Come experience the value of Mansfield and I guarantee you can’t doubt that.”

DestinationMansfield.com

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WHAT’S ON THE MENU,

? d l e i f s n a M Creative dishes, innovative chefs, determined restaurateurs — you’ll find them all in Mansfield. Whether you’re starting your morning with a cappuccino and donut, devouring burgers for lunch or finishing the day with cocktails and prime rib, feast your eyes (and treat your taste buds) with one of the many ways to satisfy every craving.

BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

HUDSON & ESSEX: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

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BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast.

Locals love Coney Island Diner, Mansfield’s oldest continually operating restaurant. Order breakfast all day — corned beef hash, pancakes, omelets — all your favorites. Build your own omelets or dig into towering stacks of French toast at Coney Island Inn on the square. How about country fried steak with hash browns? Mansfield Family Restaurants dish out breakfast all day at two locations. Indulge with an apple fritter at Buckeye Bakery along with fresh coffee cake or a cream cheese danish. Nothing says Mansfield like Apple Hill Orchard’s signature apple cider donuts or The Blueberry Patch’s popular blueberry donuts. Meet the locals at Nickel & Bean in Lexington where the community gathers over coffee, quiche and biscuits. Kick back with an espresso and a good book at Relax, It’s Just Coffee in downtown Mansfield.

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BUN IN A MILLION

Hudson & Essex

Everything’s better sandwiched between two buns. If you agree, you’ve come to the right place! Climb aboard the vintage train cars converted into dining rooms at the Bellville institution, Buckeye Express Diner and feast on bacon cheeseburgers as big as a locomotive, patty melts, Reubens, grilled cheese and fried bologna. Drop in to Uncle John’s Place, which has been a popular local haunt since 1972 serving up cheeseburgers, turkey Reubens, BLTs and Philly cheesesteaks. Step back to Civil War days at Uniontown Brewing Co., which makes its home in a renovated former furniture store that predates the war. Sip a Jail Hill cream ale or Uniontown IPA with your BBQ burger, portobello sandwich or pair of pub sliders like the meatball and fried fish. All-day-breakfast lovers can get their fill at Black Dog Tavern in Bellville with the towering breakfast burger, topped with a fried egg and crispy hash browns.

Sub a plant-based patty on any of their signature burgers!

DestinationMansfield.com

15

DARING DISHES FROM TOP CHEFS

Taste for yourself why Richland County’s chefs have the reputation of going above and beyond to create innovative dishes. Try a fusion of Mexican and Korean flavors at Tito’s Cantina & Grill in Lexington, a joint venture from restaurateurs Dan Lew and Jesus Davalos, both of whom own multiple restaurants in the area.

Mouth-watering Korean barbecue tacos, sizzling fajitas and loaded bibimbap bowls are menu favorites.

Lew also owns Dan Lew Exchange, or DLX, on the square, known for deluxe cocktails, seafood, pastas and Chinese specialties. Crab cakes, chicken saltimbocca and maytag bleu filet mignon are just a few of the mouthwatering highlights from chefs Dan Bailey and Torence Anderson that make the locals regulars at Malabar Farm Restaurant — and don’t miss their daily specials. Hudson & Essex resides in a beautifully refurbished century-old automobile showroom, and Chef Sierra Carver and her team put the same care

Malabar Farm Restaurant

Spend The Day At

Der Dutchman Bellville Open daily in season

12pm-9pm Sun.-Thurs. & 12pm-11pm Fri. & Sat. H Indy Style Go-Kart Race Track H Miniature Golf

H Batting Cages H Group Rates Available

H Full Service Restaurant & Gionino’s Pizzeria next door H VisitTheInfield.com

176 E. Main Street, Lexington, OH 44904 (419) 884-4FUN

B E L LV I L L E

Mini-Golf

DINE-IN & DRIVE THRU

Mansfield Skyline

Kids Ages 12 & Under Golf for $1.00

1320 Lexington-Springmill Road

*Valid on receipt date only.

720 State Route 97W

16

Bellville, OH

419-886-7070

DerDutchman.com

Free WI-FI • (419) 747-3929

MALABAR FARM RESTAURANT: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

Der Dutchman

FAST & FRIENDLY

Uncle John’s Place

and attention to the menu. Pair an artistic bourbon and blackberry cocktail with buttery scallop risotto or a tender filet.

KEEP IT CLASSIC

Go back in time for classic American fare at Skyway East, with everything from Maine lobster tail to Lake Erie walleye to chicken cordon bleu on the menu. White tablecloths, fresh bread and a 100-bottle wine list greet you when you arrive. Wood-fired steaks, jumbo Gulf shrimp and barbecue pulled pork fill your plate at Brown Derby Roadhouse.

Pair your meal with a Southernstyle cocktail or a selection from the wine list. Locals in the know have been coming to Oak Park Tavern since 1940 for its Lake Erie perch, fried to perfection. Cozy up at a table with a classic cocktail in hand like a brandy Alexander, grasshopper or Manhattan and dig into juicy frog legs, sauerkraut balls and decadent lobster mac and cheese.

The Oldest Dining Club in Richland County - Since 1940

Since 1940

Featuring ...

A FULL MENU

Steak • Lobster • Seafood

UNCLE JOHN’S PLACE: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

Steak • Lobster • Seafood Lake Erie Yellow Perch Lake Erie Yellow MENU Perch A FULL

HOURS: Tues-Fri: 11am-10pm HOURS: Tues-Fri: 11am-10pm Steak • Lobster • Seafood 3-10pm Sun: 3-9pm Sat:Sat: 3-10pm • Sun:• 3-9pm Lake Erie Yellow Perch Visit at...to Hoursour maywebsite defer due COVID-19.

HOURS: Tues-Fri: 11am-10pm Please call for of operation.

Sat:hours 3-10pm • Sun: 3-9pm www.OakParkTavern.com Visit our website at...

www.OakParkTavern.com

Rt. 430 East • 5 Min. from Rt. 30 & I-71 10 Min. Downtown Mansfield • 419-589-2637

DestinationMansfield.com

17

SWEET TOOTH

Spoil your sweet tooth in Mansfield.

Where to begin? The Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast and Winery in Bellville is many things: a comfy B&B, a restaurant with a gorgeous patio, an award-winning winery.

But the luscious, towering slices of homemade cheesecake are worth the visit alone. Both Athena Greek Restaurant in Mansfield and Athens Greek Restaurant in Ontario will have you thinking about ordering dessert first. Try the creamy cheesecake and rice pudding, but don’t leave without a piece of homemade baklava and its layers of rich walnuts between crisp strudel leaves, infused with homemade syrup. Better yet, order a baklava sundae! Relive your childhood at Swavory in Mansfield by indulging in saltwater taffy and popcorn with sweet and savory flavorings. Order some sweet crepes, too, like an Elvis with banana and peanut butter, or the Campfire Favorite with marshmallows, graham crackers and milk chocolate.

Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast and Winery

Iron Vault Distillery, LLC

Maker of distilled spirits, offering tours, tastings and merchandise 134 Harding Way West Galion, OH 44833 (419) 777-7400 ironvaultdistillery.com : Iron Vault Distillery, LLC

One of Ohio’s finest orchards, family owned and operated Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Cherries PYO on most varieties. On-site, fresh-pressed cider Bakery with our famous Apple Donuts Observation beehive • Special Fall events

always casual, always elevated.

Serving three meals a day, every day.

Open late on weekends.

561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, Ohio 44842 419.994.3427

& Gift Shop WADE GARDENS Landscaping

Come & see the difference!

1175 Lex-Ontario Road, Mansfield • 419-884-1500 www.AppleHillOrchards.com 3360 Possum Run Rd. • 419-774-0004 • www.wadegardens.com

18

WISHMAKER HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST AND WINERY: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

APPLE HILL ORCHARDS

Welcome to The Copper Mug,

IN THE KITCHEN

WITH MALABAR FARM RESTAURANT’S DAN BAILEY

Malabar Farm Restaurant

Chef Dan Bailey

Chef Dan Bailey leads the kitchen at the Malabar Farm Restaurant. We chatted with him about his inspirations and other Mansfield must-eats.

Q: How do you describe your menu?

A: Our method in the kitchen is French. We are a more eclectic type of place, even though we run the classics. We always try to have fun and use a lot color in our food with fresh vegetables — many locally grown — and seafood.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration for your dishes?

A: I’ve found that if you apply yourself, you can learn something from every chef. Some of my dishes are creations that I’ve adapted from other chefs.

MALABAR FARM RESTAURANT: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD, CHEF DAN BAILEY: CHEF DAN BAILEY

Q: Where do you like to eat around Mansfield?

A: Panchos Tacos is great, and I’m a sucker for sushi from anyone. I like Uncle John’s, too — it’s a fun local haunt. They’re good people, and I’m glad to have restaurants with freedom and creativity on the menu.

Gift Shop • Lunch • Dinner Brunch • Events 419-884-1797 Mansfield, Ohio 5 minutes off I-71 DestinationMansfield.com

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WINE OR ALE? You don’t have to choose. The region offers the best of both worlds.

BY WENDY PRAMIK

1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch

FOLLOW THE TRAIL 1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch in Mansfield Cypress Hill Winery in Mansfield Phoenix Brewing Company in Mansfield The Happy Grape Bar & Bistro in Lexington Laxton Hollow Brewing Works in Lexington

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• • • • •

The Vault Wine Bar in Shelby Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast and Winery in Bellville Uniontown Brewing Co. in Ashland 1803 Brewery & Taproom in Galion Fox Winery in Galion

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• • • • •

RAISE A GLASS to good

close to your cozy room at Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast and Winery south of Mansfield in Bellville. They serve up 25 house wines in their historic 1890s mansion.

With the trail’s aptly appointed “Cheers to History” theme, learn about the county’s rich past as you sip. Find award-winning wine, drafts and spirits in quirky and unexpected locations such as an old bank vault, a blueberry plantation and a century-old mortuary.

Wine and beer lovers can both find what they love at The Happy Grape Bar & Bistro in Lexington, also home to Laxton Hollow Brewing Works. Laxton Hollow is Ohio’s only real cask ale brewery, whose rich, low-carbonation beers have legions of fans. Sip to your heart’s content in the traditional English-style pub that also serves wines from around the world, craft beer and a full bar, including topshelf bourbon.

1285 WINERY: JIM CELUCH, HUDSON & ESSEX, THE PHOENIX BREWING COMPANY: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

times and lasting memories around Mansfield. Stop at any of the 10 locations along this regional Wine & Ale Trail to sip on locally made refreshments.

Begin in downtown Mansfield, where The Phoenix Brewing Company offers 16 taps of handcrafted brews in the former Schroer funeral home that dates back to 1914. Not far away is Cypress Hill Winery inside an elegantly renovated 1920’s building that’s also home to the popular Hudson & Essex restaurant. The small-batch boutique winery uses California grapes to produce over two dozen wines on site.

Sample the fruit wine at 1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch or its traditional reds and whites. Sip and snack the afternoon away on the covered patio overlooking the rolling hills of the blueberry plantation.

Step back in time at The Vault Wine Bar in Shelby and try any of the 30 wines available by the glass inside a swanky 1911 bank. Another nearly 150 wines are available by the bottle, representing favorites from Ohio and around the world. Unplug and unwind

Breweries a little farther out also celebrate the region’s history.

Uniontown Brewing Co. in downtown Ashland offers traditional and seasonal beers in the 167-year-old Gilbert Furniture Store, where locals used to outfit their homes. 1803 Brewery & Taproom in Galion returns the craft to a town with a brewing history that dates to the 19th century. It serves not only craft beers, but also local wine and spirits made just up the road at Iron Vault Distillery — the area’s only distillery, producing gin, vodka, moonshine and then some. Take in the historic charm at Fox Winery in Galion and sample one of the 25-plus wines or house-brewed beer in its 1861 building or on the cozy patio.

Hudson & Essex

BELOW THE SURFACE Head underground at Hudson & Essex Caverns in Mansfield’s historic Carrousel District. The private hideaway with stone ceilings dates to the 1800s but with all of the modern amenities.

For fine food and wine, look above ground to the on-site Hudson & Essex restaurant and Cypress Hill Winery.

The Phoenix Brewing Company

DestinationMansfield.com

21

FOLLOW THE

k n a h s w a h S l i a Tr

Historic Ohio State Reformatory

BY ANN FAZZINI

“Hope is a good thing … maybe the best of things.

No good thing ever dies.”

— Andy Dufresne

22

HISTORIC OHIO STATE REFORMATORY: JIM CELUCH

That’s certainly true of The Shawshank Redemption, the top-rated movie of all time on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), filmed almost entirely in Mansfield and the surrounding area. Fans of the iconic motion picture can follow in Red and Andy’s footsteps by way of The Shawshank Trail, a 15-stop driving tour of actual filming locations that draws thousands of people from all over the world. The self-guided, immersive journey takes you to sites from your favorite scenes, including the Historic Ohio State Reformatory that served as Shawshank State Prison where you can step into creepy cells and peer through Andy’s escape tunnel. Get your picture taken and feed the birds on Brooks’ park bench, walk the same steps as Red on the rolling backroads to Buxton and listen to the freeing sounds of Mozart at Shawshank’s own woodshop. You’ll also get a close-up look at iconic movie props and sets, costumes, on-screen vehicles and more of the real-deal, authentic pieces from the film on this one-of-a-kind pilgrimage.

To get started, download a brochure (or request a paper version) at ShawshankTrail.com. The brochure offers a suggested itinerary, but feel free to visit the stops in any order and at your own pace — just keep an eye out for the Shawshank Trail Movie Site signs. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs and photo ops (like the colorful murals at KV Market), learn fun facts, hear behind-the-scenes stories and maybe even meet some fellow Shawshank fans.

1. SHAWSHANK PRISON HISTORIC OHIO STATE REFORMATORY & SHAWSHANK MUSEUM 100 REFORMATORY RD., MANSFIELD

HAGERMAN RD. & ST. RTE. 95, BUTLER

Follow the post-Shawshank bus route.

9. SHAWSHANK OAK TREE PLEASANT VALLEY RD. NEAR MALABAR FARM

Tour the iconic prison.

The oak tree may be gone, but the bucolic landscape remains.

2. BREWER HOTEL AND PORTLAND DAILY BUGLE

10. THE HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION

Drive by Brooks’ postprison boarding house.

Tour the same sprawling grounds as the stars.

BISSMAN BUILDING 193 N. MAIN ST., MANSFIELD

3. PAWN SHOP WINDOW MANSFIELD ANTIQUES GALLERY 118 N. MAIN ST., MANSFIELD

Window shop for treasures like Red.

MALABAR FARM STATE PARK 4050 BROMFIELD RD., LUCAS

11. OPENING SCENE

PUGH CABIN MALABAR FARM STATE PARK

See where Andy Dufresne was framed.

4. BROOKS’ BENCH

12. MAINE NATIONAL BANK

Take a seat at Brooks’ bird feeding spot.

Glimpse the vault door where “Randall Stevens” kept his money.

CORNER OF MAIN ST. (ST. RTE. 13) & PARK AVE. W., MANSFIELD SHAWSHANK PRISON: JIM CELUCH, THE HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION: CASEY REARICK, ALL OTHER IMAGES: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

8. RED’S BUS RIDE

5. 1994 MOVIE PREMIERE

RENAISSANCE THEATRE 138 PARK AVE. W., MANSFIELD

Check out where the classic film premiered.

6. FOOD-WAY

KV MARKET 359 W. FOURTH ST., MANSFIELD

Imagine Brooks and Red bagging your groceries.

7. ROAD TO BUXTON

CORNER OF SNYDER & HAGERMAN ROADS, BUTLER

Spot where Red hopped out of the red pickup truck.

CROSBY ADVISORY GROUP, LLC 19 W. MAIN ST., ASHLAND

13. ANDY’S CONVICTION WYANDOT COUNTY COURTHOUSE 109 S. SANDUSKY AVE., UPPER SANDUSKY

Sit where Andy sat during his fateful murder conviction.

14. SHAWSHANK WOODSHOP 226 S. EIGHTH ST., UPPER SANDUSKY

Explore the spaces where prisoners worked the day away.

15. ZIHUATANEJO

SANDY POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Travel south to see where Andy and Red might still be today.

DestinationMansfield.com

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Photos by Destination Mansfield and City of Mansfield.

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Whether you’re in search of an affordable getaway or wanting to break a longer flight into two, the newly renovated Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport is ready to welcome you. Modernized facilities meet small-town hospitality for the best of both worlds at this centrally located hub open to individuals and businesses alike.

Indulge in pilot-favorite dining or visit for a day and fly back out.

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DestinationMansfield.com

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6

TAKING CENTER

STAGE

BY JAMIE RHEIN

Theatre 166

THIS AND THAT Renaissance Theatre

MANSFIELD’S LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCENE

The Brickyard, is the “beating heart of arts and culture” — an outdoor entertainment space in historic downtown Mansfield that turns a brick-paved parking lot into a nighttime amphitheater with live music, food trucks and craft beer (three of our favorite things). Nearby, Kingwood Center Gardens offers Live on the Lawn on Thursdays in July, pairing free country, classical and jazz concerts with food trucks and lawn games, all on the breathtakingly beautiful flower gardens.

The ornate Bellville Village Bandstand

26

Live music is a weekend staple across our bar, winery and restaurant scene, where top talent comes from around the state and beyond. Travel the Wine & Ale Trail for stellar entertainment mixed with food and libations worth the drive. For outstanding architecture and exciting sounds, visit the Vault Wine Bar, a repurposed 1911 Citizens Bank in Shelby, The Wishmaker House Winery, Bellville’s gorgeous B&B, winery and restaurant combo, and the trendy 1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch in Mansfield’s countryside. In downtown Mansfield, head to the Phoenix Brewing Company for live tunes in a historic 1914 mortuary.

Go from the small stage to the big stage at the Renaissance Theatre, a former Warner Brothers movie palace that opened in 1928. This historic beauty includes a Wurlitzer theatre organ and is home to the Mansfield Symphony, our professional symphony whose musical legacy begins in 1930 and includes Itzhak Perlman and Sarah Vaughn.

Local talent shines at the Mansfield Playhouse, Ohio’s second-oldest and largest-producing community theater.

Each Main Stage season presents a handful of shows from “who-done-it” spoofs to romcom audience pleasers.

For original works and seldom-seen classics, visit Theatre 166, an intimate Black Box theater enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

RENAISSANCE THEATRE: RYAN SHREVE, THEATRE 166: JEFF SPRANG PHOTOGRAPHY

bursts with abundance all year long, but thrives in the summer. From Shelby to Ontario to Bellville, our communities transform into gathering places with summer concerts ranging from country twang and rock and roll, to pop hits and bluesy soul. Whether you’re here for the weekend or planting roots, savor sounds of summer at some of our favorite venues.

has been an entertainment centerpiece since 1879 and hosts live music every other Thursday night during the summer Concert in the Park series. Shelby’s amphitheater in Black Fork Commons Park opened in 2019 and, while it is new to the live music neighborhood, it has already made its mark. In Ontario, the Marshall Park Bandshell is a music magnet, home to the Ontario Concerts in the Park series.

Celebrate your passion for the arts at Theatre 166, a black box performance space for collective creative expression.

This venue doubles as a classroom for the bright students of Pioneer Career & Technology Center.

– Jessica Hensley

LITTLE POND, Jessica Hiser

BIG FISH

Born a Texan, raised a Buckeye, Jessica Hiser fell in love with a man from Mansfield and never looked back.

JESSICA’S HISER’S LIFE JOURNEY has taken her

JESSICA HISER: JESSICA HISER

from the Great Lakes State to the Sunshine State, from Forest City to the Windy City, though she has only called one place “home” — Richland County, where she has lived for 12 years.

“Growing up, Mansfield wasn’t on my radar, but I’d been through,” said Hiser. “I have a picture from a college road trip at Grandpa’s Cheese Barn. That was a highlight.”

Hiser went to college in Indiana, worked a summer in Florida, was a nanny in Chicago and moved to Cleveland after graduation, but Mansfield is where she decided to stay.

While she wasn’t from the area, the man who would become her husband was. “We met in the last year of college. After graduation, I spent as much time in Mansfield as I could,” remembers Hiser. “I saw Richland County through his lens.”

Hiser spread her wings in her early 20s, but by her mid-20s, she landed home in Mansfield and hasn’t looked back, now raising two kids of her own. “Being young in Richland was really cool,” says Hiser. “We lived in these historic apartments and it

was this awesome environment. Very communal. What I always tell young people is that, in Richland, you can be a big fish in a small pond.”

“Here you have the chance to be somebody.”

Hiser has certainly been just that. She is director of marketing & advertising at Spherion Mid Ohio and serves on several boards. “I really think I’m in the roles that I am now because that opportunity was made available to me,” she says. “Mansfield gives you that. It allows you to be seen, to be heard, to be involved. Here you have the chance to be somebody.”

“We’re little, but we’re mighty.”

As far as Mansfield has come, thanks to people like Hiser, she’s even more excited by what the future has in store for the place she proudly calls home. “We’re in a sweet spot because we’re big enough that we’re on the cusp of the next great boom, but we’re small enough that there’s opportunity for everyone,” says Hiser. “We’re little, but we’re mighty. We’re just on that next wave of growth, waiting for it to fall in place.”

DestinationMansfield.com

27

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF

THE BIRD KIND

Ohio Bird Sanctuary

Whether it’s for a week or for a lifetime, even feathered locals have found a place to call home in Richland County at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.

BY JAMIE RHEIN

WHEN YOU FIRST ENTER

the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, you might be greeted by a red-shouldered hawk perched on a post like a sentry outside the visitor center. “This is DJ. He’s like a bird teenager, not quite a year old yet,” says Amanda Hull, the Sanctuary’s lead naturalist and one of DJ’s trainers. “He doesn’t have all the muscles and bones in his wings because he didn’t grow up properly,” she explains to visitors who stop by.

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“We spend a lot of time getting birds to be happy.”

Some become part of the sanctuary’s Ambassador Program, which educates people about the importance of birds to the ecosystem. “This is Elliot,” says Maugans, introducing a beautiful black vulture, a newer resident of Ohio. “We want to show people how intelligent he is.” Silo, a young barn owl, is another trainee.

Maugans says visitors can buy a cup of mealworms for just 25 cents to entice more social birds, including blue jays, orioles, finches and catbirds, down from their perches in the walkthru aviary. Bird encounters are also paired with educational programs in the new Treehouse Classroom. The open-air classroom, perched between a sycamore and beech tree, is connected to a 200-foot skybridge. “If you adopt a bird, you can meet it in the treehouse,” says Maugans, which was built by Treehouse Masters and is accessible to all who register for classes and events.

Whether you attend a program, sign your kid up for summer camp, stroll along the scenic boardwalks or take a hike on one of the nature trails, bring binoculars to enjoy the sights and sounds of this bird paradise where each season holds something new.

OHIO BIRD SANCTUARY: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

DJ is just one of the sanctuary’s rescue birds. The Ohio Bird Sanctuary, a 90-acre nature preserve of woods and marshes along the Clear Fork River, takes in orphaned and injured native birds. Once treated, birds are often released to the wild to live normal lives. Others who would not survive, like DJ, stay for life to be cared for by the sanctuary’s trained specialists.

What other birds call the sanctuary home? There’s Blaze, a peregrine falcon, and Ray and Ruby, red-tailed hawks, among the residents that include owls, eagles and songbirds. Each have a mishap story the sanctuary is helping them overcome. Being hit by a car is common.

“We spend a lot of time getting birds to be happy,” says Amanda Maugans, the curator of birds who helps them heal.

A PLACE FOR NATURE - A PLACE TO LEARN - A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

MANSFIELD, OHIO 419-884-4295 OHIOBIRDSANCTUARY.COM

FUN

for the whole

FAMILY all year long

Play all day at the beach, boat or fish at the lake, and hike the trails! Full hook-up campsites await at Pleasant Hill and Charles Mill Lake Parks!

Plan your adventure and reserve a campsite at MWCD.org DestinationMansfield.com

29

OUT-ER SPACE Mansfield is brimming with ways to experience the great outdoors in every season.

APPLE PICKING AT APPLE HILL ORCHARDS

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BOATING AT CHARLES MILL & PLEASANT HILL LAKE PARKS

APPLE HILL ORCHARDS, SNOW TRAILS, CHRISTMAS AT KINGWOOD, MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE: DESTINATION MANSFIELD; PLEASANT HILL LAKE: PLEASANT HILL LAKE

SKIING AND SNOW TUBING AT SNOW TRAILS

CHRISTMAS AT KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS

RACING AT MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE

DestinationMansfield.com

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Book a visit with your ancestors Book a visit with your ancestors at atthetheSamuel D. Isaly Library Samuel D. Isaly Library of of thetheOhio Genealogical Society Ohio Genealogical Society

19

19 59

59

OGS OGS

TheThe Premier Resource PremierOhio OhioFamily FamilyHeritage Heritage Resource

611 State Route 97 West

611 State RouteOhio 97 West Bellville, 44813 Bellville, Ohio886-1903 44813 (419) (419) 886-1903 www.ogs.org www.ogs.org

Hours: Hours: Tuesday–Saturday Tuesday–Saturday 9am9am - 5pm- 5pm

Located at Deer Ridge Golf Course dining room guests can enjoy a dinner, meeting, banquet, wedding or have lunch while taking in the breathtaking view of the golf course. Come sample our homemade desserts and 12 craft beers on tap. Open all year!

18 Hole Championship Public Golf Course Open Play Every Day!

I-71 & S.R. 97, Bellville, Ohio. www.deerridgegc.com

Adventure Awaits in Ashland!

Restaurant I Winery I Bed and Breakfast House wines, local cuisine, and beautiful rooms!

Come enjoy the experience!

116 Main Street, Bellville, Ohio

211 Claremont Avenue, Ashland • 877-581-2345

www.ExploreAshlandOhio.com

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419-886-9463

wishmakerhouse.com

FOLLOW THE

TRAIL Take to the B&O Trail to explore on two wheels!

BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Kingwood Center Gardens

THEY SAY GETTING THERE is half the fun.

But the 18.4-mile Richland B&O Trail is a rare gem that elevates a bike ride to a whole new level. Typical Rails-to-Trails paths travel by diverse communities and territory. Rather than merely rolling past, the B&O invites discovery all along the way.

Hop on and off the trail at multiple entry points. You’ll go across 18 bridges, past open fields, over babbling creeks, around colorful public art and through quiet communities inviting you to stop and explore. Bring your camera to capture the memories.

DestinationMansfield.com

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NORTH LAKE PARK IN MANSFIELD

Campground & Cabins 419-994-2267

River Trips & Fun Center 419-994-4097

ture n e v d A Your h Us! t i w s t r Sta 3045-58 SR 3, Loudonville OH 44842

www.MohicanAdventures.com

The trail’s northernmost point, North Lake Park in Mansfield, is the perfect spot for a photo opp. Take a selfie by the colorful mural near the trail head, then hop on your bike to cross over the creek on a bridge made of sandstone that dates back to the 1880s.

KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS IN MANSFIELD

Locals love Kingwood Center Gardens on the former estate of famed industrialist Charles Kelley King.

Take a rest from the trail beside ponds, flowering gardens and cool woodlands. For a small fee, tour the historic Kingwood Hall mansion and follow the Storybook Trail with your family. Seek out the story pages spread throughout the woods and feel like you’re in a living fairy tale. Grab a bite before getting back on the trail at the Gateway Café.

Stop to relax over a cup of coffee, fresh-made biscuits or a freshly baked chunky chocolate chip cookie at Nickel & Bean coffee shop.

Tune up your bike at YNOT Cycling & Fitness, the only bike shop on the trail, where knowledgeable experts can get you back on two wheels in no time at all. You can even purchase or rent a bike here, too.

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NORTH LAKE PARK, YNOT CYCLING & FITNESS: DESTINATION MANSFIELD; KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

NICKEL & BEAN AND YNOT CYCLING IN LEXINGTON

DOWNTOWN BELLVILLE

Hop off the trail and stroll the picturesque Main Street in downtown Bellville. Stop for coffee and a snack at Brumby’s. Find gardening tools and more at Elzy Milling & Trade, housed in a Civil War-era feed mill. Slow down on a walk around the peaceful grounds of the Bellville Cemetery, where the oldest headstones date back to the late 1800s.

Detour for hearty comfort fare at local favorites V&M Family Restaurant or Fast Eddie’s. Linger on the patio with a glass of wine and signature cheesecake at Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast and Winery.

FIVE POINTS DRIVE-IN IN BUTLER

Reward yourself with a stop at Butler’s Five Points Drive-In. Cool off with a peanut butter shake or a raspberry slush, or choose one of their signature tornadoes, available in more than a dozen flavors, like thin mint or Oreo. If you’ve worked up a serious appetite on the trail, the double cheeseburgers and shredded chicken sandwiches are just the answer.

DOWNTOWN BELLVILLE, FIVE POINTS DRIVE-IN, CHARLES W. FOLLIS: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

Check out a bike for the day at the Bellville, Butler and Lexington branches of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library with a valid library card.

THE BLACK CYCLONE TRAIL Be among the first to hit all the stops on the brand-new Black Cyclone Trail. This trail tells the extraordinary life story of Ohio’s own Charles W. Follis — the first African American pro football player, dubbed “The Black Cylone.”

Learn about how he defied the odds to make it to the pros at stops in Shelby including Charles Follis Way, the fields where he played and restaurants where he and his teammates socialized. Learn more at blackcyclone.org.

DestinationMansfield.com

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Attractions BIBLEWALK

500 TINGLEY AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44905 419.524.0139, 800.222.0139 biblewalk.us This life-sized wax museum brings classic Bible stories to life with special effects and audio, 100 dioramas and 325 wax figures. Offering six tours, nine exhibits and the new Museum of Woodcarving.

THE BLACK CYCLONE TRAIL

blackcyclone.org Charles W. Follis, “The Black Cyclone,” was the first African American professional football player. Follow in his footsteps from Wooster to Shelby on this self-guided driving tour.

BUCKEYE IMAGINATION MUSEUM

175 W. THIRD ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2332 | littlebuckeye.org A hands-on, play-based children’s museum with over 40 interactive exhibits. Kids can shop, perform, build, discover or explore through the power of play. Ages 2–10.

THE GILL HOUSE

342 HARDING WAY W. GALION, OH 44833 419.569.9032 | preservinggalionhistory. wordpress.com/gill-house The historical home welcomes visitors for tours, history talks, art happenings, events and paranormal investigations.

GORMAN NATURE CENTER (RICHLAND COUNTY PARK DISTRICT)

2295 LEXINGTON AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.884.3764 richlandcountyparkdistrict.org Explore 150 acres of woods, fields and lakes with over 5 miles of public hiking trails. Programs include naturalist-led hikes, nature workshops and night sky watches.

HAUNTED MANSFIELD OHIO

hauntedmansfield.com Offering a range of frightful experiences that let expert and amateur paranormal investigators immerse themselves into some of the creepiest spots, including the Ohio State Reformatory.

HISTORIC OHIO STATE REFORMATORY

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Buckeye Imagination Museum

100 REFORMATORY RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44905 419.522.2644 ohiostatereformatory.org Tour the castle-like prison and learn the history of its Hollywood connections and paranormal activity.

Shawshank Museum, online virtual tours, gift shop, facility rentals and special events year around.

KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS 50 N. TRIMBLE RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.522.0211 | kingwoodcenter.org The historic 47-acre estate of Charles Kelley King transforms your experience with the addition of the new Garden Gateway visitor center.

Stroll the exhibit gallery, gardens, gift shop and greenhouses. Dine in the café and tour Kingwood Hall.

KLEERVIEW FARM

2454 BAUGHMAN RD. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.2029 | kleerviewfarm.com Kleerview Farm has been offering quality Christmas trees for 40 years.

Home of Santa’s barnyard express, Reindeer crossing gift shop, photo ops, kid activities, reindeer, Santa and wagon rides on weekends, and, of course, thousands of Christmas trees.

MALABAR FARM STATE PARK

4050 BROMFIELD RD. LUCAS, OH 44843 419.892.2784 | ohiodnr.gov The 900+ acre estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Louis Bromfield.

Guided tours of the house and working farm, Visitor’s Center, farm animals, special events, hiking trails and gift shop.

MANSFIELD FIRE MUSEUM & EDUCATIONAL CENTER

1265 W. 4TH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.2573 themansfieldfiremuseum.com Fire-fighting history from the bucket brigade through internal combustionpowered fire engines and a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century fire station.

MANSFIELD MEMORIAL MUSEUM – ELEKTRO

34 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.525.2491 themansfieldmuseum.com The oldest museum in Richland County and permanent home of Elektro, the world’s first robot. Largest Westinghouse Small Appliances Exhibit with over 200 appliances.

Two floors of displays feature natural, military and local history.

MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE & THE MID-OHIO SCHOOL 7721 STEAM CORNERS RD. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.4000 | midohio.com Watch IndyCar, NASCAR Truck and IMSA racing, plus see vintage cars and cycles at this legendary road course.

NORTH CENTRAL OHIO INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM

BUCKEYE IMAGINATION MUSEUM: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

100 REFORMATORY RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44905 419.528.8107 | ncoim.org Celebrating the region’s industrial heritage and entrepreneurial spirit present and past. Located inside the Historic Ohio State Reformatory and included in OSR’s admission fee.

OAK HILL COTTAGE

310 SPRINGMILL ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.524.1765 | oakhillcottage.org This Gothic-style house has been perfectly restored to its original splendor. Victorian furnishings and décor transport visitors back to the 1870s.

OHIO BIRD SANCTUARY

3774 ORWEILER RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.884.4295 | ohiobirdsanctuary.com A 90-acre preserve and bird rehabilitation center providing educational programs. Live birds of prey displays, walk-through aviary, hiking trails, wheelchair accessible walkways and a treehouse classroom.

OHIO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY 611 ST. RTE. 97 W. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.1903 | ogs.org Discover your roots in the largest state genealogical society in the U.S. with a historical library, computers, microfilm readers and conference rooms available.

RENAISSANCE THEATRE

138 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2726 | rentickets.org The historic Renaissance Theatre welcomes over 50,000 patrons annually for events ranging from Broadway, symphony and education to comedy, family, country and other touring performances.

RICHHISTORY ALLIANCE

richhistory.org The RichHistory Alliance is a collaboration of history-related sites and organizations in Richland County. They promote history tourism in the county, sponsor the annual RichHistory Weekend and oversee the Johnny Appleseed Byway organization.

RICHLAND CARROUSEL PARK

75 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.4223 | richlandcarrousel.com Ride on the hand-carved wooden carrousel adorned with 52 animals and circling its authentic band organ.

Gift shop, concessions, parties and rentals. Open year round. Call for days/hours.

RICHLAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

750 N. HOME RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.747.3717 | richlandcountyfair.com Home of the Richland County Fair.

Check the calendar for special events.

Meeting space rentals, camping and storage available.

SHADY LANE ALPACA FARM

3073 GASS RD. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.560.0780 | shadylanealpacas.com Get up close with friendly alpacas and visit the other animals on the farm.

Shop alpaca products and goods made locally and around the world.

Featuring the NEW Museum of Woodcarving BibleWalk.us

DestinationMansfield.com

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Recreation

Deer Ridge Golf Club

Bridle Trails

destinationmansfield.com/bridle-trails

Hiking Trails

destinationmansfield.com/hiking-trails

Richland County Parks

destinationmansfield.com/parks richlandbandotrail.com

Cross-Country Skiing

destinationmansfield.com/skiing

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Richland B&O Trail

Adventure

Boating, Camping & Canoeing

BATTLE ZONE PAINTBALL PARK III 809 POTH RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.747.6400 | battlezonepaintballpark.com

CHARLES MILL MARINA 1277 ST. RTE. 430 MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.368.5951 | charlesmillmarina.com

CLEAR FORK VALLEY SCENIC TRAIL 419.522.6262 | ncolc.org

MOHICAN ADVENTURES CAMPGROUND & CABINS 3058 ST. RTE. 3 LOUDONVILLE, OH 44842 419.994.2267 | mohicanadventures.com

AXE SOCIAL LOUNGE 123 N. DIAMOND ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.709.9624 | axesociallounge.com

THE INFIELD 176 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.4386 | visittheinfield.com SPLASH PAD PARK AT THE MANSFIELD AREA YMCA 750 SCHOLL RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.522.3511 | mansfieldy.org TREE FROG CANOPY TOURS 21899 WALLY RD. GLENMONT, OH 44628 740.599.2662 | treefrogcanopytours.com WHOAZONE 3431 ST. RTE. 95 PERRYSVILLE, OH 44864 866.946.2966 | gowhoazone.com

DEER RIDGE GOLF CLUB: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

Redefining

CHARLES MILL LAKE PARK 1277A ST. RTE. 430 MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.368.6885, 877.363.8500 | mwcd.org

MOHICAN ADVENTURES RIVER TRIPS & FUN CENTER 3045 ST. RTE. 3 LOUDONVILLE, OH 44842 419.994.4097 | mohicanadventures.com PLEASANT HILL LAKE PARK 3431 ST. RTE. 95 PERRYSVILLE, OH 44864 419.938.7884, 877.363.8500 | mwcd.org PLEASANT HILL MARINA 3431 ST. RTE. 95 PERRYSVILLE, OH 44864 419.938.6488 | pleasanthillmarina.com SHELBY/MANSFIELD KOA RESORT 6787 BAKER RD. #47 SHELBY, OH 44875 419.347.1392, 888.562.5607 shelbymansfieldkoa.com

Bowling

LEX LANES 60 ST. RTE. 97 LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.2355 | lexlanes.com

Golfing

DEER RIDGE GOLF CLUB & BLACK DOG TAVERN 900 COMFORT PLAZA DR. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.7090 | deerridgegc.com DER DUTCHMAN MINIATURE GOLF 720 ST. RTE. 97 W. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.2771 | dhgroup.com ROSELAWN MINIATURE GOLF 22 CHURCH ST. SHELBY, OH 44875 567.209.2613 | roselawnminiaturegolf.com

Motorsports

MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE & THE MID-OHIO SCHOOL 7721 STEAM CORNERS RD. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.4000 | midohio.com

Skiing

SNOW TRAILS 3100 POSSUM RUN RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.774.9818, 800-OHIO-SKI | snowtrails.com

fine dining in downtown Mansfield.

51 East 4th Street, Mansfield | hudsonandessex.com |(419) 513-5151 DestinationMansfield.com

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Arts & Entertainment The Brickyard

Art Studios & Galleries ELEMENT OF ART STUDIO & GALLERY

MANSFIELD ART CENTER

700 MARION AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.756.1700 | mansfieldartcenter.org

PEARL CONARD ART GALLERY THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AT MANSFIELD 1760 UNIVERSITY DR. OVALWOOD HALL, ROOM 156 MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.755.4127 | u.osu.edu/pcagallery

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THE BRICKYARD

24 TEMPLE CT. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.0099 | brickyardmansfield.com

MANSFIELD PLAYHOUSE 95 E. THIRD ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2883 mansfieldplayhouse.com

MANSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 138 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2726 | rentickets.org

MID-OHIO CIVIC OPERA

RENAISSANCE THEATRE

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AT MANSFIELD THEATRE

THEATRE 166

PERFORMANCES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS midohiocivicopera.org

1760 UNIVERSITY DR. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.755.4045 mansfield.osu.edu/theatre

138 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2726 | rentickets.org 166 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2726 | rentickets.org

RICHLAND ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

75 N. WALNUT ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.8224 | richlandacademy.com

THE BRICKYARD: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

96 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2965 | eoastudiogallery.com

Performing Arts

Shopping Shopping Areas BELLVILLE MERCHANTS CO-OP MAIN STREET GPS: 8 N. MAIN ST. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 614.506.8461 | visitbellvilleohio.com/ bellville-ohio-merchants

CARROUSEL DISTRICT

W. FOURTH STREET & N. MAIN STREET GPS: 4 W. FOURTH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419-522-4200 | carrouseldistrict.com

RICHLAND MALL

2209 RICHLAND MALL MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.4003 richlandmallshopping.com

Shopping Listings

Shops ALPACA MEADOWS

1200 ROCK RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.529.8152 | alpacameadows.com

ALTA FLORIST & GREENHOUSE 935 S. HOME RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.2792, 877.529.2172 altagreenhouse.com

ALTA FLORIST SHELBY

71 W. MAIN ST. SHELBY, OH 44875 419.347.3470 | altafloral.com

APPLE HILL ORCHARDS

1175 LEXINGTON-ONTARIO RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.884.1500 | applehillorchards.com

BLUEBERRY PATCH GIFT SHOP, COFFEE BEANERY & 1285 WINERY

1285 W. HANLEY RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44904 419.884.1797 | theblueberrypatch.org

CARLISLE GIFTS AT DER DUTCHMAN RESTAURANT

KINGWOOD GARDEN & GIFT SHOP: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

720 ST. RTE. 97 W. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.7080 | carlislegifts.com

COOPER’S MILL

1414 N. SANDUSKY AVE. BUCYRUS, OH 44820 419.562.4215, 800.708.4215 shopcrossroadsfamily.com

CRAFTY CLUTTER

305 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.1901 | Find us on Facebook

Kingwood Garden & Gift Shop

CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS (MALL)

2209 RICHLAND MALL MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.1330 | crossroadscandles.com

DestinationMansfield.com

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CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS (FACTORY STORE)

PUMPKIN SEED MARKET CO.

ELZY MILLING & TRADE

SMITH HARDWARE/ RUSTIK MARKET

GLEN’S SURPLUS SALES

TARA’S FLORAL EXPRESSIONS

115 CROSSROADS BLVD. BUCYRUS, OH 44820 419.562.2364, 866.247.0156 crossroadscandles.com

Historic Carrousel District

25 E. OGLE ST. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.3840 | elzymill.com 14 E. SMILEY AVE. SHELBY, OH 44875 419.347.1212, 800.634.6470 theshelbymall.com

JONES POTATO CHIP COMPANY

823 BOWMAN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.529.9424 | joneschips.com

LUCAH DESIGNS

104 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.543.8600 facebook.com/lucahdesigns

MANSFIELD ANTIQUES GALLERY 118 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.0230

PLANKTOWN HARDWARE & MORE

8117 PLANKTOWN N. RD. SHILOH, OH 44878 419.896.3581 planktownhardware.com

1625 EXECUTIVE DR. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.525.5500 thepumpkinseedmarket.com

143 MAIN ST. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.3200 | smithtruevalue.com 48 W. FOURTH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.529.0600 | tarasfloral.net

WADE GARDENS LANDSCAPING & GIFT SHOP 3360 POSSUM RUN RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.774.0004 | wadegardens.com

WAYNE’S COUNTRY MARKET 2440 LEXINGTON AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.884.1993 waynescountrymarket.com

WHAT GOES ‘ROUND THRIFT SHOPPE

115 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2890 | myhnco.org

WHITAKER’S NATURAL MARKET

7427 ST. RTE. 13 BELLVILLE, OH 44813 567.772.0164 whitakersnaturalmarket.com

YNOT CYCLING & FITNESS 64 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.6135 | ynotcycling.com

YOUR SOURCE FOR HOME & FARM

k

Your year ‘round gift shop, florist, and garden center 25 East Ogle St., Bellville ElzyMilling 419-886-3840 • ElzyMill.com •

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Mansfield 935 Home Road South 419-529-2792 Shelby 71 West Main Street 419-347-3470 altagreenhouse.com • altafloral.com

HISTORIC CARROUSEL DISTRICT: CASEY REARICK

From Main Street to the family farm, we have products for every season. Visit our historic mill and retail campus today!

• Elzy Home Collection featuring large selection of unique gifts & home décor • Complete wildlife, pet & livestock care • Bird seeds & habitats • Garden supplies & grass seeds • Seasonal products

Food & Drink

Black Dog Tavern at Deer Ridge Golf Club

Food and Drink 1285 WINERY AT THE BLUEBERRY PATCH

Friendly, memorable, delicious 1285 W. HANLEY RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44904 419.884.1797 | theblueberrypatch.org

1803 BREWERY & TAPROOM Local craft brewery 123 HARDING WAY E. GALION, OH 44833 567.393.9394 | 1803brewing.com

ATHENA GREEK RESTAURANT

BLACK DOG TAVERN: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

casual authentic Greek 41 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 *outside 419.524.5620 | athenagreek.com

ATHENS GREEK RESTAURANT

best gyros and pastries 43 S. LEXINGTON-SPRINGMILL RD. ONTARIO, OH 44906 419.589.4976 athensgreekrestaurants.com

BLACK DOG TAVERN AT DEER RIDGE GOLF CLUB

casual dining and bar with a view 900 COMFORT PLAZA DR. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.7090 | deerridgegc.com OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE

BROWN DERBY ROADHOUSE

wood-fired steaks and spirits 3985 PARK AVE. W. ONTARIO, OH 44906 419.529.2959 | ontarioroadhouse.com

BUCKEYE BAKERY

family recipes baked daily 21 E. 4TH ST. CITY GARDEN CAFÉ MANSFIELD, OH 44902 deli sandwiches, soup and salad dining/patio weather permitting 419.522.2341available, | buckeyebakeryinc.com 30 N. DIAMOND ST. (3RD FLOOR) MANSFIELD, OH 44902 BUCKEYE EXPRESS DINER 419.522.0035 | citygardencafe.org diner-style food in a train car 810 ST. RTE. 97 W. CITY GRILLE & BAR BELLVILLE, OH 44813 casual dining and bar 419.886.2900 37 E. 4TH ST. buckeyeexpressdiner.com MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.709.9199 | citygrilleandbar.com

CHUY’S TACOS AND MARGARITAS

authentic Mexican cuisine 35 MAINE ST. ASHLAND, OH 44805 419.908.4003 | restaurantji.com/oh/ ashland/chuys-tacos-and-margaritas-/

CONEY ISLAND DINER

famous coneys and pea salad 98 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.526.2669 famousconeyisland.com

DestinationMansfield.com

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CONEY ISLAND INN

casual diner classics 20 S. PARK ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.525.1406 | coneyislandinn.com

THE COPPER MUG BAR & GRILLE

CYPRESS HILL WINERY AT HUDSON & ESSEX

Incredible wines, fantastic atmosphere 51 E. 4TH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.513.5151 hudsonandessex.com/winery

elevated, unique, sumptuous 561 TWP. RD. 3352 LOUDONVILLE, OH 44842 419.994.3427 landollsmohicancastle.com/dine

D|L|X

HUDSON & ESSEX

DER DUTCHMAN RESTAURANT

IRON VAULT DISTILLERY

flex-casual dining and drinks 28 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.7699 | danlewexchange.com home-style Amish cooking 720 ST. RTE. 97 W. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.7070 dhgroup.com/restaurants

DOC’S

deli sandwiches, salad and soup 424 GLESSNER AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.775.7775 | docsdelimansfield.com

EL CAMPESTRE

authentic Mexican cuisine 1971 W. 4TH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.5330 elcampestremansfield.com

FOX WINERY

In-house wine and beer 227 HARDING WAY E. GALION, OH 44833 419.468.9463 foxwineryllc.com

THE HAPPY GRAPE BAR & BISTRO

D|L|X

fun, friendly and flavorful 300 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.9463 myhappygrape.com

fine dining, deli, winery, caverns 51 E. 4TH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.513.5151 | hudsonandessex.com tastings, tours and bottle sales 134 HARDING WAY W. GALION, OH 44833 419.777.7400 ironvaultdistillery.com

LAXTON HOLLOW BREWING WORKS

authentic English experience 302 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.9463 | laxtonhollow.com

LEANING TOWER OF PIZZA

homemade bread and pizza dough 180 LEXINGTON AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.525.3462 leaningtowerofpizzamo.com

LOS 3 MAYAS

authentic Mexican cuisine 595 ASHLAND RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44905 419.589.0017 elcampestremansfield.com

MALABAR FARM RESTAURANT

gourmet, fresh and creative 3645 PLEASANT VALLEY RD. LUCAS, OH 44843 419.938.5205 themalabarfarmrestaurant.com

Hungry for More Ohio Magazine?

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

Mohican Visitors Bureau

544 N. Union St., Loudonville, OH 44842 (419) 994-2519 | discovermohican.com

D | L | X: CASEY REARICK

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OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE

MANSFIELD FAMILY RESTAURANT (south side) home-style cooking 948 S. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.756.0479 mansfieldfamilyrestaurant.com

MANSFIELD FAMILY RESTAURANT (west side)

home-style cooking 1090 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.8238 mansfieldfamilyrestaurant.com

MCDONALDS

151 MANSFIELD AVE. SHELBY, OH 44875 419.347.2004

NEVERIA DULCE AMOR

coffee, ice cream, sweet items 1350 LEXINGTON AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 567.560.8012 facebook.com/neveriadulceamor

NICKEL & BEAN

historic coffee house and bakery 27 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.7143 | nickelandbean.com

OAK PARK TAVERN & RESTAURANT

American fast-food mcdonalds.com

steakhouse supper club 2919 ST. RTE. 430 E. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.589.2637 | oakparktavern.com

850 ST. RTE. 97 W. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.3505

PANCHOS TACOS

25 W. HANLEY RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.756.7708

authentic Mexican cuisine 1344 LEXINGTON AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.775.5002 panchos-tacos.business.site

1480 LEXINGTON AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.756.9331 666 LEXINGTON-SPRINGMILL RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.2161 670 N. STEWART RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44905 419.589.8455 540 N. TRIMBLE RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.6788

THE PHOENIX BREWING COMPANY

microbrewery, live music, food trucks 131 N. DIAMOND ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2552 phoenixbrewing.com

REINDEER GRILL

always fresh, American cuisine 10 S. PARK ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 567.560.2132 | myreindeergrill.com

RELAX, IT’S JUST COFFEE

hip coffee experience 105 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.1521 | relaxitsjustcoffee.com

SKYLINE CHILI

chili, coneys and burgers 1320 N. LEXINGTON-SPRINGMILL RD. ONTARIO, OH 44906 419.747.3929 | skylinechili.com

SKYWAY EAST

upscale dining and wine cellar 2461 EMMA LN. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.589.9929 | theskywayeast.com

STEAK ‘N SHAKE

retro fast-food diner 115 STANDER AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.756.3804 | steaknshake.com

STEVE’S DAKOTA GRILL

casual steakhouse and bar 3101 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.9064 | stevesdakotagrill.com

SWAVORY

gourmet popcorn, salads, taffy, crêpes 21 E. TEMPLE CT. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 567.560.8237 facebook.com/swavory

TITO’S CANTINA & GRILL

modern upscale Mexican-Korean fusion cuisine 320 ½ E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.7189 | titos.love

UNIONTOWN BREWING CO. in-house brewery, great food 105 W. MAIN ST. ASHLAND, OH 44805 567.215.5019 uniontownbrewing.com

TWO COUSINS’ PIZZA CO.

local specialty pizza 103 N. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2211 twocousinspizzaco.com

UNCLE JOHN’S PLACE

casual grill and bar 18 S. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.526.9197 facebook.com/uncle-johns-place

THE VAULT WINE BAR eat, drink, enjoy 29 W. MAIN ST. SHELBY, OH 44875 567.292.9081 vaultwinebar.com

THE WAREHOUSE TAVERN

bar, billiards and events 66 E. 4TH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.709.9278 facebook.com/warehousetavern

WISHMAKER HOUSE WINERY & WINE BAR

bed & breakfast, historic site, cheesecake 116 MAIN ST. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.9463 | wishmakerhouse.com

Open Year Round See website for Days & Hours

Comfort Inn Splash Harbor 855 Comfort Plaza Dr. Bellville, OH 44813 Along with Evening Private Rentals Now Avaliable

Come and Visit Our Gift Shop!

In the Historic Carrousel District Downtown Mansfield at Fourth & Main

419-522-4223 RichlandCarrousel.com OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE

DestinationMansfield.com

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Wine & Ale 1285 WINERY AT THE BLUEBERRY PATCH 1285 W. HANLEY RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44904 419.884.1797 theblueberrypatch.org

1803 BREWERY & TAPROOM 123 HARDING WAY E. GALION, OH 44833 567.393.9394 1803brewing.com

CYPRESS HILL WINERY AT HUDSON & ESSEX

51 E. 4TH ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.513.5151 hudsonandessex.com/winery

FOX WINERY

227 HARDING WAY E. GALION, OH 44833 419.468.9463 foxwineryllc.com

THE HAPPY GRAPE BAR & BISTRO

300 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.9463 myhappygrape.com

LAXTON HOLLOW BREWING WORKS

302 E. MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.9463 | laxtonhollow.com

THE PHOENIX BREWING COMPANY 131 N. DIAMOND ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2552 phoenixbrewing.com

UNIONTOWN BREWING CO. 105 W. MAIN ST. ASHLAND, OH 44805 567.215.5019 uniontownbrewing.com

THE VAULT WINE BAR 29 W. MAIN ST. SHELBY, OH 44875 567.292.9081 vaultwinebar.com

WISHMAKER HOUSE WINERY & WINE BAR 116 MAIN ST. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.9463 wishmakerhouse.com

The Vault Wine Bar

THE VAULT WINE BAR: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

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OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE

Lodging

Bed & Breakfasts & Private Rentals BULLFROG MOUNTAIN CABINS 5909 BUNKERHILL N. RD. BUTLER, OH 44822 406.570.8322 | bullfrogmountain.com

CHATEAU HOUSE 1929

MANSFIELD, OH VRBO.com Property ID 2632415

THE COZY BLUEBIRD

MANSFIELD, OH airbnb.com/rooms/52191477

THE LODGE AT BABBLE BROOK 7112 HAZLETT RD. BUTLER, OH 44822 740-398-7251 | babblebrooklodge.com

LUFTBERG FARM BED & BREAKFAST

6600 BUNKERHILL S. RD. BUTLER, OH 44822 419.883.2232 | luftbergfarm.wix.com/bandb

MANSFIELD BNB MANSFIELD, OH mansfieldbnb.com

PLEASANT HILL LAKE PARK CABINS 3431 ST. RTE. 95 PERRYSVILLE, OH 44864 419.938.7884 | mwcd.org

SHELBY/MANSFIELD KOA RESORT CABINS

PLEASANT HILL LAKE PARK CABINS: LAURA WATILO BLAKE, SPLASH HARBOR: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

6787 BAKER RD. #47 SHELBY, OH 44875 419.347.1392, 888.562.5607 shelbymansfieldkoa.com

Splash Harbor

Pleasant Hill Lake Park Cabins

DestinationMansfield.com

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SOMEWHERE IN TIME BED & BREAKFAST

PARK HOSPITALITY (SOON DOUBLETREE BY HILTON)

THE VOEGELE HISTORIC LOFTS BED AND BREAKFAST

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES

WISHMAKER HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

MOTEL 6

116 MAIN ST. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.9463 | wishmakerhouse.com

555 N. TRIMBLE RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.2100, 800.4motel6 motel6.com

Hotels & Motels

QUALITY INN & SUITES MANSFIELD

1150 ST. RTE. 97 LEXINGTON, OH 44904 419.884.8885 | ohiobandb.com

211 N. MAIN ST., MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.522.2300 | thevoegele.com

42 MOTEL

2444 LEXINGTON AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.884.1315

COMFORT INN SPLASH HARBOR

855 COMFORT PLAZA DR. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.4000 | splashharbor.com

HAMPTON INN MANSFIELD/ONTARIO

1051 N. LEXINGTON-SPRINGMILL RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.747.5353, 800.426.7866 hampton.com

HAMPTON INN & SUITES MANSFIELD @ I-71 2220 S. MAIN ST. MANSFIELD, OH 44907 419.774.1010 | hampton.com

116 PARK AVE. W. MANSFIELD, OH 44902 419.525.6000 | parkhospitality116.com 120 STANDER AVE. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.774.0005, 800.753.3757 wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta

500 N. TRIMBLE RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.529.1000 | choicehotels.com

QUALITY INN & SUITES MANSFIELD/BELLVILLE

1000 COMFORT PLAZA DR. BELLVILLE, OH 44813 419.886.7000 | qualityinnbellville.com

TOWNEPLACE SUITES

BY MARRIOTT

1125 GUEST CT. MANSFIELD, OH 44906 419.747.0400 | marriott.com/cmhmn

TRAVELODGE

90 W. HANLEY RD. MANSFIELD, OH 44903 419.756.7600, 800.578.7878 travelodge.com

RELAX WITH US

2-Room Family & King Jacuzzi Suites Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast Fitness Center • 4,000 sq. ft.

Meeting & Banquet Rooms

1000 Comfort Plaza Dr., Bellville 419-886-7000 • QualityInn Bellville.com

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PLEASANT HILL LAKE PARK: DESTINATION MANSFIELD

GOLD STAR AWAR D-WIN NING HOTEL

At the Buckeye Imagination Museum we understand that exploration and play are critical to child development. With over 30 interactive exhibits, the Buckeye Imagination Museum is proud to provide children and families with the opportunity to learn and discover through the power of play!

Let your kids use their imagination to explore the world around them in a safe and fun environment, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover dinosaurs, fight fires, walk the red carpet, pilot a plane, and so much more at the Buckeye Imagination Museum!

The Buckeye Imagination Museum is located in downtown Mansfield, Ohio.

For information on hours and admission, visit our website and check us out on Facebook.

littlebuckeye.org

419-522-2332

org